The University of Maryland University College Inn and Conference Center is hosting an exhibit of recent paintings entitled "Beast of Burden" by famed Maryland-born artist Joseph Sheppard. This collection of works has finished a two year tour of Italy before its installation here at UMUC and is on display through June 18.

"Beast of Burden" is Joseph Sheppard's way of describing the theme of these paintings where, because of economic or social reasons, men, women and even children encounter levels of grueling physical work that are often given to work animals like mules or oxen. This master artist has perfected the beautiful techniques of 17th century art, but he is also a man who sees the world and its social flaws with the eyes of a modern man of the 21st century. This combination gives the viewer a one-two punch of being drawn to the beauty of the paintings close enough to be clearly confronted with the message of the artist.

When surrounded by such images, a saving aspect of this exhibit is the opportunity given to the viewer by the artist to help the efforts of Care+Share International, an amazing organization headed by one woman, and supported by Joseph Sheppard, which is helping to change the lives of some 2,000 orphaned children in India. "Beast of Burden" runs at UMUC through June 18.

Sheppard Exhibit | University of Maryland University College
Care+Share International

Alvin Thomas, up to very recently a homeless man, still strives to create. His sculpture is a lifeline to his wellbeing, although it meant dealing with moving from one shelter to another, and periodic bouts of illness. If there is one thing that fills him with hope, it is his art.

Learn more about services, including art classes, for the homeless by visiting the web site for Art For The People. You can also view an exhibit of art by homeless people, including Alvin Thomas, at the Savory Cafe in Takoma Park, located on Carroll Avenue. The exhibit runs through the end of May.

Art For The People
Community Ministry of Montgomery County

This week's Salon Art is highlights of several artists from last weekend's plein-air event, "Paint" Alexandria. Presented by The Art League, the "Paint" Alexandria 2007 event and gallery exhibition focuses on the artistic discovery and celebration of historic Alexandria, Virginia.

On May 19 and 20, The Art League hosted a two-day, all-media, plein-air event. For this outdoor event, participating artists set up within walking distance of the Old Town waterfront to creatively interpret the beautiful, historic surroundings. Eight Art League instructors conducted workshops, demonstrations, and lectures throughout the weekend focusing on painting in various media, photography, drawing and sketching.

From June 6 - July 2, The Art League Gallery will feature the "Paint" Alexandria exhibit, which was juried by Lenny Campello, a well-known local art critic and artist. The exhibit highlights works by the "Paint" Alexandria instructors, and submission to the exhibit is open to all event participants and all Art League members. The Art League is located at 105 N. Union Street in Alexandria, VA. For more information, call 703-683-1780.

The Art League

Vincent Thomas is a dancer, choreographer and dance teacher in our region, and the founder of his own company, VTDance. Mr. Thomas' choreography was recently performed at the International Choreographers Showcase in Barcelona, Spain, and at the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival. His most recent project is entitled "The Grandmother Project" and is being performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. at 6pm on June 1, 2007.

Kennedy Center
VTDance

On ArtChat This Week, ten-time Grammy Award winner Bobby McFerrin returns to the Baltimore symphony orchestra on June 1 and June 2. McFerrin will perform as guest conductor and featured vocal artist at the Music Center at Strathmore on June 1st and the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall on June 2nd. It's all part of the BSO's Symphony With A Twist program. Our state capital is celebrating its 300th birthday, and in a very artistic way. It begins with the first of a series of outdoor murals depicting our state's history. The first on display is by 84 year old artist Sy Mohr. It's an 8 foot by 15 foot color collage near the city dock in Annapolis. The murals of Mohr and others are part of Art Walk, a component of Annapolis Charter 300, a citywide celebration of festivals, arts events and historical exhibits marking the establishment of a royal charter government in the Colonial seaport in 1708.