Shore History to feature MAMA-Girl Art Exhibit

Shore History at Ker Place will honor the life and work of celebrated Eastern Shore artist and pastor Mary Elizabeth “MAMA-Girl” Onley (1953–2018) with a public art exhibition opening Friday, July 11. The event will feature a free reception from 6 to 8 p.m., and the exhibit will remain on display through November 7, 2025.

The exhibit will showcase a diverse selection of 142 artworks and objects from MAMA-Girl’s studio, shared by ten lenders including the Barrier Islands Center and collectors across the Eastern Shore, Maryland, and Virginia. Exhibit hours will be Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays by appointment.

Born and raised on the Eastern Shore, MAMA-Girl’s work is known for its vibrant celebration of heritage, faith, and local tradition. She often used found objects and bold colors to express themes of home, spirituality, and memory, drawing inspiration from the region’s landscapes and oral histories.

Community members are invited to share personal remembrances of MAMA-Girl through Shore History’s website, www.shorehistory.org/temporary-exhibits. For more information or to arrange a visit, contact Shore History at 757-787-8012 or email executivedirector@shorehistory.org. Updates can also be found by following @shorehistory on Facebook and Instagram.