National Award-Winning Artist Michael Bell Opens Cannon Street Studio Experience in Chestertown

Chestertown, Maryland Mar 31, 2026 (Issuewire.com)  - Michael Bell, 2024–2025 National Art Education Association (NAEA) National Supervisor of the Year and longtime leader of Visual and Performing Arts in Queen Anne’s County, has opened a new artist studio in Chestertown—offering a series of immersive, hands-on workshops designed to reconnect adults with their creativity.

Located at 312 Cannon Street, in the back of the yellow house behind Yarrow & Wren, the studio will host Drawing the Line: Visual Journaling Workshops & Artist Conversations—a unique experience blending storytelling, fine art techniques, and collaborative exploration.

The space features vaulted ceilings, original hardwood floors, and expansive windows that flood the studio with natural light—creating an environment that feels equal parts workshop, gallery, and creative retreat. A dedicated gallery area showcases Bell’s large-scale narrative self-portrait work, while the adjoining podcast space—now home to ArtScene | The Podcast—features a curated wall of notable figures who have commissioned Bell’s portrait work.

While Bell is widely known for elevating arts programs across the region, this new venture marks a return to his own artistic roots.

“I’ve spent years encouraging teachers and students to stay artists,” said Bell. “This is me drawing that line—and creating a space where people can explore who they are through art, without pressure and without rules.”

A Studio Experience Unlike Anything Around

Participants aren’t simply taking an art class—they’re stepping into an immersive creative experience designed to spark connection, risk-taking, and discovery.

Experiences include:
• Visual Journaling: The Identity Series — a 4-week guided exploration of personal narrative through mixed-media and journaling
• Studio Intensive Workshops — high-energy, prompt- and music-driven abstract collaboration sessions using unconventional methods (yes, even blindfolds)
• Retreat Weekends — immersive sessions exploring Old Master oil painting approaches with a contemporary twist, alongside metaphorical portrait work using objects and symbolism
• Open Studio Nights — relaxed sessions with materials, guidance, and opportunities to bring personal work, receive one-on-one feedback, and connect with a growing arts community

Designed for all skill levels, sessions welcome beginners, experienced artists, couples, and friends seeking a meaningful, shared creative experience.

April Workshop Dates

Visual Journaling: The Identity Series
4-Week Experience | $495 (All Materials Included)
• Week 1: Identity & Self
• Week 2: Objects & Memory
• Week 3: Place & Story
• Week 4: Reflection & Reveal

Thursdays: April 9, 16, 23, 30
6:00–8:00 PM

Sign Up Now at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drawing-the-line-visual-journaling-the-identity-series-tickets-1986167874579?aff=oddtdtcreator

Open Studio Nights
$75 per session | Materials Included
Select April evenings (flexible scheduling – contact to reserve)

Contact the Studio to Reserve a Spot
info@mbellart.com
201.772.4348

See the Space + Work

Sneak Peek into Michael Bell’s Cannon Street Studio (30 sec)
https://youtube.com/shorts/8-ayQpd_ThM

Artist Reel (2.5 min)

Official Website
https://mbellart.com

Bell’s portfolio includes privately collected works and portrait commissions of notable figures, including cast members from HBO’s The Sopranos, A Bronx Tale, and Goodfellas, alongside a wide range of large-scale narrative series.

Visit the Studio

Michael Bell Art Studio (follow the sign in front)
312 Cannon Street (rear studio; parking available to the right of the yellow house)
Chestertown, MD 21620 

Workshops are intentionally limited in size to ensure an intimate, high-quality experience. Studio visits and additional experiences are offered by appointment only, creating a personal, curated atmosphere reminiscent of a modern-day artist’s salon—echoing the feel of a creative social club from another era

About Michael Bell

Michael Bell is an award-winning artist, speaker, author, and arts leader whose work centers on storytelling, identity, and lived experience. A nationally recognized educator and TEDx speaker, Bell is known for helping others “draw a line from their life to their art that is straight and clear.” His new studio expands that mission into a hands-on, community-centered creative experience.

Media Contact

MBELLART Productions, LLC info@mbellart.com 201-772-4348 312 Cannon Street https://mbellart.com