Beautiful Christmas lights that were very unusual. Nice handmade gifts for sale. Unfortunately, it was hard to get away from screaming kids.
This Christmas lights visit was the first time I had ever heard about Annmarie Garden. The outdoor display was vibrant, fun, and pretty. Great for all ages! Although we came for the lights, I discovered the art inside the gallery, and this actually made my visit extra-special. The art on display was superb. You will also want to visit the gift shop. It's tough to go in there and not walk away lighter in the wallet. Something for every price range and every person.
Admission is only $5 for Adults and totally worth it. On my visit they were featuring the Fairy and Gnome exhibits, there were 66 throughout the paved and wooded path, no bugs, and it was very relaxing and enjoyable, I walked it twice and found things on my second trip that I missed on the first. Then I went upstairs to the Woolen Art exhibit and it was also very nice.
They have a very nice walk you can do over Christmas that is decorated with lots and lots of Christmas lights. I'm not sure what they do during the rest of the year but their christmas light are excellent.
One of the biggest draws for me, besides the art was the fact that the sculpture park is dog friendly, which is nice, only the building does now allow dogs.There is a nominal fee of $7(when I was there) which covers your admittance to the grounds and the building. There are many programs hosted by the museum that are as diverse as the age groups attending them. From story and craft days for the children, to wine and music festivals for adults, there is something for everyone.
If you visit southern Maryland / the Solomons area make time to see Ann Marie Gardens. World class sculpture out on the beautiful and quiet walking path, plus rotating special event and exhibits indoors. We are locals so we go several times a year for special events like ArtsFest, Christmas /Halloween decorations, or just for a peaceful stroll. There are also classes for beginners on up so check their web site for a a schedule. We never know what we will find but it is always good. Family friendly place to introduce your children to great art without the "shhhh" factor to worry about.
I spent a few hours at Annmarie Garden during my recent visit to Solomons Island. Since I'm not a big fan of modern sculpture, I enjoyed the artwork much less than the woodland setting. Although I plan to visit Solomons Island again, I don't think I'll visit Annmarie Gardens unless they're hosting a special event.
...but if you are, you'll absolutely adore this beautiful gallery/garden/studio! There's something for everyone, including classes and seasonal exhibits. The Upstairs gallery is featuring "Woolies" - embroidered illustrations made by sailors in the 1800s of canvas and wool. A fascinating exhibit, with historical notes and offering a glimpse into the lives of these sailors as they expressed their creativity in a very personal way. The Art Lab provides hands-on opportunities for adults and children to express their creativity which is amply inspired in this wonderful facility. Go for a few hours or days...your life will be enriched through the experience!
We adore this place. The outdoor walk way, with sculptures and fairy houses and bird houses, is just delightful. It is filled with quirky, unexpected pleasures - always with some whimsy. Indoors, the exhibits are consistently unusual and first rate: from the photographs of African-Americans of the area, to Beachcomber creativity, to the current exhibit of "Woolies" designed and stitched by sailors in the 19th century. If you are in the area, go to Annmarie Garden. It's a very special place.
It was an easy bike ride from Solomons Island. The walk through the trees and the sculptures (many on loan from the Smithonian) are worth the visit. There are rotating exhibits in the main building, and the current exhibit on sailor wool art from the 1800's is excellent.