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Executive Director's Letter - 1/21/25

Sadly, 2024 was a year we lost many leaders in the Baltimore region's arts sector. That included the giants of achievement Carl Grubbs and Philip Arnoult whose depth of work will continue to influence and enrich the creatives, audiences, and community for years.

More recently, we have lost our friend Angela Wilson, founder and CEO of the Angel Wing Project (AWP) "...a non-profit performing arts organization with a mission to "positively impact our community by providing uplifting, entertaining shows and events to inspire appreciation for and participation in the arts." AWP operated out of the Chesapeake Arts Center in Anne Arundel County, where in November, Angela was honored with an Annie Award for Performing Arts, recognizing her significant contributions to her community. She was also an award-winning playwright and mentor to many artists in the Greater Baltimore Area. Lesley Malin of Chesapeake Shakespeare Company shared, "Her impact will last far beyond her years." In light of her sudden passing, Angela's family has decided to dissolve the Angel Wing Project. Her daughter Asia Winger stated, "AWP has left an indelible mark in the Arts community and touched so many lives and for that we are forever grateful."

We also learned, initially from Henry Wong, owner of An Die Musik, about the passing of Doc Manning. Henry wrote: "Dear Friends: We write today with heavy hearts to let you know that our friend, George "Doc" Manning, has left this earthly life. George had been a staple of An die Musik Live since our beginnings as a CD store. He served as MC, introducing nearly all of our live music presentations. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of jazz and interviewed countless musicians on his long-time radio show on WEAA-FM. George's jazz expertise helped An die Musik and An die Musik Live receive many designations as Best Music Store and Best Jazz Venue. We will miss his big personality, incredible warmth, and winning smile.' You can learn more about Doc Manning from this obituary in the Baltimore Banner.

Finally, as some of you may know, I had the good fortune to serve on the Everyman Theater Board of Directors for many years, followed by an engagement to consult on their capital campaign. Stanley Weiman and Martha Weiman were stalwarts from the first day of the theater's founding. Stanley on stage, and Martha on the Board. Even before his passing, I have missed seeing Stan up there on stage, but I am so glad that he was in my life.

As we mourn their losses, we thank Doc, Angela, and Stan for their creative passion and commitment to the community. Godspeed.

All my best,

Jeannie

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Executive Director's Letters

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