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Welcome to Artist Alley,
Washington County Arts Council's electronic newsletter.
We hope this publication will engage you with the arts in your community.
WCAC welcomes your ideas and support as it continues to take the lead in bringing together the community's art organizations to strengthen our region's arts culture.
For artist information, arts events, calls for art, and more visit WCAC's web page...
www.washingtoncountyarts.com.
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Most images are "clickable" meaning you can click or touch an image
to go to that event's website/event page.
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Barbara Ingram School for the Arts
and Hagerstown Community College:
Photographic Portraits of Those Who Inspire
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 5pm to 7pm
at the galleries, 34 S Potomac St, Ste 100, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Artist Talk on Saturday, April 5th from 2pm to 4pm.
Come meet some of the photographers!
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#WCAC #WashCoArts #TownHall #CommunityArts #YourVoiceMatters
📞 Questions? Call (301) 791-3132
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2025 WCAC
Community Feedback Survey
This anonymous survey is designed to better understand the needs and perspectives of our community. It consists of 15 questions and will take approximately 7-10 minutes to complete, but you may take as long as you need to complete it. You may take the survey on a computer, tablet, or mobile device. It does not require an email, account, nor login.
Please share this newsletter with others in the community - everyone is encouraged to take the survey.
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CALL FOR BLACK AUTHORS TO PARTICIPATE
IN MUSEUM JUNETEENTH EVENT
The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, in partnership with trainer Cherish McMillan-Kilgoe, is inviting Black authors from Washington, Garrett, Allegany, Frederick, and Montgomery counties in Maryland to apply for participation in the museum’s Juneteenth Author Showcase. The showcase will be held Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. at the museum, located in Hagerstown City Park, and will be free and open to public. Parking is also free.
The Juneteenth event is being held in honor of the resilience, creativity, and literary achievements of area Black authors, who will be able to sell their books to attendees (and keep 100% of their sales) and network with fellow authors and community members. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect, engage, and support Black writers while reflecting on the progress made since the time of slavery, when reading and writing by enslaved African people were punishable acts.
Authors are responsible for their own sales, merchandise and set-up, and must sign a waiver and photo release form. To apply, go to: https://forms.gle/pzaJj3MWQv1ZmSGK6. For further information, contact museum Education Director Kellie Marz Mele at: educator@wcmfa.org or call (3120) 739-5727.
The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, located on the lakefront in Hagerstown City Park, was established in 1931 by William H. Singer, Jr. and Anna Brugh Singer and has an extensive, world-class permanent collection of paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures from the 15th century, (plus older Roman and Egyptian artifacts) to the present, featuring celebrated and diverse artists. Accredited by American Alliance of Museums since 1976, the Museum offers tours, classes, educational programs and community events and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission and parking are free. For more information: wcmfa.org
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Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
301-739-5727
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Voting Now Open: A Contemporary Fine Art Exhibition
Celebrating Maryland’s Rich Equestrian Culture & the
150th Anniversary of the Preakness Stakes
As part of Preakness Festival 150, Maryland Art Place (MAP), in collaboration with The Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (SECMD), is seeking artwork that highlights all aspects of horse culture in Maryland, including the Preakness Stakes. MAP welcomes a diverse range of submissions, from conceptual and multimedia pieces to sculpture and two-dimensional works. Submissions will be juried by MAP’s exhibition staff alongside representatives from MAP’s Program Advisory Committee.
Exhibition Timeline
· Artists Announced: Week of April 2025
· Artwork Drop-Off Window: Tuesday, April 22 – Saturday, April 26, 2025
· Installation Window: May 6 – May 14, 2025
· Opening Reception: Thursday, May 15, 2025
*The Opening Reception will coincide with the annual Bromo District Art Walk, which attracts thousands of visitors, maximizing the exhibition's impact and visibility.
Awards
A juror, Amy Eva Raehse of Goya Contemporary/Goya Girls Press will select winners for cash awards:
· $1,000 – Best in Show
· $500 – Not Just a Runner-Up
· $250 – Honorable Mention
About Preakness Festival 150
Preakness Festival 150 is a week-long celebration leading up to the iconic Preakness Stakes, blending world-class horse racing with cultural experiences, live entertainment, community events, and economic opportunities. The festival aims to drive tourism, showcase Maryland’s equestrian heritage, fuel business growth, and invest in communities. Preakness Festival 150 is produced by The Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and an affiliated foundation of the Maryland Sports Commission, a division of the Maryland Stadium Authority.
About Maryland Art Place (MAP)
Maryland Art Place (MAP) inspires, supports, and encourages artistic expression through innovative programming, exhibitions, and educational opportunities while recognizing the powerful impact of art on the community. Since 1981, MAP has been a critical resource for contemporary art in the Mid-Atlantic—nurturing new ideas and engaging the public.
MAP is supported by the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC). Founded in 1967, MSAC champions creative expression, diverse programming, equitable access, lifelong learning, and the arts as a celebrated contributor to Maryland’s quality of life.
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NEW! April 2025
A Few of My Favorite Things
Runs through April 27, 2025
| | There’s a program available to VAA members to display and sell their paintings. It’s a relationship between the VAA and Cafe Roma Ristorante in Hagerstown. All paintings are hung on the walls throughout the restaurant. Feel free to walk around and view the artwork while eating. For details call VAA (301)797-2867. | | |
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April 5, 6, 12, & 13, 2025
Once Upon a Mattress
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Good Shot Judy: 8-piece Swing Band
Friday, May 2, 2025
Newsboys - Worldwide Revival Nights
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Resting Brunch Face Drag Show
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110th Anniversary Celebration
Presented by Rick & Nancy Hamilton
Thursday, May 8, 2025
The historic auditorium at The Maryland Theatre is turning 110! Celebrate the Arts & Cuisine on all four floors of the Performing Arts Center and enjoy the debut of a film honoring The Maryland Theatre’s rich history. This event will include an immersive journey through over a century of entertainment, community, and heritage.
Savor the Past Tour (3:00pm - 6:00pm): includes self-guided tour through the Performing Arts Center, light snacks, mini performances from local A&E partners, film viewing.
| | Savor the Past Celebration (6:00pm – 8:00pm): includes tour through the Performing Arts Center, catered food to discover in each event space, champagne toast, private film viewing. | | |
Job Opportunities
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (WCMFA)
Manager of Marketing and Publications
This position is responsible for promoting the museum’s mission, identity, and activities to a
four‐state region (Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia) through a variety of media and methods.
To Apply: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to
info@wcmfa.org. Application deadline: April 15. Please put “Manager of Marketing” in the
subject line.
Development & Visitor Services Coordinator
This full-time, non-exempt position will provide general administrative support to the museum’s fundraising efforts, while assuring a welcoming and warm environment for museum visitors. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Development and Visitor Services Coordinator will provide administrative support to the museum’s development activities, maintain the museum’s membership and donor database, ensure timely member communications, and help to elevate the visitor experience by offering excellent, friendly, responsive service to museum visitors, members, and donors.
To Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter to business@wcmfa.org by April 15, 2025. First round interviews expected to happen the week of April 24, 2025.
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Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
301-739-5727
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Washington County Public Schools Annual Art Exhibition
Elementary:
April 12 to 20
Secondary:
April 26 to May 4
This beloved exhibition features the work of K-12 students and has done so for seven generations. Organized by the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in collaboration with Washington County Public Schools, this exhibition is generously sponsored by Volvo Mack Truck, the Washington County Arts Council, and Kevin Murray, M.D.
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Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
301-739-5727
| | jim mackey's one man show, “Dark Night of the Soul: A Bipolar Tour” is now running at the Lehman Library at Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, PA! | | |
Opportunities for Artists
Explore MSAC grants and opportunities available to independent artists.
Click here for details.
Maryland Arts Directory
A free online platform that showcases the high-caliber, diverse,
and relevant work of Maryland’s artists and arts organizations.
Click here for details.
Arts Across Maryland
Use our map to find public art, arts venues,
and Arts & Entertainment Districts to explore.
Click here for details.
Resource Bulletin
The MSAC online Resource Bulletin is maintained by the Maryland Art Place,
and includes local, regional, and national opportunities, calls for artists,
grants, and vendor opportunities.
Click here for details.
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The Washington County Arts Council, Inc. is funded by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), an agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development. | | |
The Washington County Arts Council is a proud member of
County Arts Agencies of Maryland,
Maryland Citizens for the Arts, and Americans for the Arts
| | The WCAC facility is wheelchair accessible! | | |
Thank you for providing your email address to the
Washington County Arts Council. Your information was obtained from
at least one of the following methods: signing our guest book,
becoming a member, donating, entering a contest, or exhibiting with us.
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