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!

The 2009 Summer Music Concert Series line-up has been announced.

The concert series, opening with Alligator Zydeco on July 5, will be presented by Cecil County Arts Council every Sunday evening in July and August from 6-8pm.  Pick up a flyer at CCAC or click below for a full schedule of this year’s performers. Bring a lawnchair or blanket, snacks, and enjoy. Donations will be accepted at each concert's intermission to benefit the 2010 Cecil County Arts Council's Scholarship Award.  Fun (and free!) for the entire family.  The 2009 Summer Music Concert Series is sponsored by PNC Bank. Click below for a full 2009 schedule.