First Lady Cuts Ribbon At Annapolis Arts Center

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Yumi Hogan, Maryland's first lady, delivered remarks and cut the ribbon Tuesday for the new Production Wing at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis. She also attended dedication ceremonies for the hall's Goldstein-Cunitz Center for Film and New Media and Bowen Theatre.

The first lady was joined by Margaret Davis, the president and CEO of Maryland Hall, as well as House Speaker Michael Busch, D-Annapolis; Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh; Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley; and George Arlotto, superintendent of the Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

“As first lady and an artist, I am so proud of Maryland’s incredible and thriving arts community, which continues to be a tremendous asset for this state," the first lady said in a statement. "The arts are a $1.3 billion dollar industry in Maryland, supporting more than 16,000 jobs.

“We are so proud to strongly support the arts and Maryland Hall, which has served Annapolis and Anne Arundel County through wonderful performances, workshops, programs, and with its talented and dedicated network of staff and volunteers,” she added.

The administration of Gov. Larry Hogan has committed more than $80 million to encourage and enhance the arts in Maryland, including more than $5.6 million for Maryland Hall, "providing record funding for the arts four years in a row," according to the statement.

The Production Wing is the first addition to Maryland Hall’s building since its construction in 1932, when it began operations as Annapolis High School. The newly-completed wing combines public spaces such as a small lobby and restrooms for the Bowen Theatre with behind-the-scenes spaces that support performances on stage, including a new freight elevator and loading dock.

The first lady also attended the dedication of the Faith Goldstein and Jesse Cunitz Center for Film and New Media. It will present and produce programs to engage, entertain and educate audiences on contemporary, historical and cultural issues

Tuesday's events also included the dedication of the Bowen Theatre, the former high school's gym. It includes improvements that enhance the space for various programs in the immediate future.

The Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts was founded in 1979. Today, the historic building is the gathering place for the arts in Annapolis. Through year-round classes, performances, exhibits, tours, workshops and demonstrations, people of all ages can discover the transformative power of the arts.

For more information on the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, click here.

Release: Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts

Image: Yumi Hogan, Maryland's first lady, speaks at Tuesday's event in Annapolis (Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts).