June 11, 2020
Volume 20-32
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 .
Imagine Hagerstown opens virtually June 12, 2020
Join us this Friday, June 12, 6:00-7:30 pm , for an online musical event featuring Josh Morningstar , who’s on the front lines of a new wave of country music, sultry jazz vocalist Kerensa Gray , and the unmistakable voice of Lana Spence and her fabulous band, Men of Leisure .
 
Hosted by Ryan Smetzer , this event also features some contests with downtown restaurant gift card prizes!
 
Be sure to order some great food from one of Hagerstown’s terrific downtown restaurants and enjoy this amazing concert from the comfort of your own home.
 
Stream it on Facebook (@imaginehagerstown), the City’s YouTube channel , or on Antietam Broadband Channel 25.
The Augustoberfest Charitable Foundation has been closely monitoring all COVID-19 communications, and Maryland Phase progressions. At this time with the state just recently entering into Phase 2, and no projection of when festivals without social distancing will be allowed, we sadly are unable to host the event this year.
As this is going to be Augustoberfest’s 25th Anniversary, we want to ensure our guests will have the biggest and best Authentic German Festival on the East Coast. Our 25th Anniversary weekend will be August 21st and 22nd, 2021.
The committee will continue to be hard at work and will provide updates on a regular basis. Your health and safety are always of our utmost concern, so please take care, stay safe and blessed!
Fondly looking towards 2021,
Your Augustoberfest Committee Members
Maryland State Arts Council ’s Women and Nature Exhibit featuring Washington County artist, Rhonda Smith. · 
 
Rhonda Smith (Washington County),  middlebridgestudio.com
𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘑𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦. Linocut with intaglio monotype. 24”h x 24”w, 2019
This piece was chosen as part of MSAC's juried exhibition, Women and Nature. This exhibit explores our relationship with Mother Earth through 2-dimensional visual art and poetry created by Maryland artists. Visit  msac.org .
2020 Photo Marathon
Call for Photographers
Deadline: June 20, 2020 @ 10PM*
Rain Date: June 21, 2020@ 10AM
*Please note: This is NOT a postmark deadline!
Work in Progress on the Hagerstown Cultural Trai
“Möller’s Sustained Wind” ---- public art sculpture by artist David Gibney funded in part by a Public Art Grant from the Washington County Arts Council made possible by funding form the Maryland State Arts Council.
2020 Washington Goes Purple
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 a September 2020 exhibit, “Purple - the Color of Recovery.” The juried community art exhibit will be on display virtually and in the gallery from August 27, 2020 through September 29, 2020. “Purple - the Color of Recovery,” while recognizing the impact of the opioid epidemic, celebrates recovery and the hope that we will heal as a community.”
Faces of Hagerstown
2nd Outdoor Photo Mural Exhibition Celebrating the People of Hagerstown
Let’s capture Hagerstown, Maryland, and its people.
The City of Hagerstown, in partnership with the Washington County Arts is pleased to announce the second exhibition of Faces of Hagerstown (FOH), a signature public art feature of the Hagerstown Cultural Trail.
Faces of Hagerstown is a large-scale outdoor photo mural gallery focusing on the human face and the truth of the Hagerstown experience. It will be located along the Hagerstown Cultural Trail in two prominent locations: (1) on a layered chain link mesh screening at the West Antietam Street Entrance Plaza, (2) on custom pole covers along the Lee Street segment of the Trail, and also on the brick walls of Artist Alley.
 
Extended Deadline: June 26, 2020 @ 5PM*
*Please note: This is NOT a postmark deadline!
Washington County Arts Council Accepting Grant Applications for 2020-2021
 
The Board of Directors of the Washington County Arts Council announces that the 2021 Community Arts Development Grant Guidelines and Application are now available at http://www.washingtoncountyarts.com/grants or by emailing Mary Anne Burke at maryanneb@washingtoncountyarts.com
Awards are made possible through the Maryland State Arts Council’s Community Arts Development program which “provides funds and technical assistance to the local arts councils of the 23 counties of Maryland and Baltimore City. The purposes of the program are to better serve artists, arts organizations and audiences throughout the State and to encourage local decision-making, arts activity and funding for the arts at the local level.” To be eligible, organizations must be organized as a charitable purpose.
Summer Arts Academy

Although this is our tenth year, the 2020 Summer Arts Academy is experiencing a first … we’re going VIRTUAL!
 
While our wish would be to host classes at BISFA as planned, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions in place, we are moving the Summer Arts Academy ONLINE! Students will still have an extensive learning experience in a creative and supportive environment to grow as artists, writers, dancers, actors, musicians, and individuals.
While this year will be a little different with virtual classes taught via Zoom or Google Classroom, we’re excited to share this new experience with our students!
The Foundation will host a “Packet Pick-up Day”, where students/parents can pick up their packets and supplies for the camp. We’ve got you covered – all you need to do is register and be on the lookout for an email with more information!
Since our academies will be hosted online, participants must have access to a reliable internet connection. All area students are welcome to join for the 10th annual (and first virtual) Summer Arts Academy!
Call for Arts in Education Panelists
Adult and child “Acting the story” for InterAct Story Theatre’s Family Literacy Fiesta/
Wheaton Family Theatre Series.
MSAC relies on a diverse array of experts from across the state of Maryland to do the important work of evaluating applications. MSAC selects Arts in Education panelists with a focus on the diversity of experiences, diversity of location, and expertise in arts education and teaching artistry. Panelists must be Maryland residents. 
 
Selected Teaching Artist Roster panelists serve a one-year term, which may be renewed. Selected Arts in Education Grant panelists serve a six-month term, which may also be renewed. 
 
Panelists receive modest compensation for their service.
 
What does a panelist do?
Selected panelists:
·      Attend a virtual or in-person panelist training session. 
·      Review and evaluate applications on MSAC’s online grants management system, SmartSimple, between the 10th and 15th of each monthly review period.*
·      (Teaching Artist Roster Panelists Only) Attend a monthly virtual panel meeting to collaboratively evaluate applications with other panelists.
 
*The average time commitment is two to four hours each month.  
 
Panelists must have access to a computer with an internet connection to complete reviews.
 
How do I apply to be a panelist? 
Submit your application via MSAC’s online grants management system, SmartSimple. 
·      Click the Apply Here button below to log in or create a free account in SmartSimple.
·      Under Funding Opportunities, select "Public Call."
·      Select "Panelist" from the drop-down options and click "Save Draft" to populate the application.
·      Select “Arts in Education Grant” or “Arts in Education Teaching Artist Roster” as the Grant Program.
 
Questions? Contact Program Director Precious Blake precious.blake@maryland.gov for assistance. 
 
Deadline: Monday, June 15th at 11:59 p.m.
Successful panelists enthusiastically embrace organizational and analytical skills, preparedness, timeliness, communication, collaboration, and their role as an advocate for the arts. Please do not complete this application if this list does not align with your practice.
Maryland Arts Education Town Hall
Wednesday, June 17th from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
 
The executive leadership of National Art Education Association, National Dance Education Organization, American Alliance for Theatre & Education, and National Association for Music Education will gather to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning in the arts, national trends, and their vision for a pathway forward.
Opening Remarks from: Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Maryland Schools
This free event is open to all stakeholders for arts education, including those outside of Maryland: Supervisors, Educators, Administrators, Teaching Artists, Community Artists, Community Arts Organizations, Funders, Advocates, Service Organizations, Families, and Students.
Presented by the Fine Arts Office of the Maryland State Department of Education.
Visit the refurbished home of Hagerstown's founder, Jonathan Hager, built circa 1739. This one of a kind house museum is staged with historic furniture and artifacts. Take a guided tour of the restored limestone homestead fortress built over a never-failing spring for an authentic educational heritage experience unlike any other. Located at 110 Key Street in Hagerstown City Park in Washington County, Maryland.

Beginning Saturday, June 6 - Tours Available by Appointment Only
Tours are available on Fridays & Saturdays during regular operating hours, 10am – 4pm. Other tour times may be requested. 
Make your tour reservation by phone by calling 301-739-8577 x 170. A 48-hour notice is required. 
Tours must be pre-paid over the phone in advance. Group sizes will be limited to 5-6 people, preferably only one household at a time. Visitors must wear masks and practice social distancing and safe hygiene while on premises.  The tour will discourage touching any objects other than hand rails and doorknobs.
Admission : $5 adults; $3 seniors (62+), students (13-17) & Military; $2 children (6-12); free 5 & under
 
Hager House Museum Virtual American Doll House Tour
Discover American history through the eyes of a child via modern technology!
 
The City of Hagerstown Parks & Recreation is telling the story of what life was like for a child growing up in historical times by bringing a seasonal favorite, “American Doll House Tour” to a cyber platform for the first guided virtual experience launched from the historic home of Hagerstown’s founder. Tune in from home, for this interactive two-part virtual recreation program streamed from the Jonathan Hager House Museum. Sign up for either program date: Saturday, June 13, or Sunday, June 14 from 12-2pm at the website: www.hagerhouse.org. Great for children ages 4 years and up for just $5!

A free introductory session is available Friday, June 12 at 6 pm to meet the curator, check for technical difficulties and go over needed materials, and for kids to introduce themselves and “show & tell” the curator and class about their favorite doll or toy they have at home. Sign up online at: www.hagerhouse.org for assistance with enrollment, call (301)739-8577 x 170, or email: hagerhouse@hagerstownmd.org .
Call for Responses -
Maryland Traditions Rebranding
From left: Dancer E. Keith Colston (Tuscarora/Lumbee), jazz musicians Gary Bartz and Todd Marcus, and Beijing opera performer Sarah Xie outside the Creative Alliance at the Patterson in Baltimore City. Photo by Edwin Remsberg Photographs.
The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is seeking opinions from Maryland residents on whether to retain or change the name of the Maryland Traditions program. Please cast your vote for either “Maryland Traditions” or “Maryland Folklife” by completing this survey no later than Wednesday, June 24.
 
The results of the survey will not affect the program's mission to identify, document, support, and present community-based living cultural traditions handed down by example or word of mouth. Its grant programs and support of public programming will continue. A current overview of the program can be found here .
 
MSAC began supporting folklife in 1974 with the Maryland Folklife Program. That program was rebranded in 2001 as Maryland Traditions, which has existed up to the present. Over the years, MSAC has raised the profile of Maryland’s living cultural traditions through grantmaking, festivals, fieldwork, archiving, and other activities. The current rebranding discussion is an effort to align the title of the program with the work it does, as well as with the titles of other MSAC programs. 
 
For further details, please contact State Folklorist Chad Buterbaugh at chad.buterbaugh@maryland.gov or 410.767.6450.
 
The Maryland State Arts Council  is accessible to all patrons. Guests with accessibility questions or who require additional assistance may call 410.767.6476 or email  precious.blake@maryland.gov .
Well, we aren't reopened quite yet!
MAMMA MIA!
hits our  DINNER & SHOW  stage 
Friday July 24th through Sunday August 9th ONLY!
Limited Seating - Socially Distanced Dining and Food Service
*Our telephone box office remains closed. For tickets, click GET TICKETS
 
 
MAMMA MIA! - Socially Distanced Seating
Jul 24, 2020 - Aug 09, 2020
Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater, 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.
 
  • Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit.
  • ALL SALES ARE FINAL. THERE ARE NO CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS, OR EXCHANGES. IF A PERFORMANCE IS CANCELLED OR POSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19 OR ANOTHER REASON, WE WILL RESCHEDULE YOU FOR A FUTURE PERFORMANCE.
  • Ticket price includes Dinner & Show and coffee, tea, and iced tea. Bar tab and gratuity are not included.
  • CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5 WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS.
  • Tickets subject to a $3.75 Ticketing Operations Fee
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To include your happenings in future editions of Artist Alley, please send your art information to  maryanneb@washingtoncountyarts.com

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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.
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
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