TFA NEWS IN BRIEF
  Maryland Veterans Appreciation Month Begins at Welcome Centers

Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit Convenes in College Park

Baltimore Artist Amy Sherald to Paint First Lady Michelle Obama Portrait

OTD on Hand for the Opening of Guinness Brewery

Easton Waterfowl Festival Nov. 10-12

IN THE NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
Maryland Veterans Appreciation Month Begins at Welcome Centers
 
Liz Fitzsimmons, Managing Director, TFA, joined Vietnam veteran Wayne Miller and representatives of partner organizations at the opening ceremony of Maryland Veterans Appreciation Month. The event, which was held on Nov. 1 at the I-95 South Welcome Center, was emceed by John Davis, the host of MPT’s MotorWeek. This month-long celebration of America’s heroes is a joint effort between the OTD, Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, Maryland Public Television (MPT), the U.S. Naval Academy, and our industry partners.
 
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  For more information and a list of special, Veterans Month events, visit OTD’s Veterans Month page, or call 800-719-5900.

Pictured: (left to right) Greg Slater, Administrator, Maryland State Highway Administration; Liz Fitzsimmons, Managing Director, TFA; Wayne Miller (front row) Vietnam veteran and special guest; Alie Koroma, artist and veteran; Douglas Borrebach, Director of Business Services, U.S. Naval Academy; Robert Finn, Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs and John Davis, Host of Motorweek, MPT.

 
 
  TFA NEWS IN BRIEF
 
 
 
Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit Convenes in College Park
 
 
   
The Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit (MTTS) kicks off today at The Hotel at UMD in College Park. The event is sponsored by the Maryland Tourism Coalition, and attracts 250-300 tourism and hospitality industry leaders from across Maryland. It is a unique educational and networking opportunity highlighting the latest trends in marketing, sales, public relations, social media and grassroots advocacy. This year’s event offers a respected list of industry speakers, plus Liz Fitzsimmons, Managing Director, TFA, who will present the annual State of the State of Tourism.
 
 
 
Baltimore Artist Amy Sherald to Paint First Lady Michelle Obama Portrait
 
 
   
First Lady Michelle Obama has chosen Baltimore-based painter Amy Sherald (pictured) to paint her official portrait for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Ms. Sherald, who works from a studio in Baltimore’s Station North Arts District, is known for her striking portraits that capture African-American men and women engaged in simple, everyday activities. Her subdued pallet, set against stark, often monochromatic backgrounds, previously earned her first-place in the gallery’s 2016 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition. Sherald and fellow artist Kehinde Wiley, who will be painting President Obama’s portrait, are the first African-Americans chosen to paint official presidential portraits. “I’m just going to pretend it’s not a big deal,” Sherald told The New York Times. “I paint paintings of people. And I’m painting a painting of another person.”
 
 
 
OTD on Hand for the Opening of Guinness Brewery
 
 
   
The Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Barrel House has opened in Relay in the building that once housed the iconic Calvert Distillery. The new brewery is Guinness’ first American brewery in 63 years, and will provide patrons with the chance to sample draft beers otherwise only available at Guinness’ St. James Gate brewery in Dublin. While Guinness Stout will continue to be brewed in Ireland, this new Maryland facility will produce Guinness Blonde; and Guinness has brought on a pair of master brewers to produce new, small-batch beverages including a Belgian and an IPA. The site is also home to a temporary taproom capable of accommodating 150 guests. A more permanent taproom will open next year, which, combined with brewery tours, will be an important tourism asset for Maryland. Additionally, the operation is expected to create 70 jobs in manufacturing and hospitality.
 
 
 
Easton Waterfowl Festival Nov. 10-12
 
 
   
Around the Chesapeake Bay, wildfowl art and decoy carving are ways of life for many artists, and the MSAC has been a longtime supporter of this local tradition. This weekend the city of Easton, with support from the MSAC, honors these unique forms of folklife at the Waterfowl Festival, hosted Nov. 10-12 at sites throughout downtown. Decoy and painting exhibits, wildfowl calling contests, raptor demonstrations, and much more make up this family-friendly event. For ticketing information, visit waterfowlfestival.org.

Pictured: Wildfowl artist and Maryland Traditions multi-award recipient Rich Smoker of Somerset County. Photo by Edwin Remsberg Photographs.

 
 
 
 
 
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  UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
THRU-NOVEMBER
12
 
Charm City Fringe Festival, Baltimore
Charm City Fringe is back for its sixth year. The festival will be held in the Bromo Arts District making it possible for festival-goers to walk to every venue. Go to our website for more information.
 
 
NOVEMBER
17
 
Chesapeake Bay Fall Rockfish Tournament, Annapolis
Thousands of recreational and professional anglers compete for top honors and a chance at some big money in the Chesapeake Bay Fall Classic, the Bay’s largest fall rockfish tournament. Find out more at visitmaryland.org.
 
 
NOVEMBER
17-26
 
Maryland Christmas Show, Frederick
Nothing brings back the yuletide spirit quite like the Maryland Christmas Show. Visitors from near and far discover the joys of shopping at Maryland's premier Christmas event in historic Frederick. Go to visitmaryland.org for more details.
 
 
NOVEMBER
18
 
Amish Quilt Auction, Mechanicsville
Bid on dozens of stunning handmade Amish quilts and other hand-stitched items at this traditional Amish auction. For more information, visit our website.
 
 
NOVEMBER
18
 
A Day With Frederick Douglass, Baltimore
Event kicks-off the bicentennial birthday celebration of Frederick Douglass. Includes walking tour and discussion with Frederick Douglass, portrayed by Mr. Nathan Richardson—artist, poet, historian and interpreter. Go to visitmaryland.org for more information.
 
 
 
 
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