ArtsFest at Cecil College
Event Information
Saturday, May 30, 2026
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
North East Campus
One Seahawk Drive
North East, MD 21901
Saturday, May 30, 2026
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
North East Campus
One Seahawk Drive
North East, MD 21901
ArtsFest Cecil College is a celebration of creativity, innovation, and artistic expression! Join us for a vibrant, immersive experience that highlights the diverse voices and perspectives of emerging and professional artists. Our festival showcases the extraordinary talent of artists across all disciplines, from visual arts and theater to music, and beyond. Enjoy exhibiting artists in a wide range of styles and mediums, art for sale, live performances, artist demonstrations, student displays, children's activities, hands-on arts workshops, and local food vendors. ArtsFest is a place to inspire, create, and ignite the imagination!
This event is free, open to the public, and will take place rain or shine.
Visit our event map (coming soon) to download and print full details, activities, and workshops.
Learn more about The Arts at Cecil College.
Artists
Daliaandsu
Fabulous Glass Creations
Walters Craft Gallery
Artist Talks, Performances & Screenings
Meet & Greet with Conor Mulligan: Reclamation 1987
Milburn Stone Theatre Gallery
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Artist Talk 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Join us from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm for an inspiring meet and greet with artist Conor Mulligan, creator of Reclamation 1987—a deeply personal series exploring healing, identity, and artistic renewal. Created after a major life transition, these paintings mark a return to self through color, emotion, and presence. Each piece serves as an emotional landscape, capturing the process of rediscovery and the courage it takes to begin again. Meet the artist, hear the story behind the work, and experience art as a powerful act of reclamation. The gallery will be open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm throughout the day to view the exhibition.
Student Film Exhibition
Milburn Stone Theatre
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Experience the next generation of filmmakers! Sit back and enjoy a curated exhibition of the short films, animations, and video projects created by our talented students. From powerful documentaries to imaginative narratives, see the diverse creativity and technical skill on display.
Student Showcase (Live Music)
The Quad
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Enjoy the talents of Cecil College Performing Arts students playing a variety of songs and styles.
Film Fest
Milburn Stone Theatre
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Now in its sixth season, the Cecil County Independent Film Festival has showcased works from around the world. Established in 2019, the festival features a diverse selection of long-form and short-form projects, including narratives, documentaries, and music videos spanning a wide range of genres and disciplines. For a complete list of films being presented during the 2026 festival, please visit milburnstone.com/filmfestival.
The Sunset Riders (Live Music)
The Quad
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Harmony-driven eclectic set with classic instrumentation perfromed by The Sunset Riders.
Seth Tillman (Live Music)
The Quad
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
An eclectic mix of covers and original songs that catch your ear and create a relaxing atmosphere perfromed by Seth Tillman.
October Oak (Live Music)
The Quad
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Acoustic rock featuring smooth harmonies, energetic musicians, and mix of feel-good songs you know and love perfromed by October Oak.
Student Film Exhibition
Milburn Stone Theatre
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Experience the next generation of filmmakers! Sit back and enjoy a curated exhibition of the short films, animations, and video projects created by our talented students. From powerful documentaries to imaginative narratives, see the diverse creativity and technical skill on display.
Film Fest
Milburn Stone Theatre
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Now in its sixth season, the Cecil County Independent Film Festival has showcased works from around the world. Established in 2019, the festival features a diverse selection of long-form and short-form projects, including narratives, documentaries, and music videos spanning a wide range of genres and disciplines. For a complete list of films being presented during the 2026 festival, please visit milburnstone.com/filmfestival.
Seth Tillman (Live Music)
The Quad
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
An eclectic mix of covers and original songs that catch your ear and create a relaxing atmosphere perfromed by Seth Tillman.
Ephemera (Live Music)
The Quad
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Ephemera is an indie/alt rock band based in Elkton that blends influence from 90s and 2000s prog with modern indie-style grooves and songwriting.
Student Film Exhibition
Milburn Stone Theatre
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Experience the next generation of filmmakers! Sit back and enjoy a curated exhibition of the short films, animations, and video projects created by our talented students. From powerful documentaries to imaginative narratives, see the diverse creativity and technical skill on display.
Activities & Workshops
Art & Design Program Table and Student Spotlight
The Quad
10:00am – 5:00 pm
Meet current Art & Design students and learn firsthand what it’s like to study art at Cecil College! Discover our Arts program while watching emerging artists create and showcase their work. Support our talented student artists and purchase a one-of-a-kind, original piece of art to take home. Live portrait painting demonstration by Chloe Mahala from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Live clay sculpting demonstration by Angie Teague from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Live painting demonstration by Mya Pedone from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Discover the arts at Cecil College. Inspire. Create. Achieve!
Build Your Own Tin-Can Man
The Quad
10:00am – 5:00 pm
Build your own Tin-Can Man at ArtsFest! In this fun, hands-on recycled art workshop with local artist Maggie Creshkoff, kids will transform everyday discarded materials into imaginative works of art. All materials provided—just bring your creativity!
Emerging Student Artists
The Quad
10:00am – 5:00 pm
We’re excited to showcase the creativity and innovation of our student artists! Cecil College students are eligible to participate in ArtsFest at a discounted rate of $30 (regular fee is $75), making it more affordable to share your work, gain exposure, and connect with the community. For ArtsFest, "emerging" refers to currently enrolled Cecil College students who are in the early stages of developing their artistic practice and professional experience and who have not yet established a substantial exhibition history or commercial presence. Spaces are limited. Reach out to events@cecil.edu and cecilcollegeart@cecil.edu with subject line "Emerging Student Artists" to apply now.
Little Artists' Corner
The Quad
10:00am – 5:00 pm
Bring your little artists to our Kids’ Arts & Crafts Table! A fun-filled space for hands-on creativity! Children of all ages can explore their imagination, experiment with materials, and create their very own masterpieces to take home.
Pottery Wheel Demonstrations
The Quad
10:00am – 5:00 pm
Experience the joy of clay at our Pottery Demonstrations with Professor Lauren Vanni and the Cecil College ceramics staff! Watch live demonstrations, then take a turn at the wheel yourself. Free and fun for all ages—come play with clay and let your creativity flow!
3D Scanning Demos
Arts & Sciences (Bldg. C), Room C113
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
See yourself or an object transform into a digital model! Watch live demonstrations of cutting-edge 3D scanning technology. Learn how artists and engineers use this process to capture real-world data for use in gaming, 3D printing, animation, and virtual reality. You might even get a chance to see a scan of yourself!
Digital Painting Workshop
Arts & Sciences (Bldg. C), Room C109
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Unleash your inner artist using the power of digital tools! This hands-on station lets you try out professional drawing tablets, styluses, and software used by concept artists and illustrators. Experiment with virtual brushes, layers, and colors to create vibrant artwork without any mess. Guidance will be available for beginners!
Drone Flight Challenge
Location TBA
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Take the controls and test your piloting skills! Navigate our obstacle course using one of our safe, easy-to-fly mini-drones. Whether you're a seasoned flyer or a first-timer, this challenge will introduce you to the basics of drone operation, spatial awareness, and precision control.
Plein Air Painting
The Quad
10:00 am – 3:30 pm
Step outside and let nature inspire your creativity at ArtsFest! Whether you're an experienced artist or just picking up a brush for the first time, this is your chance to capture the beauty of the outdoors. Our talented Arts Faculty will guide beginners in painting landscapes from life, while seasoned artists can find their perfect vista on our scenic campus and create a masterpiece all their own. All day for intermediate and advanced artists painting on their own (meet at 9:00 am to 9:30 am), if possible, to set guidelines. For morning beginners, report to the table for a morning session, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. For afternoon beginners, report to the table for an afternoon session, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. All artists report back to either the plein air table or an exhibition location at 3:30 pm.
Parent & Me Art Time
Location TBA
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Bring your little ones for a fun, hands-on art activity at ArtsFest! Explore colors, shapes, and textures together as you create special masterpieces side by side. Perfect for toddlers and young children—come make memories and art at the same time! All ages welcome—fun for kids and adults alike! Seats are limited—first come, first served!
Caricature Artist
The Quad
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Visit the Admissions table to learn more about Cecil College’s programs, enrollment processes, financial aid, and scholarships. From 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, there will be a Caricature artist at the table doing free drawings for guests, so stop on by.
Family Portrait Sessions
Arts & Sciences (Bldg. C), Room C224
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Capture a beautiful moment with your family, or friends, or even a personal portrait! Our professional-style studio provides a polished backdrop, lighting, and a photographer ready to create a memorable digital portrait you can take home. It's fast, fun, and the perfect way to document your day.
Slate Painting
Arts & Sciences (Bldg. C), Room C231
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Get creative at ArtsFest! Join our Slate Painting Workshop and design your own one-of-a-kind piece to take home. All materials are provided—just bring your imagination! Fun for kids and adults alike. All ages welcome. Seats are limited—first come, first served!
Video Green Screen
Arts & Sciences (Bldg. C), Room C111
11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 15-minute sessions
Become a star and step into any scene imaginable! Using professional green screen (chroma key) technology, we'll film you against a neutral backdrop, then instantly drop you into a dynamic digital environment—from outer space to a bustling city street. See the magic of special effects happen in real time!
3D Scanning Demos
Arts & Sciences (Bldg. C), Room C113
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
See yourself or an object transform into a digital model! Watch live demonstrations of cutting-edge 3D scanning technology. Learn how artists and engineers use this process to capture real-world data for use in gaming, 3D printing, animation, and virtual reality. You might even get a chance to see a scan of yourself!
Block Printing Workshop with John Werner
Arts & Sciences (Bldg. C), Room C231
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join local artist and printmaker John Werner for a hands-on block printing workshop! Learn traditional block printing techniques—plus clever ways to print using common household items. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just curious, this is your chance to create an original work of art to take home. All ages welcome—fun for kids and adults alike! Print on paper or mini tote bags (materials provided). Seats are limited—first come, first served!
Digital Painting Workshop
Arts & Sciences (Bldg. C), Room C109
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Unleash your inner artist using the power of digital tools! This hands-on station lets you try out professional drawing tablets, styluses, and software used by concept artists and illustrators. Experiment with virtual brushes, layers, and colors to create vibrant artwork without any mess. Guidance will be available for beginners!
Drone Flight Challenge
Location TBA
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Take the controls and test your piloting skills! Navigate our obstacle course using one of our safe, easy-to-fly mini-drones. Whether you're a seasoned flyer or a first-timer, this challenge will introduce you to the basics of drone operation, spatial awareness, and precision control.
Family Portrait Sessions
Arts & Sciences (Bldg. C), Room C224
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Capture a beautiful moment with your family, or friends, or even a personal portrait! Our professional-style studio provides a polished backdrop, lighting, and a photographer ready to create a memorable digital portrait you can take home. It's fast, fun, and the perfect way to document your day.
Video Green Screen
Arts & Sciences (Bldg. C), Room C111
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, 15-minute sessions
Become a star and step into any scene imaginable! Using professional green screen (chroma key) technology, we'll film you against a neutral backdrop, then instantly drop you into a dynamic digital environment—from outer space to a bustling city street. See the magic of special effects happen in real time!
Creative Connections
Arts & Sciences (Bldg. C), Room C231
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Grab a friend, partner, or family member and join us for a fun, hands-on art activity at ArtsFest! Explore colors, shapes, and textures together as you create unique masterpieces side by side. Perfect for all ages—come connect and create! All ages welcome—fun for kids and adults alike! Seats are limited—first come, first served!
Sponsors
Sponsorship opportunities available. If interested, please send an email to events@cecil.edu.
Event Guidelines
Visit our digital campus map that includes an accessibility filter.
To arrange for accessibility accommodations, contact accessibilityservices@cecil.edu or contact Public Safety at (410) 287-1601.
When visiting the campus for ArtsFest, please adhere to the following:
- This is a tobacco-free campus, so there is no tobacco use allowed.
- No alcohol allowed on premises.
- No pets/animals allowed.
- No external food or drink allowed on premises. Visitors may bring bottled water. No food, picnics, or snacks allowed. Please enjoy our on-site food and beverage vendors.
About Cecil College
If you're interested in the arts, there's no better place to explore your creativity than Cecil College. Our vision for the arts is to present opportunities to inspire, create and achieve.
Students may declare multiple concentrations, creating an artistic portfolio of work for initial employment, career advancement, or transfer to a four-year university. A diversified curriculum stresses the development of artistic technique and critical thinking. Students develop creative and technical skills using state-of-the-art studios and laboratories and learn from faculty who are practicing artists and experts in their fields. Exhibition and internship opportunities are available for students looking to gain experience in the arts and industry.
A key participant in the Elkton Arts and Entertainment District, the Elkton Station Gallery and Performing Arts Hall feature art exhibits, performances, and special events. The Milburn Stone Gallery features art exhibits in conjunction with Milburn Stone Theatre performances.
Cecil College's Art and Design Program offers an Associate of Fine Arts degree in Art and Design with concentration areas in art history, ceramics and sculpture, drawing and painting, graphic design, interactive and motion arts, photography and digital arts, and studio arts. The Program also offers an Associate of Arts degree in ceramics, drawing/painting, and graphic design.
The Digital Arts & Media Design Program at Cecil College offers an optimal learning environment for student education in photography, digital imaging, graphic design, web design, video production, animation, gaming and multimedia.
The Performing Arts Program offers Associate degrees in Music, Voice, Music Ed, and Audio. These programs prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges, universities, and art schools as well as initial employment and career advancement.
