Annapolis is different things to different people. Politicos wheel-and-deal the states' future in the pseudo-historic state office buildings and pass laws in the genuine colonial state Capitol building, dating from George Washington's time. (The oldest operating State Capitol building in the country.)
History buffs revel in the genuine colonial architecture and reconstructions to get a taste of how tough life was when all this began. Sailors and power boaters churn in-and-out of a major recreational boating port on the East Coast, harvest seafood, or just enjoy the water.
Diners have their palates satisfied at the many seafood and related restaurants. Still though, Annapolis is a small town, and though the surrounding suburbs grow exponentially, it still feels like a "small town." People know each other when they meet downtown in a relaxed atmosphere and slower lifestyle.
Washington, D.C. and Baltimore are 40-30 miles away respectively, each in a different direction,with both boasting vibrant arts communities of their own. So how is can a "small town," even with expanding suburbs, also supports a vibrant arts community so near the larger cities?. How many "small towns" can support dozens of private art galleries, its' own symphony, opera, ballet, musical chorals, a large scattering of small music groups, a resident theatrical company with several seasonal drama groups with their own facilities?
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
Many factors influence the development of any skill, such as parental influence, native talent, interest in the subject, teachers, etc. Annapolis has the added benefit of the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, where students of any age may obtain lessons from beginning to advanced in almost every art form.
Maryland Hall's building began life as the old Annapolis High School. The need for a new school building became apparent in the mid-1970s, to adequately service those burgeoning suburbs. The new building came to life west of the city, where the Board of Education building and several education related buildings, and a full sized Olympic swimming pool followed.
Before the vacant building began to deteriorate and grow rats, an enterprizing group of local citizens recognized the potential of the structure, and petitioned the state legislature to provide funds for the conversion. Lots of politics later and a growing recognition of the arts' positive contributions to all areas of life, the building became the foundation of an exciting idea.
Classrooms became artists' studios, or were combined to make dance studios, art gallerys, a pottery studio and lecture hall. The school auditorium became a performance venue and the gymnasium became an all-purpose room used for receptions, large project auditions or whatever is needed. Seven Artists-In-Residence (AIRs) work out of studios throughout the building. Don't forget the coffee shop.
After more than 30 years of development and upgraded facilities, Maryland Hall is what most people consider the Hub of arts activity in the state of Maryland. The main offices of most of the state's performing arts organizations, the Annapolis Symphony, the Ballet Theater of Annapolis, the Annapolis Opera, the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra, and a campus of the Peabody Preparatory. are represented.
This column will continue to explore reasons why a relatively small community like Greater Annapolis has such a rich heritage in the arts, while also examining why all communities should strive to maximize creative training and output of their citizens. When the budget crunches, is it wise to first cut the sources of creative output, before math, science and everything else? By doing so, are we not also limiting our children's ultimate potential?
Comments