Darin Gilliam and Alison Harbaugh. Photo by Amy Raab.
Alison Harbaugh and Darin Gilliam, co-founders of the wonderfully-named ArtFarm, are working on solving an age-old challenge: How do you plant the seeds of creativity? How do you encourage them to grow?
The two artist/entrepreneurs have pondered these questions and come up with some non-traditional answers. They’re out to demystify the artistic experience and, in the process, “create something really cool and funky.”
In their 3,200-square-foot studio space off Chinquapin Round Road in Annapolis, Harbaugh and Gilliam present a range of classes, workshops, art camps, open studios, and artist markets designed to ignite the creative spark in everyone. “We focus on fundamentals, but fun stuff, too, so people won’t feel ‘I’m scared of art,’” Harbaugh explains. “We just want people to try—to go through the process of making art. To realize, hey, it doesn’t have to be perfect. If it’s not perfect, throw it away!”
ArtFarm’s catalog of classes for kids and adults reads like a map of artistic adventures. This spring, it includes workshops in photography, watercolor and acrylic painting, bookmaking, macrame, block printing, letterpress and embroidery, among others. Events like drop-in Sketch Nights give artists the chance to work with live models, while monthly Creative Circle meet-ups focus on hands-on activities and communing with like-minded friends.
ArtFarm teachers also offer one-on-one lessons, as well as private group lessons. Art parties for kids or adults furnish the ideas, the space and the materials for one-of-a-kind creative gatherings. Onstage, aspiring performers can try drop-in improv classes or burlesque, or head to the sound booth for Podcasting 101.
Improv? Burlesque? “We’re offering something a little against the grain,” Harbaugh says. “We want to be gritty, fun, surprising.”
Kids enjoy an art activity during their end of semester art show.
Each year, Art Farm hosts popular summer camps for ages 4–16. In 2025, kids can explore clay, jewelry-making and batik, or join the Fearless Girls Photography Camp. (See the full schedule and register online at artfarmannapolis.com/summer-camps.)
Harbaugh believes that in the post-Covid era, people of all ages are actively seeking a place where they can nurture the innate human need for creative expression and community. Providing a Third Space—a dedicated place to tap into one’s creativity and share that experience with others—is the heart and soul of the ArtFarm ethos, and feedback from students and teachers emphasizes the joyful results.
Anita Hagan, a working artist who teaches several classes at ArtFarm, says, “Alison and Darin are passionate about what they do, and they work hard to offer new and fascinating opportunities to learn. I teach mostly beginner classes for adults, and I often hear ‘I’m not artistic...I can’t draw a straight line.’ I love the moment they create something and are amazed at their own ability.”
Working in the company of others, participants agree, enhances the joy of creation. “I discovered my artist community through the monthly Creative Circle,” said one member. “I’m incredibly inspired and motivated by the enthusiasm and encouragement I receive.”
Adult student TJ Matton, whose husband and child are also ArtFarm regulars, appreciates the long-range benefits they get, noting that they go far beyond the classroom. “Creativity teaches you how to explore your curiosity, take risks, navigate mistakes and regrets, and engage in uncertainty—certainly skills for life. ArtFarm gets that.”
ArtFarm is a sister effort with AND Creative, which produces shows and events around town for groups such as Visit Annapolis, Maryland Hall, and Annapolis Arts District. Throughout the year, the AND Creative Gallery adjacent to ArtFarm Studios hosts five shows featuring local artists (Harbaugh and Gilliam will present their first show there in May).
ArtFarm teachers Montana Mitchell and Megan Alodie enjoy some painting time at ArtFarm studios.
Over ten years, the artists’ partnership has grown from earlier storefront locations on Maryland Avenue and West Street to its current location, where it continues to expand.
“Our space is meant to inspire,” said Gilliam of the art-filled rooms. “We want people to walk in and say, this just feels so good. It’s easy to travel down the road to D.C. or Baltimore to experience great art. We wanted that to happen in our own backyard. We love to create opportunities for locals and visitors to our town to see all the talent that already exists here and encourage outsiders to present their works here.”
For Harbaugh and Gilliam, self-described “art girls,” there’s no shortage of plans for the future. They’re intent on deepening the flow of artistic expression in Annapolis, and committed to helping artists produce, present, and sell their work. “We want people to come with their ideas and work with them to create something,” the pair agrees. “We believe that if we build it, they will come.”
AND Creative Gallery will be one of the hosts for the Artist Open Studios Tour on April 5th and 6th. The event, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offers visitors an opportunity to explore the creative processes of local artists. Other Annapolis participants include Gallery 57, Jeff Crouse’s See Through Lab, and the studios of Quirk n Bach Pottery and Kendyl Lawson. Learn more at artistopenstudios.com.
