May 3, 2026 - Queen for a day, Artist Maureen Bannon celebrated her 90th Birthday with over 50 guests at Oyster Cover Club House. The party was sponsored by Maureen’s many art students and friends. Maureen still teaches Acrylics and Oils at KIFA on Tuesdays. Her classes focus on painting basics, advanced techniques of art design, and developing your own individual style.
Photos and text by Rebecca Placek
Professional, Category B, Watercolors/Gouache/Alcohol Inks: Honorable Mention – Ann Crane Harland for her watercolor painting “Indigenous Beauty”. Photo by Rebecca Placek
Events
Gallery Shows
Be inspired to explore pottery, jewelry, daily lives, ceremonies, customs, clothing, symbols, and art of the Last 250 Years in the USA create something beautiful!
9th Annual…
PAINT KENT ISLAND!
May 13 – 16, 2026
Call for 35 Artists
CURRENT GALLERY SHOW
Vicki Spinelli read a formal Proclamation from the Queen Anne’s County Board of County Commissioners congratulating and thanking Maureen for her loyal and creative service to the community. She and others lead the efforts to establish the Historic Stevensville Arts & Entertainment District, develop ART EAST, and teach art classes at My Little Studio and the Kent Island Federation of Arts. She opened her own art studio and gallery in downtown Stevensville and created her own beautiful art work.
ARTIST MAUREEN BANNON—QUEEN FOR A DAY!
The 7th Annual Art Scene Show was held at Kent Island High School on April 30, 2026. KIFA members donated $300 toward awards for the students. During the event, some students demonstrated pottery wheel throwing and painting. Some students had their art for sale.
The Proclamation from the Queen Anne’s County Board of County Commissioners acknowledged Maureen’s efforts.
Amateur, Category B, Watercolors/Gouache/Alcohol Inks: Honorable Mention – Sally Kress for her watercolor “1620 Samoset’s Welcome”. Photo by Fitz Turner
Amateur, Category F, Sculpture/Jewelry/3-D: First Place – Carol Conrad for her “Pysanky (Ukrainian) Eggs”. Photo by Rebecca Placek
Amateur, Category F, Sculpture/Jewelry/3-D: Honorable Mention – Darlene Conley for her jewelry “Indian Sunrise”. Photo by Rebecca Placek
Amateur, Category A, Oils/Acrylics/Pastels: Honorable Mention – Sarah Crane for her oil painting “Peaceful and Happy”. Photo by Fitz Turner
Celebrate our Country’s 250th Birthday in your art. With the Kent Island Garden Club | What Inspires Us from 1776 to 2026
Amateur, Category D, Mixed Media/Collage: Honorable Mention – Melissa Mackey for her collage “Red Canoe in the Forest”. Photo by Fitz Turner
Amateur, Category D, Mixed Media/Collage: First Place – Pat Spinella for her acrylic paper collage “Indian Princess”. Photo by Rebecca Placek
Main Event: $45 | Main Event (KIFA Members): $40
KIFA Gallery Show Guidelines
All work must be original, created within the last two years, not previously shown at KIFA, and must not infringe upon any copyright. No reproductions accepted.
Sculptures must include their own base or fit on a KIFA pedestal. Sculpture artists must be prepared to assist in placing their work in the gallery. Maximum size including base: 6’ high x 3’ wide and deep.
2-D works must be dry, suitably framed, wired and ready to hang. No sawtooth hangers. (Artwork not wired properly will not be accepted.) All works on paper must be under glass. No exposed glass edges. Maximum size framed varies by show. Please see appropriate prospectus for sizes.
KIFA reserves the right to reject works deemed unsuitable. All entered works must remain on display through the end of the show. Reasonable care will be taken to ensure the safety of your artwork. KIFA is not liable for loss or damage to artwork. KIFA's commission on all sales is 30%. KIFA reserves the right to use images of the winning artwork for up to eighteen months.
Please contact KIFA for more information at info@kifa.com or 410-643-7274.
Show Judge Jackie Jablecki presented the awards and enthusiastically talked about why she chose each winning piece in the show. Photo by Fitz Turner
Amateur, Category E, Photography: Honorable Mention – Rebecca Placek for her photo “Turtle Shell Rattle”. Photo by Fitz Turner
NATIVE AMERICAN LIFE GALLERY SHOW AT KIFA
Maureen’s Art East “partner in crime” Wende Woodham thanked Maureen for her energies in establishing ART EAST over 20 years ago.
NEXT GALLERY SHOW
The Co-Captains of the Party who organized the 90th birthday gala are Sally Prascus and Margaret Tessier. The cake reads: “Maureen, Happy 90th Birthday to a wise, creative woman. Much love and happiness”.
ART SCENE 2026 AT KENT ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL
Charley Burkhart had recently entered Chesapeake College’s Our Beautiful Planet Photo Contest celebrating Earth Week. There she won 1st Place in the Student Division with her photo “A Sky That Remembers”.
Copyright © 2026 Kent Island Federation of Arts, All rights reserved.
America's 250 Years
Amateur, Category A, Oils/Acrylics/Pastels: First Place – Robert Tessier for his oil painting “Southwest Spirit”. Photo by Rebecca Placek
April 9 – May 10
Grace Hartlove demonstrated painting and proudly stood by her artworks.
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April 9, 2026 was the Reception for Native American Life Gallery Show at Kent Island Federation of Arts (KIFA). The Show Judge was Jackie Jablecki, an art teacher at Centreville Middle School. She was honored to judge this captivating show. The Chair of the show was Margaret Tessier. Thirty people attended the reception. Twenty-five pieces are in the show featuring oils, acrylics, watercolor, printmaking, mixed media/collage, photography, 3-D, and jewelry. The show closes on May 10. KIFA is open and free for viewing to the public Thursday-Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., 405 Main Street, Stevensville.
Text by Rebecca Placek. Photos by Fitz Turner and Rebecca Placek.
Queen for a day, Artist Maureen Bannon celebrated her 90th Birthday with over 50 guests at Oyster Cove Club House.
Maureen’s favorite fantasy heartthrob is actor Aiden Turner, who starred in the BBC TV series (2015-2019) “Poldark”.
Amateur, Category F, Sculpture/Jewelry/3-D: Honorable Mention – Lorraine Sincavage for her gourd “Bowl”. Photo by Rebecca Placek
Native American Life
Reception attendees listened as Jackie Jablecki announced the winners. Photo by Fitz Turner
EXHIBITS AND EVENTS
Art Scene 2026
Professional, Category C, Graphics (includes pen and ink) & Printmaking: Honorable Mention – John Doran for his lithographic print “Lakota Memory”. Photo by Fitz Turner
- 4 Days Plein Air Painting
- Judging and Awards
- Coffee and Breakfast Treats
- Saturday Evening Reception
- Gallery Space
Students demonstrated pottery wheel-throwing.
Drop off work Monday, June 1, 2-5pm | Show opens Thursday, June 4, Reception 5-7pm
Professional, Category F, Sculpture/Jewelry/3-D: Honorable Mention – John Doran for his assemblage “Wounded Knee”. Photo by Fitz Turner