IN BRIEF: TOURISM, FILM AND THE ARTS NEWS

Dodson and Groff latest additions to Maryland Tourism Development Board
Deborah Dodson, of Talbot County, and Kelly Groff, of Montgomery County, were both appointed to the Maryland Tourism Development Board for two-year terms. The two women join a 19-member tourism board that guides and supports the work of the Office of Tourism Development. The board works to preserve and promote the state’s natural, historical, scenic and cultural resources and encourages the development of new tourism resources, products, businesses and attractions.

New "Volition" sculpture complements National Business Park
Assistant Secretary of Tourism, Film and the Arts Hannah Byron joined Corporate Office Properties Trust President Rand Griffin on October 29 at the unveiling of "Volition," a sculpture by local artist Rodney Carroll which stands 40 feet tall and 60 feet across. The sculpture was commissioned for the new National Business Park by Corporate Office Properties Trust. The elegantly bowed stainless steel and cast stone sculpture is composed of multiple elements celebrating a successful civilization with associative artifacts of an earlier civilization.

Newly renovated Annapolis Visitors Center open for business
On November 8, Maryland Office of Tourism Development Executive Director Margot Amelia attended a ribbon cutting ceremony and cocktail reception for the $1.3 million expansion of the Annapolis Visitors Center. The upgrade will result in more office space and a reconfigured Visitors Center with modern restroom facilities and front-door access off of West Street. The changes also pave the way for increased technology, including Web site upgrades that will enable AAACCVB staff to answer online queries and remotely share information. See related article below.

Discovery Channel episode films in Washington County
The Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau announced that a network television episode was filmed in Washington County on November 9 and 10. Much of the filming was done at the Fort Frederick State Park. “Weapon Masters” is a new 10-part, hour-long series airing on the Discovery Channel. The episode in Washington County included the historical exploration and evolution of rockets and will premiere after the first of the year.

Sondheim prize has earlier deadline
Artscape, the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts, The Baltimore Museum of Art, and the Maryland Institute College of Art are proud to announce the third edition of the Janet & Walter Sondheim Prize. The prize will award a $25,000 fellowship to a visual artist or visual artist collaborators working in the Baltimore region, in conjunction with the annual Artscape juried exhibition. The deadline is now substantially earlier this year: December 7, 2007. On the Net: Artscape

Chesapeake Shakespeare Company goes behind bars
After completing an educational residency and performances of Macbeth at the McDonogh School, the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company took the production to the maximum security prison in Howard County at the Patuxent Institution. Despite difficult circumstances, the inmates were attentive and cheered after the performance ended. Company Director Leslie Mann said, “With the support of the Maryland State Arts Council, the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company continues to grow rapidly and to take Shakespeare into exciting new places as we did this weekend.” On the Net: Chesapeake Shakespeare Company

IN THE NEWS

Creative Commerce
Maryland’s fame doesn’t revolve around the blue crab alone. Tourists and residents alike travel the state each year sampling not only the region’s cuisine, but also its arts and entertainment. A hunger for the arts is ever increasing, and the state’s arts councils are more than eager to satisfy those cravings. (Maryland Life; Nov./Dec. issue)

Near Washington, Without Any Type A Behavior
One recent Sunday evening on the Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay, the restaurant Scossa in Easton, Md., was buzzing. Hostesses sheathed in black led guests through the dining room, past waiters balancing trays, martinis brimming, until every table was full. (New York Times; October 26)

Seven developers compete to build new city arena
The Baltimore Development Corp. said Tuesday seven groups of developers -- including some of the city's biggest players in commercial real estate -- have submitted proposals for a new arena to replace the 45-year-old First Mariner Arena. (Baltimore Business Journal; November 13)

Annapolis tourism center again welcoming visitors
The state capital's visitor center has reopened following a $1.4 million renovation. (Baltimore Business Journal; November 13)

Maryland industry focus: hospitality and tourism
Maryland’s Hospitality and Tourism sector plays a substantial role in the state’s economy, employing more than 230,000 persons or 9.0 percent of Maryland’s employment levels. (Maryland Daily Record; November 5)

Marathon generates $18M for city
Nearly 41,000 visitors traveled to Charm City in mid-October for the seventh annual Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival and pumped $18 million into hotels, restaurants, shops, and transportation vehicles, according to an economic analysis of the event. (Baltimore Business Journal; November 9)