In Solomons, Maryland, there’s a special place where art and nature meet. It’s called Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, and it is located at 13480 Dowell Road in Calvert County. The sculpture garden features a ¼-mile walking path that meanders through the woods past permanent and loaned sculpture, including over thirty works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art. The Arts Building includes rotating exhibition space, a gift shop, cafe, and a sunny patio.

Francis and Ann M. Koenig discovered Calvert County in 1955 and quickly fell in love with the area. They built a beach house in 1956 and enjoyed sailing and exploring the area with their children and grandchildren. They purchased 30 acres of land in Solomons in 1960, and in 1991 decided to donate the property to Calvert County with the intention that it be developed into a sculpture park. Thus, Annmarie Garden was born.

Annmarie hosts a variety of popular annual festivals, rotating exhibitions, family activities, and creative public programs. The Studio School offers classes for all ages and abilities – from pottery to dance – taught by professional artists and arts educators. It’s a great place to explore and learn!

One of the most popular events offered at Annmarie is Halloween in the Garden, scheduled for Saturday, October 22, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Open to all ages with a nominal admission of $1 per person (for charity), the event features more than 70 local businesses and non-profit organizations that set up booths along the Wooded Path to hand out treats or gifts to every child. Free spooky art activities are provided, too, and free parking is available in the adjacent parking field.

For more information about Annmarie Garden and the Halloween event, visit http://www.annmariegarden.org or call 410-326-4640.

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Timothy J. Manley is the owner of Cash Flow Plus, Inc., an electronic payments company in Edgewater, MD. He is also a Charter Member with the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper. You can reach Tim at 301-873-0470 or via email at sales@cashfloplus.com.