CREATIVELY SPEAKING

From its first years as an English settlement, then known as Providence, Annapolis was an epicenter of culture. Artisans were championed and revered, and cabinet makers like John Shaw were regaled throughout the colonies for their craftsmanship. Woodworking, pottery, painting, and printmaking were the hallmarks of our colonial cultural past. Many of our talented arts community continue with these traditions today, with a few modern interpretations and improvements.

As you travel around Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, you will encounter numerous avenues for creative expression. Here, we wear our (he)ARTS on our sleeves and our walls. A short walk through our historic city center will find you face-to-face with a variety of thought-provoking murals exploring social justice issues and lauding changemakers who have made great impact regionally and beyond. Many others are wonderfully whimsical, begging to take a selfie with you.

Anne Arundel County also plays host to a vibrant theatre and performing arts community. Catching a musical in the Summer Garden Theater is a timeless tradition. The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra plays throughout the year and even offers a free concert each summer at the outdoor amphitheater in Quiet Waters Park. If learning a craft or taking a class is on your bucket list, register for a lecture at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts or enroll in an art class at the Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park.

Live music is a nightly occurrence throughout the county. The HALL at Live! at Live Casino & Hotel Maryland serves up national acts in a state-of-the-art concert hall. For an intimate affair, peruse the robust concert events calendar at Rams Head On Stage and see your favorite bands in a cabaret-style setting, or stop by a local restaurant or pub for a nightly set from a regional musician.

The Ballet Theatre of Maryland includes many modern and classical performances each season, including the beloved holiday staple, The Nutcracker. The Classic Theatre of Maryland brings world-class performances to Annapolis and Anne Arundel County with interpretations of Shakespearean Classics performed at historic estates and at their West Street venue. They also offer a monthly cabaret performance in addition to their holiday musicals.

As you explore the Arts & Entertainment Districts of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, you may decide to take home a piece of art to call your own. With numerous artists and galleries across the county, you will easily find a work of art to commemorate your visit to the heart of the Chesapeake Bay region.

Art is about vision, expression, and building moments that unite us. In the end, it really is about (he)ART. Discover what makes your ART tick and choose your unforgettable moment with a complete listing of arts and culture on our website.