Bay Talks: A Speaker Event & Reception
October 8, 2026
6:30pm Speaker | 7:30pm Reception
Hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Trust
108 Severn Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland
What if bringing more nature into our everyday spaces could make us feel happier, healthier, and more connected to the world around us? Hear from Maria Gilroy, Color Specialist with McCormick Paints, for an introduction to biophilic design, the practice of incorporating elements of nature into our homes and built environments. Learn about the core principles of biophilic design, its benefits, and how architects and designers are using natural elements, colors, textures, and patterns to create more inviting spaces. You’ll discover simple ways to bring biophilic design into your own life and home.
Join this special Bay Talk on closing night of Creative Conservation, a community art exhibit celebrating art and nature. Discover the neuroscience behind our innate love of nature, then experience that connection firsthand through the beautiful nature-inspired artwork on display.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Maria Gilroy, Color Specialist & Architectural Division Sales Manager, McCormick Paints
Maria Gilroy is a Color Specialist and Architectural Division Sales Manager with McCormick Paints. As an interior designer, color expert, and color strategist, she holds a passion for the ways color can transform the spaces around us. A member of the Color Guild, Maria helps forecast emerging color trends and shares her expertise as an educator in health and wellness. Inspired by the beauty and balance of nature, she uses color, texture, and thoughtful design to unlock the potential of every space she creates.
Inspired by the impact of the “Protect the Chesapeake & Coastal Bays” license plate, locally-owned McCormick Paints created “Bay Plate Blue,” transforming the predominant blue color in the license plate design into an eco-friendly paint for any indoor, exterior, or other paint-related project. “Bay Plate Blue” extends this color beyond the car bumper to celebrate conservation and our local waters in a new way.
