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 annual River Concert Series and Mark Twain Lecture Series
- Supports cultural and arts-related programming
- Provides grants for faculty-led initiatives such as forums with guest artists and ArtsBridge workshops for local high school students
- Awards cash prizes to outstanding St. Mary’s College students in arts and letters
2022-2023 ARTS ALLIANCE GRANT RECIPIENTS
The Arts Alliance provided grants to the following faculty for arts-related programming:
- Larry Vote – Handel’s “Messiah” in the new Performing Arts Center
- Erin Peters – Boyden Gallery spring art exhibition
- Jennifer Cognard-Black – Lecture with Dr. Julie deGraffenried
- Susan Goldstine – Lecture with Dr. Ingrid Daubechies
- Ben Click – Mark Twain Lecture Series on American Humor and Culture
- Karen Anderson and Jeffrey Coleman – The VOICES Reading Series
- Sue Johnson – Chinese brush painting workshop
2023 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.
For the second year in a row, the recipient is Miranda Woodey from Waldorf, Maryland. In the fall of 2023, Miranda will begin a master's program in art.
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 Aidan James Ellis. After graduation, AJ is pursuing a career in creative writing.
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 Emma Huckabee from Lexington Park, Maryland. After graduation, Emma plans to teach piano full-time.
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 Shannon Lewis from Forest Hill, Maryland. Shannon is very busy in the theater department, working in the box office, as a stage manager and co-director for several productions.
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 Brenton Parker from California, Maryland. Brenton plans to pursue voice acting and screenwriting in the future.
Arts Alliance Membership
With so much promise on the horizon, including the performing arts building with a 700-seat auditorium projected to open fall 2022, we are excited to welcome you back to our beautiful waterfront campus for art exhibitions, concerts, plays, readings, lectures – and so much more!
Become a Member or Renew Your Membership – and Enjoy!
Memberships are valid July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022.
Friend memberships are entirely tax-deductible; Partner, Patron and Benefactor memberships are partially tax-deductible.
Friends | Individual $55 or Joint $70 Senior (65+) Individual $35 or Joint $50 Student $15 |
Monthly E-newsletter Discounted Tickets to Select Events Member Decal |
Partners | Individual $150 or Joint $200 | Monthly E-newsletter Discounted Tickets to Select Events Member Decal Invitation to a Membership Appreciation Event |
Patrons | Individual $300 or Joint $450 | Monthly E-newsletter Discounted Tickets to Select Events Member Decal Invitation to a Membership Appreciation Event Invitations to Meet Guest Artists & Speakers VIP Parking & Seating at Select Events |
Benefactors | Individual $750 or Joint $1,000 | Monthly E-newsletter Discounted Tickets to Select Events Member Decal Invitation to a Membership Appreciation Event Invitations to Meet Guest Artists & Speakers VIP Parking & Seating at Select Events Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Opportunities |
Join or Renew Today!
Select the option that works best for you.
By Mail
Download the Membership Form (PDF), print, complete and send by mail to:
Arts Alliance18952 E. Fisher Road
St. Mary’s City, MD 20686
By Email
Download the Membership Form (PDF), complete, attach to email and send to artsalliance@smcm.edu.