As Cecil College consistently features music and theatre events, the Fine and Visual Arts can easily get lost in the mix. Cecil does, however, have a robust Fine Arts program with several galleries, fine arts exhibits, and events. One such event is the First Friday Art Loop, which features the gallery at Cecil’s Elkton Station along with other local Elkton galleries and businesses. The upcoming Loop on Friday, March 2 highlights Cecil faculty artwork in an exhibit titled “Spotlight on Cecil Art’s Faculty” and faculty performing arts in a show titled “Purposeful Purposeless: Classical Music and Theatre of the 1960s.”

Cecil College Fine Arts Professor Lauren Vanni has been instrumental in the First Friday Art Loop events and activities since its inception.  She states, “The College started fully participating in the First Friday Art Loop in 2012 and has been growing ever since. This show [on Friday] features faculty from the Arts and Communications Department working in a variety of art disciplines and media. Faculty work with students every day, but students don’t always get a chance to see faculty artwork. Shows like this have the potential to spark dialogue, generate ideas and demonstrate to art students the importance of sustaining an artistic practice. It is my hope that students are inspired by their faculty in and out of the classroom to continuously develop their work and follow their artistic and academic goals.”

Q: What do you hope attendees will gain from the evening?

A: I hope attendees will gain an appreciation for the talented community of artists we have right here in Elkton as well as the local galleries we have exhibiting strong contemporary works. The variety of work you will find on the Loop keeps viewers interested and coming back each month. It is something to look forward to. I hope visitors see something that makes an impact on them.

Q: What can attendees expect from the event that they may not already expect?

A: Attendees can expect to see great artwork at our Elkton Station Gallery, but they can also choose to attend a performance that is held at the Elkton Station Performing Arts Hall. Visitors can also find live music, performances, demonstrations, open mics, and food specials along the Loop. Come out each month and see what’s new!

Q: What would you say to a non-art student who is considering coming to a First Friday event?

A: Come see what’s happening in our gallery. First Fridays are for everyone. It is a casual public event for students, faculty, staff, and community members. It is an opportunity to see some inspiring artwork, meet great people, and have a nice night out in downtown Elkton.

Q: In today’s climate, how useful do you think art, theatre, and music are in enacting change in the world around us?  Do you think the First Friday events could be used in that manner?

A: Art can expose social issues, challenge assumptions, and help convey the emotions and fears of those who may not be able to express their concerns. Art has the ability to shock us and inspire us to make change. First Fridays provide a venue for artists to show their work and communicate their ideas.

The First Friday Art Loops are held on the first Friday of each month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The “Purposeful Purposeless” performance is at 7 p.m. at Cecil’s Elkton Station campus and admission is $15. To purchase tickets in advance—with a credit card—call 410-287-1037. Tickets can be bought at the door with cash or check. The exhibition on April 6th will be an Alumni Art Exhibit and May 4th will feature a Fine Arts Student’s Exhibit. The events will take place at Elkton Station Gallery and Performing Arts Hall, 107 Railroad Avenue, Elkton MD. The Gallery is also open Monday through Friday from 8am-8pm.

As Downtown Elkton is a designated by the State of Maryland as an Arts and Entertainment District, the city’s monthly art Loop is robust and well-attended.  In addition to the Elkton Station events and galleries, there are a variety of other participating businesses including The Palette and the Page, Artspace on Main, Minihane’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, the Gallery at 122 E Main and East Main Café, among many others. Maps are available at every location along the Loop.

For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/elktonarts

https://www.facebook.com/CecilCollegeFineArtsProgram/

http://www.elktonalliance.org/arts-entertainment-district