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The Cecil County Arts Council recently conducted a survey of the candidates for county commissioner concerning their perception of the arts in Cecil County. With the elections approaching, we thought the public would be interested in their responses. The full survey is below. 1. What effect have the arts had on your life?
Pam Bailey - The arts council plays a very important role in the community by letting the public know what Cecil County has to offer. They work very closely together with the tourism office in the highlight of historical sites of Cecil County. I personally enjoy the programs and events the Council has brought to the County.
Robert Hodge - As a young person, I had very little appreciation for art, despite my grandmother being a very talented painter. Unfortunately, her talent skipped my generation – or at least me. As a business owner all of my adult life with no apparent artistic skills, my focus has been to be successful in business.
But as the years have gone by, I have discovered a strong similarity between business and the arts. In both worlds, there are an infinite number of ways to express yourself. Even in the major disciplines of both, there are an infinite number of ways to specialize. What I’ve gained is a deep appreciation for the talents of each individual, no matter what their style - and an understanding of how it can all fit together. I see that in business, as people come together with different gifts and abilities to work on projects that none of them as individuals could accomplish. The Arts Council in Cecil County contains the same kind of connected energy – something no one person or discipline could accomplish themselves.
Tom McWilliams – I am a chemical engineer, but, many of my family members experince their creativity through the arts. My wife of 51 years, Rosalinda, has her degree in music, has written original works of music, directed instrumental and vocal groups and was recently president of the Cecil County Choral Society. Linda Marie Mc Williams, my daughter, worked in a number of art media. Her works in abstract photography were featured in a show at the CCAC a number of years ago. She subsequently had shows at a number of locations in the Eastern United States and in Barcelona, Spain. Her Daughter AnnMarie Ridgely Montgomery of North East has done art work and poetry. My granddaughter Melissa McWilliams has done art work and written poetry as well.
Jim Mullin – I enjoy talents of the arts and history it preserves.
Sharon Weygand - The arts have had a big effect on my life from the time I was a child. My grandfather was an artist who enjoyed drawing detailed pen and ink landscape. He did incredible detailed landscapes from his imagination usually showing verdant mountains, rivers and streams, and a cabin or a mill with a water wheel. He’d use a black BIC pen and paper to draw thousands of tiny pen marks in the composition. After he retired, he became somewhat of a celebrity at the retirement home in Pa. for his intricate pen drawings. They called him, “Grandpop Moses”. Unfortunately, none of his grandchildren inherited this talent and gift. However, one thing I did inherit is his appreciation for art and music!
2. What effect do you think the arts and the Arts Council have on the Cecil County community?
Pam Bailey – The Arts of this County are unique due to the Older Historical sites within this County. Keeping the Community aware of the particular highlights that are of high interest to the people who really believe in the roots of the County.
Robert Hodge - We are fortunate to have an active and energetic art community in Cecil County. I see the Arts Council creating partnerships with artists, business, and government that benefit and include the entire community. This includes creating a great environment to attract tourism to Cecil County.
Tom McWilliams – The Arts Council certainly has had a positive effect on my descendants as indicated in my answer to question one above. I believe that it is a very poitive influence and adds to the quality of life in the County.
Jim Mullin – I personally feel the citizens enjoy it.
Sharon Weygand - The Art Council has a real positive effect for the arts on the Cecil County community in two ways. One, promoting and presenting the arts is an important component in the quality of life both for those who already embrace the arts and for those who are presented with an opportunity to appreciate, learn more about the arts, and therefore enjoy all that the arts bring to our lives. Whether by seeing a beautiful picture, listening to a musical concert, or performing in a local plays, etc, all these art forms help to fill a real void in the county. Second, the awarding of scholarships to students interested in the arts and the overall encouragement the Arts Council gives to our youth is a tremendous contribution to the county.
3. The state of Maryland has been incredibly supportive of the arts/county arts councils as a benefit to the quality of life of Maryland residents and its potential as a draw for tourists. What do you perceive to be the county’s role in supporting Cecil County arts and Arts Council, financially? (For the past two years the county has awarded the Arts Council $30,000 for operating and sub-grant support).
Pam Bailey – The County seems to really care about the Arts Council and knows the value of the Arts of this County. I will keep saying you are of great importance because of all you do to keep Cecil County in the forefront by attracting tourist and new residents. You play a great role in this.
Robert Hodge - I see the partnership between the Arts Council and Cecil County government being very beneficial, especially if it supports and increases tourism in our community. Tourism, because of our arts community, has a direct positive economic impact as visitors spend their money in Cecil County – good for all of our businesses and also for the tax revenue it generates. Also, I consider many of the Arts Council members to be small business owners. The County Commissioners must provide an environment in Cecil County that supports all small business.
Tom McWilliams – It is very important that the County continue to strongly support the arts and the Arts Council, financially as well.
Jim Mullin – I feel the county should support the arts. The amount awarded seems reasonable.
Sharon Weygand - I believe the county should continue to support the Arts Council considering, of course, the fiscal constraints and demands of other non-profit organizations. The Arts Council would be high on my priority of organizations to receive county money.
4. Do you attend events sponsored by or are you a member of the Cecil County Arts Council?
Pam Bailey - No, I am not a member. Yes, I have sat in the back and I am a behind the scenes worker. I believe in giving credit where credit is due and will never take that away from anyone. You have worked too hard for your efforts.
Robert Hodge - Yes, I am a member of the Cecil County Arts Council and have attended events, including the annual Arts Council Fund Raising Dinner.
Tom McWilliams – Rosalinda and I have been family members of the Cecil County Arts Council for approximately 20 years. At least one of us is in attendance at 90% of the events sponsored by CCAC. I find the display of the art, poetry and prose prepared by the clients of Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services to be very moving and informative.
Jim Mullin – I personally have not attended a sponsored event or am I member of the Cecil County Arts Council, but would welcome the opportunity.
Sharon Weygand - Though not a member of the Cecil County Arts Council, I attend many events sponsored by the Arts Council, including art exhibits and plays at Cecil College, and musical performances at county schools. Recently, I attended the reception at the Art Council – Dog Days. Also, when I worked at the Town of Port Deposit, the Arts Council, sent local artists to different areas in town to paint the scenic Port Deposit area. Then, we displayed their works in town hall. In addition, Artist Brian Tornell painted a beautiful scene depicting Captain John Smith at the Tot Lot Playground on Main Street.
5. Moving forward, what do you feel should be the highest priority of arts and culture in Cecil County?
Pam Bailey - Highest priority would be to keep on going as you have. It is my opinion that you have done an excellent job. If elected this is my true feeling to hold all Department Heads accountable for all of their doings. I do want you to know I hold you in the highest regard as having done a great job. We need to keep growing our quality of life and your department adds tremendous value toward this objective.
Robert Hodge - With the many changes Cecil County continues to undergo, I hope our art community continues the legacy they have started. For Elkton to be named as a Maryland Designated Arts and Entertainment District is a great honor, and shows we value the arts as an important part of our quality of life.
I am fortunate to have several paintings done by my grandmother. They capture people and places that had significance to my grandmother, and are a priceless legacy she left to her grandson. I hope that all artists, individually and as a group, support each other and encourage new generations of artists to express their talents.
Tom McWilliams – We need to support and encourage our diverse expression of arts in Cecil County since it is an avenue for development of the creativity of our citizens while encouraging the arts inherent to the rural culture of the county.
Jim Mullin – I feel they should be visible and should preserve the history and culture of Cecil County for future generations to admire and enjoy.
Sharon Weygand - As a Cecil County substitute teacher and a parent of three children who have been involved in All County Band and Marching Band, I think the highest priority is to promote the arts in our county schools. Arts should be included as a part of the curriculum, and the Board of Education should be continually encouraged to do all they can possibly do to promote the arts. |
