Everyday Magic: Denton’s 2025 Artsway Banners Bring Color and Connection to Market Street

DENTON, MD – For the third year running, the Denton Artsway is being transformed into a vibrant outdoor gallery with the return of the 2025 Mainstreet Banners Project. We have 12 local artists creating striking displays of colorful and community-driven banners, to hang along Market Street. These 60-inch tall and 24-inch-wide banners will be installed and will adorn downtown Denton celebrating local culture, creativity, and resilience.

This year’s theme, “Everyday Magic”, highlights the magic you experience on a everyday basis in Denton, showcasing the beauty, unity, and positivity that define our community.

“Every day magic” is all around us — in the little moments, the small joys, and the beauty we often overlook. This year’s banner project invites you to pause, reflect, and share what every day magic in Denton means to you. Let’s show the town how magical our daily lives can truly be.

A significant part of making this project a reality comes from the generous support of local sponsors. Businesses such as Pizza Empire, Craft Bakery & Café, Night Kitchen, Market Street Public House, Mary Elizabeth & Tom Atwood, Caroline Review, Shore Strategies LLC, Caroline County Public Library, Red Light Liquors, Purple Peak, Paperwork Pros & Burke and Herbert Bank played a crucial role in funding the project.

Our goal is to brighten Denton’s streets with a little Everyday Magic. By hanging these vibrant banners throughout town, we not only celebrate our local creativity — we also draw people in, boost tourism, and support our local economy. It’s art with impact, and we want you to be part of it!

The project doesn’t just beautify the town; it reinforces a core mission of the CCCA: to use art as a tool for community engagement and economic growth. By elevating local talent and adding visual interest to Market Street, the banners help create a space where creativity flourishes and businesses thrive.

The Artsway Banners Project is a testament to the resilience of Denton. As the community continues to navigate challenges, these banners serve as a reminder of the moments of joy that unite us all. Whether it’s through the vibrant hues of the artwork or the stories they tell, these banners will inspire hope and positivity in all who visit.

Be sure to keep an eye out for future updates, including details on an upcoming auction where you’ll have the opportunity to take home a piece of Denton’s artistic legacy.

For more information on the banners and the Denton Artsway, or to learn how you can get involved in future projects, contact the Caroline County Council of Arts.

Special thanks to Tom McCall from The Star Democrat for covering the story and highlighting the incredible artists and sponsors who made last year’s 2024 banner project possible.

Mental Health Art Exhibit ~ Friday, October 17th 2025 ~

Art & Mental Health: Join Us for Our Exhibit

October is Wellness Health Month, and The Foundry Art Gallery invites the community to explore the powerful connection between art and mental wellness.

Throughout the entire month, our gallery will feature a special exhibit showcasing artwork from local artists that reflects on mental health, personal stories, and the healing power of creativity.

Come visit anytime during October to experience inspiring pieces that open conversation, foster understanding, and celebrate the importance of mental well-being in our community.

In recognition of Wellness Health Month, The Foundry Art Gallery is proud to host a special art exhibit showcasing the powerful connection between creativity and mental wellness.

Event Details:
Date: Friday, October 17th, 2025
Time: 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: The Foundry Art Gallery, 401 Market St., Denton, MD

During this special reception, guests will experience thought-provoking artwork from local artists while enjoying drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Downstairs we will have a guest speaker, & Upstairs, a free art activity will be open to everyone, creating a hands-on way to join in the celebration.

We’re thrilled to welcome author Marnie Stockman, whose inspirational book encourages readers to take leadership in their own lives. Marnie will share powerful insights on personal growth, self-leadership, and how taking charge of your story can positively impact mental wellness.

Guests are also invited to join Casey Wells and Penelope Hutchins for a mini collage, journaling, and personal reflection workshop titled “How to Work Past the Fear of a Blank Page.” This creative session offers gentle guidance for exploring self-expression and mindfulness through art.

A representative from For All Seasons will be available with valuable mental health information and resources, offering insight into the services and support available within our community.

Come spend an afternoon of art, inspiration, and community as we celebrate creativity and the importance of mental well-being.

The Foundry Art Gallery
📍 401 Market St., Denton, MD

The Caroline County Council of Arts invites artists to participate in an upcoming exhibition inspired by the spirit, creativity, and cultural impact of the Harlem Renaissance.

This exhibition celebrates the powerful voices, artistic innovation, and enduring influence of one of the most important cultural movements in American history. Artists are encouraged to submit work that reflects the themes of resilience, identity, joy, struggle, community, music, literature, and visual expression connected to the Harlem Renaissance or its continued legacy.

📅 Important Dates

• Art Submission Deadline: January 23, 2026

• Artwork Drop-Off Location:
  The Foundry Art Gallery
  401 Market Street, Denton, MD

• Exhibition Reception:
  Saturday, February 7, 2026
  12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  At The Foundry

🎨 Who May Submit

This call is open to artists working in all mediums. Both emerging and established artists are welcome to apply.

📦 Submission Details

Artists will be asked to drop off their artwork in person at The Foundry by the submission deadline. Additional details regarding drop-off times, artwork requirements, and sales information will be shared directly with participating artists.

🤝 Community & Celebration

Join us for the opening reception on February 7 to celebrate the artists, the work, and the lasting legacy of the Harlem Renaissance. This event is free and open to the public.

For questions or additional information, please contact the Caroline County Council of Arts or visit The Foundry during gallery hours.

We look forward to celebrating art, history, and community with you.

Harlem Renaissance–Inspired Art
Harlem Renaissance–inspired art draws from the cultural, social, and creative movement that flourished in the 1920s and 1930s. Artists of this era celebrated Black identity, history, and everyday life through bold imagery, rich color, music, literature, and storytelling. The work often reflects themes of resilience, pride, creativity, and community, honoring African American experiences while challenging stereotypes and uplifting voices that had long been overlooked.

Get Ready for Mactoberfest 2025!

🧀 Join the fun for the 7th annual celebration of all things cheesy at the Chesapeake Culinary Center in Denton! This year’s Mactoberfest promises to be bigger and better than ever, bringing together local vendors, refreshing beer and wine selections, and the most talented top chefs around.

🌟 Chef Showdown Chefs will go head-to-head, showcasing their mouthwatering recipes to win your vote. The stakes are high as they compete for a $1,000 cash prize, the coveted Big Cheese Trophy, and ultimate bragging rights as The Big Cheese 2025.

🍴 Fun for Everyone Whether you’re a foodie, a cheese lover, or just looking for a fantastic way to spend the day, Mactoberfest has something for everyone. Stroll through vendor stalls, sip on delightful drinks, and immerse yourself in the culinary showdown that’s guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds!

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar Don’t miss the excitement at Mactoberfest 2025. Save the date, gather your friends, and join us for an unforgettable experience where you decide which chef reigns supreme.

Exclusive VIP Experience Last year’s VIP tickets sold out, so don’t wait to claim yours! VIP attendees will enjoy premium access inside the beautiful Chesapeake Culinary Center, complete with:

• A private bar for refreshments
• A goodie bag filled with surprises
• Larger mac and cheese tastings for the ultimate indulgence
• Live cooking demonstrations by talented chefs
• Access to the luxurious massage room
• Convenient indoor restrooms for ultimate comfort

Tickets on sale now!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mactoberfest-25-tickets-1306833878309?aff=oddtdtcreator

You’re Invited!

Join us at The Foundry on Friday, August 8th, 2025, from 4–6 PM for Shalagh Hogan’s Creativity Challenge Exhibit.

Enjoy light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres while exploring the work inspired by Shalagh’s ongoing creative practice. The event includes a prompted craft workshop, and a special artist talk by Shalagh Hogan.

Shalagh will share how committing to daily creative challenges—like her 60- and 100-day projects—has helped her grow as an artist, stay accountable, and unlock new levels of creativity. Whether you’re an artist or just curious, you’ll leave inspired by the power of showing up for your creativity every day.

We hope to see you there!

 The CCCA & Shalagh Hogan Present…

🎨7 Days of Art x4🎨

A Creative Challenge Led by Shalagh Hogan
Starts July 6, 2025
#CCCACreativeJuly2025 #OurCreativeJuly25

The Caroline County Council of Arts is thrilled to partner with Shalagh Hogan—The Foundry’s July Artist of the Month—for 7 Days of Art x4, a creative community challenge designed to spark joy, self-trust, and artistic exploration.

This challenge invites you to commit to seven days of intentional creativity, with the option to continue the journey for up to four weeks. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this is your chance to show up for yourself and your creative practice in a welcoming, low-pressure space.

💡 How It Works:

• Create something daily for 7 days—big or small!

• Share your work on social media using the hashtag #CCCACreativeJuly2025 & #OurCreativeJuly25

• Feeling inspired? Extend your practice and join us for the full 4 weeks!

• Weekly prompts and encouragement will be shared to help keep you motivated.

  🌟 Why Join?

  Shalagh Hogan has completed over a dozen 60+ day creativity challenges and knows firsthand how daily artmaking can:

  • Ease anxiety

  • Build confidence

  • Strengthen your creative voice

  • Reconnect you with joy and purpose

  After leading several online challenges, Shalagh is excited to bring the experience home to her community—and to you.

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  📣 Stay Connected

  Follow the hashtag #CCCACreativeJuly2025 & OurCreativeJuly25 to see what others are creating and to share your journey! Check back weekly for inspiration, featured artworks, and creative reflections.

  Join us starting July 6 and let’s create something beautiful—together.

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🎨 Ken Rose – The Foundry’s Artist of the Month
Join us this September 2025 as we celebrate the work of Ken Rose, our Featured Artist of the Month!

Ken Rose – Capturing the Beauty of Nature and Its Wildlife

Ken Rose, the artist behind Neanderthal Photography, is a self-taught landscape and wildlife photographer based on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. His work has been featured in local shops, museums, and state calendars, earning both local and international awards.

Ken’s photography reveals the beauty of the natural world—whether in the warm glow of daylight or the quiet magic of night. One of his ongoing series, In the Presence of Trees, reflects his deep connection to nature. In it, he explores the quiet strength, intricate beauty, and profound presence of trees, inviting viewers to slow down, reflect, and consider their relationship with the living landscapes around them.

When he’s not behind the lens, Ken enjoys relaxing with a glass of wine with his wife and spending time with their grandsons. He shares his past and future works on Instagram and Facebook, where his audience can follow his creative journey.