There is a part of linguistic theory that posits context can attribute meaning to what we communicate. If we apply this theoretical perspective to art, is the same true? Does context, or location in this case, deem what is communicated meaningful? If you ask Annapolis Marine Art Gallery in the heart of downtown, the answer would be yes.
Take a stroll through City Dock and you’ll see all sorts of lovely things: sailboats, ice cream shops, bar and grill restaurants, and if you’re lucky, perhaps a special historic cruise ship docked at the harbor. You won’t find a slew of art galleries; rather, you’ll only find the Annapolis Marine Art Gallery. This truth in fact works to the advantage of the gallery, not only from a business perspective, but because there is a harmonious coupling of marine art in the gallery with the marine-inspired landscape. The gallery is over thirty-five years old and has been representing numerous artists every since it opened. We’ll get back to the artists represented at the gallery later, but first, take a peak at the current artwork there on display.
Right now, in the Annapolis Marine Art Gallery there are wooden boat models, metal crab decorative wall mounts, oil paintings on canvas, and even photographs. Some of the art on canvas, as you can see above, is most telling in a series. Other pieces of art, like the ones hung in a room off to the side (pictured right), are best described as showing life on the tumultuous, surprising water. A good majority of the artwork there presents Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay but all of it celebrates the water in some way.
Artists featured there include native Marylander Bob Bevard, who paints wildlife and landscapes; Al Baker, an artist known for depicting seasons ever so perfectly in his paintings; Willard Bond, who captures life at sea; Dan Holden Giclee, whose trio of St. Mary’s sailboat paintings can be seen at the very top; Richard Bollinger, who paints the State House, St. Mary’s Church, skipjack oyster boats in the harbor, and Ego Alley; Hugh Baldwin, who crafts the intricate ship models seen in the gallery; Kelly McConnell Cox, an artist known for her watercolor-esque paintings of life at the seashore (pictured near mantel left); and Peter Hanks, an native Eastern Shore man whose paintings feature City Dock, Spa Creek, and other Annapolitan gems. Finally, the work of Jean Brinton Jaecks, a local artist who lends her skills every so often to sessions at the William Paca House and teaches at St. John’s College, also has artwork in the gallery. As you can gather, many of the artists themselves and the subject of artwork are of the area. 
Aside from selling exquisite marine art, Annapolis Marine Art Gallery does custom framework.
The gallery is open for your viewing pleasure seven days a week: Monday through Saturday, hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Sundays, the gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit them at their 110 Dock Street location and peruse how brilliant artists capture the beauty you see around you. You can also visit them on the Web: www.annapolismarineart.com.
wow lots to see and do, the artwork is wonderful!!! i love the tall ships, they are the most wonderful thing man has every made!! i must come see all you have to offer, 3 days may not be enough to enjoy all the city has to offer!!! thank you for the great articles, and photos!!!