Annmarie Garden kicks off summer with hunt, safari

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Click here to enlarge this photo Submitted photos Annmarie Garden is inviting families to participate in several summer programs, including a Summer Safari and scavenger hunts at the park. Here is the new hippopotamus sculpture at the park. E-Mail This Article | Print This Story Click here to enlarge this photo

The summer fun season has begun at Annmarie Garden, bringing visitors extra art experiences to enjoy all summer long. Stop by the garden any day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to participate in the summer public art project or pick up a new and improved scavenger hunt guide for a playful approach to the outdoor art.

This year's public art project, "Nesting," will explore the comforts of home as visitors paint an "egg" to contribute to one of several large nests along the wooded path. Guests are encouraged to create an artwork that celebrates their favorite thing about home and contribute their art to the ever-growing masterpiece. Visitors may participate in this free project any day through Aug. 31; repeat visits are welcome. The completed sculptural installation will remain on view through the fall.

Once the contribution has been completed, participants are invited to take a walk to find the nests and read the contributions of others. Visitors may also explore the park with three different and freshly updated scavenger hunt guides along their walk. These guides are free and may be picked up at the Arts Building or at the entrance to the Sculpture Walk.

In honor of the summer exhibit of animal art, "Wild Things," Annmarie Garden will present the Summer Safari for Wild Things. Twenty safari sites have been chosen from the length of Calvert County. The challenge has been issued to the public to visit the sites and accrue points by correctly answering animal-related questions. Answers must be recorded on the official Passport Sheet. Based on the number of points accrued, participants will earn a different safari souvenir. Intrepid explorers who accumulate at least 23 points will be entered into a grand prize drawing. Whether people participate as individuals or a family, everyone going on safari is invited to visit Annmarie Garden to have their photo (costumes encouraged) added to the Summer Safari Web site. Don't miss this opportunity for adventure and the chance to become famous across the region for intrepid spirit.

Seen the new hippopotamus sculpture at Annmarie Garden? Been meaning to take the family to Flag Ponds? Up for a hike at Calvert Cliffs State Park? Then the Summer Safari for Wild Things is the answer to an exciting and low-cost way to spend quality time with the family while exploring Calvert's natural and cultural resources.

Participating Summer Safari sites include: Annmarie Garden, American Chestnut Land Trust, Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary, Bay Front Park, Bayside History Museum, Breezy Point Beach, Calvert Cliffs State Park, Calvert County Historical Society, Calvert Library, Calvert Marine Museum, Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory Visitor Center, Flag Ponds Nature Park, Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, Kings Landing Park, North Beach Welcome Center, One-Room Schoolhouse, On Watch Memorial, the Solomons Boardwalk and the new Solomons Roundabout.

All Passports must be turned in to Annmarie Garden by 5 p.m., Aug. 30. Passports and safari guidelines may be downloaded at www.annmariegarden.org, or go to Annmarie Garden, the Fairview Information Center, or the Solomons Information Center, call 410-326-4640, or e-mail gardeninfo@chesapeake.net for details.

In addition to the public art project, scavenger hunts and the Summer Safari, Annmarie Garden will host a variety of other family-friendly activities throughout the summer including Sunday FUNdays.

Summer camps provide more focused arts experiences for children. Kids learn a variety of art techniques and media including drawing and painting, design and construction, fiber arts, ceramics and pottery and mosaics. Camps are still enrolling; space is limited. For complete information on summer camps and classes, go to www.annmariegarden.org, or call 410-326-4640.

Admission, hours and directions

The sculpture park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The new arts building is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the Arts Building is free for members; $3 for adults, $2 for seniors, and $2 for children; kids 5 and younger are free. The gift shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Studio School offers year-round weekday, weekend and evening classes for all ages and abilities. Check the school catalog for specific dates and times.

Annmarie Garden is located just off Route 2-4 on Dowell Road in Solomons. To learn more, call 410-326-4640 or go to www.annmariegarden.org.