Library Art Exhibit Showcases Exciting Young Talent

By Barbara Norton

NORTH EAST - The North East Branch of the Cecil County Library is hosting a first-ever exhibit of art gathered from 28 Cecil County elementary, middle, and high schools. It opened on April 26th and runs during regular library hours through May 26th. An Open House is planned for Saturday, May 13 from 10:00 pm – 12:00 pm. Many of the young artists and their teachers will be there, so be sure to come and meet them.

The “Cecil County Public Schools Art Show” exhibit is easy to find, since it’s located right inside the library’s already stunning new reception lobby. The high-ceilinged, light-filled room is filled with the kind of works that only children can create … art that shouts “look at me” with its bright colors and wonder-filled imagination.

An amazing variety of watercolors, acrylics, and mixed-media, pencil and pen-and-ink sketches, plus photography, and ceramic masks and bowls has been hung on free-standing accordion-style display panels. The artists range in age from 1st graders to seniors in high school, and it is interesting to realize that some of the most appealing pieces are by the youngest students. All are fun to view and many demonstrate a sophistication about subject matter, color, composition, and technique that goes well beyond the ordinary or expected. Destination Cecil applauds not only the student artists, but also their art teachers and the North East librarians who “light up” when you engage them in conversation about the show. Credit also goes to Dave Hastings, Ed.D, Program Coordinator for Fine Arts for Cecil Coun- ty Schools. Dr. Hastings worked with both the teachers and librarians to assemble this show.

Frazier Walker, the library’s Communications & Development Manager, agrees that this is a “great show” and said the library would be delighted to host future CCPS exhibits. The library’s next exhibit, “Beautiful Cecil County,” showcases the work of artist Michael Bignell. You may have attended his exhibit of marine art and architecturally accurate city ‘scapes at the library last year. This year, Bignell has painted all new scenes from around Cecil County – from the Sassafras to the Susquehanna. Save the date. His show opens Saturday, May 17th, with an Open House reception the night before. The North East Library is located in North East Station near Lowes.

Student Veterans Club host commemorative Memorial Day event

NORTH EAST, Md. - The Cecil College Student Veterans Club will hold a Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony on Monday and Tuesday, May 22 and 23, in the Quad on the North East Campus, located at One Seahawk Drive, North East, Md.

Members of Cecil College faculty, staff and students, the community, and local veterans’ groups are invited to visit the campus over the two days to place a flag in memory of a veteran. TAPS will be played at noon on May 23 to honor all those killed in action or missing in action.

The Quad will be encircled by flags representing the different branches of the U.S. military, along with the American Flag. Visitors will be able to plant a smaller American Flag within the grass section, and there are seating areas for them to reminisce.

The Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Monday, May 22, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, May 23. Visitors can enjoy some light refreshments.

Cecil College students take first place in 2023 Maryland Scholars Summit

NORTH EAST, Md. – Congratulations to Seahawks Jillian Neuhof and Abigail Graham for placing first in their respective categories at the 2023 Maryland Scholars Summit. On Saturday, April 29th, scholars from eight Maryland colleges presented their work at Harford Community College.