The Kent Island Federation of Arts (KIFA) recently installed a new Board of Directors for 2019 at a dinner and reception at the KIFA Gallery at 405 Main Street in Stevensville. Outgoing President Judy Wolgast was honored for her more than five years of service to the organization. Incoming Executive Board members are Linda Paez, President; Jessica McCarthy Sellers, Vice-President; Margaret Tessier, Treasurer; Rebecca Placek, Corresponding Secretary; and Terry Sayler, Recording Secretary. Board Directors also elected are Mary-Lynne Neil, Joel Purcell, Maria Sage, Teresa Schram, and Maureen Wheatley.
KIFA’s Gallery and Gift Shop underwent a face-lift from August to September thanks to the work of a group of Navy sailors stationed at Ft. George Meade who took on the KIFA project as their community service; work will continue into 2019.
Their contributions enabled KIFA to save considerable expenses. The Gallery and Gift Shop occupy a Victorian home thought to have been built about 1890; KIFA purchased the property in 1985. The house is easily recognized by its pink color. The Gallery and Gift Shop are open Wednesday thru Sunday from 11AM to 4PM. The Gallery features monthly exhibits and classes for adults and youth.
KIFA’s mission is to enhance the cultural and artistic climate of Queen Anne’s Country by encouraging participation in and the promotion of the visual arts, and to provide the opportunity for people of all ages to better appreciate visual arts and develop their own creative artistic skills. This is accomplished through educational programs and public exhibits. KIFA (a 501c3 non-profit organization) is all volunteer, and funded by donations and memberships. KIFA is partially funded by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Queen Anne’s County Arts Council, United Way of Queen Anne’s County and the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. For more information see www.kifa.us