Gov. Martin O’Malley appointed Stanley Plumly, a University of Maryland professor, as the state’s ninth poet laureate. Author Alice McDermott chaired the selection committee. (See story below.)

Letter from Theresa Colvin, executive director

Dear Friends in the Arts,

The Fall Art Season is now in full swing! To keep you more up to date on what’s happening in Maryland’s thriving arts community, your Arts Maryland e-letter will arrive monthly beginning with this issue

The Maryland State Arts Council kicked off FY2010 with the election of officers: E. Scott Johnson (Baltimore City) serves a second term as chair, Abigail Hoffman (Baltimore County) is vice-chair and William Mandicott (Allegany County) serves a second term as secretary-treasurer.

We continue to see creative industries grow and thrive in Maryland and this fall we celebrate milestones of several of our premier arts organizations. Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis, Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel, and Imagination Stage in Bethesda all celebrate their 30th anniversary this year. First lady Michelle Obama is honorary chair for Imagination Stage’s anniversary event this month. World Arts Focus dedicates its new theater this month and both Coral Cantigas and Wide Angle Youth Media move to new spaces. Also, Nana Projects celebrates its 10th lantern parade this year.

We also join our colleagues across the country in celebrating National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM). Treat yourself to extra arts this month. Check out the NAHM calendar of events and don’t forget about Free Fall Baltimore’s many free activities.

And, we look forward to sharing all that Maryland has to offer with a national arts audience when Americans for the Arts convenes its 50th anniversary conference in Baltimore this coming June.