SOLOMONS, Md. – Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center would like to acknowledge and thank Burch Oil Co., Inc. for its generous help and support of the Garden’s art programs impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. In early 2021, Burch Oil partnered with the Garden to improve the ventilation in its “Clay Studio”, enabling indoor art classes to continue during the cold season.
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center has become a haven for many during the pandemic. Offering outdoor art experiences like the “Enchanted Summer” and “Garden in Lights”, guests of all ages have found joy, peace and creative inspiration during daily visits, events and art classes. Pottery classes, which are held in the Garden’s “Clay Studio”, a converted garage which is home to a fully equipped ceramics classroom, were in high demand. However, with no HVAC system and little other ventilation, the popular classes came to an abrupt halt in November when it became too cold to work in an indoor/outdoor format.
“When we heard activities were being canceled at Annmarie, we knew we had to help,” said Sheri Norris, Vice President at Burch Oil Co., Inc. “Sometimes we take these things for granted and brush them off as extras. But the stress of the pandemic has made it painfully clear how important creative outlets are to the quality of life in our community. They bring people together and give a little escape from the outside world. This solution was in our wheelhouse and allowed us to use our expertise in heating and indoor air quality to help make a difference.”
With the donated services of Burch Oil and support from the Maryland State Department of Housing and Community Development, an HVAC system and other ventilation equipment was installed allowing classes to resume. “What a wonderful gift,” noted Annmarie Garden Program Director, Jaimie Jeffrey. “This upgrade allowed us to provide a therapeutic escape from the stress of this challenging year. Moving forward, what was once a three-season space can now accommodate classes all year long. It will be buzzing with creative energy!”
Annmarie Garden Development Director, Pam Shilling added “The folks at Burch Oil realized they were in a unique position to help provide a resource for the community. It’s this kind of generosity and commitment to helping others that makes Southern Maryland such a wonderful place to live. We’re truly grateful to Sheri and the entire team at Burch Oil for their friendship and support.”
About Burch Oil, Inc.:
Burch Oil is a 5th generation family owned and operated business located in Hollywood, Maryland. Founded in 1928 and, by Samuel B. Burch. The company has served the home comfort needs of southern Maryland for more than 90 years. Whether you need to service or replace your heating & air conditioning system or need fuel delivered, Burch has you covered. We value the relationships we have forged with our customers, working side-by-side as neighbors and friends. The Burch family, including all of its employees, is committed to supporting our local community, including sponsorships of youth groups, charity events, local fire departments, rescue squads, colleges, and of course wonderful non-profit organizations like Annmarie Gardens.
About Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center:
Annmarie Garden, a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization, is located in scenic Solomons, Maryland. The 30-acre sculpture garden features a handicap accessible walking path, as well as numerous footpaths that meanders through the forest past permanent and loaned sculpture, including more than 30 works of art on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art. During the summer of 2020, guests can pick up a map and seek out charming handmade fairy houses hidden in the woods of Annmarie, along with fairy-themed games and activities. The spacious Murray Arts Building is also open featuring lovely exhibits to inspire and delight. Annmarie Garden is conveniently located just off Route 2-4, on Dowell Road in Solomons, Maryland. Visit www.annmariegarden.org for hours and closings. To learn more, visit www.annmariegarden.org.
For more information, visit www.annmariegarden.org, call (410) 326-4640, or email info@annmariegarden.org.
Directions to Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
From Washington DC (about a 60 minute drive): take Route 4 South to Capital Beltway Exit 11 (to Prince Frederick). Continue on 4 South, following signs to Solomons. Left on Dowell Road at Hilton Garden Inn. Annmarie is less than 1/4 mile on left. From Baltimore (Beltway I-695): take I-97 (Annapolis) to Route 301 South (Bowie). Continue on 301 to Route 4 and follow signs to Solomons. Left on Dowell Road at Hilton Garden Inn. Annmarie is less than 1/4 mile on left. From Annapolis: follow Route 2 South towards Prince Frederick/Solomons. Left (South) onto Route 2/4 at Sunderland light. Left on Dowell Road at Hilton Garden Inn. Annmarie is less than 1/4 mile on left.