The Arts Alliance of St. Mary’s College of Maryland
The Arts Alliance was created to promote and support cultural and arts-related activities and programs at the College for the enrichment and enjoyment of the Southern Maryland Community.
What does the Arts Alliance do?
- Sponsors the annual River Concert Series and Mark Twain Lecture Series
- Supports cultural and arts-related programming
- Provides grants for faculty-led initiatives such as forums with guest artists and ArtsBridge workshops for local high school students
- Awards cash prizes to outstanding St. Mary’s College students in arts and letters
2024-2025 ARTS ALLIANCE GRANT RECIPIENTS
The Arts Alliance provided grants to the following faculty for arts-related programming:
- Karen Anderson – VOICES Reading Series
- Betul Basaran – WGSX Colloquium
- Ben Click – Mark Twain Lecture Series on American Humor and Culture
- Jamie Naluai – Professional Pathways course mural project
- Crystal Oliver – Chesapeake Writers Conference
- Brittany Chanell Johnson - Messiah concert
- Jerry Gabriel - Southern Maryland Folklife Center
2024 Awards Convocation
St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Awards Convocation is a yearly event that recognizes and celebrates members of the College community who are highly accomplished and who can be considered paragons in areas that include service, leadership, teaching and academics.
Patty Runco Arts Alliance Award for Outstanding Work in the Annual Student Art Exhibit
Established in 1992 by the Arts Alliance of St. Mary’s College of Maryland to recognize excellence in studio art work in the Annual Student Exhibition. In 2004, the award was named in honor of the Arts Alliance chair, 1988-1993.
This year’s recipient is Charley Williams. After graduation, Charley hopes to work as a tattoo artist.
Gale West Parmentier Arts Alliance Award for Creative Writing
Established in 1992 by the Arts Alliance of St. Mary’s College of Maryland to recognize excellence in creative writing. In 1999, the award was named in honor of the Arts Alliance chair, 1993-1998.
This year’s recipient is Hannah Witenhafer. After graduation, Hannah plans to work in publishing and pursue an MFA in English.
Barbara Bershon Arts Alliance Award in Music
Established in 1991 by the Arts Alliance of St. Mary’s College of Maryland to recognize excellence in music. In 2004, the award was named in honor of the Arts Alliance chair, 1998-2003.
This year’s recipient is Austin Olewnik. After graduation, Austin plans to become a high school music teacher.
Kathy Glockner Arts Alliance Award for Theater Excellence
Established in 1992 by the Arts Alliance of St. Mary’s College of Maryland to recognize excellence in theater. In 2009, the award was named in honor of the Arts Alliance chair, 2003-2008.
This year’s recipient is Michael Josselyn. After graduation, Michael plans to continue his passion for lighting design as a stage technician.
Virginia M. Stein Award for Excellence in Film and Media Studies
Established in 2008 by the Arts Alliance of St. Mary’s College of Maryland to recognize a junior or senior film and media studies major for artistic accomplishment and academic excellence in the classroom.
This year’s recipient is Anthony Lanzano. After graduation, Anthony hopes to work for a television station, in production as well as writing.
Arts Alliance Membership
With so much promise on the horizon, we are excited to welcome you back to our beautiful waterfront campus for art exhibitions, concerts, plays, readings, lectures - and so much more!
Become a Member or Renew Your Membership – and Enjoy!
Memberships are valid July 1 through June 30 of each year.
Friend memberships are entirely tax-deductible; Partner, Patron and Benefactor memberships are partially tax-deductible.
| Friends | Individual $50 or Joint $70 | E-Newsletter Discounted Tickets to Select Events Member Decal Event Ambassador Opportunities - greeters, ticket-scanners & ushers - at the Dodge Performing Arts Center (PAC) |
| Partners | Individual $150 or Joint $200 | All of the above, PLUS Invitation to Dodge PAC Director’s Reception (affiliated with a major performance) |
| Patrons | Individual $300 or Joint $450 | All of the above, PLUS Invitations to Meet Select Guest Artists & Speakers VIP Parking & Seating at Select Events |
| Benefactors | Individual $750 or Joint $1,000 | All of the above, PLUS Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Opportunities in the Dodge PAC Priority Ticketing for Premium Dodge PAC Events |
Join or Renew Today!
Select the option that works best for you.
By Mail
Download the Membership Form (PDF), print, complete and send by mail to:
Arts Alliance18952 E. Fisher Road
St. Mary’s City, MD 20686
By Email
Download the Membership Form (PDF), complete, attach to email and send to artsalliance@smcm.edu.