Each year, Artsfest recognizes artists who make the festival memorable—from exceptional work and creative demonstrations to the spirit they bring to the event. Explore this year’s honorees and browse past winners to celebrate the talent that has shaped Artsfest over the years.
2026 Artsfest Artist Award Winners
To Be Announced
Artsfest Artist Award Archives
Congratulations to our Artsfest ’25 Artist Award Winners!
Best of Show Award: Laurel Lukaszewski
Best New Artist Award: John Cheer (Cheer Clay Studio)
Artsfest Spirit Award: Jessica Owens (The 13th Floor)
Best Demonstration Award: Jennifer Davies-Reazor (J. Davies Reazor)
Thank you to our Award Sponsors:
Arts Council of Calvert County | Best of Show Award
Paula Parsons & Jonathan Cutler | Best New Artist Award, Artsfest Spirit Award, Best Demonstration Award
Congratulations to Tina Feldi-Progressive Expressions, for winning the Artsfest ’24 “Best Of Show Award,” sponsored by the Arts Council of Calvert County
Congratulations to Justin Gray-Justin Gray Design, for winning Artsfest ’24 “Best New Artist Award”, sponsored by Paula Parsons & Jonathan Cutler
Congratulations to Spring Ridge Middle School Rhythm Club, for winning Artsfest ’24 “Artsfest Spirit Award” sponsored by Paula Parsons & Jonathan Cutler
Congratulations to Harry Jackson-Harry Jackson Decoys, for winning Artsfest ’24 “Best Demonstration Award” sponsored by Paula Parsons & Jonathan Cutler
Congratulations to Josh Urban & His Build-A-Band Jam Session for winning Artsfest ’24 “Performing Artist Award” sponsored by Paula Parsons & Jonathan Cutler
Award Presenters: Delegate Todd Morgan, Katie Brinkley, Calvert County Arts Council Executive Director, Paula Parsons & Jonathan Cutler, Lee Woodfin, Ann’s Circle Board President, Stacey Hann-Ruff, Director of Annmarie Garden
ARTFEST 2023 AWARD WINNERS
Congratulations to Josh Potts, J. Potts Design, for winning the Artsfest ’23 “Best Of Show Award,” sponsored by the Arts Council of Calvert County (Presenters: Delegate Todd Morgan & Joe Davis, Director, Arts Council of Calvert County)
Congratulations to Maryamm Abdullah, KIMBAHU Pottery, for winning the Artsfest ’23 “Best New Artist Award” (Presenter: Delegate Todd Morgan)
Congratulations to Brandy Dorsch, Hello Haberdashery, for winning the Artsfest ’23 “Artsfest Spirit Award” (Presenters: Delegate Todd Morgan & Reiker Dean, Exhibits & Education Specialist, Annmarie Garden)
Congratulations to Sandra Steedle, Sandra Paints, for winning the Artsfest ’23 “Best Demonstration Award” (Presenters: Delegate Todd Morgan & Stacey Hann-Ruff, Director, Annmarie Garden)
Congratulations to Stormi and the Blue Skies, for winning the Artsfest ’23 “Performing Artist Award”
ARTSFEST 2022 Winners!
Congratulations Marjorie Samero, Step by Stepping Stone Studio for winning the Artsfest ’22 “Best of Show Award.” Sponsored by the Arts Council of Calvert County, presenters in the photo included (left to right) Joe Davis, Executive Director; Sue Mills, Board Treasurer, and Bob Carpenter, Board President. Thank you for your support.
Congratulations, Nancy Parker, Chaos in the Park Studio, for winning the Artsfest ’22 “Spirit Award”. Sponsored by Pamela and Dean Teague. Pamela Teague, Board Secretary, in the photo is presenting artist Nancy Parker with the award.
Congratulations to artist Sherry Moran for winning the Artsfest ’22 “Best New Artist” Award sponsored by Katie Watts. Board member Evelyn S. Hungerford is presenting the award to the artist. Thank you for your support.
Congratulations to Tamila Theall, Sunny Art Galleria, for winning the “Best Booth Display” award at Artsfest ’22; sponsored by The Russey Group. In the image, Annmarie Garden Director, Stacey Hann-Ruff presenting the award to artist Tamila Theall.
Congratulations to the Artsfest 2021 Best of Show Award winner, Mike Cruz, for his beautiful woodwork, Knotty by Nature! Thank you to the Arts Council of Calvert County for sponsoring the award! Pictured with Mike from the Arts Council of Calvert County are Board President, Bob Carpenter and Executive Director, Carol Eberly; and Annmarie Garden Programs Coordinator, Helen Lindsey.
The ArtsWalk/Artsfest 2020 “ Best New Artist Award” was presented to Robert Wertz for his beautiful stone fountains! The award was sponsored by Katie Watts. Pictured are Pamela Teague, Ann’s Circle Board Member; Robert Wertz; Stacey Hann-Ruff, Annmarie Garden Director. Congratulations!
The ArtsWalk/Artsfest 2020 “ Spirit Award” was presented to Janette Ashworth for her whimsical display and joyful presence on the wooded path! The award was sponsored by Katie Watts. Pictured are Stacey Hann-Ruff, Annmarie Garden Director; Jan Ashworth; Ann’s Circle Board Member, Pamela Teague. Congratulations!
The ArtsWalk/Artsfest 2020 “ Best Demonstration Award” was presented to Eddie Maier, Jr. for his engaging print demos! The award was sponsored by Katie Watts. Pictured are Pamela Teague, Ann’s Circle Board Member; Eddie Maier, Jr.; Jessalyn Walters, Artsfest Coordinator, Annmarie Garden. Congratulations!
The ArtsWalk/Artsfest 2020 “Best of Show Award” was presented to Devin Mack for his amazing sculptures! The award was sponsored by the Arts Council of Calvert County. Pictured are Stacey Hann-Ruff, Annmarie Garden Director; Devin Mack; Carol Eberly, Arts Council of Calvert County Executive Director. Congratulations!
Suzanne Shelden was presented the Artsfest 2019 “Best Demonstration Award”. Suzanne’s beautiful paintings and warm personality make her a Artsfest favorite every year. The award was sponsored by Ann’s Circle, Inc. Pam Shilling, Annmarie Garden Development Director presented the award to Suzanne.
Creative Capes was the recipient of the Artsfest 2019 “Spirit Award” for their colorful capes and accessories, and inviting and joyful booth! The award was sponsored by Ann’s Circle, Inc. Jessalyn Walters, Annmarie Garden Exhibits Registrar presented the award to Holly Hagen of Creative Capes.
Dorway Designs was presented the Artsfest 2019 “Best New Artist Award” for their exquisite display of reclaimed wood and forged iron vases, birdhouses, and planters! The award was sponsored and presented by Katie Watts.
Larry Ringgold was awarded the Artsfest 2019 “Best of Show Award” for his magnificent driftwood sculptures. The award was sponsored by the Arts Council of Calvert County. Stacey Hann-Ruff, Annmarie Garden Director, Carol Eberly, Arts Council of Calvert County Executive Director, and Sue Mills, Calvert Barn Quilt Trail President presented the award.
We send our most sincere thanks to our Award Sponsors for 2019.
You make it all possible!
The Arts Council of Calvert County
Our dear friend, Katie Watts
Ann’s Circle, Inc.
Garner & Duff Flower Shop of Prince Frederick
Artsfest 2018 Award Winners & Sponsors
Susan Wolf of Toms Brook, Virginia, was awarded the Arts Council of Calvert County Artsfest ’18 Best of Show Award for her exquisite hand painted and carved gourds.
Bill Finks of New York, was awarded the Tom & Katie Watts Artsfest ’18 Best New Artist Award for his unique art dolls made from salvaged materials; including old tins antique doll parts.
Alison Barry of Lusby, Maryland, was awarded the Ann’s Circle Artsfest ’18 Best Demonstration Award for her plein air oil painting. Alison captured the flavor of the festival as she painted along the Wooded Path.
Sarah Houde of Hollywood, Maryland, was awarded the Ann’s Circle Artsfest ’18 Spirit Award. Sarah has brought her beautiful ceramic work to Artsfest for more than twenty years.
The Sidleys of Montgomery County, Maryland, were awarded the Jan Kleponis, O’Brien Realty Artsfest ’18 Performing Arts Award. The crowds rocked to their soul influenced indie rock music Saturday afternoon at Artsfest.
Artsfest 2017 Award Winners & Sponsors
Artsfest 2017 Best of Show Award winner, Karen Caldwell. Thank you to the Arts Council of Calvert County for sponsoring this award!
The Artsfest 2017 Spirit Award was presented to Michelle Arsenault. Many thanks to Ann’s Circle, Inc. for sponsoring this award.
The Artsfest 2017 Best New Artist Award was presented to Constance Guerra. Many thanks to the sponsors of this award, Tom & Katie Watts.
The Artsfest 2017 Demonstration Award was presented to Sid Branham. Many thanks to Calvert Marina for sponsoring this award.
The Artsfest 2017 Best Performance Award was presented to The California Ramblers. Many thanks to Jan Kleponis of O’Brien Realty for sponsoring this award.
The Artsfest ’16 Best of Show Award was presented to John Cheer, of Allentown, PA, for his beautiful ceramic sculptures. Many thanks to the Arts Council of Calvert County for sponsoring this award.
The Artsfest ’16 Spirit Award was presented to longtime Artsfest participant, Mary Lou Troutman of Dameron, MD. Many thanks to Ann’s Circle, Inc. for sponsoring this award.
The Artsfest ’16 Best Demonstration Award was presented to Aileen Horn, of Bethesda, MD, for her hand-painted silk scarf demonstration. Many thanks to the Ruddy Duck Brewery & Grill for sponsoring this award.
The Artsfest ’16 Best New Artist Award was presented to Jim Dousssard, of Piney Point, MD, for his whimsical clocks. Many thanks to the sponsors of this award, Tom and Katie Watts.
The Artsfest ’16 Performing Artist Award is presented to the Southern Maryland Youth Orchestra & Choir, in recognition of their commitment to nurturing the next generation of performing artists. Many thanks to Jan Kleponis of O’Brien Realty for sponsoring this award.
The “Arts Council of Calvert County Artsfest Best of Show Award” was presented to Barbara Kurkland and Bill Underwood who owns Taking Turns from Denville, NJ. They displayed hardwood turned custom designed bowls finished with food dyes.
The “PNC Bank Artsfest Spirit Award” went to Arnika Eskeland, ArnicArt for her wonderful Fiber Art using “upcycled” clothing decorated with textile collage and needle felting. Arnika is from Leonardtown, MD and staffed her booth the entire event in a leg splint!
The “Jan Kleponis with O’Brien Realty Artsfest Best Demonstration Award” was given to Richard Aldorasi from Morton, PA, who demonstrated Create Your Own Silk Scarf, the art of taking a one-of-a-kind print from paint floating upon water. An art that was developed in 15th century Turkey.
The “College of Southern Maryland Artsfest Best New Artist Award” was presented to Gabriel Rodriguez for his Mexican leather art. Gabriel, a Nahuatl descendant initially from Mexico City, is located in Woodstock, NY. His goal is to make everyday products reflect the natural world and his culture.
The “Calvert Marina Artsfest Performing Arts Award” was presented to Huntingtown, Maryland, band, Some Assembly, in recognition for their outstanding talent and energy. They performed Irish, Cape Breton, and original compositions upon the main stage on Sunday.
Award bouquets were generously donated by Garner & Duff Flowers & Gifts
The “Arts Council of Calvert County Best of Show Award” was presented to sculptor Sunisa Yorgason of Manassas, Virginia, for her beautiful Japanese clay floral arrangements.
The “PNC Bank Artsfest Spirit Award” went to glass artists, Steven & Sherry Whorl, of Abell, Maryland, in recognition of their long-time participation and enthusiasm for Artsfest.
The “College of Southern Maryland Best Demonstration Award” was given to painter and printmaker, Robert Fiacco of Sunderland, Maryland.
The “Katie & Tom Watts Best New Artist Award” was presented to painter Tara Will, of Hampstead, Maryland.
NEW! The “Rotary Club of Prince Frederick Performing Arts Award” was presented to Higher Standards Jazz Trio, of Lexington Park, Maryland, in recognition for their outstanding talent and energy.
Award bouquets were generously donated by Garner & Duff Flowers & Gifts
The Arts Council of Calvert County Best of Show Demonstration Award was presented to ceramic artist Sarah Houde.
The Ann’s Circle Anniversary Award was presented to Jewelry artist Liz Printz.
The Bay Area Disposal, LLC People’s Choice Award was presented to Maryland artist Harry Richardson.
The A.H. Hatcher, Inc. Wooded Path Award was presented to Rebecca Burrell and Heather Soulen, of Minxes Trinkets.
The Jan Kleponis, O’Brien Realty’s Best NEW Artfest Artist Award was presented to driftwood artist Bernie Houston.
Award bouquets were generously donated by Garden & Duff Flowers & Gifts
Artsfest 2012 Award Winners:
The Arts Council of Calvert County Best of Show Award was presented to Mark Poole (ceramics)
The Dom & Sue Raino Merit Award was presented to Lillian Forziat (painting)
The Artsfest Emerging Artist Award was presented to Larry Ringgold (sculpture)
The Artsfest Best Demonstration Award was presented to John Simpson (wood)
The Artsfest Best Display Award was presented to Ed Rupard (sculpture)
Award bouquets were generously donated by Garden & Duff Flowers & Gifts
The Arts Council of Calvert County Best of Show Award was presented to William Alburger
The Dom & Sue Raino Merit Award was presented to Ray Bogle
The Jan Kleponis/O’Brien Realty Emerging Artist Award was presented to Terry Quinn
The Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens Best Display Award was presented to Marc Gaiger & Carol Bell
The Old Line Bank Best Demonstration Award was presented to Sue Page.
The Arts Council of Calvert County Best of Show Award was presented to Richard W. Toft, from Accomac, Virginia. His traditional egg tempera work explores coastal life and traditions of contemporary realism.
The Dom & Sue Raino Merit Award was presented to Deborah Lovelace, glass artist from New Market, Maryland for her out of the ordinary glass jewelry and fused glass pictures.
The Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens Best Demonstration Award was presented to Betty Seifert, Fiber artist from Lusby, Maryland. Her wonderful demonstration of spinning and weaving techniques enthralled visitors of all ages during her first appearance at Artsfest.
The Zahniser’s Emerging Artist Award went to Katrina Dill, a photographer from Prince Frederick, Maryland, for her photos of natural landscapes and unexpected scenes. Her designs, creative mattes and mounts also won praise from the judges.
The Jan Kleponis O’Brien Realty Best Display Award went to Cindy Blackburn, returning jeweler from Baltimore, Maryland, delighting visitors with her enchanting display of her spectacular jewelry.
Leonardtown artist, Balbina Meyer won the Arts Council of Calvert County Best of Show Award for her exquisite jewelry creations.
The Sue and Dom Raino Merit Award was split this year between Molly Rausch, a painter who uses postage stamps as inspiration, and Chris Dame for his stunning photography.
The Best Display Award went to local sculptor, Ed Rupard. Ed’s driftwood sculptures were the talk of the trail, thanks to the skeletal puppet custom-created by Rupard to help sell his art.
The Jan Kleponis/ O’Brien Realty Emerging Artist Award went to John Shapard for his vivid digital prints.
The Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens Best Demonstration Award went to Leslie Lorenz. Visitors were captivated by Lorenz’s blacksmithing technique using an iron forge.
Southern Maryland resident, Ray Bogle won the Arts Council of Calvert County Best of Show Award for his exceptional ceramic pieces.
The Sue and Dom Raino Merit Award was given to Brenda Townsend, a Raku ceramicist who works out of the Torpedo Factory.
The Quality Built Homes Best Display Award went to wood artist Tom Yates. Tom’s wood creatures have been delighting Artsfest visitors for year and several of his works can be found at Annmarie Garden hidden in the woods.
The Zahniser’s Emerging Artist Award went to Judy Ward for her batik-like paintings.
The Jan Kleponis/O’Brien Realty Best Demonstration Award went to another Southern Maryland artist and ceramicist, Sarah Houde. Houde is also a long time participant in Artsfest and has been demonstrating for years at the event.
Mark Supik won the Arts Council of Calvert County Best of Show Award for his fine wood turnings.
The Sue and Dom Raino Merit Award was given to Donna Boone for her unique beeswax bowl collection.
The Quality Built Homes Best Display Award went to Cindy Blackburn for her tiered slate shelving that showcased her jewelry collection.
Amada Willis’s ceramic sculpture and Wanda Hunter’s mixed media birdhouses won the Zahniser’s Emerging Artist Award.
The Jan Kleponis/O’Brien Realty Best Demonstration Award went to Pat Fulcher for his iron forge demonstrations. .
The Arts Council of Calvert County Best of Show Award went to Maryland mixed media artist, Hussein Saidi. A native of Tanzania, Saidi creates unique collages utilizing natural materials such as barks, leaves, husks and other natural fibers depicting scenes of community and nature.
The Dominic & Suzanne Raino Merit Award was awarded to New Jersey ceramicist, Deborah Tinsman who creates pottery in earth tones with depictions of birds, fish and other nature-inspired motifs.
The Quality Built Homes Best Display Award went to Charlie Yowell, a Tennessee artist who makes wonderfully whimsical stained glass sculptures of fish, turtles, lizards, and more.
The Zahniser’s Emerging Artists Award was divided between Michael Showalter from Prince Frederick, and Leo Reed from Lusby. Michael’s hand-blown glass vessels and Leo’s carved wooden boxes were equally deserving of the award.
The Jan Kleponis/ O’Brien Realty Best Demonstration award went to the Calvert Spinners & Weavers group for the fascinating process of spinning fiber into yarn on a spinning wheel.
The Arts Council of Calvert County Best of Show Award went to Pennsylvania ceramicists, Donn Hedman. Donn’s hand thrown pottery features natural elements such as graceful giraffes and playful fish.
The Dominic & Suzanne Raino Merit Award was divided between two artists, Maryland ceramicists Mea Rhee who does minimalist pottery in earth tones, and Betsy VonDreele a Delaware artist who creates unique fiber collages.
The Quality Built Homes Best Display Award went to the Bog Tinkers, a Maryland duo who make wonderfully whimsical mixed media dolls.
The Zahniser’s Emerging Artists Award was divided between Jason Snyder from California, Maryland, and Dan Furbish from Severna Park, Maryland. Jason paints whimsical portraits on wood and Dan creates mixed media sculpture.
2004 is the first year Artsfest Artist Awards were presented
The Arts Council of Calvert County Best of Show Award was presented to Maryland printmaker Jeanne Norton Hammett.
The Dominic & Suzanne Raino Merit Award was presented to New Mexico ceramicist Roy Brown.
The Quality Built Homes Best Display Award was presented to West Virginia ceramic artist, Barry Chlypavka.
