Over two hundred participants helped create a stunning, unique collaborative community art project at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center during its annual MLK Days event. Caryl Henry Alexander guided visitors in their journey to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Each participant was encouraged to participate in a hands on printmaking activity, where, in response to the poems and quotes of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the civil rights movement, they each created relief prints with Adinkra* symbols from Ghana, West Africa. Each printmaker made two relief prints, one for our wall and one for themselves. These prints echo a vision, energy and wisdom that is reflective of the local community and Dr. King’s legacy.
Suzanne Pucciarella of Lusby, MD visited MLK Days on Monday, January 17, 2011, with students from Our Lady Star of the Sea Elementary School in Solomons, MD, where they enjoyed making the prints and learning about the symbolism. Pucciarella said, “They were especially surprised to see some more "universal" symbols like a heart and butterfly!”
Other participants, visitors and volunteers included students from St. Mary’s College, Maryland, students from Annmarie’s School’s Out – Art is IN! program and local families. View Alexander’s slideshow that documents the process during the MLK Days event at http://www.flickr.com/photos/47257575@N00/sets/72157625729047763/show/
The stunning mural is on display now in the Main Gallery of Annmarie in conjunction with the new exhibit CELEBRATE!, a mixed media exhibit in honor of Black History Month, featuring the work of southern Maryland artists Doug Reynolds, Dona Baker, Elaine Wallace, and Stephanie Garrison. Become part of a community that collaborates, celebrates and cultivates culture at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center. Visit today and make your imprint!
Admission to Annmarie Garden is $3 for adults; $2 for seniors; $2 for children ages 5-11; children under 4 are Free. AMG Members are always FREE. Hours for the Arts Center Daily, 10:00am- 5:00pm. Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park is open Daily 9:00am- 5:00pm.
Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center is a sculpture park and arts center conveniently located just off Route 2-4 on Dowell Road in Solomons, Maryland. Solomons is just 1 ¼ hour drive from the Washington, DC beltway. Annmarie Garden is a Smithsonian Affiliate with works on loan from the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden as well as the National Gallery of Art. www.annmariegarden.org