Mary Crutchfield was a dedicated artist for over 30 years, recognized internationally and loved locally. Mary was a cofounder of The Studio Gallery, a group of artists who shared a workspace in Elizabeth City and traveled and painted anywhere the light was good. They founded the Pasquotank Arts Council, now Arts of the Albemarle. She also loved to teach art, including classes at College of the Albemarle.

Mary loved to paint in transparent watercolor with, in her words, “its glow and interplay of light and shadow,” and water media with texture and depth that are “visual extensions of lyrical song and dance.”

Named in her honor, the Mary Crutchfield Landmark Competition & Exhibition invites regional artists working in two-dimensional mediums to submit artworks depicting local landmarks of their choice. The exhibition will be open at Arts of the Albemarle from September 6—October 26, where five pieces will be selected for first, second, and third place awards, as well as the Mary Crutchfield Memorial Award and the People’s Choice Award.

Submissions are currently closed and the competition is complete. Visit AOA during gallery hours (Tuesday-Friday 11-6 and Saturdays 10-4) to view the exhibition.