Plans for Garrett Lakes Arts Festival noted during annual meeting
Garrett County Republican, November 26, 2020
by Brenda Ruggiero, Staff Writer
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OAKLAND — Plans for the 2021 season of the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival were noted during the organization’s annual meeting, which was held virtually Nov. 19.
“2020 has been a difficult year, but it’s given us all time to reflect and to look back at what is important to us,” said Mary Callis, executive director. “The arts is one of those things that is very important to us, and we’ve missed so much, so we’ve reimagined how we’re going to experience the arts.”
The 2021 season will open with A “Sofa Series” of virtual concerts: Jan. 23, National Players’ “As You Like It;” Feb. 7, Barron Ryan performance Where Classical Meets Cool; and Feb. 28, Charlotte Blake Alston, African American Storyteller…Andrew Harvey, board chairman, was the host for the meeting.
“You will see a common theme throughout everything that we’re talking about tonight, and that is ‘thankful,’” he said. “Because truly this year, from everything that we have come through and are currently going through, from the bottom of our hearts, we are thankful for a lot of things.”
He noted that board members are excited for the partnerships that are in place to ensure a bright future.
Harvey noted appreciation for federal and state money that was allocated and for season sponsors and community donors.
He also mentioned GLAF business sponsors, which include First Energy Foundation, Garrett County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council, Garrett College, Community Trust Foundation, Wisp Resort and Maryland Humanities…
Besides Harvey, GLAF board members include Sue Arnson, vice chair; Fred Fox, treasurer; Amy Bortz, secretary; John Pucciano, special adviser; Sean Beachy; Betty Ellington; Sheila McCracken; Judi Merriman; Luanne Ruddell; Fred Sharer; Suzie Sincell; Mary Helen Spear and Barry Winberg.
Bortz spoke of how GLAF worked throughout the pandemic to share ways to enjoy performances from the comfort of home. These included the Kennedy Center, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Maryland Humanities Chautauqua.”