Chestertown Book Festival
Artworks will participate in the community-wide Chestertown Book Festival in October 2010. Artworks will host several local artists who are also authors and/or illustrators. Those who are interested in participating as a presenter are asked to contact the Artworks office. A selection of used art books will also be on sale.



Cindy Fulton with her copper wire sculpture

Artworks celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. On Sunday, 10-10-10, the public is invited to a party to mark all that Artworks has accomplished. The event will be held from 2-5 p.m. at the Arts at Still Pond Station in Worton. There will be live music, demonstrations of many art and craft activities, and tours of Artworks Clay Studio. And take home a piece of rku-fired pottery!

The anniversary party will also offer children’s activities, a raku pottery firing, and a cake-cutting ceremony recognizing the founders. Artworks wants everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy art and craft, whether through hands-on involvement, attending exhibits, or by owning favorite pieces. The organization is proud of its reputation for interesting classes and programs presented in a casual, friendly environment.

Artworks grew out of Chester River Craft and Art, Inc., which spawned the Schooner Sultana Shipbuilding project and then assessed the feasibility of a community craft and art center. Artworks was established, and a facility was sought that would show its seriousness of purpose as well as expand access and involvement in the arts to the Upper Eastern Shore. The new Artworks opened its doors in the historic, un-restored Radcliffe Mill in March of 2000.

In 2003 the organization relocated to its present space at 306 Park Row in Chestertown which was more centrally located for shoppers and gallery visitors. Known for its high quality artwork and gifts, as well as First Friday refreshments and sociability, the shop and gallery are a mecca for townspeople and guests.

Artworks has fostered, and continues to promote, the Upper Eastern Shore as an arts destination. There are over 95 working artists in Kent County, and the number is increasing. For ten years each Fall Artworks has sponsored a Studio Tour which draws hundreds of people. The free event in 2010 will be October 30-31 and November 6-7. A new gallery show each month; a holiday sale featuring one-of-a-kind, locally-made gifts; and an eclectic mix of childrens’ and adult classes are all regular events on Artworks calendar.

When Artworks moved to its present facility, its Board continued to look for suitable space for its former clay studio. When the former U.S. Coast Guard facility on Still Pond Creek in Worton was transformed into the Arts at Still Pond Station, Artworks established a first-class clay studio there, with new equipment, made possible by a generous donation. Two computerized kilns, a slab roller, pug mill and six pottery wheels are is use for a variety of classes, a summer kids camp, and regular opportunities for independent work. It is the only public clay facility on the Upper Eastern Shore.



HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR 2010 SPRING NEWSLETTER
Download the newsletter here!

The following are some of the topics we cover in our newsletter:

Strategic Planning Retreat - Dreaming Big

Studio Tour 2010: Two Decades!

It's All About Children

A New Opportunity to Sell Your Work!

Clay Studio Class Preview

Education: What's New in 2010

Artworks Welcomes New Board Member: Joy Berghaus