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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.
| | Renew or Start your WCAC Membership June 1st, 2025! | | |
A Message from the WCAC Staff
Thank you for being part of the WCAC family—whether you're renewing your membership or joining us for the first time, we're so glad you're here. This year, we’re excited to offer more benefits and opportunities than ever before, starting at the Student level and up.
We hope you’ll take full advantage of what’s available—your membership makes a real difference. Signing up is quick, easy, and secure, taking less than two minutes to complete. Once you're done, your new membership card and receipt will be on their way to you.
Your support keeps our exhibitions free and helps the arts thrive in Washington County. Thank you for helping us make that possible.
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The Washington County Arts Council is currently accepting show proposals. Please appy via our website. | | |
The Washington County Arts Council presents:
Main Gallery - Guy Terry Kuhn: Geoexplorations
Michael G. Callas Gallery - Rob Rock:
Cliff Clavin as Prodigal Son - Latest Works from Florida
Through Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
in the Michael G. Callas and Main Gallery,
34 S Potomac St, Ste 100, Hagerstown, MD 21740
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Penny Knobel-Besa: Hands, Faces, and Whatever
Thursday, June 5, 2025 - Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 5pm to 7pm
in the Main and Michael G. Callas galleries at
34 S Potomac St, Ste 100, Hagerstown, MD 21740
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7th Annual Washington Goes Purple
2025 Call for Artists
The Washington County Arts Council, Inc. (WCAC) and Washington Goes Purple invite local artists working in any medium to submit their art for the September 2025 exhibit, “The Art of Overcoming: Healing Through Creativity.” The juried community art exhibit be on display in the gallery from September 4 through September 30, 2025.
“The Art of Overcoming: Healing Through Creativity - Exploring themes of recovery from substance use and mental health challenges through the transformative power of art.”
Please read the entire Prospectus and Guidelines before submitting artwork.
Then, submit up to three entries with the Submission Form.
If chosen, please adhere to the Hanging Specifications
and fill out the online PR/Media Release Form.
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May 31 through June 28
The Alchemist's Eye
Artist Reception
This Weekend!
May 31 & June 1 - 1:00 to 6:00 PM
The transformative process of art is a captivating phenomenon, particularly evident in the interaction between copper and acid, where a remarkable synthesis of science and creativity occurs. This fusion births an explosion of vibrant colors—radiant oranges that leap off the metal, profound blues that evoke deep emotions, and shimmering greens that seem to shimmer with life—each hue a testament to the unpredictable yet beautiful nature of artistic expression. We are thrilled to welcome Stephen for another visit. He is a distinguished artist whose exceptional contributions have graced the screens of countless films and television shows. We invite you to join us for an engaging discussion that promises to delve into Stephen's unique artistic journey and the fascinating materials and techniques he employs, including the distinctive acids that enliven his creations.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to engage with Stephen. This event is more than just a casual meet-and-greet; it's a chance to delve into the rich narratives that shape the artwork on display, aligning perfectly with Just Lookin's mission to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural significance. By joining us, you will not only gain insights from Stephen's expertise but also contribute to our gallery's commitment to education. We invite both local art enthusiasts and visitors from afar to partake in this meaningful experience, as your presence enriches our collective appreciation of art. Seize this chance to connect, learn, and celebrate original African American art—your participation matters!
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Round out the summer with
the last show of the 24-25 Season
Honky Tonk Hissy Fit
by Jones, Hope and Wooten
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Performances are Friday 8 PM evenings with 3PM matinees Saturdays and Sundays
June 6-8, 13-15, 2025.
Directed by Greg Berezuk with Angel Mullen
Produced with permission from Dramatists Play Service.
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Rocky Horror Picture Show
50th Annivesary PRIDE Event
Get your Tix now!
| | The 50th Anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with the live shadow cast is presented by The Potomac Playmakers in conjunction with #ROCKYHORRORPPP on June 28 at 8 PM. The Pride filled night will be hosted by the cast and director with Preshow celebrations. Show starts at 8:30. Prop bags will be sold at the door for $3 cash. Ticketholders who purchased tickets online receive a free raffle ticket. This is a show for MATURE AUDIENCES! You must be 18 or accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $20. | | |
OPENS: June 30, 2025
DEADLINE: July 31, 2025 @3pm
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Call for Entries
Cumberland Valley Artists Exhibition
In honor of the semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary of the U.S., the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is planning its 2026 Cumberland Valley exhibitions around national themes. This exhibition will require submissions to be in line with four specific themes of national significance, some of which have been established by the American Association for State and Local History. Art dealing with these themes through abstraction are welcome:
- Unfinished Revolutions
- The Power of Place
- We the People
- American Experiment
To learn more about these themes see: The Field Guide for the Semiquincentennial
Who may enter:
Open to artists in MD, VA, WV, PA, DC.
Entering
CallsForEntry.
- No artwork previously shown at the museum will be accepted.
- Submit digital images not to exceed 8 MB.
- Upload 1 image for each 2D object or up to 3 photos for sculpture. Use “Additional Notes” to enter descriptive information about medium (Mixed media – paper, paint, found object, etc...).
Calendar Submissions Open: Monday, June 30, 2025
Submissions Close: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 3pm
Notice of acceptance: Friday, August 22, 2025
Exhibition on view: November 8, 2025 — March 1, 2026
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Follow the Sun
opening May 30, 2025 and showing through June 22, 2025.
Mansion House
480 Highland Avenue in City Park
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Fridays and Saturdays: 11am-4pm; Sundays 1-5pm
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On View: Amazing Tablescapes
Tuesday, June 10-Friday, June 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday, June 13, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Preview Gala: Frida Kahlo & Amazing Tablescapes
Art Camps
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June 16-20, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Frida Kahlo: Picturing an Icon $250 per child. All materials included; campers must bring their own lunch.
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June 24-26, 10 a.m.-12 noon. Adaptive Arts Camp. Free.
Thursday, June 19, 6-7 p.m.
Let’s Talk Art with Executive Director Sarah J. Hall
This year’s popular fundraiser will include tables featuring themes inspired by Frida Kahlo’s life, art and world. $10 to view the tables and the table that raises the most money through voting will receive a trophy.
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2025 Hager House Plein Air Arts Festival
Calling All Artists
Calling all artists, the Hager House welcomes you for an open-air day of creativity. Artists are invited to bring your own supplies and create paintings, drawings, and sketches of City Park scenery. Capture the magic of a single moment in time, or how things change over time. Use light, color, textures, and more as your inspiration.
Once completed, we welcome you to submit your art for display inside one of the three sites in the park: the Hager House, The Valley Art Association at the Mansion House Art Center, and Museum of Fine Arts for visitors to admire through the month until after City Park Fall Fest (Sat. Sept. 20). No fees for artists to participate, free house tour included for participating artists. Rain Date: August 16.
Registration opens at 9am at the Jonathan Hager House located at 110 Key Street. Artists are welcomed to spread throughout the park into any of the three designated zones.
Artists are welcome to relax and cool down in the Museum of Fine Arts Atrium. Guided tours will be available featuring some landscape collections in the museum. More details to come!
Finally, artists are encouraged to stay late for a reception in the Museum of Fine Arts garden from 3pm - 4:45pm to connect and share your experiences with other artists from the day. Alcohol will be available for purchase.
Click below to Enroll Now and RSVP to the event as an artist (for free), and stay in the loop with updates and notifications about the event.
Onsite registration is available on site during the event.
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We are currently seeking artists interested in leading MACreate classes or hosting lectures or demonstrations. These are contracted opportunities, with compensation based on class enrollment.
MACreate offers a variety of art classes across different mediums and skill levels. Each session is designed to be hands-on and approachable, with the goal for attendees to take home a finished piece of work and a new creative skill.
Upcoming available MACreate dates include:
* June 24
* June 25
* June 28
* Any date forward to negotiate
CONTACT:
Juliana Rivelli
Events Coordinator
juliana@macicehouse.org
(304) 248-2300 x203
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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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Through July 27 – Cumberland Valley Photographers
Juried, annual exhibition showcasing artists of the Cumberland Valley region. Organized by the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, support for the exhibition has been provided by Conservit, Inc., and Delaplaine Foundation, Inc; awards funded by Jennifer Jones of Cooling Services, Inc.; Hugh and Marty Talton; Nora and Bruce Wilder (Best in Show); Sherry Cramer (Juror’s Awards); Louis Kawaja in honor of Ms. Mary Helen Strauch; and Washington County Arts Council (Juror’s Awards).
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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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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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