Category D, Amateur, Mixed Media/Collage: First Place – Melissa Mackey for her collage “Hanging Out”. Photo by Rebecca Placek
WIN: Paul Reed Smith Guitar
Kent Island through the Times
Events
JOIN US September 17th Ramshead Fundraiser
SECOND LEDO PIZZA FUNDRAISER A GREAT SUCCESS!
Phase 1 of the Clay Center was the planning and construction of the building. Phase 2 is the assessment of donated equipment and supplies and acquisition of new equipment and supplies. Phase 3 will include classes and open studio. In the Clay Center, Stephanie Zeiler at the new Slab Roller that is used to flatten clay into uniform flat sheets for hand-building pottery, tiles, and other ceramic projects. The slabs give artists the ability to make forms that would be impossible to do on a potter’s wheel. Kristen Tull worked with clay that had been re-hydrated and softened, and was ready for the Pug Mill that is used to freshen up the softened clay to make it new workable clay.
Gallery Shows
Attended, not in photos: Vicki Cearfoss; Mary Jo and John Glacken and her daughter and son-in-law; Mr. and Mrs. Houston; Sue Mayberry; and Becky Placek
June 25, 2025 - Jay Batterden “Dr. Clay” (in photo, at left) and his volunteer assistant Dean Ling (at right) assembled the new L & L Kiln. Jay said that this kiln is the best kiln on the market because it is easier to use and to maintain.
Our next fundraiser is Wednesday, September 17, at the Ram's Head Restaurant in Stevensville from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Ram's Head is providing a flyer that everyone must show in order for KIFA to get credit for 20% of our total sales that night. If you are unable to print it from our newsletter, please let Margaret know and she will print one for you in the office. We should also be able to show it to them on our phones. PLEASE NOTE: We are NOT allowed to hand out the flyers to people in the restaurant or parking lot who are not affiliated with KIFA. They were quite adamant about that.
As a bonus, we are able to display and sell tickets for the Paul Reed Smith guitar raffle!
And even better, the Ram's Head is allowing us to display some art that night. There is enough room for 15 artists to display 2 items (ONLY 2 items) in about 2 linear feet of space. This is not hanging space, and will require your own stand. Every item must be labeled with your name, phone number, price, and mention KIFA. To be fair to everyone, the first 15 members who send an email to the office (arthousekifa@gmail.com) asking to participate will be allowed to display their work. EMAIL only, word of mouth or phone calls don't count. We will see the time on the emails coming in to determine who those 15 people are. The 15 artists who respond first will be responsible for bringing their 2 items with them and taking them home at the end of the night.
We hope to see you there!
Value $1,200
PRS SE Angelus Acoustic-Electric Guitar, including: backpacker guitar case, guitar strap, and tuner.
Raffle - $5.00 each or 5 for $20.
Benefit Kent Island Federation of Arts (KIFA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Mail your check for Raffle tickets to KIFA at:
405 Main Street, Stevensville, MD 21666
DRAWING: Sunday, November 30, 2025. Need not be present to win.
Text and photos by Rebecca Placek.
CASCIO CLAY CENTER AT KIFA
Show Dates: August 28 through October 26, 2025
Weather: Rain, wind, storms, clouds, and snow
We had such a great time at the Ledo's FUNdraiser last month that we are doing it again!
August 13, 2025 was KIFA’s Second Fundraiser at Ledo Pizza. Twenty percent of our orders were donated to KIFA to support house repairs. Thank you very much Mary-Lynne Neil for arranging the fundraiser. Twenty-seven people attended the event. Many thanks to all who “dined in” or ordered “take out” to support the fundraiser.
Text and photos by Rebecca Placek
50th ANNIVERSARY GIFT TO THE KENT ISLAND HERITAGE SOCIETY FROM KIFA
On August 9, 2025, in recognition of the Kent Island Heritage Society’s 50th Anniversary, KIFA’s Co-President Rebecca Placek presented a photo to Jack Broderick, President of the Kent Island Heritage Society. The photo is “Homecoming” by Dale Hall and it shows an osprey returning to its nest. Look for it in the Kent Island Heritage Center’s new museum, at 310 Love Point Road in Historic Stevensville, scheduled to open later this year.
Text by Rebecca Placek | Photo by Robert Tessier
Category E, Amateur, Photography: First Place – Rebecca Placek for her photo “At the Historic Stevensville Station”. Photo by Fitz Turner
CURRENT GALLERY SHOW
Reception attendees: Tom and Kathy Dove. Photo by Fitz Turner
(No sunrises or sunsets)
Show Dates: October 30 – December 21, 2025
Reception Thursday Oct. 30 | 5-7 pm
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.
June 25, 2025 – Stephanie Zeiler, Executive Director Clay Center, stands by a new shelf made and donated by Stephanie’s father (Larry Zeiler). Stephanie said that potters will be able to slide their pottery on the shelves as they are working on the potter’s wheel.
The Show Judge was Joan Stoer, a retired art teacher who taught in Montgomery County Public Schools and a Board of Directors member for the Kent Island Heritage Society. Photo by Fitz Turner
Reception attendees, left to right: Judy Tucker, Tom Tucker, Mary Ann Buckley and Rita Myers. Photo by Fitz Turner
Category A, Amateur, Oils/Acrylics/Pastels: First Place – Mary Ann Buckley for her acrylic painting “Bloody Point Lighthouse”. Photo by Rebecca Placek
August 28, 2025 was the Reception for Kent Island through the Times Gallery Show at Kent Island Federation of Arts (KIFA). The Show Judge was Joan Stoer, a retired art teacher who taught in Montgomery County Public Schools and a Board of Directors member for the Kent Island Heritage Society. She was honored to be asked to judge this special show that highlights the history of Kent Island. Each show entry has an artist statement about their art piece and how the piece relates to the history of Kent Island. This show celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Kent Island Heritage Society. Thirty people attended the reception. The Show Chairpersons were Margaret Tessier and Mary Ann Buckley. Twenty pieces are in this show featuring oils, acrylics, watercolor, graphics, mixed media, collage, photography, and jewelry. The show closes on October 26. 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 Rebecca Placek and Fitz Turner
Docents enjoyed breakfast and gift bags on September 8, 2025, for their annual appreciation event. The breakfast was hosted by KIFA’s Co-Presidents Melissa Craig and Becky Placek. Special thanks to Mary-Lynne Neil, Vicki Spinelli, and Judy Tucker for bringing tasty treats and to Melissa Craig for the gift bags for all. Pat Spinella and Judy Tucker donated handcrafted earrings, and Lorraine Sincavage donated painted gourd pens for the gift bags. Thanks to you all for the generosity of your time. Because of you, KIFA has been able to staff the 4-day per week Docent schedule Thursdays through Sundays. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Text by Rebecca Placek
Professional: First Place – Ann Crane Harlan for her watercolor “Kent Light House”. Photo by Rebecca Placek
Copyright © 2025 Kent Island Federation of Arts, All rights reserved.
June 25, 2025 - Jay Batterden “Dr. Clay” (in photo, at left) and his volunteer assistant Dean Ling (at right) assembled the new L & L Kiln. Jay said that this kiln is the best kiln on the market because it is easier to use and to maintain.
Left to right – Lee Butera; Becky Jones; Susan Thau; Penny and Joel Purcell and their daughter Kate; Karen Pavlik, Margaret Tessier; Mary-Lynne Neil; Caz Bateman; and Sally Prascus.
KENT ISLAND THROUGH THE TIMES
GALLERY SHOW AT KIFA
Reception attendees, left to right: Dale Hall; Jack Broderick President of the Kent Island Heritage Society; John Conley Editor of the Kent Island Heritage Society’s Newsletter “Isle of Kent – 1631”; and Darlene Conley. Photo by Fitz Turner
Text and photos by Rebecca Placek
Left to right – Rona and Steve Warner; Pat and Charlie Spinella; Tom and Judy Tucker; and Anne Spillman.
NEXT GALLERY SHOW
EXHIBITS AND EVENTS
DOCENT APPRECIATION BREAKFAST AT KIFA