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| “The Gateway,” by Peter King and Marni Jaime, 1995, Stonehaus Pottery. Permanent collection. |
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is located near Solomons, Maryland, where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay.
The sculpture garden features a short walking path that meanders through the woods past a variety of sculpture, including over thirty works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art.
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| “After lyengar,” Robert Engman, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden |
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 30 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.
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| “Standing Nude,” Nelli Bar, date unk, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden |
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| “Girl with Braids,” 1950, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden |
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.
The Hirshhorn Museum has loaned six of its collection to the Annmarie Gardens, which are displayed along the “Woman’s Walk.” This selection of bronze female figures celebrate the female form and the female experience. As stated in the guide, this “evocative collection affords the opportunity to reflect upon significant women in your life.” The sculptures are beautiful.
Many of the exhibits are whimsical, such as the birdhouse to the left, and the ironic sign to the right. In addition, there were gnomes and fairy houses displayed — all very fun for kids and adults alike. Annmarie is committed to connecting people to art and nature.  |
| My favorite painting form the Cosmos exhibit and I completely forgot to note the artist, title, etc. My apologies to the artist! |
After strolling through the park, make sure you take a few minutes to enjoy the art exhibits. While we were there, the “Cosmos: Imagining the Universe” exhibit was still up, and we enjoyed the exhibit immensely! This exhibit runs from 13 February through 26 July. This exhibit consists of more than 50 works inspired by views of space, the universe, planets and other worlds beyond and explores the connection between science and art.
Annmarie Gardens is close to Solomon’s Island, a quaint town and a nice place to stop for lunch or dinner. We enjoyed a relaxed lunch on the Patuxent River waterfront at the Solomons Pier restaurant, enjoying a burger, a most excellent crab cake sandwich, Maryland crab soup, and the blackened rockfish gyro.
Getting there: 13480 Dowell Road, Dowell, Maryland 20629
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; admission required.
Dogs: Yes, really!!
Website: http://www.annmariegarden.org/
Looking for other sculpture gardens? Be sure to check out Art Omi, in upstate New York; Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ; and the Baltimore Art Museum‘s Outdoor Sculpture Garden!
Updated May 2018
