Artworks puts rural Kent County on culture map

About 35 studios show another side of the shore

Trips: Road Trips/Regional Events

Kent County isn't exactly known for its artwork.

One of Maryland's most rural areas, the county is better known for its tractors, crabs and antique shops.

The folks at Artworks would like that to change.

The organization, which promotes local arts and culture, hosts its annual Studio Tour this weekend with about 35 studios in the county.

Participants have all day Saturday and Sunday to drive across Kent County and some of Queen Anne's County, soaking in the scenery and stopping to meet local artists and peruse their wares.

Cynthia Bowers Fulton, one of the artists on the tour and also the tour's chairwoman, feels that much of the art is inspired by Kent County's landscape.

"What Artworks is trying to do is show off our county and our artists," Fulton said. "It has extremely well-kept farms, wonderful and respected forests. I think the county is really unique."

This time of year, most of the farmers have harvested their corn, but a few rows of brown stalks still remain. Canada geese flock to fields of bright green winter wheat, resting on their journey south or staying put for the winter. Their distant honking, mixed with a crisp breeze rustling through the changing leaves, provides an autumn soundtrack.

On a clear evening, dusk brings brilliant sunsets that slowly give way to the stars. It's not hard to see where some of these artists get their inspiration.

Most of the studios are in Rock Hall, Chestertown, Still Pond, Worton and Galena. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from Chestertown, the tour's hub, to any of those towns. That's why the tour is a two-day trip. Once you get outside of Chestertown, it's just you, the road and the fields -- and that's half the fun.

Wave at people you pass on the road. Chances are, they'll wave back. If you find the time, stop in at one of the local antique stores.

Once you get to the studios, you'll find they have a homey feel. One studio is the old Locust Grove General Store, which was built about 150 years ago. Another is a rustic one-room schoolhouse. A local blade smith built his studio from the surrounding forest's wood.

The studios also feature crafts such as carvings, jewelry and sculptures.

"We try to address all the kinds of arts, not just fine arts," said Linda Dutton, a member of Artworks.

If you can spare the time, your best option would be to get there tomorrow night for the opening reception. It runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Artworks, located at two Chestertown galleries: 306 Park Row and the Kent County Visitors Center.