Photo courtesy Adkins Arboretum
concept that the McCoys introduced to the Arboretum. These compelling displays, which are created in the woods with natural materials, showcase the connection between nature and art. (Unfortunately, due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s shows were postponed. The Arboretum hopes to resume shows in the spring.)
TOWNE SALUTE
Mary & Howard McCoy Adkins Arboretum By Lisa A. Lewis
hen artists Mary and Howard McCoy learned about Adkins Arboretum, located adjacent to Tuckahoe State Park in Ridgely, they were captivated by the 400-acre native garden and preserve. Their passion for nature allowed them to view the Arboretum through the lens of skilled artists rather than casual observers, and they were excited about the opportunity to play an active role in the volunteer art program. The McCoys, who have been married for 40 years, attribute their interest in becoming volunteers to Marion Price, a volunteer who passed away in 2005. Price established the art program at the Arboretum and was the first curator. “Marion was such a wonderful person,” Mary McCoy says. “She introduced us to the Arboretum and helped spark our interest in the art program. We exhibited our first show in 1999 and 18
What’s Up? Eastern Shore | October 2020 | whatsupmag.com
also began helping her with other shows because we loved being at the Arboretum. The combination of nature, conservation, art, and friendship really appealed to us. It was a perfect fit.” Indeed, the Arboretum provides an ideal atmosphere for the McCoys to immerse themselves in work that they truly enjoy. Resident artists and curators, they not only pursue their own artistic endeavors, but they also serve on the art committee, which Mary McCoy chairs. After a thorough review process, the committee selects artists for upcoming shows. A win-win situation for the art program, this arrangement ensures that a variety of talented artists have the opportunity to exhibit their work at the Arboretum. Dedicated to promoting artwork that focuses on nature, the Arboretum hosts six gallery exhibits each year, including five solo shows and one juried show, as well as an outdoor sculpture show during the summer—an innovative
“We really enjoy helping curate the gallery shows,” Howard McCoy says. “Members of the art committee hang the artists’ work when they are not present because they are often too close to their own work. They want to hang every piece. This is especially common with the younger artists. But then the artwork looks too cluttered, which detracts from the overall effect. Since we know the gallery well, we are able to utilize the lighting and white space to make the exhibit as aesthetically pleasing as possible. It’s a creative process, and it’s also a lot of fun.” The McCoys also curate the outdoor sculpture show every other year. (The couple installs their artwork on alternating years; there is an invitational show the next year.) They love working (and playing) in the woods and utilizing natural elements that complement the surroundings. The McCoys pay close attention to every single detail, such as which materials work best in conjunction with the specific trees and flowers. Throughout the years, they have become very familiar with the woods at the Arboretum, which enables them to create artwork that interacts with the environment and also respects nature.
