Coastal Arts Marekt Highlighted on BayNet Southern Maryland News

 

Handmade Goods And Waterfront Charm Highlight Leonardtown’s Coastal Arts Market

by Jose FerreiraMay 13, 2025

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Sunshine, waterfront views, and one-of-a-kind local goods set the scene at the Coastal Arts Market on May 10, where visitors strolled the Leonardtown Wharf browsing hand-crafted art, jewelry, and treats for both people and pups. Nestled along Breton Bay, the seasonal market offered more than shopping — it invited guests to enjoy a relaxing morning outdoors, complete with picnics in the park, sweet scoops from Frog Town Ice Cream, and easy access to lunch in Leonardtown Square.

“People drove through, threw the dust on their face, and then drove back through and bought nothing,” said Joyce, a longtime organizer of the Coastal Art Market, recalling the market’s first setup at the Port of Leonardtown Winery.

The sun wasn’t the only thing radiating on a beautiful Saturday morning at the Coastal Art Market. There was also the warmth of local vendors and the steady joy of shoppers perusing handmade goods along the wharf.

The crowd was thinner than usual, and fewer vendors showed up — likely due to the Mother’s Day weekend — but there was still no shortage of artistry or community spirit.

Nancy Campbell,  a vendor, welcomed visitors with genuine hospitality. She introduced guests to fellow artisans and shared stories behind their work, giving the market a sense of connection that went beyond commerce. Timeless Threadcraft, owned by Campbell, featured an elegant display of crocheted collars and accessories, each item showcasing her creativity.

At Suds and Sandals, Dottie Proffer caught eyes with her quilled glass ornaments — each one taking more than 24 hours to make. The bulbs are crafted by carefully arranging curled paper on glass surfaces, turning them into delicate, time-intensive works of art.

Pat and Kathy Arnold, owners of Naked Cuts, create unique pieces from reclaimed materials, blending pallet wood and driftwood into rustic decor. Pat specializes in Lichtenberg burning — a process that applies up to 30,000 volts of electricity to electrolyte-soaked wood to create branching, lightning-like patterns.

The striking designs form organically, shaped by the electricity itself. Part of what makes this technique so captivating is its unpredictability — the artist can’t fully control the outcome, and that’s exactly what gives each piece its one-of-a-kind beauty.

Joyce, one of the market’s organizers, explained how they eventually moved the event from the winery to the wharf after poor turnout. The shift brought more visibility.“If you don’t make it with your own two hands, don’t come to us,” she said, noting that the market doesn’t allow third-party or mass-produced goods. “We just can’t compete with out-of-the-box items.”The Coastal Art Market is also a nonprofit, with community outreach built into its mission. Joyce said they partner with local organizations, including the St. Mary’s County animal shelter, which brings adoptable dogs to the market. “Hopefully,” she said, “people leave with a lifelong friend.”

Don’t miss the next Coastal Arts Market on June 14.