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 River Concert Series
- Funds arts-related grants for St. Mary’s College faculty members and guest artists
- Awards cash prizes to outstanding St. Mary’s College students in the arts
- Organizes arts outreach programs to schools and community groups
- Supports the development of the college art collection
2020-2021 Arts Alliance-Sponsored Events
The Arts Alliance provides grants for St. Mary’s College faculty to produce arts-related programming. Due to the pandemic, some of these events will be presented virtually.
The Boyden Gallery
Thursday, September 3, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. The Director of the Boyden Gallery and Fine Art Collection, Dr. Erin Peters, presented an exclusive virtual introduction to the College’s collection for Arts Alliance members.
Thursday, October 1, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Ancient art historian Kimberly Cassibry, Associate Professor at Wellesley College, spoke on ancient casts and the politics of replication in relation to the College’s cast collection.
Thursday, November 5, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cory Gundlach, Curator of Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas at the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, discussed authenticity and African art.
The Ping Vocal Ensemble
The Ping vocal ensemble produced an audio visual performance of a medley from the popular musical "Hamilton." Watch it here.
The Theater, Film, Media Studies 12th Annual Film Series
Due to Covid-19, the original plan for the 12th Annual Film Series "Cuba: Post-colonial, in Diaspora" is being revised. Stay tuned for updates.
Twain Lecture Series
Tuesday, October 13, 7:30 p.m The 15th Annual Twain Lecture on American Humor and Culture offered "Laughing to the Polls," traditionally put on before every major presidential election, and featured comedian Jordan Klepper.
The next Twain Lecture will be hosted on Saturday, April 10, 2021. Please check back for updates.
The VOICES Reading Series
Thursday, January 28, 8:15 p.m. Stephen Schottenfeld will read from his novels "Bluff City Pawn" and "This Room Is Made of Noise" via Zoom.
Zoom ID: 91753924075 Password: 282567
Thursday, February 18, 8:15 p.m. Ecuadorian-born immigrant José Torres-Tama will discuss his art and activism, including "Taco Truck Theater" and "Aliens, Immigrants & Other Evildoers" via Zoom.
Zoom ID: 93065345591 Password: 887018
Monday, March 1, 7:00 p.m. As part of An Evening to Honor the Legacy of Lucille Clifton, Award-winners Li Young Lee and Leah Naomi Green will highlight their collections of poetry.
Thursday, April 1, 8:15 p.m. Fifty Years of Poetry at St. Mary’s College of Maryland - hosted by Professor Emeritus Michael Glaser. This event will celebrate stories about the culture of reading, studying, creating, exploring, and sharing that are newly published in the anthology A Community of VOICES. Featured will be Judith Hall, Grace Cavalieri, Kaia Sand, Michael Glaser and Karen Anderson, among others via Zoom.
Zoom ID: 94677601630 Password: 675204
2021 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.