April 17, 2020
Volume 20-16
Welcome!
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 .
To stay connected, please join the
Artists and art organizations please send your event change information to Mary Anne Burke for inclusion in Artist Alley:
The Maryland State Arts Council is offering three grants that are available NOW!
Any matching requirements and timeline prerequisites have been temporarily suspended to support YOUR ideas for relevant and urgent needs in this time of viewing art in a new and creative way!
Learn more about each grant below and connect with a Program Director today to see how we can help!
Authentic Community Theatre, Inc. has announced that
“The show must go on!”

The students work so hard every semester to put together selections for our seasonal showcases. This semesters have continued to work with instructors virtually over the last few weeks in the hope of performing this month for family and friends. ACT did not want to take the showcase opportunity from them and are proud to be presenting their work on Saturday April 18, 2020 on Facebook!

Videos of their performances and work will be uploaded on the 18th for all to enjoy, so make sure you check it out and show your support to the next generation of performers and artists!
HCC to host virtual Earth Day Activities

In recognition of the 50 th anniversary of Earth Day, Hagerstown Community College will host a week of virtual activities, April 20 to 24, 2020.
The theme for the week is “our natural connections,” those environmental and natural phenomena that help us stay connected to the Earth and each other. All activities are listed at www.hagerstowncc.edu/earthday2020 and include:
·         Monday, April 20 - Share your photos, artwork, videos, and music to celebrate “Our Natural Connections.” Entries will be shared on HCC social media pages, and every person who participates will receive a chance to win prizes from local businesses.
·         Tuesday, April 21 – Musician Jenni Avila will present a concert of music that celebrates the diversity of life, with original songs that have an energizing presence.
·         Wednesday, April 22 - A series of mini presentations from HCC’s environmental studies students will highlight some of the environmental problems facing our community and planet.
·         Thursday, April 23 - Dr. Deborah Landau, conservation ecologist for the Nature Conservancy, will present a lecture that focuses on ecological restoration through controlled burning, native tree planting, invasive species removal, hydrologic restoration, increased forest resiliency, and the effect of these conservation actions on plants, animals, and natural communities.
·         Friday, April 24 – National Arbor Day - HCC President Jim Klauber will share a video message to celebrate the week’s activities.
To learn more about Earth Day, visit www.earthday.org . To learn more about HCC’s Environmental Studies Program, visit www.hagerstowncc.edu/environmentalstudies.
Tag the Washington County Arts Council on FACEBOOK, Twitter and Instagram to share your art
The 2nd Annual
is Going Virtual!
Be Sure to Save the Dates.
May 26 - 29, 2020
Call for Proposals are REOPENED!
Call for Creatives:
The Maryland Theatre’s highest priority is the health and well-being of all our patrons, performers, and volunteers. In conformance with the public health guidelines issued by state of Maryland, and due to the threat of COVID-19, all public performances and events scheduled at the Maryland Theatre through April 27 will be canceled effective immediately.

For the safety of the staff, the box office is currently closed as well.

Ticket holders should check the show listing on the website for the latest information. Your tickets are transferable and will be valid in the same form you have them in currently for the new date & show time.

Options if you are unable to attend the new date:

1.   Share your tickets with a friend or family member;
2.   Re-sell them online or otherwise.
Consider the ticket value a donation to the performance entity.
Authentic Community Theatre, Inc. has announced that due to the current social distancing mandates the theatre is postponing its production of James & The Giant Peach Jr.

The cast has been working exceedingly hard in this time away from ACT to remain prepared and put on the best show possible so stay tuned for rescheduled dates to be announced in the coming weeks!

*All patrons who already purchased tickets will be contacted with the new show dates as soon as we are able to 100% guarantee that the show will happen on those dates*
Tentative start on April 22 using Zoom online platform
Wednesday, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
$60 per person. Capacity: 25 students
Instructor: Daniel Fulco, Ph.D., Agnita M. Stine Schreiber Curator
  
This 5-week course is offered in conjunction with Shepherd University’s Lifelong Learning Program.
A survey of painting, architecture, and sculpture in Europe and America from the Renaissance through the Romantic era, with focused discussions of works of art from the collection of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. This course uses these works to investigate meaning and aesthetic considerations in the visual arts while placing them in their broad cultural and historical contexts. Successive periods and styles will be explored such as the Southern and Northern Renaissance, the Baroque, Neoclassicism, and Romanticism.
Museum of Fine Arts Washington County
401 Museum Drive ·
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-739-5727

Click below for more information and registration.
Hagerstown Parks & Recreation Goes Virtual
‘Fit For You’ transforms into ‘Fit For Wherever You Are’

Spring ushers in a busy season for Parks & Recreation in Hagerstown, as programs and instructors adapt to reach citizens where they are, by offering fitness, health & wellness, arts, entertainment, and educational programs through virtual platforms.

While scheduled opening dates for the Jonathan Hager House and City Park Train Hub Museums are pushed back, and facilities like the Fit Room at Fairgrounds Park and The Greens at Hamilton Run golf course are temporarily closed to the public, reaching citizens from the comfort and safety of their homes presents a new challenge to which Hagerstown Parks & Recreation has, as the tagline says, a “fit for you.” Stay healthy and stay active; learn more about each program and sign up at: www.hagerstownmd.org/virtual
The Hub City 100 Miler Challenge finale event, originally set for April 18, has been postponed to June 6. Grand prize winners will be announced virtually, and winners can pick up their prizes later in the season. Until then, keep the challenge going with “50 Miles More, Hub City 100 Miler Extended Challenge” for $5. Keep staying active each day by walking a mile a day or completing 20 consecutive minutes of physical activity. Enjoy more opportunities to win prizes and stay connected with weekly e-newsletter for inspiration. Join us - one mile a day for 50 more days, registration is open now! 

Virtual fitness classes are a great way to stay engaged and active while staying safe at home. Classes offered during the day and evening to provide the best “fit for you”! Virtual fitness classes include: Virtual Yoga for Weight Loss, Virtual Belly Dance for Beginners, Virtual Sharqui- the Belly Dance Workout, Virtual Zumba Gold, with more program offerings coming live in the weeks ahead!
Health & wellness priorities are at the top of the list for self-care. Connect with classes that help you manage stress, anxiety, nutrition, and meal- prep with programs coming up: “The Unlikely Craving Connection” April 18, “May Mindfulness Challenge”, “Healthy Pasta Cooking Demo”.

Arts & entertainment are a great way to keep your mind sharp and your creativity flowing. Check out “Virtual Creative Photography” series starting April 21, and “Have Fun With Paint” May 8.

April is Maryland Archaeology month! Experience “Virtual Archaeology” program, starting with two free Saturday sessions April 18 & 25, with archaeologist, Scott Parker, who has led the archaeological excavation at the Saylor House at Kiwanis Park for the past two years. Learn the tools, procedures, and basic practices of the science of archaeology, and learn about discoveries made at the site in recent years. A 4-week Saturday series in May follows the two free classes in April. All ages welcome!

Stay tuned for videos and virtual tours coming from our historic sites and museums, the Jonathan Hager House Museum and City Park Train Hub. Stay connected with updates and news from the ‘Hagerstown Parks and Recreation’ Facebook page. For assistance with enrollment, or for more information, email: parksandrec@hagerstownmd.org or call (301)739-8577 x 170. Once enrolled in a program, participants will be emailed access links to log-in and participate in a virtual learning experience live with Parks & Recreation program instructors.
Imagine Hagerstown Street Festival 2020
Seeking Artists/Art Educators
Deadline: Until Filled
The Community Foundation and United Way of Washington County need your help to fulfill the match for the  COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund that will support Washington County nonprofits and individuals impacted by COVID-19. 
 
Thank you to the generous collaborative partners who made this possible through a match of $100,000!
Please help us reach our goal of $200,000 by donating to the COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund. We are about 70% of the way to our goal.
There are three easy ways to give:  
2. Donate by texting COVIDWashCo to 313131
3. Donate by calling 301-739-8200
 
Thank you for your support and generosity!

The Museum of Fine Arts is still working on planning its summer arts camps.
Follow the Museum’s website for the most recent information.

Museum of Fine Arts Washington County
401 Museum Drive ·
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-739-5727

Click below for more information and registration.
2020 Photo Marathon
Call for Photographers
Deadline: May 23, 2020
2020 Faces of Hagerstown
Hagerstown Cultural Trail
Call for Photographers
Deadline: May 29, 2020 @ 5PM*
*Please note: This is NOT a postmark deadline!
Imagine Hagerstown Street Festival 2020
Saturday Street Festival Vendor Opportunities
September 26, 2020
Vendor Application Deadline: JULY 1, 2020
Museum of Fine Arts Washington County offers
Pet Portrait Drawing Workshop

Date: Thursday, May 14, 2020
Time: 9:30 AM – 3 PM, one-hour lunch included
Instructor: Nicole Troup
Cost: WCMFA Members $55, General public $65

In this workshop, instructor Nicole Troup will teach students how to draw animals in graphite pencil from start to finish. As a working pet portrait artist in the field, completing many commissions for clients over the years, Troup will teach the fundamental skills needed to draw an animal portrait through demos and step-by-step instruction. Students are asked to bring in a photo reference of their pet (head shot preferred). If you don’t have a pet, Troup will bring in photo references of a variety of animals and birds for free use (doesn’t need to be a pet). Art principles that will be covered are: pencil technique, blocking in lights and darks, proportions, fur or feather technique, blending, contrast and more.

Museum of Fine Arts Washington County
401 Museum Drive ·
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-739-5727

Click below for more information and registration.
Museum of Fine Arts Washington County offers
Weaving Workshop: Point Twill 

Thursday, May 21, 2020
10 AM – 3:30 PM

$25 due upon registration. $15 supplies fee due to the instructor at the start of the workshop.

The movement and visual intricacy of point twills is infectious! Workshop students will weave a sampler gamp using 5-point twill threadings and numerous tie-up and treadling changes to yield a useful future reference tool with over 100 patterns.

Museum of Fine Arts Washington County
401 Museum Drive
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-739-5727

Click below for more information and registration.



Museum of Fine Arts Washington County has announced that
Lee Weaver's Watercolor Workshop will be postponed. Rescheduled dates will be released in the near future.
Museum of Fine Arts
Washington County presents
Art a Day Challenge

Art exploration doesn’t have to stop when you leave the museum. We know that unexpected school closures can add some stress at home. Here, find art challenges for you and your kids that relate to works of art from the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. There will be a new #ARTaDayChallenge for each day school is closed! When you complete a challenge, share your creation online and tag us @WashingtonCountyMuseumofFineArts on Facebook and @WCMFA on Instagram. Use the hashtag #ARTaDayChallenge and encourage others to continue art education at home!
Cushwa College Internship
The Jean Cushwa College Internship at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is offered to one qualified college student who is majoring in Fine Art, Art History, Art Education, Museum Studies, or a similar field of study. The intern will conduct curatorial work to support art collections, exhibition planning and management, and/or art education program activities.
This is a paid summer internship.   The intern will receive a stipend of up to $1,000.
Important dates:   Friday, May 1 application due. 

Cushwa Art Scholarship Award
The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one graduating high school senior who resides in Washington County, Maryland. The student must plan to pursue a career in Visual Art, Art History, Art Education, Design, Architecture, or Museum Studies. Funds are to be used to support tuition and fees for the first year of college.
Important dates:   Friday, May 1 application due. 
Mamma Mia!
Jun 19, 2020 - Aug 08, 2020
Washington County Playhouse, Hagerstown, MD

ABBA's hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

• Ticket price includes Dinner & Show and coffee, tea, and iced tea. Bar tab and gratuity are not included.
• We reserve the right to reassign selected seating to accommodate patrons with special needs or groups.
• All sales are final. There are no cancellations, refunds, or exchanges.
• CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5 WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS.
• Tickets subject to a $3.75 Ticketing Operations Fee.
CALL FOR PANELISTS
Presenting & Touring Grant and Touring Roster
Apply by Friday, May 15, 2020
The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is seeking panelists to review The FY21 Maryland Performing Artist Touring Roster applications along with the FY21 Maryland Touring Grant applications. MSAC relies on a diverse array of performing arts and grants experts from across the state of Maryland to do the important work of evaluating grant and roster applications. Presenting & Touring panelists will review the Touring Roster applications remotely from June-July, and will then review Touring Grant applications remotely quarterly during FY21. Serving as a panelist is a great opportunity to learn about the granting processes of the Maryland State Arts Council.

The design of the Presenting & Touring program is to spark collaboration, which supports a rich and artistically diverse network of Maryland professional artists and performing arts organizations. Eligible Maryland nonprofit presenting organizations have the opportunity to apply for the Maryland Touring Grant to help subsidize the presentation of any performer on the Maryland Performing Touring Roster.

The Maryland Performing Artist Touring Roster comprises Maryland-based performing artists with professional experience that have been selected through a peer review process on the basis of artistic merit and a demonstrated history of successful touring engagements.

Selected Grant Panelists:
•   Panelists must be Maryland residents
•   Digitally review Touring Artist Roster Applications from June - July 2020
•   Digitally review Touring Grant applications quarterly from July 2020 - April 2021 - July, October, January, April for four (4) total reviews
•   Panelists will receive modest compensation for the entire process, which includes roster application reviews and quarterly reviews (approximately 2-4 hours each month)
•   Are required to attend one of the following training sessions in June:
•   Tentative training dates include: Tuesday, June 16th at 9am, Wednesday, June 17th at 2pm, and Thursday, June 18th at 6pm (dates, times and in-person/virtual session subject to change)
•   Will be available remotely to review grant applications between the 10th-15th of quarterly review periods.
•   Must have access to a computer with internet connection to complete monthly digital reviews. Please note applications are reviewed on a digital platform, Smart Simple; and training will be provided.

Apply by filling out the Application Form by Friday, May 15
Connect with us
To include your happenings in future editions of Artist Alley, please send your art information to  maryanneb@washingtoncountyarts.com

Please specify
  • Organization
  • Program
  • Dates
  • Brief Description
  • Location
  • Ticket price
  • Contact information
Links for Artists


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.
Supported in part by:
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.
You may text  WCAC  to  22828  on your mobile device
to join our mailing list or 
click the button below - Thank you!
// CONNECT WITH US //