What started small nearly a decade ago has blossomed into one of the Delmarva’s most popular arts festivals. In fact, it’s so popular that the festival is now held in both the spring and fall!
The Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival attracts nearly 100 artisans from up and down the East Coast. These artisans converge on the campus of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to exhibit and sell their work.
UPCOMING EVENTS (TICKETS REQUIRED):
Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival – Spring Edition
April 20 & 21, 2024
Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival: Holiday Edition
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Craftspeople sell everything from major murals to bespoke jewelry to charming ornaments. And when you purchase one of these pieces, you know you are giving your loved ones a true original since each piece of sea glass is like a snowflake, no two are alike.
It’s also heartening to know that sea glass crafting is one of the most environmentally friendly art forms in the world. The beautiful glass is literally trash. Bottles that were discarded into the sea have been tumbled in waves before arriving on the shore as perfectly polished gems. Artists scour the coastline, collecting these pieces with the intention of giving them a new life.
In addition to perusing the extraordinary creations that craftspeople have made from these unqiue finds, you can also attend lectures and workshops on sea glass. Included is information on which coastal locations yields the most of it, should you be interested in starting your own collection. (Turns out sea glass has some favorite beaches).
The Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival is rounded out with live music, wine and beer tents and, of course, great food, much of which reflects the best of the Chesapeake Bay. Bonus: Festival attendees are invited to explore the exhibitions and historic structures spread across the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s campus and experience the new storytelling and amenities in its Welcome Center. The Patriot Cruises will also open for the season.
