Last updated: 4/13/2012
Solomons, Maryland
Street Address
13480 Dowell Road
Solomons, MD 20629
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 99
Dowell, MD 20629
phone: 410-326-4640
fax: 410-326-4887
e-mail: info@annmariegarden.org
web: www.annmariegarden.org

Staff

Stacey Hann-Ruff
phone: 410-326-4640
Melissa Winslow Langley
phone: 410-326-4640
Jaimie Jeffrey
phone: 410-326-4640
Robyn Strayer
phone: 410-326-4640
Jackie Sudore-Flood
phone: 410-326-4640
Description

Francis and Ann Marie Koenig first came to Calvert County in 1955 seeking a retreat from his career as an architecht/builder/developer in Washington, DC. They quickly fell in love with the area and in 1956 built a beach house in Long Beach. Soon they became avid sailors and could often be found heading out of Flag Harbor Marina on their sailboat, "Annmarie." They shared their love for the area with their family, taking their grandchildren for walks through the American Chestnut Land Trust on Parker's Creek.

As an investment opportunity in 1960, Francis and Annmarie Koenig purchased 30 acres of land in Solomons, Maryland. After thirty-two years and many offers from developers, Fran began to see his investment as a unique opportunity to give something back to an area that he loved. In 1991, the Koenig family donated this property to Calvert County with the intention that it be developed into a sculpture park. Named after Fran's wife, Mrs. Ann Marie Koenig, the Garden began to take shape over the next decade as six permanent works of art were installed.

Francis and Ann both passed away in the 1990s, but their dream lives on. Today, Annmarie Garden stands as a gesture of the gratitude that the Koenigs felt for the years spent at their beach home on the Chesapeake Bay. Their generous and precious gift provides a unique setting in Calvert County for visitors to explore a place where art and nature meet.

Mission

Annmarie is committed to connecting people to art and nature. Through a wide variety of engaging exhibits, programs, classes, public projects, and annual events, Annmarie opens up opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and reflection. By providing opportunities for visitors to experience and engage in imaginative activities, Annmarie seeks to nurture the human spirit and contribute to a healthy society.

History

In 1991, Francis and Ann M. Koenig donated this property to Calvert County with the intention that it be developed into a sculpture garden. Over the next decade, their dream took shape as six works of art were installed on the thirty acre property. These diverse pieces are fully integrated into the natural setting of the Garden and provide the opportunity to develop an appreciation for the seasonal changes inherent in outdoor art. In addition to the sculpture, the walking paths were created and the allies, or hallways, were cleared. The lovely allies allow visitors to look across Annmarie and have created areas for the installation of sculpture. In 2003, Annmarie became a member of the Smithsonian Institution's Affiliations Program. This program has allowed the Garden to borrow more than twenty-five pieces of sculpture form the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden. In 2008, the Arts Building and the Studio School opened, allowing Annmarie to dramatically expand its programs and activities.

Research Collections

An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, Annmarie Sculpture is located in scenic Solomons, Maryland, on the Chesapeake Bay. The sculpture garden features a walking path that meanders through the forest, past permanent and loaned sculpture, including more than 30 works of art on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art. The garden also presents a variety of award-winning special events, gallery shows, and engaging public art programs. Annmarie?s Studio School offers creative classes for all ages and abilities taught by a talented faculty.

Educational Programs

Annmarie offers classes and workshops in a relaxed and friendly arts environment that will inform and challenge both beginners and the most experienced students. Our classes represent a range of subjects and media, taught by skilled practicing artists and educators who will help you define and work towards your own artistic goals. Come to the Studio School and let our studios, talented and supportive faculty and beautiful setting enrich your life.

Facilities
Performance Areas
Governance

The 30 acre grounds of Annmarie Sculpture Garden is owned and supported by the Board of Calvert County Commissioners. In accordance with the lease and management agreement, Annmarie is operated by the Koenig Private Foundation, a private, non-profit, charitable organization. The many activities and programs of Annmarie are by Ann’s Circle, Inc., a 501 c 3 non-profit organization. Ann’s Circle offers a membership package with a variety of attractive benefits. Membership is open to all!

Publications

We publish a weekly newsletter that is distributed to our members (just over 500 members).

Services
Plan a Birthday Bash at Annmarie!

Annmarie offers a variety of Birthday Party Packages for kids of all ages. Whether you want to play in clay, create in paint, or more, Annmarie provides creative and artsy birthday fun – and the mess stays with us!

Your event!

Depending on the size of your event, there will be between 2 and 4 Annmarie staff on duty. Each event at Annmarie has a designated Supervisor. The Supervisor will make contact with your caterer and/or wedding planner. During the course of your event, the Supervisor will take all concerns and questions to this person. Our goal is to make your event a memorable experience, so we strive to establish a positive working relationship with our rental partners. Please note that the main responsibilities of the Annmarie staff are to keep the facility clean and safe. Annmarie staff will help caterers with equipment set up and tear down and other chores. Please note that Annmarie staff are not allowed to serve or handle food, serve or handle spirits, handle the gifts, or handle the cake. Otherwise, the Annmarie staff are here to keep you happy and make your event smooth and enjoyable!

The Gift Shop

The Gift Shop @ Annmarie is receiving new merchandise daily, including new jewelry collections, Egyptian glass vases, boxed art cards, puzzles, animal puppets, and metal bird sculptures. Try on one of our new colorful and interchangeable "Got All Your Marbles" jewelry! Jewelry; Silk Scarves; Hand-blown Glass; Pottery; Sculpture; Cards; Children's Gifts; Toys; Coloring Books; Decorative Items; Women's Accessories; Men's Gifts.

Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Group Tours
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
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