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About the Denton Artsway

We’ve come a long way, baby!

The Denton Artsway first launched in 2005 in a tiny area of downtown Denton. Over ten years, working with the Denton Development Corporation, we made a big impact within our small footprint. Together, we rescued and restored two blighted buildings that now serve the arts: The Foundry Community Arts Gallery and the Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore. We also welcomed a new artist to the district, Jan Baker’s Fourth Street Gallery.

Leveraging our success, we significantly expanded the Denton Artsway in 2015. It now covers 90 acres of downtown Denton. As a state-designated Arts & Entertainment (A&E) District, the Denton Artsway offers incentives and resources for artists, arts-related businesses, and property owners.

Our vision is to create a vibrant and thriving downtown by attracting artists, arts-related businesses, and other small businesses to the district. We are well on our way, join us!

The Denton Artsway is managed by the Caroline County Council of Arts (CCCA) in partnership with Downtown Denton Main Street (DDMS). Together, we support marketing, programming, and business services within the district. The CCCA Executive Director and the DDMS Coordinator also administer funding for projects within the Artsway. Current projects include three public art installations, Walk Your City wayfinding signage, festival lighting, updated market study, and mini-grants for façade improvements. These projects are in addition to the resources and incentives listed below.

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 welcome you to visit us and spend a day in the Denton Artsway! Here’s a sample itinerary of how you might spend your time when you’re here:

Book your stay at Turnbridge Point, a beautiful bed & breakfast on the banks of the Choptank River (119 Gay Street). Co-owner Chef Steve Konopelski was a finalist on Season 2 of Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship. A breakfast prepared by Chef Steve is a real treat, and it’s a great way to start your day!

Just across the street, you’ll find the Museum of Rural Life (16 N Second Street). This charming museum tells the stories of early Americans living in an agriculture-based economy. You can see an authentic log cabin that was typical for the region during the early years of our nation. The museum offers outstanding rotating exhibits and frequently features artwork depicting scenes of rural life on the Eastern Shore.

Spend some time shopping with a stop at Joviality (214 Market Street), a boutique with a fabulous selection of accessories, gifts, and home décor. Then head over to Patti’s Petals & Gifts (219 Market Street) for a special treat for your home or garden. The What’s New Shop (224 Market Street) offers a selection of religious supplies and books.

When you’re ready for lunch, head over to the Market Street Public House (200 Market Street). The Pub is a local favorite! The menu features excellent pub food with Irish flair. Enjoy a pint of The Pub’s own brew with your lunch.

An afternoon of local art can begin with a stop at Black Anchor Tattoo (211 Market Street), a shop widely recognized as a leader in the Traditional American style. In addition to skin art, drawings are available for purchase. Grab a cup of coffee and a pastry at Nich’s (5 N Third Street), a cozy vintage style coffee shop with books and vinyl. While there see if there is an open mic, music, game night or paint night event that you want to come back for later.

From there, head up Market Street to The Foundry (401 Market Street). Before stepping through its doors, be sure to enjoy the public art project, The Musician and The Muses. Once inside, you will find the work of over 40 local artists in a variety of mediums including painting, woodturning, glass & mosaics, and folk & decorative arts, among others.

After that, head down to the Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore (FACES)  (7 N Fourth Street). Rotating exhibits feature the work of quilt makers and other fiber artists from throughout the region. The Foundry and FACES have a regular schedule of classes on a variety medium and skill levels, so check their calendar–FACES classes & events, Foundry classes & events— to see if there’s a class you’d like to join during your visit.

Across the street from FACES is Jan Baker’s Fourth Street Gallery (12 N. Fourth Street). Jan and her husband Jim, a lapidary artist, team up to create unique hand-crafted jewelry. The gallery also features Jan’s original paintings and re-purposed artwork that reflect themes of the Eastern Shore. Well worth a visit!

If you’re in town on a third Thursday, hit up the Open Air Market located at the corner of 3rd and Market Streets. Stock up on local treasures and enjoy a round of corn-hole while listening to live music. Open every third Thursday during May – October, 6pm – 8pm. Also check out the Denton Main Street calendar for Friday Nite Cruise-In and other special event dates.

Wrap up your day with a cocktail at Harry’s On the Green (4 S First Street). Happy hour is available from 4 – 6 pm with fantastic small plate specials. Then stay for dinner and enjoy an outstanding fine dining menu prepared by Chef Jeri Wyre.

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.

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.

Birdhouses of Denton

Enhancing the bulletin board and electrical access points around the Courthouse Green and Market Street, these “birdhouses” incorporate bird images made by local artist.

A Snapshot in Time

See what life was like on the busy steamboat wharf in Denton. These life-size photographs cleverly mounted beneath the bridge provide a realistic vision of thriving commerce on the Choptank River in its heyday.

Community Mosaic Project

A collection of community created mosaic tiles incorporated into the Denton Community Demonstration Garden area.

From the Heron’s Eye

A hand-crafted ceramic tile river themed mosaic mural to be installed June 2019

Clearly Loved Waterways

A ceramic glass river sculpture to be installed June 2019

Flower Towers

Free standing floral panels to be installed May 2019

FDR Statue

A commissioned bronze statue commemorating Franklin D. Roosevelt’s visit to Denton. Pending funding.

Annual Artsway Programs & Events

There is always something going on in the Artsway! Explore some of our most anticipated annual events below.

Second Saturdays

Free artist led demonstrations, activities or talks on the second Saturday of every month from 2-4pm in the Artsway.

Third Thursdays

On the third Thursday of every month shops and restaurants have extended hours and specials. During the warm summer evenings there is also an Open Air Market, live music, plein air painting and a Corn Hole competition on the 200 block of Market Street.

Friday Nite Cruise-In

On the second Friday of the summer months you can mix and mingle with spectators and car owners on Market Street and enjoy a DJ spinning oldies tunes, food vendors and more.

Miracle on Market Street

Features seasonal activities, local crafters and shop specials during the holiday shopping season.

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.

Supper at Sunset

Delight in the company of your friends and neighbors as you enjoy an elegant meal on Market Street. Held on a Saturday evening in September.

Spring Thing

Free community arts festival featuring local artists and businesses, live entertainment, art activities, plein air painting, concessions and fun for the while family. Held the Saturday afternoon before Mother’s Day.

Want More?

Caroline County Arts Trail Brochure

Want more? Explore the Shore

A & E Artists

TAX INCENTIVES

Marketing Help

Loans & More

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 HERE

Top 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):

Ampersand

Ampersand

Type of Art
Performing Arts

Jan Baker

Jan Baker

Type of Art
Jewelry, Painting

Jillian Downes

Jillian Downes

Type of Art
Painting

Joanne Gelles

Joanne Gelles

Type of Art
Decorative Arts, Drawing, Mixed Media, Painting, Visual Arts, Mosaics

Kyleen

Kyleen

Type of Art
Jewelry

Petrea J Macdonald

Petrea J Macdonald

Type of Art
Painting

Sammati Dance Company

Sammati Dance Company

Type of Art
Performing Arts

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*

Years 1, 2, and 3

100%

Years 4 and 5

80%

Years 6 and 7

60%

Years 8 and 9

40%

Year 10

30%

 

*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

 

322 Market Street, Denton, Maryland 21629

Large 18000 square foot building. Includes frontage on Market Street and Fourth street.

Has office and retail downstairs and additional offices upstairs. When fully rented building can bring in over $ 60,000 a year. Actually room on the Second floor for more offices. Each floor has two baths and a central hallway. Building also has doors in the front and back for fire escapes. Vinyl roof.

Available For Sale  |  $239,500

Call Owner Email Owner View Full Listing

7 N. First Street, Denton, Maryland 21629

Perfect for someone with an in-home business!

Zoned Central Business Commercial, which allows you to both live and work in the space, this property in downtown Denton would be perfect for someone with an in-home business. 1,800 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms and 1 full bath upstairs, and a handicapped accessible half bath, and large bedroom with walk-in closet downstairs, this property is available for rent for $1,200 per month, plus security deposit, for a minimum of one year lease.

Available For Lease  |  $1200.00 per month

Call Owner Email Owner View Full Listing

Annual Report

Each year, CCCA submits an annual report to the Maryland State Arts Council summarizing our work within the Denton Artsway. Download the report here.

Request More Information

Use the form below to receive our Artsway Resource Guide, and find out more information on the resources, incentives and benefits of relocating to the Denton Artsway with your creative business endeavor!

Artsway Resources
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This project is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org)