MFA 50th ANNIVERSARY IN 2013

Art inspires communities and provides for expression. The Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) celebrates its 50th anniversary as a volunteer based nonprofit visual arts organization dedicated to promoting awareness, appreciation and support of artists through community outreach, education and exhibition opportunities to artists at all levels.
The MFA was founded in 1963 by U.S. Naval Commander Charles Holley, Mrs. Margaret (Farmer) Spann, and a group of dedicated Annapolis-area artists interested in professional development and exhibition opportunities for Maryland’s creative community. The organization continues as Maryland’s oldest artist-run organization. As a result of their dedication, Circle Gallery was founded in 1968 and continues as Annapolis’ oldest art gallery.
The 50th Anniversary video was created by Artist Member and Board Member John Jensen.

John Jensen has been working as an artist for forty years: Painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, film, pottery, and music. He teaches pottery classes at St. Johns college which are open to St. John’s students as well as the general community.

Since 1963, the Maryland Federation of Art has brought unique, innovative and current art created by living artists to the community via juried and solo exhibitions of work.
MFA looks forward to the next half-century, presenting the work of established and emerging artists at Circle Gallery, in alternate locations and to the world through virtual galleries and exhibitions.
Making Art a part of our community for 50 years is worthy of a celebration!
PAST PRESIDENTS
  • Margaret Farmer Spann: 1963 – 1965
  • Charles L. Holley: 1965 – 1967
  • Spenser Ellis: 1967 – 1969
  • Charles Horst: 1969 – 1971
  • Lester Stone: 1971 – 1972
  • Josephine B. Thoms: 1973 – 1975
  • Albert Crull: 1975 – 1977
  • Mel Merritt: 1977 – 1980
  • Marie Linnekin: 1980 – 1981
  • Nancy Dorr: 1981 – 1982
  • Jacqueline Hildebrand: 1982 – 1983
  • Christopher Rhines: 1983 – 1985
  • Cynthia Alderdice: 1985 – 1987
  • Jean Darnell: 1987 – 1988
  • Phyllis Bachand: 1988 – 1989
  • Elaine Vreenegoor: 1989 – 1991
  • Joe Dickey: 1992 – 1994
  • Christopher Raphael: 1995
  • Bobbie Greer: 1996 – 1998
  • Michael Patton: 1998 – 2000
  • Thomas Butler: 2000 – 2002
  • Eva Keller Carson: 2002 – 2004
  • Clarence Carvell: 2004
  • Amy Ruschell: 2004 – 2005
  • Joe Dickey: 2006 – 2010
  • Andrea Olney-Wall: 2010 – 2011
  • David Diaz: 2011 – 2022
  • Karen Ricketts 2023 – Present
HONORARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
  • Cynthia Alderdice* – Artist
  • John Astle – Maryland State Senate
  • Linnell Bowen – President, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
  • Michael Busch – Speaker, Maryland House of Delegates
  • James Cheevers – Associate Director/Senior Curator, U.S. Naval Academy Museum
  • Robert Clark – President, Historic Annapolis Foundation
  • Joshua Cohen – Former Mayor of the City of Annapolis
  • Ron George – Maryland House of Delegates
  • Jane Lawrence – Paint Annapolis
  • Ebby Malmgren* – Artist
  • Cynthia McBride – McBride’s Gallery
  • Herbert McMillan – Maryland House of Delegates
  • Christopher Nelson – President
  • April Nyman – Executive Director, Arts Council Anne Arundel County
  • John Schratwieser – Executive Director, Maryland Citizens for the Arts
  • Joanne S. Scott* – Paint Annapolis
  • Aileen Thomas*- Art Enthusiast and founder of Friends of the Arts
  • Gary Vikan – Former Director, Walters Art Museum

*Past MFA board member