Nonprofit Spotlight

Nonprofit Spotlight

Ann's Circle

Supporting Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center

Ann’s Circle, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the programs and activities found at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Calvert County. Most significantly, the nonprofit supports Annmarie Garden’s membership program. Membership at Annmarie provides a variety of benefits, which include free admission to the award-winning arts building and sculpture garden, season tickets to all special events, and discounts on classes in the studio school. Due to the significant support that Annmarie receives from Ann’s Circle donors, a “pay what you can” admission policy provides access to all visitors.

Annmarie Garden has a variety of programs that are supported by Ann’s Circle donors, including scholarship programs for camps and classes. One supported community effort is Honoring Local Heroes, a yearly campaign that asks sponsors to support local heroes with donated tickets to the Garden in Lights event. Tickets are offered to families of first responders, educators, hospital workers, and the military during the holiday event. Annmarie also participates in the national Museums for All program in order to encourage access for the entire community. Perhaps most meaningfully, privately donated funds are used to support artists with disabilities and promote artistic accessibility.

“Really enjoyed visiting the garden. It was fun looking for the subtle pieces found along the path. Little pictures painted on three trunks and small pieces within the branches. The major pieces on loan from the Smithsonian were wonderful and made the visit worthwhile.” – Margaret, visitor, 2021

Additionally, Annmarie Garden’s environmental programs enrich the lives of children and adults throughout Southern Maryland. Families and school districts look to Annmarie to provide an engaging and interactive STEAM curriculum through the Nature Nook, Creature Features, Observation Station, and environmentally focused crafts at the ArtLab. Annmarie takes pride in prioritizing native plants in its landscaping and educational programming. Thanks to donors, all of these things and more are waiting to be discovered at Annmarie Garden.

Walk along the tree-lined trail and take in the serenity of a horticultural treasure, which contains world-renowned art designed in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution. This art is nourished by the board and staff of Ann’s Circle. When people walk there, they become captivated by this community treasure and visit often.

“Annmarie Garden has been a part of our family for years, and it keeps getting better! My kids have taken yoga classes, clay classes and even attended weddings there. I love the art, evening events and works on loan from Hirshorn. It’s a very special place with unending possibilities.” – Chelsea I., member

Annmarie Garden serves over 90,000 people with its programs. If you are interested in learning more, would like to become a member, or want to support its work through a charitable contribution, please contact Maria McDonald at 410- 326-4640 or donor@annmariegarden.org.

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