Frederick, MD – The Frederick Arts Council commemorated its 40th Anniversary with a “Celebration of the Arts” on Saturday, March 11th at the Weinberg Center for the Arts. The event’s program featured remarks by keynote speaker David Rubenstein, Board Chairman of the Kennedy Center, a performance by Sally Taylor, accomplished musician and daughter of James Taylor and Carly Simon, with her band Something Underground, and bonus performances by Sam Vitale of the Sicilian Tenors and FCPS student pianist/composer Alex Hayes.
Mr. Rubenstein, Board Chairman of the Kennedy Center, one of the principal philanthropists, businessmen, arts advocates, and humanitarians in the United States, spoke on the necessity of giving to the arts (as he has so generously done) and of educating our youth about the arts.
Ms. Taylor spoke about her arts initiative ConSenses, which she started as a vehicle for connection, understanding, and peace using art as a lens and a language through which to see ourselves, each other, and our world more clearly, compassionately, and expansively.
As Frederick Arts Council President Michael Campagnoli remarked as he opened the program, “Tonight we are celebrating the Frederick Arts Council’s 40-year- long history, its partners in the community, and our collective future as one creative Frederick… I hope you’ll reflect on the roles each one of us has played to bring us to the thriving state we find ourselves in today, as well as the opportunities for us to build even further on our success into the future.”
The Frederick Arts Council received citations for 40 years of service from the Governor’s Office (presented by Steven Skerritt-Davis of the Maryland State Arts Council), the Frederick County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly (presented by Delegate Kathy Afzali), Frederick County (presented by County Executive Jan Gardner), and the City of Frederick (presented by Mayor Randy McClement).
Another important contribution surrounding the event was made by the Frederick Art Club, whose artists displayed their work during the pre-reception. The Art Club represents 120 years of Frederick’s vested interest in the arts, and like many organizations represented that night, was celebrating a significant anniversary.
Check out photos from the event!
Photo by Andrew Morrell Photography