Portraits of Princess Anne
Cropa Station: February 2026
Portraits of Princess Anne is a community-centered portrait exhibition honoring individuals from Princess Anne, Maryland, and those whose lives have been shaped by this place.
Each portrait is inspired by a photograph shared by the subject or their loved ones and translated into a painted work that reflects identity, memory, and lived experience. Together, these faces form a visual narrative of the people who carry the spirit, history, and resilience of the community.
This exhibition invites viewers to engage beyond the canvas—learning the stories behind each portrait and contributing reflections that help preserve community legacy. Portraits of Princess Anne is not only an art exhibition, but a living archive of people and place.
Our Story
Portraits of Princess Anne was created from a desire to honor everyday lives and preserve stories that are often left undocumented.
In small communities, history is carried by people—by elders, educators, artists, caregivers, neighbors, and leaders whose impact may not always be publicly recognized. Through portraiture and storytelling, this exhibition creates space to acknowledge those contributions and the memories attached to them.
As the portraits came together, the project grew into something larger than an art show. By inviting community members to share stories, reflections, and connections, Portraits of Princess Anne becomes an evolving record—one shaped not only by the artist, but by the voices of the community itself.
Their Stories
Dr. Kirkland J. Hall, Sr.
Civic leader and educator; preserved local Black history and Oaksville Eagles baseball legacy.
Garland R. Hayward, Sr.
Namesake of Garland Hayward Center in Princess Anne; civic leader and community advocate.
Shelley Y. Johnson
Community leader, daycare founder, author, and President of The Town of Princess Anne.
Darren Tremayne Hall
Joyful and kind-hearted community member and devoted father from Princess Anne.
Kenneth Daurice Butler (1932–2023)
Respected educator and founder of the Somerset County Migrant Worker Program.
Dr. Gladys Johnson
Longtime Princess Anne pastor, community leader, and former Commissioner.
Bradley Leonard Kearse (1965–2015)
Devoted husband, father, and man of faith known for joy and generosity.
Janye Harris
(Miss Giggles) – Fighter, sister, daughter, and friend; cherished member of the Princess Anne community.
Norman George Tilghman (1944–2023)
Educator, minister, and lifelong mentor who served nearly 40 years at UMES.
Doretha Hitch-Selby
Outgoing, loving, and unforgettable; known for bringing people together through warmth, laughter, and being the life of the party. BBQ Reese!
Janie Helen Johnson (1938–2024)
Veteran, educator, and lifelong advocate for family and community in Somerset County.
Tracy Reddick
Author, motivational speaker, and youth advocate in Princess Anne.
Earl Thomas Marshall III (PJ, Pudding Jr.)
Charismatic artist and devoted father from Princess Anne.
Earl Curtis Jordan, Sr. (1924–2009)
Entrepreneur and community pillar; honored with a park in Princess Anne.
Lynnell Fletcher-Pugh
Business owner and president of the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce; civic leader and mentor.
James Lane
Waterman and historian preserving African American maritime heritage on the Eastern Shore.
Mary and James Braxton
Respected Somerset County couple known for dedication to family, faith, and community.
The Johnson Men – Franklin Benjamin Johnson, Sr. & Son's
Devoted brothers, fathers, and veterans, proudly serving their country and family.
Franklin Ruben Braxton (1948–2017)
Quiet, gentle family man known for kindness, humility, and dedication to loved ones.
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Demian Jones Sr.
Local resident and community member of Princess Anne, remembered for his life and family.
Rev. Charles Bagley
Faith and civic leader; former NAACP president recognized for social justice advocacy.