Delegate Heather Bagnall introduced artist Cindy Fletcher Holden, a “local treasure” at Langton Green Community Farm on Sat., Oct 28.
A stunning series of murals depicting farm life in bold graphic shapes and vibrant colors greets visitors at Langton Green Community Farm, then guides them along pathways through the sustainable farm’s outdoor spaces. Annapolis artist Cindy Fletcher Holden created the lively murals that brighten even the dreariest cloudy day. The 10-by-10 ft. murals feature beloved farm animals and bursts of seasonal flowers and landscapes.
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“My favorite thing about creating these murals has been the people at Langton Green,” says Fletcher Holden. “They are wonderful and many of them offered ideas as I was working. I was so inspired. And there were also the animals!” After she featured the Farm’s black cat, Atticus, in one of the murals she was hooked.
“After I painted Atticus, I realized how nice it was to include animals with personalities in this collection. I decided to show four seasons: The one with the baby animals is spring, the one with the vegetables is summer, the goat is fall, and “Chocolate Chip” the bunny is winter.” All the murals she says include graphic, bold sun rays. “I’ve been using similar sun rays in other murals! It’s becoming my thing.”
On October 28, the community gathered for an unveiling of Cindy Fletcher Holden’s murals, followed by a celebration: the second Annual Fall Talent Show. Delegate Heather Bagnall introduced Cindy, our “local treasure” and also joined members of the community to perform in the Talent Show. Songs, duets, dances, and a cake walk were all part of the fun on the outdoor stage, built by Annapolis Rotary volunteers, with a backdrop of Fletcher-Holden’s gorgeous murals.
“We are deeply grateful for the generous support of the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County and the Maryland State Arts Council and appreciate Cindy’s incredible enthusiasm for Langton Green.” – John Iaquinta, chief development officer and director of operations at the Farm
At the Farm, individuals from Langton Green work side-by-side with volunteers and staff harvesting produce, feeding therapy animals, repairing fences, and many other farm chores. They grow produce for their residences and donate excess produce to Annapolis Lighthouse Shelter and Maryland Food Bank. Through the Farm’s vocational program, these adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn new skills and find community and purpose. This is care farming. They also have fun.
“We are deeply grateful for the generous support of the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County and the Maryland State Arts Council and appreciate Cindy’s incredible enthusiasm for Langton Green. The ACAAC grant made it possible to start this project in 2022. The finished murals welcome visitors to the Farm. This is part of an ongoing vision for care farming – to welcome the wider community with spaces such as a sensory garden for all ages, a community garden for seniors, and even a performance space,” says John Iaquinta, chief development officer and director of the Farm’s operations.
Prior to the pandemic, Fletcher Holden completed an original set of four murals that grace the Farm’s entrance like beautiful billboards. Each one depicts a time of day, like sunrise and sunset. Now that she’s completed the next six murals, there are eight murals created by Fletcher Holden at the Langton Green Community Farm.
Thanks to the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC) a mini-grant of $2,375 launched this project and supported the creation in 2022 of two of the six murals. Langton Green is also deeply grateful to the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) for a grant of $9,439, which funded the creation in 2023 of the remaining four murals.
Iaquinta welcomes individual volunteers and organizations who wish to sponsor day-long projects. Langton Green, Inc. is the only nonprofit of its kind in this region to own and operate a community farm. The 13-acre Langton Green Community Farm offers vocational and work opportunities for the individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and embraces the wider community through volunteer opportunities, activities, and events.
This sustainable Farm is owned and operated by Langton Green, Inc., an independent nonprofit that is committed to guiding adults with Intellectual/developmental Disabilities (I/DD) to live the lives they choose with the highest degree of independence. Langton Green, Inc. is located in Anne Arundel County and provides homes, support, and a wide variety of services to the individuals in their care. www.langtongreen.org
Cindy Fletcher-Holden is a local treasure, an artist with more than 30 years experience creating paintings, murals, and custom boat lettering. Her murals in Annapolis pay tribute to the city’s community, maritime history, and Eastport’s 150th anniversary. Her paintings and murals can be seen in cities around the U.S., as well as in Spain and Portugal. Cindy exhibits her paintings at “Art between the Creeks”, the bi-annual group show she founded for the community. www.fletcherart.net
The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC) envisions Anne Arundel County as a place where artists are inspired and creativity thrives, where arts and culture bring people of all backgrounds together to enrich, bind, and celebrate our community. Learn more about the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County and the impact of the arts on Anne Arundel County at www.acaac.org.
The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) ensures that every person has access to the transformative power of the arts. MSAC advances the arts in Maryland by providing leadership that champions creative expression, diverse programming, equitable access, lifelong learning, and the arts as a celebrated contributor to the quality of life for all the people of Maryland. www.msac.org