IN BRIEF: TOURISM, FILM AND THE ARTS NEWS

Governor's Conference on Tourism: Tourism, Film, Arts, Action!
The 27th Annual Governor's Tourism Industry Conference at the Holiday Inn Select in Solomons centered on how tourism positively impacts the state's fiscal health and featured a healthy dose of two companion sectors - film and the arts. At the Awards Banquet, Maryland Business and Economic Development Secretary David Edgerley sent greetings from Governor O'Malley and Lt. Governor Brown. He also spoke of the attendees' importance to the state's fiscal health and congratulated them on welcoming more than 27 million visitors to Maryland last year.

Anirban Basu of Sage Policy Group told the group that while the nation may be sliding into a recession, the economic outlook for Maryland's tourism industry has two customer bases that look promising - international visitors and in-state residents.  The international visitor is making their way to America because of the weak dollar compared to European currencies.  Additionally, the state should be able to capitalize on its close proximity to Washington, D.C. and its draw for international visitors. 

One of the highlights of the conference was the unveiling of the Maryland Office of Tourism's beta consumer Web site. The site features updated graphics, an itinerary building tool and, for the staff, a truly scalable and easy-to-update site. Additionally, the Maryland Office of Tourism shared the stage with creative guitarist Damion Wolfe, who performed his original song "How I Love My Maryland."

Next year's conference - set for November 10 - 12, 2008 at Gaylord's National Harbor - promises to be even better.

Tourism award launched in memory of Restaurant Association CEO
The Office of Tourism Development announced a tourism education award in memory of Marcia Harris, President and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland who passed away earlier this year. The award will be given annually to a student attending Baltimore’s National Academy Foundation High School and studying the Hospitality and Tourism program. The funding will pay for the student to attend the annual Governor’s Tourism Industry Conference, including registration, accommodations and transportation.

Celebrate the grand reopening of Hampton Mansion
On November 30, Assistant Secretary of Tourism, Film and the Arts Hannah Byron will attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hampton Mansion, which reopens after being closed for a three-year renovation. The centerpiece of the Hampton National Historic Site in Towson, the mansion was the largest house in the United States when finished in 1790. The event, which begins at 11 a.m., will feature proclamations from Governor Martin O’Malley and Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith and tours of the house, including the newly restored drawing room. Admission is free.

Army-Navy game returns to Baltimore this weekend
The 108th Army Navy game returns to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on December 1 with an anticipated sellout of more than 70,000 fans. The event is a great way to showcase the city and state to thousands of out-of-towners, who will spend money on local hotels, shops, restaurants and attractions. The game was last played in Baltimore in 2000. On the Net: Army-Navy game

Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Connelly film in Baltimore before holidays
The New Line film "He's Just Not That Into You," starring Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Connelly, spent four days filming in the iconic Baltimore locations of Fells Point, Little Italy, Mount Vernon and the Inner Harbor. The shoot wrapped on Thanksgiving Eve and the film's director is Ken Kwapis, director of the Emmy-nominated television series, "The Office." Kwapis also directed another Maryland movie, "He Said, She Said," in 1991.

Artwork sought for State Capital Exhibit
The Frederick Arts Council is again working in partnership with the Frederick County Delegation to showcase local artwork during the 2008 legislative session. The artwork will be on display throughout the Frederick County corridor at the State Capitol Building in Annapolis. The selected artists will be encouraged to participate in the 2008 Maryland Arts Day on February 7. Interested artists must submit an electronic image of one piece of artwork they are proposing for consideration by December 14. For more information, call 301-662-4190.

IN THE NEWS

Washington County Arts Council celebrates 40 years
Many arts foundations get painted with the same brush - they're here today and gone tomorrow. That's not the case with the Washington County Arts Council, which this year marks its 40th birthday.

Md. tourism looks solid for 2008
Despite rising gas prices and an uncertain housing market, Maryland's tourism industry should have a respectable year in 2008, according to Anirban Basu, president and CEO of the Sage Policy Group Inc. in Baltimore.

Army-Navy game in high demand
With Baltimoreans about to enjoy the rare experience of watching high-stakes college football at M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens and city officials already say they want the Army-Navy game back in future years.

Two city Marriott hotels plot $30M in renovations
Two of Baltimore's largest hotels will begin renovating their properties this year, with plans to spend a combined $30 million.

EVENTS CALENDAR

Assembly 2007: A national gathering hosted by MSAC
The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) is coming to Baltimore to convene Assembly 2007, a three-day gathering of state arts agency staff, volunteer leaders and colleagues from across the nation on December 6 - 8. The Maryland State Arts Council will serve as the local host and has worked with NASAA to feature many Maryland artists and arts venues. Featured performers include Liz Lerman, Kevin "KAL" Kallaugher, the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts and the Morgan State University Choir. Registration is still open for this can't-miss event.

Textural Rhythms: Constructing the Jazz Tradition, Contemporary African American Quilts
Textural Rhythms, on display at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture through March 30, features 64 quilts representing the relationship between art and jazz. Just as the varied styles of jazz are an intricate and complex montage of notes and beats, the Textural Rhythms quilts are a complex montage of fabric textures, intricate appliqué, and conventional piecing.

Baltimore Theatre Project presents Baltimore: The Opera
Nearly 300 years of Baltimore history, hons, rowhouses and crab cakes will be boiled down into 90 minutes of irreverent fun when Baltimore: The Opera takes the stage November 29 to December 9. Performed by Squonk Opera, Baltimore: The Opera features local dancers; interviews with area personalities (including one of the last with Ruby Glover); the artwork of Orems Elementary School students; as well as Squonk's stunning visuals and sophisticated music.

Events on the horizon

Miracle on 34th Street; Baltimore Museum of Industry; December 15
Tuba Christmas; Baltimore (12/15), Bel Air (12/1), Solomons (12/23)
Deja Vu: Repetition in French Masterpieces; The Walters Art Museum; Through January 1
Matisse: Painter as Sculptor; Baltimore Museum of Art; Through February 3