The Dorchester Center for the Arts serves as the designated county arts council for Dorchester. Twice a year funding received from the State is granted to nonprofit organizations in Dorchester for arts activities and events through DCA’s Community Arts Grants program.

These funds, allocated by the Maryland State Arts Council, are intended to encourage arts programming and arts participation across the county. Supported arts disciplines include dance, theatre, visual arts, music, film/media arts, literary arts, folk/heritage/traditional and multi-disciplinary arts programming.

Former grantees include: Alpha Genesis CDC, Christ Church Concert Series, Eastern Shore Hospital Center Auxiliary, Groove Theatre Co., Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance, National Outdoor Show, Pleasant Day Adult Day Care, and more.

The next round of funding has a Dec. 20, 2019 deadline for projects scheduled for Jan. 1 – June 30, 2020. Please visit DCA online at www.dorchesterarts.org for information and grant application.

During the last grant cycle Adrian Holmes and Jermaine Anderson of Alpha Genesis DCA received funding for a public art project for Cornish Park in Cambridge, implemented in partnership with Habitat Choptank. The stunning new mosaic sign was designed by Joe Manokey with the mosaic work done by Pattie Logan.

This artwork features the hands of several area children, outlined as part of the final drawing. Additional art projects for the park are in the planning stages.

Water/Ways is Open
The Smithsonian Water/Ways exhibit is now open in the George B. Todd Performance Hall at DCA. The installation also features a companion exhibit of themes native to Dorchester County: the cockpit of a racing boat, a traditional oyster shucking table, a kid-friendly fishing bridge, skipjack models and more.

Events are planned throughout the county in conjunction with the exhibit, including a guided kayak tour, skipjack sails, art exhibits, live music, and history talks. Visit www.visitdorchester.org for complete program listing.

Special Thanks
The Wednesday Morning Artists spearheaded a much-needed landscape cleanup at DCA. The efforts of those helping hands is much appreciated!

To find out more about volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved, call 410-228-7782 or stop by 321 High St. in Cambridge. Dorchester Center for the Arts is dedicated to enriching Maryland’s Eastern Shore community through high quality, engaging programming in the visual, literary, musical, and performing arts.

Visit online at www.dorchesterarts.org. Find us on Facebook! Programs at DCA are supported by the Maryland State Arts Council.

Editor’s note: Spectrum is the weekly column of the Dorchester Arts Center. It is written by Barbara J. Seese, executive director.