About the Denton Artsway
The Denton Artsway: Nearly Two Decades of Creative Growth
The Denton Artsway first launched in 2005, with a vision to bring art, culture, and creativity to downtown Denton. Now, almost 20 years later, the Artsway has grown into a vibrant and thriving district, making a lasting impact on the community and arts scene.
Through collaborative efforts with local leaders, including downtown shop owners and community members, we have successfully restored two historically significant buildings to serve as cultural hubs: The Foundry Co-op Gallery and the Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore (FACES). Together, we’ve breathed new life into downtown Denton and laid the foundation for a future full of artistic expression and business growth.
In 2015, the Denton Artsway expanded to cover 90 acres of downtown, earning its designation as a state-certified Arts & Entertainment (A&E) District. This designation provides incentives and resources for artists, arts-related businesses, and property owners.
Our vision is to continue fostering a vibrant downtown by attracting artists, arts-related businesses, and small enterprises to the district. We’ve made tremendous strides, but we’re just getting started—join us as we continue to grow!
The Denton Artsway is guided by a dedicated board consisting of community leaders, business owners, and stakeholders, including Main Street members. Together, we support marketing, programming, and resources within the district. Current projects focus on enhancing the district’s appeal and accessibility, including public art installations, wayfinding signage, and a revitalization study aimed at strengthening Denton’s arts and cultural landscape.
Visit the Denton Artsway
The Denton Artsway encompasses 90 acres of shopping, dining, art galleries, public art, and performance space. Please use the map below to find your way around the Denton Artsway. Use the Google Map tools to zoom in and out and pan to view the district. Get directions here.
Spend a Day in the Artsway
Downtown Denton is a charming and historic small town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We invite you to visit and spend a day exploring the Denton Artsway! Here’s a sample itinerary of how you might spend your time in our vibrant arts district:
Start your day with a visit to the Museum of Rural Life (16 N Second Street). This delightful museum shares the stories of early Americans living in an agriculture-based economy. It features a beautifully preserved log cabin and a variety of rotating exhibits, many of which include artwork that reflects rural life on the Eastern Shore.
After the museum, take a stroll down Market Street and discover the unique shops of Denton. Enjoy a stop at Moe’s on Market (214 Market Street), an antique store filled with treasures from the past. Then, head over to Betty’s Boutique (222 Market Street), a local dress shop offering formal wear, wedding and prom dresses, accessories, alterations, as well as suits for men and more! Next, make your way to Main Street Sweets (323 Market Street) for a sweet treat, featuring Snoballs, Cotton Candy, Caramel and Candy Apples, Caramel Apple Chips, Nachos, and more! Then, head over to Patti’s Petals & Gifts (219 Market Street) for something special for your home or garden. For those seeking unique religious items and books, The What’s New Shop (224 Market Street) is a great spot to explore.
When you’re ready for lunch, head over to Caroline’s in Denton(406 Market Street), whether you’re enjoying the best seasonal dishes at Caroline’s Table or grabbing a bite at The Sidebar, you can trust that every meal is crafted with the highest quality ingredients.
Or, if you’re craving something different, stop by Market Street Public House (200 Market Street), a local favorite offering great pub food with Irish flair. Enjoy a pint of The Pub’s own brew with your meal, or check out Earth Tones Café (4 S 1st Street), a cozy spot offering vegetarian options, gluten-free treats, and home-brewed coffee, all made in-house. For a sweet break, try Craft Bakery (12 S 3rd Street), a seasonally focused bakery and café featuring fresh, in-house roasted coffee.
After lunch, immerse yourself in local art with a visit to Kent Liberty Tattoo (403 Market Street). Known for a wide variety of tattoo styles, including traditional, realistic, and hyper-realistic art, Kent Liberty Tattoo features four talented artists: Shipwreck Sean, Allen Gardner, Brandon Mesa, and Kyle Gleissner. The shop is located right in the heart of the arts district and offers appointments Tuesday through Saturday.
Next, stop by Black Anchor Tattoo (211 Market Street), a shop recognized for its excellence in Traditional American tattoo style. In addition to tattoos, you can purchase original drawings and artwork from the artists.
For more art exploration, head up Market Street to The Foundry (401 Market Street). Before stepping inside, enjoy the public art project, The Musician and The Muses. Inside, you’ll find works from over 40 local artists, including paintings, woodturning, glass and mosaics, folk art, and decorative pieces.
Finish your art tour at the Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore (FACES) (7 N Fourth Street), where rotating exhibits highlight the work of regional quilters and fiber artists. Both The Foundry and FACES offer a regular schedule of classes across various mediums and skill levels, so be sure to check out their calendars for upcoming classes and events you can join during your visit.
Designated as a Maryland Main Street since 1999, Downtown Denton Main Street (DDMS) revitalizes our historic district by strengthening local businesses and enhancing the community. Through a focus on promotion, organization, economic development, and design, DDMS helps improve the economy and appearance of downtown. They also host a variety of events, partnering with local organizations like the Caroline County Council of Arts to bring cultural and community celebrations to Denton. With a commitment to local investment and visible change, DDMS continues to foster a thriving and connected downtown.
Public Art In The Artsway
Come visit on your own, or schedule a guided tour through our various public art pieces located within the Artsway district. To schedule a personal tour, complete the form below.
Explore the following pieces in Downtown Denton, and download our Arts Trail Guide here!
Musician and the Muses
Representing the arts in the community, the life-size sculptures made of bailing wire depict a man playing a guitar and a dancing muse. The installation also includes two muses in the decorative bench designs along with a large tree mosaic that incorporates “The Invitation,” a poem representing possibility and inclusion.
Find out more
Byway Quilt Trail Blocks
The Stitching Stories of Freedom Byway Quilt Trail features 15 quilt block replicas located along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway in Caroline County. Garden Maze, Cotton Boll and Lincoln’s Platform are all located within the Artsway. Each quilt block was handpainted by a community member or organization and portrays a theme related to the Underground Railroad.
Find out more
From the Heron’s Eye
A hand-crafted ceramic tile river themed mosaic mural to be installed June 2019
Find out more soon
Heritage in Bloom Mural
The 20-foot-tall mural on the side of Pizza Empire, installed in June 2022, honors the owner’s Turkish heritage with vibrant depictions of flowers and vegetables. Created by two artists working from scaffolding, this colorful artwork brings a touch of culture and nature to Market Street.
Find out more soon
Artsway Banners
New, vibrant banners showcasing local artists’ work will soon be hung along Market Street, adding color and creativity to downtown Denton. Stay tuned for exciting updates and a fresh wave of community-driven art!
More info soon
Annual Artsway Programs & Events
There is always something going on in the Artsway! Explore some of our most anticipated annual events below.
Summerfest
Free themed family festival in historic downtown Denton with three stages of live entertainment, strolling performers, arts and crafts for the children, fireworks display, car show, and plenty of festival foods. Held on the third Friday and Saturday of August.
Each summer, Denton’s Main Street transforms into a vibrant outdoor gallery with the Artsway Banners Project. For 12 weeks, locally created, original artwork adorns the streets, celebrating community, creativity, and culture. Local artists bring their visions to life on large banners, showcasing the spirit of our town in bold, beautiful displays. This program, supported by local sponsors, not only brightens downtown but also strengthens community pride and engagement through public art.
Black History & Arts Celebration
Each February, join us at The Foundry for the annual Black History & Arts Celebration, a powerful event honoring Black culture, creativity, and community. Enjoy live music, interactive art activities, captivating poetry readings, and inspiring exhibitions by local artists. With delicious food, family-friendly activities, and special guests, this free event brings our community together to celebrate history, expression, and connection. Come and be part of an unforgettable day of art, music, and celebration!
Kick off the holiday season in historic downtown Denton with an enchanting combination of festive events! Stroll the streets to explore local shops and artisanal goods at our outdoor holiday market, complete with holiday music, a cozy tree lighting, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Join us for a heartwarming celebration of community, creativity, and holiday spirit!
An annual community celebration hosted by Caroline Pride and proudly sponsored by us! Join us for a day of unity, support, and fun in historic downtown Denton, dedicated to empowering and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community. Featuring live entertainment, educational booths, family-friendly activities, and local food vendors, this vibrant festival promotes diversity, inclusion, equity, and respect for all.
An annual event hosted by Downtown Denton Main Street, Supper at Sunset is an enchanting evening celebrating the flavors and arts of Caroline County. Enjoy a multi-course meal by local chefs, specialty coffee, and drinks from a cash bar in the community gardens, making it a memorable night under the sunset!
Year-Round Art Exhibitions & Classes
The Caroline County Council of Arts hosts a dynamic lineup of art exhibitions and creative classes throughout the year. From student showcases with Caroline County Public Schools to our Mental Health Art Show and diverse community exhibits, there’s always something inspiring on display. Join us for workshops and classes that invite artists of all ages and skill levels to explore their creativity. Stay connected by subscribing to our newsletter to keep up with our latest events and offerings!
Want more? Explore the Shore
A & E Artists
Calling all Creatives!!! Artists who produce and sell their work within Maryland’s A&E districts earn special incentives. We are actively working to recruit new artists to the Denton Artsway. If you’re an artist looking for a new place to work and call home, SIGNUP with us below to receive an information packet and/or make an appointment for a guided tour.
SIGNUP FOR OUR RESOURCE GUIDE HERETop 5 Reasons to Live, Work & Play in Denton
Why Denton?
Located on the Choptank River on the Chesapeake Peninsula, Denton is the perfect place for artists to live, work, and play. Here you’ll find a rural and relaxing lifestyle where you can set up shop and enjoy a wealth of heritage experiences, outdoor recreation and small town charm, yet be within an hour’s drive of several major metropolitan areas.
Central Location
DISTANCES FROM DENTON
Baltimore, Maryland 61mi
Boston, Massachusetts 395mi
New York, New York 184mi
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 96mi
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 282mi
Richmond, Virginia 170mi
Washington, DC 73mi
Affordable Living
Median Gross Rent $912
Median Monthly Owner Costs,
Including Mortgage $1509
Median House Price $185,000
The Great Outdoors
Caroline County has 8,000+ acres of parks, nature preserves and wildlife sanctuaries, including Martinak & Tuckahoe State Parks and Adkins Arboretum. Enjoy boating, fishing, biking, hiking, birding, horseback riding, camping, hunting and more!
Arts & Culture
As a state designated Arts & Entertainment district, the Denton Artsway is creating a vibrant arts scene with public art spaces, arts festivals and programs, resources and incentives, community art facilities, and heritage experiences.
Small Town Charm
We are the definitive Eastern Shore town. A place where farmers still gather on the courthouse lawn, where shops and restaurants line Market Street, and where kids gather after school at the library downtown. A place with creative spaces for artists inspired by the spectacular scenes of life on the Eastern Shore and places where you can dine on its bounty.
Meet Some of Our Artsway Artists
The following artists create or sell their artwork in the Denton Arts & Entertainment District (Denton Artsway):
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Resources & Incentives
Incentives
- Artwork produced and sold by qualifying residing artists in any Maryland A&E District is exempt from Maryland and local income tax. This includes work sold online and shipped from within the district.
- Admission & Amusement tax for live performances and other arts-related events that charge an admission fee may be waived in A&E Districts.
- Real property tax credits are available on the improvements made to properties for arts-related purposes. This includes new construction. See the section “For Property Owners” at the above tab for more details.
Key Definitions:
A “qualifying residing artist” is defined as an individual who:
- Owns or rents residential property in the County where the A&E District is located; and
- Conducts an arts or entertainment-related enterprise within the A&E District; and
- Derives income from the sale or performance of an artistic work within the A&E District (excluding adult entertainment) that the individual wrote, composed, or executed, either solely or with one or more other individuals.
An “arts or entertainment-related enterprise” is a for-profit or nonprofit entity dedicated to the visual or performing arts.
An “artistic work” means original and creative work, whether written or composed, or executed, that falls into one of the following categories:
- Book or other writing
- Play or the performance of a play
- Musical composition or performance of a musical composition
- Painting or other picture
- Sculpture
- Traditional or fine crafts
- Creation of a film or acting in a film
- Creation of a dance or performance of a dance
“Artistic work” includes any product generated as a result of any of the categories listed above. An artistic work does not include any piece or performance created or executed for industry-oriented or industry-related production, such as a commercial or advertising copy.
If you’d like more information about incentives or a copy of the income tax credit or real property tax credit applications, please contact us via email or by phone at 410.479.1009, or by completing the form below.
Marketing Assistance
Every business needs customers, and we have resources available to help market your business:
- Any arts-related event you host may be added to our events calendar. Please enter the details about your event and we will be happy to list it. We will also include your event in our e-newsletter and on social media.
- The Caroline Office of Tourism also maintains an events calendar. You may submit your event details via email [info@visitcaroline.org] to the Tourism Office for additional exposure.
- The Office of Tourism offers marketing support on a first come first served basis to Denton businesses, including artists.
- CCCA member artists may exhibit their work at The Foundry art gallery and may sell their work through The Foundry’s Etsy shop.
- Downtown Denton Main Street offers the following marketing assistance to downtown businesses, including artists: “Coming Soon” window poster announcements, grand opening recognition, a printed annual calendar of events & business directory, featured business videos, and co-op advertising opportunities.
Business Assistance
Whether you are launching a new business or growing one you’ve already established, Downtown Denton Main Street and the Caroline County Economic Development Office offer a variety of resources. Services include help in the following areas:
- Developing a business plan and applying for financing
- Developing a marketing plan for your business
- Compliance with local and state regulations
- Assistance completing applications for A&E District incentives
- Property search and site selection
- Providing links to training, marketing, and other business resources
- Coordinating market studies and strategic planning initiatives
- Denton Loan Program
- Caroline Small Business Loan Program
Our vision is to create a thriving and vibrant downtown, and non-arts related businesses play a key role in that vision. By locating in the Denton Artsway, you will enjoy the benefits of the foot traffic that the arts attract. Your business is eligible to use most of the Marketing and Business Assistance listed above. To get started, please contact Caroline Economic Development via email or at 410.479.4188.
Real Property Tax Credits
Properties within the Denton Artsway are eligible for real property tax credits for improvements that are made to the property for arts-related enterprises. If you renovate a property or build new, you will receive a tax break applied to the town portion of your real property taxes for the increased assessed value of the property. This tax break applies to the portion of the project that includes an arts-related enterprise.
For example, let’s say you buy a two-story building and fully renovate it. The first floor will be used as studio and gallery space and the second floor will include apartments. In this case, 50% of the project is for an arts-related enterprise, so 50% of the increased assessed value of the property is eligible for the tax credit.
The state’s assessment office only reassesses property if at least $100,000 is spent on renovations and/or construction. Therefore, all projects must include at least this level of investment to be eligible for real property tax breaks. This is the amount that must be spent on the entire project, not just the arts-related portion.
The real property tax credit is applied for ten years according to the following schedule:
Year Incentive*
*The amount by which the increased assessment of a property is reduced for the arts-related portion of the project. The reduction applies to real property taxes levied by the Town of Denton only.
If you would like more information or a copy of the application to qualify for real property tax credits, please contact CCCA via email or at 410.479.1009. Please note: An application for real property tax credits must be completed before your project begins.
Property Listings
CCCA is actively working to recruit new artists to live and work within the Denton Artsway. If you own a property that is available for sale or lease, we would be happy to include it in our online property listing (below) free of charge. Residential and commercial properties may be listed.
Available Properties
We would love to help you find your place in the Denton Artsway! The properties below are all located within the A&E District and are eligible for incentives. Listings include both residential and commercial properties.
List Your Property Here for Free
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