When artists Mary and Howard McCoy learned about Adkins Arboretum, located adjacent to Tuckahoe State Park in Ridgely, they were captivated by the 400-acre native garden and preserve. Their passion for nature allowed them to view the Arboretum through the lens of skilled artists rather than casual observers, and they were excited about the opportunity to play an active role in the volunteer art program.
The McCoys, who have been married for 40 years, attribute their interest in becoming volunteers to Marion Price, a volunteer who passed away in 2005. Price established the art program at the Arboretum and was the first curator.
“Marion was such a wonderful person,” Mary McCoy says. “She introduced us to the Arboretum and helped spark our interest in the art program. We exhibited our first show in 1999 and also began helping her with other shows because we loved being at the Arboretum. The combination of nature, conservation, art, and friendship really appealed to us. It was a perfect fit.”
Indeed, the Arboretum provides an ideal atmosphere for the McCoys to immerse themselves in work that they truly enjoy. Resident artists and curators, they not only pursue their own artistic endeavors, but they also serve on the art committee, which Mary McCoy chairs. After a thorough review process, the committee selects artists for upcoming shows. A win-win situation for the art program, this arrangement ensures that a variety of talented artists have the opportunity to exhibit their work at the Arboretum.
Dedicated to promoting artwork that focuses on nature, the Arboretum hosts six gallery exhibits each year, including five solo shows and one juried show, as well as an outdoor sculpture show during the summer—an innovative concept that the McCoys introduced to the Arboretum. These compelling displays, which are created in the woods with natural materials, showcase the connection between nature and art. (Unfortunately, due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s shows were postponed. The Arboretum hopes to resume shows in the spring.)
“We really enjoy helping curate the gallery shows,” Howard McCoy says. “Members of the art committee hang the artists’ work when they are not present because they are often too close to their own work. They want to hang every piece. This is especially common with the younger artists. But then the artwork looks too cluttered, which detracts from the overall effect. Since we know the gallery well, we are able to utilize the lighting and white space to make the exhibit as aesthetically pleasing as possible. It’s a creative process, and it’s also a lot of fun.”
The McCoys also curate the outdoor sculpture show every other year. (The couple installs their artwork on alternating years; there is an invitational show the next year.) They love working (and playing) in the woods and utilizing natural elements that complement the surroundings. The McCoys pay close attention to every single detail, such as which materials work best in conjunction with the specific trees and flowers. Throughout the years, they have become very familiar with the woods at the Arboretum, which enables them to create artwork that interacts with the environment and also respects nature.
The most rewarding part of creating the outdoor sculptures, however, is watching the visitors’ reactions. Since the artwork is made from natural materials, sometimes people don’t realize that it’s a sculpture, and they do a double take. The McCoys are inspired by the woods, and their work offers visitors a great opportunity to connect with nature.
“For more than 20 years, Mary and Howard have graciously shared their love of nature and art through the work they have installed at the Arboretum,” says Ginna Tiernan, executive director of Adkins Arboretum. “They have also generated interest and attracted more than 500 other artists to the Arboretum to share their work. The McCoys are truly great friends of the Arboretum, and they are dearly loved and appreciated.”
The couple, who lives on Mary McCoy’s family farm, which is located outside of Centreville on the Chester River, consider themselves lifelong artists. Before retiring, Mary McCoy worked as an art critic and a freelance writer, and Howard McCoy was a graphic artist for the United States Department of the Army and the Pentagon. Indeed, art is their passion and has—and always will—play a major role in their lives. They love volunteering at the Arboretum, and it’s like a second home to them.
“We look forward to continuing our volunteer work at the Arboretum,” Mary McCoy says. “It’s a great place to unwind, and it offers programs to help people learn about nature and conservation. Protecting our planet is so important, and the Arboretum serves as a great model to see that process at work.”
For more information about Adkins Arboretum, visit adkinsarboretum.org.
