The Arts Council of Calvert County announced Mickey Love as its new Executive Director on September 10, 2025, marking a significant step in advancing the organization’s mission to promote and celebrate the arts in Southern Maryland. Love, who brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit and for-profit sectors, steps into the role with a robust background in arts administration, fundraising, and community engagement, poised to guide the council’s efforts in supporting local artists and cultural initiatives.
Love’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Business from Penn State University and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Savannah College of Art and Design. Her professional journey spans program expansion, grant writing, financial development, staff and volunteer management, public relations, marketing, strategic planning, and facility oversight. These skills align with the Arts Council’s goals of fostering artistic growth and community involvement in Calvert County, a region known for its vibrant cultural scene along the Chesapeake Bay.
Before joining the Arts Council, Love served as Executive Director of the Dorchester Center for the Arts (DCA) in Cambridge, Maryland, for 10 years. During her tenure, DCA earned multiple accolades, including Dorchester County Economic Development’s “Nonprofit of the Year” in 2014, Dorchester Chamber of Commerce’s “Not for Profit Business of the Year” in 2011, and recognition from What’s Up? Eastern Shore Magazine as a “Nonprofit to Know” in 2013, “Best Arts Program” in 2012, and “Best Gallery Recognizing National and Regional Artists” in 2011. A key achievement was leading a $1.9 million capital fundraising campaign to renovate a historic 14,000-square-foot facility in Cambridge’s Arts and Entertainment and Mainstreet Districts. The renovated space, now DCA’s permanent home, includes three studios, a gallery, an artisan gift shop, and a multi-use performance venue.
“I’m excited to join the ACCC,” Love said in a statement. “Returning to a position that is solely dedicated to the arts is like coming home.” Her enthusiasm signals a renewed focus on expanding the council’s reach at venues like the Kocen Arts Center, local gallery shows, and community events across Calvert County.
The Arts Council of Calvert County, based in Prince Frederick, supports a range of programs, including visual arts exhibitions, live performances, and educational workshops. The Kocen Arts Center, a hub for these activities, hosts events that draw residents from Prince Frederick, Dunkirk, and surrounding areas. Calvert County, with a population of approximately 94,000, has a strong tradition of community-driven arts, supported by local venues like the Calvert Marine Museum and Twin Beach Players. The council’s initiatives often complement the county’s tourism economy, which highlights cultural attractions alongside its waterfront and historic sites.
Love’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the council seeks to expand its impact following the economic challenges faced by arts organizations post-pandemic. Her experience in securing grants and managing large-scale projects, such as the DCA renovation, positions her to strengthen the council’s financial stability and programming. The $1.9 million campaign she led in Dorchester County involved coordinating donors, contractors, and community stakeholders, a model she could replicate to enhance facilities like the Kocen Arts Center or support new initiatives.
The Arts Council’s work resonates deeply in Calvert County, where community engagement is a cornerstone of local identity. Events like gallery openings and performances at venues such as the Calvert Library or North Beach boardwalk draw diverse audiences, fostering connections among artists and residents. Love’s marketing expertise, honed through her work in Dorchester, will likely amplify these events, attracting both locals and visitors from neighboring Charles and St. Mary’s counties.
Calvert County’s arts scene benefits from its proximity to major cultural hubs like Annapolis and Washington, D.C., while maintaining a distinct Southern Maryland character. The council collaborates with organizations like the Calvert Artists’ Guild and local schools to provide opportunities for emerging artists. Love’s background in staff and volunteer oversight will support these partnerships, ensuring programs remain accessible to students, seniors, and families across the county.
As Love settles into her role, she plans to engage directly with the community through events and outreach. Her vision includes expanding access to arts education and promoting Calvert County as a destination for cultural tourism. The council’s annual events, such as art festivals and summer concerts, are expected to grow under her leadership, building on the success of past programs that have drawn thousands to local venues.
Residents can expect to see Love at upcoming events, from gallery exhibitions to performances at the Kocen Arts Center. Her leadership marks a new chapter for the Arts Council, which has served Calvert County since 1988, supporting artists through grants, workshops, and public platforms. For more information on the council’s programs or to get involved, visit their website or contact their office in Prince Frederick.
Love’s appointment underscores the Arts Council’s commitment to enriching Calvert County’s cultural landscape. Her proven track record and passion for the arts signal a bright future for the organization and the community it serves.
