Talbot Family Network’s Conversations on Race series will begin its 2025-26 season with an evening at Spiralis Gallery exploring the “Cryin’ Out Loud” exhibition, followed by a facilitated discussion and a shared meal at the Talbot County Free Library on Monday, Sept. 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“Cryin’ Out Loud” celebrates the legacy, emotion, and cultural power of the Blues, and showcases the work of artists Dane Tilghman, Don O’Bannon, and Emery Franklin. A special feature of the exhibition will be “Blues Chapel” by Susan Lenz, an installation honoring female Blues legends. “Cryin’ Out Loud” opened on September 5 and continues through November 2.
Conversations on Race registered participants will gather at Spiralis Gallery, located at 35 W. Dover St. in Easton, at 5:30 p.m. to view the exhibit and hear a short gallery talk by owner Gail Patterson. Following the tour, the group will move to the library’s Easton meeting room for a light dinner, refreshments, and a facilitated dialogue.
The event is free, with limited participation and advanced registration currently closed.
“This partnership with Spiralis gives us the chance to enter this conversation through the richness of story-based art,” said Talbot Family Network Executive Director Nancy Andrew. “Hearing each other’s interpretations will make this a meaningful opportunity to make connections across the community.”
Spiralis Gallery focuses on emerging and mid-career artists to amplify the visual narratives of Afro-Caribbean artists while presenting bold pieces, vibrant fiber art, bricolage, and sculpture. More about the gallery and its artists is at www.spiralisgallery.com.
“Art is a necessary and vital part of our human experience; it can inform, challenge, inspire, and comfort us,” said Patterson. “The mission of Spiralis is to use art as a vehicle to spark human conversation, which can lead to deeper connections. I hope that art can be used in this case to lead us to more authentic conversations about race.”
The Spiralis Gallery program will conclude with a facilitated discussion at the library, where participants will reflect on the artwork and explore their personal narratives and mental models around race.
Upcoming Sessions
The fall schedule continues with a partnership with the Talbot County Historical Society around its “USCT Exhibit: With Valor and Honor.” Participants in the October 24 Conversation on Race will be invited to tour the exhibition before gathering at the Talbot County Free Library for dialogue.
The Conversations on Race Series is free and open to the public, taking place each month from September through May, generally on the last Monday of the month. Other 2025-26 Conversations on Race partners will include the Water’s Edge Museum, Shore Lit, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, and more.
About Talbot Family Network
The Talbot Family Network serves as Talbot County’s Local Management Board and was established by the state of Maryland to change the way services are provided to children and families. TFN identifies priorities and targets resources for the jurisdiction’s communities while coordinating child and family services and administering state resources. Local Management Boards improve coordination across state agencies and empower local stakeholders to help drive local priorities.
The mission of the Talbot Family Network is to identify and develop support systems for a healthy, safe, caring, and equitable community for all Talbot County children and families through collaboration with public and private entities. For more information, visit www.talbotfamilynetwork.org.
