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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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The Washington County Arts Council hosts two exhibits during the month of January 2021. Brian Truesdale brings “Fates & Abandoned Furies” to the Main Gallery and the Hall Gallery will feature selected works by the late Marguerite E. Cyr who worked primarily in oil and watercolor. The exhibits will be on display virtually and in the gallery through February 2, 2021.

Social distancing and wearing masks are required for all visitors in the gallery.
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WCAC Announces the People’s Choice Winner
“How Fast Must We Go to Stop Time?” by Juliet Drake Hossain
The 2020 Awards are sponsored by the Washington County Arts Council
made possible by funding from the Maryland State Arts Council
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11th Annual Washington County Art Educators
The Washington County Arts Council invites all art educators in Washington County’s public and private schools to enter work for the February 2020 exhibit. This is an invitational exhibition and all work will be accepted. Each educator can submit three works that have been completed within the last two years. Artwork may be dropped off Friday, January 29, 2021 from 11am to 5pm, Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 10am to 4pm, or Tuesday, February 2, 2021 from 11am to 5pm.
The Exhibit will run from February 4, 2021 through March 2, 2021 in the galleries (social distancing + masks) as well as virtually by Saturday, February 6, 2021.
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Advocate for the Arts during Maryland Arts Day 2021 |
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Date: Thursday, February 11, 2021
Time: 8:30am am to 1 pm
Where: Virtual Crowdcast Platform
Cost: $10
What is Maryland Arts Day?
Maryland Arts Day is the largest annual gathering of arts professionals in Maryland. With more than 500 participants, representing every county in the state and Baltimore City, this statewide arts advocacy event connects artists, educators, administrators, volunteers and trustees with lawmakers from every legislative district in Maryland. Maryland Arts Day needs your participation to show strong support for the arts in Maryland and its impact on the economic and cultural vitality of the state.
What do I do at Maryland Arts Day?
At Maryland Arts Day, you spend the day networking with colleagues from around the state, all while learning about the arts advocacy process. After a networking breakfast, participants will gather for the morning session which includes greetings from lawmakers, presentation of the Sue Hess Legacy Arts Advocate of the Year Award, a keynote speech, and a state budget overview. After all of this great information, we will prep you with talking points and best practices for meetings with your legislators.
The next portion of the day will be meetings in your virtual county delegation rooms with your legislators. Guided by county arts council directors representing your district, you will have an opportunity to tell legislators about the importance of the arts in Maryland and specific arts impacts in your community.
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Date: Thursday, February 11, 2021
Time: 8:30am am to 1 pm
Where: Virtual Crowdcast Platform
Cost: $10
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EXTENDED DEADLINE: January 29, 2021

Welcome to Locust Point
Mural Project Call for Artists
Bester Community of Hope and Locust Point Market seek an artist or an artist group to create a mural to be mounted on the outside of the building. The total budget for the work is $3,000. The call is open for artists who are Maryland residents. This artist call is presented in partnership with the Washington County Arts Council.
The mural will be created on an all-weather platform that can be semi-permanently attached to the back side of the building, facing north. The total size of the mural should not exceed 10 feet tall by 15 feet wide.
Professional artists or teams with experience with murals who live in Maryland may be eligible for this opportunity. Current liability coverage is strongly preferred.
The decision to mount the work rather than directly use the building as a canvas was made because of the plastic siding on the building. It is preferred that the art not cover the window as there is an apartment. The work will hang as long as it stands the weather and test of time, but will ultimately belong to the owners of the market. A concept is preferred as the market owners will be the primary decision makers. No typography is preferred.
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Joyful Arts Studio “Finding Your Inner Artist:
Event/Entrance Fee: $100.00 (includes 4 classes)
Beginning January 28, 2021
1:00pm-3:00pm
This class is in the studio and you will need to wear a mask during class, follow social distancing, and Joyful Arts Studio COVID-19 Protocols. “Finding Your Inner Artist” class is your quest to find your “inner artist”. If you are already an experienced artist, Susan will help you grow as an artist. However, no previous art experience is necessary to take, and to succeed, in this class. *You choose your medium whether it be oil, watercolor, acrylic, colored pencil, graphite or collage. *You choose what you want to learn to draw and paint. *You choose your painting surface. The creative process is done under the watchful, and instructive eye of Susan Shaffer. Come learn to paint in a relaxed, nurturing, warm, and loving environment. Susan helps her students “let go” of stress and connect with their “inner artist”. She provides a practical approach, as she gives hands-on demonstrations, and ongoing guidance, in order to help you create your work of art! Class size is limited to eight students to allow her to work individually with each person. There is value added to this class when you are able to learn things from someone else's project ... While one student is creating an oil landscape, another may be drawing a portrait; while one is creating a whimsical acrylic painting, yet another may be painting a lovely watercolor floral. Susan loves to help her students accomplish a painting they will be proud of and it is her belief this can best be accomplished by incorporating their interests into the entire learning process. Forming new friendships, with like-minded people, is yet another benefit of these classes. We enjoy our common interest of art, as well as good music, chocolate, an occasional glass of wine, birthday celebrations and loving support of each other's work! If you don't know how to draw, don't let that stop you. (Susan painted for seven years before she learned to draw.) She teaches her students through a “hands-on” practical approach. She provides frequent demonstrations, offers tips and techniques to allow you to work smarter, not harder. You will need to have your own art supplies. Susan will provide a supply list, many of which can be purchased at Joyful Arts Studio. Come and discover your “INNER ARTIST” and enjoy an escape from daily life, in a positive learning environment! #joy #party
Joyful Art Studio
21 E Baltimore St, Greencastle, PA
For more information, contact: Susan Shaffer at 717-658-2177 or
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Washington County Free Library Writing Contests
Now Open for Entry Submissions
Washington County Free Library currently has two contests open for 2021 entry submissions: the Poetry and Short Story Writing Contest and an Easy Picture Book Writing Contest. Both contests are accepting submissions until March 15, 2021.
The Annual Poetry and Short Story Writing Contest is an opportunity for writers to share their creative works and includes five age divisions: grades 2-3, grades 4-5, grades 6-8, grades 9-12, and adult. There will be first, second, and third place winners in each division. Writers may enter up to two poems & one short story. All entries must be original work and may be on any topic.
The Easy Picture Book Writing Contest is an opportunity for writers and artists to create a picture book to share with children in the community. This contest includes four age divisions: grades 4-5, grades 6-8, grades 9-12, and adult. There will be one winner chosen for each category. This winner will receive a hardbound edition of their book.
Entries may be submitted to any library branch throughout the county or postmarked no later than March 15, 2021 for consideration. Further details about submission requirements for both contests are available at washcolibrary.org.
Contact: Jeff Ridgeway, Children’s Department
Washington County Free Library
301-739-3250 ext. 250
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Western Maryland Historical Library Seeks Photos of Community COVID-19
Experiences for Preservation
Western Maryland Regional Library, through its Western Maryland Historical Library (WHILBR) website at digital.whilbr.org, plans to document local experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic by collecting photographs showing how the pandemic has affected daily life and our community.
Visual images capture documentary details and creative responses that are not easily conveyed
through words. Please help us create a diverse collection that can assist future generations in
understanding the impacts of COVID-19. To learn more about this project and how to contribute your
All are invited to contribute photographs taken by county residents. Possible topics could be
masks, social distancing, thanks for the emergency and hospital workers, or unique quarantine
activities. Submissions might also include photos of caring for others, distance learning, new kinds of
jobs, and daily routines that have changed. We are looking for pictures that capture how COVID-19 has
impacted our community in all of its uncertainty, grief, hope, and gratitude.
Library curators from Western Maryland Regional Library will review the submissions and select
images to add to the website digital.whilbr.org and to preserve in a permanent collection.
Western Maryland Regional Library provides services and resources directly to the public libraries
of Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties. WMRL is housed in the Fletcher Branch Library of the
Washington County Free Library in Hagerstown, Maryland.
Contact Information: Jill Craig, Digitization Librarian
Western Maryland Regional Library
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From left: Phil Wiggins playing the harmonica, riders enjoying the historic Dentzel Carousel at Glen Echo Park, and arabbers Leonard "Felix" Wells and James Cooper repairing a wagon. Wiggins and arabbing photos by Edwin Remsberg Photographs. Carousel photo courtesy of Glen Echo Park Partnership. |
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Maryland Traditions, the traditional arts program of MSAC, has announced the winners of its 2021 Heritage Awards, which recognize long-term achievement in the traditional arts. Three Heritage Awards are given annually: one each in the categories of Person or People, Place, and Tradition. Each award comes with a $5,000 grant. This year’s winners are:
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Person or People: Phil Wiggins of Montgomery County is a master harmonica player in the tradition of the Piedmont blues, a delicate, lyrical style of blues originating in Black communities in the eastern United States in the 1920s and 1930s. Phil has taught thousands to both play and value the Piedmont blues and is the recipient of many awards, including the National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowship, the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.
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Place: The historic Dentzel carousel has been a fixture in Montgomery County’s Glen Echo Park since 1921. Crafted by the Dentzel Carousel Company, the amusement has for 100 years served as the site of community gathering, including a 1960 civil rights protest to open the park to Black visitors. The desegregation effort was ultimately successful, and the carousel has remained the centerpiece of the park and a cherished attraction for all guests.
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Tradition: Arabbing is the name for the Baltimore City tradition of selling fruits and vegetables by horse-drawn cart. Those practicing the tradition, known as arabbers, alert their customers to the availability of fresh food through unique hollers. For 150 years, arabbing has been recognized as a tradition primarily upheld by and for Baltimore’s Black communities, as well as an entrepreneurial economic system serving neighborhoods across the city.
“The Maryland State Arts Council’s Heritage Awards highlight what’s best of Maryland’s folklife and community-based cultural traditions,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “The award recipients have shown significant and long-term achievement and help tell the world about Maryland’s great heritage.”
Maryland Traditions has offered Heritage Awards annually since 2007 in honor of Dr. Alta Schrock, a Garrett County community leader who taught biology at Frostburg State University and founded groups, events, and publications to support traditional arts in Appalachian Maryland and beyond. Dr. Schrock’s legacy and work are a continuing source of inspiration for the Heritage Awards today. As part of their honor, each winner participates in a photo shoot and recorded interview to document their activities.
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Join Authentic Community Theatre on January 15, 2021 for its first VIRTUAL TRIVIA NIGHT! More information is available on our Facebook Event! |
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The Berkeley Arts Council’s Annual Members’ Exhibit opens Friday, January 15 and runs through Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the Berkeley Art Works gallery, 116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg. The exhibit is open during business hours, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11am to 3pm. More: https://wp.me/pDwaf-1v8
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The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater continues their series of Interactive Murder Mysteries with The Altos: Blood is Thicker Than Wine! This Playhouse Studio production, a spoof of the popular television series, The Sopranos, will play 4 performances January 16, 17, 22 & 23 at The Playhouse, which is located at 44 North Potomac Street, Rear in the heart of Hagerstown's Arts and Entertainment District and City Center.
Ernest Anthony "Tony" Alto is dead, and his family and friends are gathered for the reading of the will. Who will inherit the family business, Ernest and Julio Alto Winery and Vineyards? Everyone is dying to find out—especially Tony's daughter, Nebbiolo. When an Alto gets "whacked," everyone is a suspect! Good thing the family consigliere, Francis "Big Frankie" Coppola, is there to investigate, with the help of the guests. Who did it? Fuhgeddaboutit—you'll have to watch the freakin' show to find out!
The show is preceded by Dinner featuring Dinner Rolls, Plated Salad, Dinner, Dessert and Coffee, Tea, and Iced Tea. A Full-Service Cash Bar is available. Bar tab and gratuity not included. Children under age 5 not admitted.
The Altos: Blood is Thicker Than Wine plays January 16, 22, & 23 at 6PM & January 17 at 1PM.
Tickets cost $59.50 for Adults ($53.50 for Active Military & First Responders). Tickets include dinner and show and can be purchased at www.washingtoncountyplayhouse.com
or by calling 301-739-7469.
Washington County Dinner Theater
44 North Potomac Street, Rear
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-739-7469
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Sue Hess Legacy Arts Advocate of the Year Award
Do you know someone who has been a fantastic advocate for the
arts in our state?
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Starting in 2009, the Sue Hess Award was presented during Maryland Arts Day to individuals whose advocacy efforts have significantly benefited the entire Maryland arts community. With Sue’s passing in April 2020, the award now continues as a testament to her work and commitment to honor a new generation of Maryland arts advocates. For more information and to nominate someone, check out the Sue Hess Award Page on our website.
The deadline for nominations is 2 pm, on Monday, January 25, 2021.
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Berkeley Arts Council’s Winter 2021 Art Classes Via Zoom
The Berkeley Arts Council is offering four virtual art classes this winter with instructor Judith Becker. “A Colorful Approach to Pastel Painting” will be offered on Mondays January 25; February 1, 8, 15 from 6:00-8:00pm. Learn the basics of successful pastel painting and explore several techniques such as using nontraditional color combinations, building up colors, and using color grounds, dry washes, frottage, gradations, and more. Learn several colorful approaches to add beauty, excitement and that extra zing to your paintings!
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Registration for ACT’s NEW Spring classes and its Spring JR Production (Little Mermaid Jr) are NOW OPEN!
New classes will run in small sessions for 3 weeks at a time! Check out our website for more information or register below!
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Have you hit a brick wall? Are you just starting out and don't know how to begin? From beginner to expert, our genealogist at the Washington County Historical Society can help you out! The staff genealogy researcher will be available every Wednesday from 12 pm to 4 pm by appointment only, for one-on-one genealogy consultations. For more information or to book an appointment, don't hesitate to reach out!
Miller House
W Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
(301) 797-8782
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Rembrandt (Dutch, 1606 – 1669), The Annunciation to the Shepherds, 1632, etching, Gift, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Goodman, Reading Public Museum, Reading, Pennsylvania
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The Dutch Golden Age:
Prints by Rembrandt and his Contemporaries
On view through January 24, 2021
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
401 Museum Drive
Hagerstown, MD 21741
301-739-5727
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Authentic Community Theatre announces its new SEASON TICKETS option is now available!
Make sure you visit our partners at the Maryland Theatre to see season ticket discounts and get yours while they're available!
*Season tickets will only be on sale through January*
21 S. Potomac St.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Box Office 301-790-2000
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Authentic Community Theatre presents
Shrek, Jr.
A Virtual Performance
January 2021
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Applications for the virtual Saturday Morning Youth Program are now available. Deadline for application is Friday, January 29. This workshop takes place on Saturdays, February 13 - April 3, 2021. Two different morning sessions are available. Click the button below for full information and to download an application.
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
401 Museum Drive
Hagerstown, MD 21741
301-739-5727
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The thrilling classic DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE plays on the Main Stage January 29-February 21, 2021!
A new and shocking version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of depravity, lust, love and horror. On the fog-bound streets of Victorian-era London, Henry Jekyll’s experiments with exotic “powders and tinctures” have brought forth his other self—Edward Hyde, a sensualist and villain free to commit the sins Jekyll is too civilized to comprehend. When Hyde meets a woman who stirs his interest, Jekyll fears for her life and decides to end his experiments. But Hyde has other ideas, and so the two sides battle each other in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse to determine who shall be the master and who his slave.
Washington County Dinner Theater
44 North Potomac Street, Rear
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-739-7469
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Amazing Tablescapes
Join the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts for the virtual
Amazing Tablescapes unveiling on February 1, 2021.
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Authentic Community Theatre presents
The Little Mermaid, Jr.
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Friday, May 14, 2021 • 7:00pm
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Saturday, May 15, 2021 • 7:00pm
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From classic literature to the Academy Award-winning film and Broadway musical, Ariel’s undersea journey is a beautiful love story for the ages.
Journey "under the sea" with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney's The Little Mermaid JR., adapted from Disney's Broadway production and the motion picture (featuring the enormously popular Academy Award-winning music and delightfully charming book and lyrics). Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories, Disney's The Little Mermaid JR. is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance.
In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking.
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Help MCA pass the Maryland Arts Capital Grant Program Bill! |
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Senate Bill 323/House Bill 310 aims to create the Maryland Arts Capital Grant (MACC) program and allocate $3 million to the program every year from 2023 through 2028
The MACC program will be:
Administered by the Maryland State Arts Council(MSAC) and be open to any organization that participates in either the MSAC Grant for Organization Program or The Community Arts Development Program.
A meritocratic source of capital funding for arts programs from around the state of Maryland allowing arts organizations to apply annually for funding for up to $1 million per year.
This bill provides a critical need for the Maryland arts sector.
Please join us and ask your MD representatives for a FAVORABLE REPORT on
SB 323/HB310. We have set up the campaign, so all you need to do is click through! Click the link below to log in and send your message:
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Fine Arts Office of the Maryland State Department of Education
200 W Baltimore Street, Baltimore MD 21201
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To include your art events in the arts calendar of the Washington County Arts Council’s website
To join the Artist Registry of the Washington County Arts Council’s
To include your art events in future editions of Artist Alley, the electronic newsletter of the Washington County Arts Council, email art information to maryanneb@washingtoncountyats.com.
Please specify organization, program, dates, brief description, location, ticket price and contact information. Please also include a photo or graphic.
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To stay connected, please join the
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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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