Leonardtown Artists Invited To Showcase Work In “Butterflies & Botanics” Exhibit

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Art and nature will take center stage this spring as the St. Mary’s County Arts Council invites the community to explore creativity through its upcoming “Butterflies & Botanics” Community Art Show.

Set to open during Leonardtown’s First Friday celebration on May 1, the exhibit will highlight regional artists while connecting directly to a broader environmental and cultural initiative happening in the heart of town.

Artists interested in participating in the “Butterflies & Botanics” exhibit are invited to submit their work through the St. Mary’s County Arts Council’s online Call for Art. Submissions are open to artists of all skill levels working in a variety of media, with entries due by April 10, 2026. Selected works will be displayed at the Arts Council gallery throughout May. Full submission guidelines, eligibility details, and entry instructions can be found on the Arts Council’s website.

“The Butterflies & Botanics theme of our community art show ties into the Town of Leonardtown’s re-launch of the Butterfly Trail located downtown in the heart of the Arts & Entertainment District,” organizers said in an interview with The BayNet.

Originally launched in July 2021, the Leonardtown Butterfly Trail features historic landmarks, butterfly-friendly outdoor spaces, public art installations, and colorful banners created by local artist Eric Clark Jackson. The trail is now preparing for a summer relaunch, which will include expanded native plant gardens, updated signage and trail markers, and a refreshed Butterfly Map and directory.

Through the exhibit, the Arts Council aims to mirror that same sense of renewal and discovery inside the gallery, encouraging artists to interpret the beauty of butterflies and botanicals across a variety of media.

The show is open to artists throughout Southern Maryland, including St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties, as a reflection of the organization’s growing regional partnerships.

“Because St. Mary’s County is home to many talented artists, it is important to give residents an opportunity to exhibit their work,” organizers said. “The Call for Art is also open to artists from Calvert and Charles counties as we continue to grow partnerships with our neighbors in the Southern Maryland area.”

Organizers emphasized that the exhibit is designed to be inclusive, welcoming artists of all ages and experience levels while providing a platform to both showcase and sell their work.

“Community art shows are a wonderful opportunity for artists of all ages and skill levels, working in a wide variety of media, to showcase and sell their work,” they added.

The exhibit will officially open during First Friday on May 1 from 5 to 8 p.m., offering visitors a chance to meet participating artists and experience the collection firsthand. The show will remain on display at the Arts Council gallery throughout May 2026.

With its blend of public art, environmental awareness, and community engagement, “Butterflies & Botanics” reflects a larger effort to celebrate both the natural beauty and artistic talent that define Southern Maryland.

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