Dear Friends of the Arts:

On behalf of the volunteer members of the AI&G Board of Directors, we are deeply appreciative of all of the artists, members and donors who help us bring the promise of the visual arts to life on the Eastern Shore. We invite you to join us in this effort.

While 2009 was an incredible year, 2010 and a coming new decade promises to be even more exciting and innovative as we greet new instructors, new artists, and newopportunities to promote the arts in our area. With Salisbury being designated as an Art and Entertainment District by the State of Maryland, partnerships in our community are growing stronger with a new focus on the downtown Salisbury area. Through the efforts of the Arts & Entertainment District volunteers, Urban Salisbury and downtown merchants, a new 3rd Friday focus on the arts is well underway. In 2010, the AI&G will be holding most of the opening receptions of new exhibits on "third Fridays". This new partnership has brought many new faces and families to the downtown area and a stronger focus on the importance of art in a changing world. We welcome you to make "3rd Friday" a special day for you and your family to visit the downtown area, enjoy the new restaurants, view the works of seasoned, new and emerging artists and visit the AI&G and be a part of a new exhibition opening.

The AI&G is very proud of the fact that we offer opportunities for artists of all skill levels to exhibit their works. With a strong Gallery Committee, each month brings a new exhibition both in our main and our foyer galleries. You will find the 2010 Exhibition Schedule on this site. Each September the National Juried Exhibition takes center stage bringing artworks from artists throughout the United States to the AI&G. Each year over 400 entries are received and each year we marvel at the talent in our country.

Art education is vital to children and adults. Imagine a world without color, without dimension or for that matter without emotion. Art is all of those things! The AI&G is proud of it's education program for both children and adults. During the school year a strong focus is on educational opportunities for adults and parents. Time just for yourself engaging in pottery, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting along with figure drawing and fiber arts await you. AI&G instructors are
seasoned artists and teachers who will help you find your inner artist.

But come summer.....it's all about the children. The AI&G's summer art camps are a priority for many children in our area. In 2010, new camps have been created. The ever-popular "Artopia" will feature: painting with the masters with a fine art focus in the morning and a creative 3D project in the afternoon. "Meet the Masters" will include not only historical master painters works but also will include a focus on "American Masters". Pottery classes will include traditional wheel-thrown or hand-built pottery but new for this year are classes making birdhouses and musical instruments. There is something for every child. If you've seen our AI&G billboard you know that: "Art Matters......Ask Your Child".

Often called, "the best kept secret on the Eastern Shore", the Art Institute and Gallery is a vital organization whose sole purpose is the appreciation and promotion of the arts. Be a part of the AI&G and work with us to ensure that we will always have a world full of color and a legacy of preservation and appreciation of art for generations to come.

We look forward to your visit!

The Board of Directors of the Art Institute & Gallery