Saturday, March 22, 2014, was a very special day for the Charles County Arts Alliance (CCAA) and Charles County Public Library (CCPL). On that day, the two organizations signed a long-term partnership agreement in which the CCAA will manage the Waldorf West Library art galleries on a permanent basis in the future.

A formal signing ceremony for the CCPL – CCAA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) took place during the “Meet the Artists” Public Reception held at the Waldorf West Library main gallery. CCPL Director Emily Ferren and CCAA President Robert Rausch signed the MOU. They were joined by their respective Boards of Directors and Waldorf West staff for the ceremony, with local exhibiting artists and the public in attendance.

It was a very happy day for both organizations! The signed MOU formalizes the outstanding collaboration between the two organizations that began even before the beautiful Waldorf West Library opened its doors in November 2012. During 2011, the Arts Alliance approached the Charles County Public Library during the building phase of Waldorf West with a proposal to consider converting the numerous walls throughout the two floors to professional gallery spaces, to promote our very talented local artists and their artworks on a continual basis throughout the year. The benefits of this partnership are enhanced opportunities for local artists to publicly present their artworks in a professional setting, and enhanced opportunities for the public to view original artworks and meet the actual artists behind those artworks on a periodic basis.

Our first CCAA art exhibition took place in connection with the 2012 grand opening of Waldorf West, and to date, we have held six separate art shows, each with its own theme and presenting approximately 20 artists and 40 artworks per show. The shows are managed by our very active CCAA Gallery Committee, chaired by Gale Kladitis. Each show has had a “meet the artists” reception to introduce our local artists to the public, and recognize their talent with certificates of appreciation.

Through the signing of this permanent partnership agreement, the Charles County Arts Alliance and Charles County Public Library are continuing the original vision, spirit of cooperation, and commitment to promoting the visual arts in our county for current and future generations to appreciate and enjoy at the Waldorf West Library. Congratulations to both organizations!

–>