The inaugural class of the Frederick County Arts Hall of Fame was inducted by the Frederick Arts Council on October 21, 2010 at the annual Celebration of the Arts Dinner held at Ceresville Mansion. The Frederick Arts Council launched the Hall of Fame to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the artistic ethos of Frederick community. The Frederick County Arts Hall of Fame recognizes persons, living or deceased, and honors those who have made contributions as performing or practicing artists in various disciplines.

A total of nine nominations were received and a selection committee that reviewed all applications received from the general public. The committee scored the nominations based on the following standards:

-Individuals must have been born or raised in Frederick County, or have adopted Frederick County as their home and base of operations for a period of at least five years. Preference will be given to persons who have maintained strong affiliation with Frederick County while achieving prominence.

-Individuals must be able to demonstrate that they have made a significant contribution to the enhancement of the arts at the local level and/or beyond. For example, the individual has received national or international recognition through achievements in an artistic discipline, including, but not limited to, music, dance, theatre, literature, film, architecture, visual arts and crafts, folklife/traditional arts, fashion, photography, and the execution or exhibition of other such allied, major art forms. An artist is defined as one who creates, performs, or interprets works of art. Recognition should also be a reflection of accomplishments over a period of time.

-Must be or must have been involved in the arts community in Frederick County and/or received artistic training/education in Frederick County

The first five inductees represent Frederick County’s past and present and include Francis Scott Key, Helen Smith, Joyce Michaud, Richard Troxell, and Bobby Steggert.

Nomination packets for the 2011 Hall of Fame Class are now available.  The deadline for submitting nominations is August 15th.  Click here to download the nomination forms: arts-hall-of-fame-nomination-packet