IN BRIEF: TOURISM, FILM AND THE ARTS NEWS

Assembly 2007: National Arts Conference Lauded as Dazzling Success!
The Maryland State Arts Council welcomed more than 500 colleagues from all 50 states to Baltimore last week for the National Assembly of State Arts Agency’s annual national conference. Opening Assembly 2007 at MICA's Brown Center, Kevin “Kal” Kallaugher created an audience of editorial cartoonists while examining the critical role politics, policy, creativity and art play in a democracy. An opening reception at the American Visionary Arts Museum showcased Maryland musicians and artists.

Morgan State University’s renowned choir brought down the house at Friday’s leadership luncheon with a spectacular performance of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Later that afternoon, Liz Lerman’s Dance Exchange inspired a standing ovation and transformed every attendee into an “Upstander” for the arts.

The closing day offered insightful workshops and a networking lunch where the MSAC’s own Delegate Melony Griffith greeted attendees on behalf of the state. Nikki Giovanni’s eloquent poetry and palpable wisdom provided a fitting, provocative close to an amazing Assembly.

Throughout the conference, an artisans market offered hand crafted pottery, paper, knits and jewelry by Maryland artists. Congratulations to the MSAC staff, board and volunteers for a magical, memorable Assembly.

Maryland Tourism Development Board: Spotlight on David V. Meloy
Tourism-industry veteran David V. Meloy was recently appointed chair of the Maryland Tourism Development Board, which guides and supports the marketing activities of the Office of Tourism Development. David has been involved in the tourism industry for more than 20 years and has a wide range of management and marketing expertise. He is the owner and operator of the Merit Hotel Group with hotel properties from Aberdeen to Lexington Park.

“David has demonstrated his commitment to tourism by chairing the Maryland Tourism Council, and by starting the Maryland Tourism Education Foundation,” said Maryland Business and Economic Development Secretary David Edgerley. "He has the exact credentials to be chair of this vital industry's advocacy board."

2008 Maryland Calendar of Events guide hot off the press
Just in time for the holidays, the 2008 Maryland Calendar of Events has arrived at Maryland Welcome Centers and the Office of Tourism Development (OTD). Featuring nearly 900 events that span the entire state, the free calendar is published annually. OTD's Executive Director Margot Amelia gives kudos to the staff who worked on this complex project.

"Boy of Pigs" film has screening for cast and crew
Filmed in Baltimore in 2006, the independent film "Boy of Pigs" starring Gretchen Mol and Noah Wyle had a screening for cast and crew at MICA’s Brown Center on November 21. The film turns back the clock more than 50 years and uses Baltimore as a stand-in for Washington, D.C. Set in 1963, in the swirl of glamour and intrigue that turned President John F. Kennedy's Washington into Camelot, the movie traces the coming of age of a lonely 13-year-old Catholic school boy.

Montgomery County announces new CVB brand
The Conference and Visitors Bureau (CVB) of Montgomery County announced the new brand for the CVB and the tourism and hospitality industry of the county: “Montgomery County, Maryland. The Upside of Downtown.” The new slogan is a memorable and relevant brand that will facilitate the sales efforts of the CVB and help travelers identify and participate in activities that generate additional revenue for the county.

Photo of the Week: Welcoming the holidays

The 2007 State House Student Ornament Christmas Tree promotes the theme “One Maryland, Many Traditions” and features more than 1,200 ornaments handcrafted by school children in every county. The tree was decorated last week by Visitor Center staff and volunteers including (shown left to right) Pat Honeysett, Sue Pitkin, Howard Buffington and Luis Fiebig. Special thanks to Josephine and Dennis Insley, Phil Bishop and Margie Long for volunteering. For information on visiting the State House, call 410-974-3400.

IN THE NEWS

Students Create A Mosaic Legacy
Fifth-grade students at Charles R. Drew Elementary School in Silver Spring are creating a mosaic mural for the school's entrance as part of an inaugural arts legacy project. The mural was suggested by two parents, Ginny Jones and Kathleen Laguna, and funded in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council. (Washington Post; November 29)

Editorial: Supporting the arts is an art
It's more than mere art, America. Artistic expression is the foundation of all we have, much of what we are. About 400 representatives of 50 state arts agencies gathering in Baltimore need to rise beyond their traditional frame of reference on public support of the arts. (Baltimore Examiner; December 7)

Art leaders flock to city for national gathering
Maryland is on the lips of the nation’s arts leaders for more than one reason. Not only is Maryland the first state to create arts and entertainment districts, such as Station North where developers and artists receive tax incentives, but the state will host the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies’ annual conference. (Baltimore Examiner; December 1)

ANNAPOLIS: Study Supports Proposal For Sailing Hall of Fame
Construction of a National Sailing Hall of Fame in downtown Annapolis could create about 100 to 120 jobs and as much as $400,000 to $500,000 in tax revenue in a city known for its maritime history, according to a feasibility study released yesterday. (Washington Post; December 11)

EVENTS CALENDAR

Marketing Calendar
Maryland Tourism’s Sales Team hits the road: Upcoming marketing opportunities:

• Eastern Sport, Travel & Outdoor Show; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; February 2 - 10, 2008. The East Coast’s largest consumer-oriented sport show, a brochure distribution program allows industry partners exposure from the Maryland booth.
• American Bus Association Marketplace; Virginia Beach, Virginia; February 2 - 8, 2008. Maryland will be represented by more than 50 industry partners. On February 7, Maryland, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Gaylord National Resort will sponsor a luncheon for 1,600 delegates in advance of Marketplace 2010 at Gaylord.
• Pennsylvania Bus Association Marketplace; April 2, 2008. Book your booth space now to be part of the Maryland aisle.

Contact Rich Gilbert with questions regarding these marketing opportunities at 410-767-6288 or rgilbert@mdwelcome.org.

Events on the horizon

Miracle on 34th Street; Baltimore Museum of Industry; December 15
Tuba Christmas; Baltimore (12/15), Solomons (12/23)
Maryland Artist Showcase: Works of Art by Patrick Henry; Reginald Lewis Museum, Through June 1, 2008