“Cultivate and deliver innovative arts and education programs that inspire joy, creativity, and collaboration within our community.”
This is the mission of Chesapeake Arts Center. Walking inside their 58,000 square foot building made the muse in me want to sing and dance! With everything from a large theatre to white-wall galleries, classrooms, and a makerspace, the Chesapeake Arts Center proves to be one of the best locations for the arts in Anne Arundel County.
Speaking with Artistic Director, Nicole Caracia was the highlight of our time in the space. As we walked the halls of this vast center, we spoke about the importance of community involvement and attainability of the arts. Chesapeake Arts Center has fulfilled this be offering a number of classes in different mediums, giving artists and creatives a space to create and perfect their craft, and showcasing the arts through theater productions, use of gallery space, and musical performances.
The details of their space and what they offer are like the cherry on top of a delightful sundae. The ‘Magic and Muggles’ kids camp is a perfect example of this. Based on the world of Harry Potter by JK Rowling, this camp centers around a strong anti-bullying theme. As we walked in the classroom we saw handmade Harry Potter-themed decor and the children seated - learning how to create crystals; a process that merges both arts with science.
Beside them on the work tables were their wooden wands. Nicole borrows one from one of the children and brings it over to me. With delight, I grab it and instantly acknowledge the craftsmanship behind it. “These were made in our Makers Space!”, Nicole exclaims. The Makers Space at the center is “a creative workspace utilizing computers, machining, technology, science and digital art, and integrating STEAM educational opportunities through hands-on, project-based learning.”
I instantly began to realize the Chesapeake Arts Center is not just in the business of promoting or providing the arts within and for the community. They are also in the business of creating experiences for those who walk through their space. They want you to leave with a skill, a love, and an experience within the arts - and because of this, they single-handedly fulfill their mission:
“Cultivate and deliver innovative arts and education programs that inspire joy, creativity, and collaboration within our community.”
Notable Upcoming Events:
Sixth Annual Arts in the Park: August 24th, 1-3pm- The free outdoor festival will feature live music, activities for kids, chalk drawing, face painting, local art, and community vendors, and more! Rain or shine, bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the live entertainment!
Stand Up for….Theatre Presents: Carrie - the Musical: October 25 - November 4- Based on Stephen King's bestselling novel, the musical of Carrie hasn't been seen since its legendary 1988 Broadway production. Now, the show's original authors have joined with director Stafford Arima (Altar Boyz) and MCC Theater for a newly reworked and fully re-imagined vision of this gripping tale.
Photography and videography courtesy of Patrick McNamara of Drawn to the Images
