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MISSION

Our Purpose: Why we exist.
The Garrett Lakes Arts Festival's (GLAF) mission
is to enrich our community with high-quality performing arts and arts education.

GLAF's primary purpose is to improve the quality and increase the scope of performing arts for local residents and visitors to Garrett County. We consider high-quality performing arts to consist of nationally, regionally or locally recognized artists in the fields of dance, music and theater. Our arts education is focused on making available to our elementary through high school students experiences that enhance their appreciation and understanding of the arts.

Our Vision: Where we want to be as an organization 5-7 years in the future.
We see GLAF as an organization where

The above was approved March 9, 2009
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HISTORY

[SEE ALSO A Vision Realized, A Dream Come True , written by Joan Crawford.]

[ SEE ALSO Founders of Garrett Lakes Arts Festival ]

In 2011, Garrett Lakes Arts Festival celebrates its 25th Anniversary season of presenting the performing arts for our local community. GLAF serves Garrett County, Maryland, and the surrounding tri-state region.

Several relationships were instrumental in making GLAF possible. Garrett Lakes Arts Festival began with a vision of a music festival in Garrett County. This vision was that of Garrett countian, Kathryn Sincell-Corwell and musician Erick Friedman. In December, 1986, a small group gathered to explore the Sincell/Friedman proposal, to promote cultural and arts life in Garrett County, and to rekindle the Mountain Chautauqua spirit, once a hallmark of Garrett County life. A core group of citizens and businesses or organizations ( See FOUNDERS ) evolved from the originators, most of whom remain as supporters of the organization. The core group has served with great dedication and distinction and is responsible for GLAF's achievements.

The Garrett County Arts Council (GCAC) has been a major source of funding. Additional support comes from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), an agency of the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development. Garrett Lakes Arts Festival is also supported by individuals and businesses from the local community. During the formative years of the organization, Garrett College acted as a major sponsoring agent, enabling GLAF to obtain grant funding through the MSAC and the Maryland Humanities Council, providing GLAF with an administrative support system and offering modest but affordable facilities.

In the fall of 1988, Garrett Lakes Arts Festival established its own corporate identity in the State of Maryland. A seven-member Board of Directors was elected. Today a seventeen-member board donates its time and expertise to govern the organization. Each year more than 75 volunteers contribute to the success of the season. The increased audience support is a good indicator of the acceptance of GLAF by the community and its visitors.

In 1992, the board decided to establish the position of Executive Director. Currently this position is held by Mary Mateer Callis. A Technical Director is responsible for all lighting, sound and set construction for GLAF events. Benjamin Sincell, the Technical Director Emeritus, served as the TD from 1990 to 2007. Mr. Sincell is a retired Professor of Theatre from Garrett College.

Exciting developments are on the horizon for the performing arts in Garrett County! GLAF continues to offer high-quality artistic performances in a variety of genre. Our organization feels strongly that the quality of life in a community is enriched by its involvement in and support of the arts.