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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.
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NEW! Virtual Galleries---More to come!
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Spotlighting the artists of
The Gallery Shop
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Artists Featured:
Jannon Baer
William Fox
Todd Geiman
Matt Long
Ira Lourie
Donna Mason
Nikki Serra
Jackie Shaw
Marjorie Tressler
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Remembering past WCAC
Gallery Exhibits
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Exhibits Featured:
HCC Faculty - March 2014
The Lourie Brothers - October 2015
Washington Goes Purple - September 2019
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Maryland COVID-19 Recovery Plan includes a task force on the Arts
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Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz has convened a convened a “Maryland Arts Recovery Advisory group, which is a collaboration between the Maryland State Arts Council, the Fine Arts Office of the Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Citizens for the Arts, and the Arts Education in Maryland Schools. They are developing a plan for the future of the arts in Maryland, including recommendations for virtual engagement, best practices for in-person engagement, designing a reopening marketing campaign, and strengthening arts advocacy messaging.”
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Rebecca Massie Lane and Mary Anne Burke are members of the Governor’s Task Force for the Arts. Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas about celebrating the art sector’s return, promoting the work of the arts in our community, and continuing our investment in the creative economy. The art community must be creative when envisioning what will become the new normal, which will be anything but ordinary as we modify stay-at-home orders and other restrictions. Email
maryanneb@washingtoncountyarts.com
"You can call it the 'new normal,'" said Juliette Kayyem, a CNN national security analyst and former assistant secretary in the Department of Homeland Security. "I call it the 'now normal' because I think every day is going to be different."
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The Washington County Arts Council presents the
"St. Maria Goretti Catholic High School Student Art Show
with Art Teacher, Erin Ruff" in the Main and Hall Galleries,
Thursday, March 5, 2020 extended through May, 2020.
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Imagine Hagerstown announces its Fourth Friday lineup! “We are cautiously optimistic that these four amazing evenings of entertainment will take place one way or another.”
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Potomac Playmakers announces its 2020-2021 season!
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The Potomac Playmakers are proud to announce their 2020-2021 Season! Filled with music, comedy, and drama, the 94th Season will mark the debut of the brand-new Potomac Playmakers Performing Arts Center! The 2020-2021 Season will consist of the following:
Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, by Larry L. King, Peter Masterson & Carol Hall. In this classic musical, it is the late 1970s, and a brothel has been operating outside of Gilbert, Texas for more than a century. When a crusading television reporter decides to make the illegal activity an issue, political ramifications cause the place to be closed down.
Best Little Whorehouse In Texas will be directed by Maverick McKee and Andrew Shifler, and will run September 11-13 and September 18-20, 2020. Auditions are scheduled for June 15 & 16, 2020.
No Sex, Please, We're British, by Alistair Foot and Anthony Marriott. This classic farce surrounds an assistant bank manager, Peter Hunter, who lives in a flat above his bank with his new bride Frances. When Frances innocently sends a mail order off for some Scandinavian glassware, what comes back is Scandinavian pornography. The two, along with the bank's frantic chief cashier Brian Runnicles, must decide what to do with the veritable floods of pornography, photographs, books, films, and eventually girls that threaten to engulf this happy couple!
No Sex Please, We’re British will be directed by Paulette Lee, and will run November 13-15 and November 20-22, 2020.
A Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennesse Williams. Considered by many to be the greatest work of Tennessee Williams, Streetcar dramatizes the life of Blanche DuBois, a Southern belle who, after encountering a series of personal losses, leaves her aristocratic background seeking refuge with her sister and brother-in-law in a dilapidated New Orleans apartment building.
A Streetcar Named Desire will be directed by David Dull, and will run February 26-28 and March 5-7, 2021.
A Farce of Habit, by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten. In the raucous follow-up to A Farce of Nature (performed by the Potomac Playmakers in the 2017-2018 Season), A Farce of Habit returns to the Reel ‘Em Inn fishing lodge in the Ozarks, where the proprietor D. Gene Wilburn’s planned weekend on the lake is disrupted by his wife’s caffeine withdrawal, his son’s marital problems his sister’s bizarre undercover police assignment, a group of nuns on a nature retreat, a famous relationship guru, a retiree looking to cut loose, the storm of the century, and, oh by the way, an AXE MURDERER!? Directed by Greg Berezuk,
A Farce of Habit will run May 7-9 and May 14-16, 2021.
For more information, visit The Potomac Playmakers’ website at
www.potomacplaymakers.org , email
potomacplaymakers@gmail.com or call (240) 382-7269. Potomac Playmakers, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) all-volunteer, non-profit community theater company in business since 1926.
*All shows, dates, and venue information subject to change.
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Ballet and All That Jazz’s Spring Recital has been postponed to the Fall. Please mark your calendar for Sunday, October 25th, 2020 for 11 AM, 2 PM, and 6 PM. Please note the time changes. If you have already purchased tickets, they will be applied to the new date. More details to come later.
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City Announces Imagine Hagerstown Fourth Friday Lineup
Free music series slated to start June 26
th
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The City of Hagerstown is excited to announce the lineup for the 2020 Imagine Hagerstown Fourth Friday Music Series. The four evenings of outstanding free musical entertainment are slated to be June 26, July 24, August 28, and September 11—which is the rescheduled date for the original May 22 concert. Keeping the fluid COVID-19 situation in mind, the City is cautiously optimistic that the series will take place on these dates in some form or fashion. All shows are scheduled to take place at University Plaza at 50 West Washington Street from 5-8pm. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the venue.
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The Amish Outlaws -- June 2, 2020
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Skyla Burrell Band – July 24, 2020
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Josh Morningstar – August 28, 2020
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The Kelly Bell Band – September 11, 2020 (rescheduled)
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Imagine Hagerstown is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (
msac.org), the Washington County Arts Council, and Visit Hagerstown. Updated information about the Fourth Friday Music Series can be found on Facebook (
@imaginehagerstown), or by calling 301-739-8577, ext. 116.
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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!
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If you did not receive a refund by May 8, please contact the Maryland Theatre via Facebook Messenger.
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The HCC Alumni Association Funky Fridays Concert Series for the summer of 2020 has been canceled. The series was planned to include The Reagan Years on June 19, Cazhmiere on July 17, and Southern Charm on August 21. The series will be rescheduled for the summer of 2021, with details on the exact bands, concert dates, and times to follow. For more information, call Lisa Stewart in the HCC Alumni Office at
lsstewart@hagerstowncc.edu
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The Maryland State Arts Council is always looking for more events to add to its Maryland-Based virtual Events and Content List. Email
msac.commerce@maryland.gov
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Use the hashtag
#MDArtsUnite
and share your art-centered posts
during the COVID-19 State of Emergency.
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Please see below for an update on rescheduled performances at The Maryland Theatre
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POSTPONED until Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 7:30pm
Hagerstown Community Concert Association presents
Shades Of Bublé - Songs of Michael Bublé
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Wednesday, August 5 - Friday, August 7, 2020
Preliminary Nights at 7:00pm
Saturday, August 8, 2020 Final Crowning at 7:00pm
The Maryland Theatre hosts
Miss Maryland and Miss Maryland's Outstanding
Teen Scholarship Pageant
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POSTPONED until Friday, August 28, 2020 at 7:00pm
Maryland International Film Festival
Opening Night Red Carpet Event
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POSTPONED until Friday September 25, 2020
7:00 & 10:00pm
The Maryland Theatre hosts
Ron White
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POSTPONED until Sunday, September 27, 2020 at 7:00pm
The Maryland Theatre hosts
EagleMania-The World's Greatest Eagles Tribute
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POSTPONED until Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 11am, 2pm, 6pm
Ballet and All That Jazz Recital
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POSTPONED until Monday, November 9, 2020 at 8:00pm
The Maryland Theatre hosts
Dwight Yoakam
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POSTPONED until Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 3:00pm
The Maryland Theatre hosts
Celtic Woman Celebration - the 15th Anniversary Tour
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POSTPONED until Sunday, May 23, 2021 at 2:00pm
The Maryland Theatre presents
Remembering Hee Haw Starring
Original Cast members "The Kornfield Friends"
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For a complete listing of Performances & Events:
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2020 Faces of Hagerstown
Hagerstown Cultural Trail
Call for Photographers
Deadline: June 26, 2020 @ 5PM*
*Please note: This is NOT a postmark deadline!
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Pet Portrait Drawing with Nicole Troup
at the Museum of Fine Arts
Rescheduled for Thursday, October 8
Time: 9:30 AM – 3 PM, students will have a one-hour break for lunch
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.
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A note about classes and summer camps at the Museum of Fine Arts:
We are making our best attempt to move all in-person classes and summer camps to a virtual platform. Please keep an eye out for more information as our schedule becomes available. People already registered in specific classes will be notified via email when new information becomes available. Thank you for your understanding.
Museum of Fine Arts Washington County
401 Museum Drive ·
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-739-5727
Click below for more information and registration.
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The Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation announces the 10th annual Summer Arts Academy in July 2020. The Summer Arts Academy provides a creative and supportive environment for young adults (grades 5-12) to grow as artists, writers, dancers, actors, musicians, and individuals.
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2020 Photo Marathon
Call for Photographers
Deadline: June 20, 2020 @ 10PM*
*Please note: This is NOT a postmark deadline!
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Virtual Exhibit at the Washington County Commission on Aging!
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Imagine Hagerstown Street Festival 2020
Saturday Street Festival Vendor Opportunities
September 26, 2020
Vendor Application Deadline: JULY 1, 2020
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Frederick Arts Council announces cancellation of
the Frederick Festival of the Arts
The Frederick Arts Council Board of Directors voted to cancel the 2020 Frederick Festival of the Arts, formerly scheduled for June 5-7. This decision is in keeping with Governor Larry Hogan's most recent recommendations regarding large convenings, which have an uncertain reopen date within Phase III of the Maryland Strong Roadmap to Recovery.
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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*
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Western Maryland Regional Library announces that
Digital Magazines are Available for a Limited time
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Gallery 50 and Music Makers are CLOSED until further notice. This includes the cancellation of all Music Makers activities (Open Mic Nights, Live Music Fridays, Writers Forum, Songwriters Forum, and our Community Book Club). Destination Arts will re-open as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
Follow Destination Arts Facebook page for the latest updates.
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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.
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Imagine Hagerstown Street Festival 2020
Seeking Artists/Art Educators
Deadline: Until Filled
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Important Updates - MSAC Emergency Grants, SBA Loans, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
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MSAC Emergency Grants Update
Recognizing that the extraordinary demand for State and Federal resources is resulting in application delays and increased wait times for responses, the Council and the Secretary of Commerce have approved changes to MSAC’s Emergency Grant program. The program now requires applicants to estimate anticipated funding from State and Federal sources but does not require proof of application. In addition, clarity on deadlines and review periods is provided below.
All applicants that have started applications, submitted, or have previously been declined for Emergency Grant funding have received notification from MSAC that their grant application has been reopened for resubmission.
Revised Eligibility Requirements:
For Organizations:
For Independent Artists:
- Applicants must provide an estimate of any unemployment benefits in the budget submission.
Applications will be gathered for review on May 1 (for a May 5 review) and May 15 (for a May 20 review). Funding will be recommended through a comparison model (rather than a “first come, first serve” basis). Note that the timeline between approval and payment may be 90 days.
MSAC is not accepting new applications for its regular grant programs for FY20 funding until further notice, including the Creativity Grant, Professional Development, and Public Art Across Maryland programs.
For all COVID 19-related updates, visit MSAC’s COVID-19 Response page
here
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Small Business Administration Disaster Relief Loans Update
Governor Hogan continues to urge Congress to release additional funding for relief programs targeted towards small businesses. As of April 16, SBA is
unable to accept new applications
for its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the
Paycheck Protection Program
(PPP). Applicants who have already submitted applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please continue to monitor these programs for future updates.
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Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Update
On March 27, 2020, the federal government instituted a $2 trillion stimulus package with provisions for increasing access to Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits through a program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). The PUA program offers benefits to many working in the creative sector.
In Maryland, the PUA program will be administered through the
Maryland Department of Labor
starting Friday, April 27. Other UI benefits are also being administered through the Maryland Department of Labor, including increased weekly payments, additional online application resources, and the extension of the duration of UI benefits. See the Department of Labor’s
April 17 press release
for full details.
For updated information and resources about applying for PUA relief, visits MSAC’s COVID-19 Resources page
here
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The 2nd Annual
is Going Virtual!
Be Sure to Save the Dates.
May 26 - 29, 2020
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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!
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To stay connected, please join the
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Please specify
- Organization
- Program
- Dates
- Brief Description
- Location
- Ticket price
- Contact information
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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.
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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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The WCAC facility is wheelchair accessible!
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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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You may text
WCAC
to
22828
on your mobile device
to join our mailing list or
click the button below - Thank you!
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