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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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About the Maryland Pastel Society
Founded in 1977, the Maryland Pastel Society is a non-profit organization devoted to the promotion and development of professional, original works of art in the medium of soft pastel and to the creative and technical development of its members. There are many local pastel societies throughout the country, but the Maryland Pastel Society is the oldest state society and is an active member of the International Association of Pastel Societies. While the Society had its roots in the Baltimore area, its members (over 200 today) come from all over the Mid-Atlantic region.
Our society aims to provide educational opportunities for artists and the public through the Society’s website, lectures, art demonstrations, workshops, and art exhibitions.
https://www.marylandpastelsociety.com/about/about/
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DEADLINE: November 30, 2023 @ 3pm
Call for Entries
Cumberland Valley Artists and
Photographers Exhibitions
The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts has announced a Call for Entries for the 2024 Cumberland Valley Photographers and Cumberland Valley Artists exhibitions at the museum.
An annual tradition since the 1930s, the Cumberland Valley Photographers and Cumberland Valley Artists exhibitions showcase, celebrate, and support artists of the Cumberland Valley region. Each year, hundreds of works are submitted for consideration for inclusion by exhibition jurors.
New this year, the exhibitions will not run concurrently. Cumberland Valley Photographers will be on view from March 23 through June 2, 2024. Cumberland Valley Artists will be June 15 through Aug. 26, 2024. However, the dates for submission and evaluation are the same for both exhibitions.
Entries for both exhibitions must be submitted online at the following link https://client.smarterentry.com/wcmfa.
The link closes at 3 p.m. Nov. 30, 2023. Each artist can submit up to four works and can submit to either the artists exhibition OR photographers exhibition, but not both. Artists from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia may enter the competition. A First Place Juror’s Award will be named in both competitions and receive a $1,000 cash award.
For complete rules, download the PDF here, Call For Entry Flyer 2024.
For more information, call the museum at 301-739-5727 or info@wcmfa.org.
Calendar
- Submissions Open: Friday, September 29, 2023
- Submissions Close: Thursday, November 30, 2023, 3pm
- Notice of acceptance: Thursday, December 14, 2023
Fees
- Museum members: $12.50 per entry – promo code to use in Smarter Entry is “member”
- Non-members: $15.00 per entry.
To become a museum member, visit wcmfa.org and purchase a membership. Or call Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or email her at drastelli@wcmfa.org.
Please contact the museum if you need help with your submission(s).
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Call for Films:
Maryland International Film Festival - Hagerstown
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REGULAR DEADLINE: December 1, 2023
Welcome, filmmakers, to the Maryland International Film Festival-Hagerstown. We are excited about our 11th year coming up on March 21st-24th, 2024. We are Movie Magazine's top 50 festival worth their entry fee. For 12 years, we've been bringing in the finest films from around the world. The film festival became a 501(c)3 and launched in 2009 and now screens more than 100 films each year! Hollywood Director Joe Carnahan is our creative director, and has been a powerful partner with our festival! He has brought us such films as "The Grey" and "The A-Team" with Liam Neeson and just released Wheelman to Netflix which is getting RAVE reviews. He now has his own production company with Frank Grillo, and has recently signed a deal with Sony Entertainment to work on their Adaptation of 'UNCHARTED'. So join us! We look forward to having you screen at our 12th anniversary!
The festival is conveniently located downtown; we're in the middle of the arts and entertainment district. And after the films, we host some of the best after parties with live bands and fantastic food and drinks!
Submission Guidelines: Entries must be submitted online, through FilmFreeway's online screener option.
Entry Fees: Checks or money orders must be made payable to Maryland International Film Festival.
Notifications: February 15, 2024
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Washington County Chamber of Commerce! | |
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Washington County Chamber of Commerce
1 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: 301-739-2015
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St. Maria Goretti High School fall play…November 17 & 18, 2023 at 7:30pm
presented by the Saint Maria Goretti Players Theatre.
Showing at Otterbein United Methodist Church,
108 E Franklin Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Tickets--$15 per person
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Friday, November 17
6:15-6:50 PM
The Maryland Theatre (lobby)
- FREE photos with The Grouchy Green Neighbor in the lobby of the Theatre
- Stay for a free youth holiday performance that begins at 7PM in the auditorium.
*Event hosted by City of Hagerstown
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Washington County Free Library Announces
37th Annual Battle of the Books Competition
November 2023 marks the 37th year that the Washington County Free Library has held its annual Battle of the Books competition. Children in grades 4-6, along with a sponsoring adult, are invited to form teams from across the county to participate in this literary event.
The program has evolved over time, but its goal remains the same: to provide great books to kids and create positive reading experiences that will last a lifetime. The library’s Youth Services Department staff has selected books that will excite kids to read, inspire creativity, and engage in a friendly competition.
The library issues a set of 15 books to registered teams of four to eight children in grades 4-6. The same books are used for all teams. Teams must have an adult team manager who is responsible for arranging transportation to and from rounds, turning in team projects, and encouraging their teams. Forming teams is up to individual schools or parents as the library does not form teams. Team managers must either be Washington County residents or have a Washington County Library card. Registration runs through the month of November.
Teams have from November until late February to read the books and complete a book-related project. A written round is held on the last Saturday in February. The scores from the submitted projects and the written round score are totaled. Then, the top eight teams advance to a final competition held on the second Saturday in March (with the first and third Saturdays of March as snow dates).
Every child who participates receives a new paperback book and a certificate of participation. Teams that advance to the final round receive medals for their achievement.
Books chosen for the Battle include Newbery Award and Honor books, Maryland’s Black-Eyed Susan Award books, popular fiction, classics, and books that exhibit a unique perspective on the world.
2024 Battle of the Books List
1. Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone
2. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
3. Shades of Gray by Carolyn Reeder
4. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
5. The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
6. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
7. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien
8. Ungifted by Gordon Korman
9. Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
10. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth Speare
11. The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
12. Bob by Wendy Mass
13. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
14. The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo
15. Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Teams may register at any library in the Washington County Free Library system during the month of November.
For more information about the Battle of the Books contact: Jeff Ridgeway, Head of Youth Services, Washington County Free Library, at pr01@washcolibrary.org or 301-739-3250.
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Handmade Hagerstown
Holiday Market
Saturday, November 18
2:00-6:30 PM
South Potomac Street
- Shop small and local this holiday season!
- Over 40 different artisan and handmade vendors will be set up along the street
- FREE Downtown Hagerstown shopping bag to the first 150 customers
*Event hosted by the City of Hagerstown.
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Downtown Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 18
5:00-6:00 PM
Public Square
- Annual downtown tree lighting in the Square!
- Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making an appearance.
- FREE hot chocolate and a bounce house
*Event hosted by City of Hagerstown
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Valley Craft Network Studio Tour
November 18-19, 2023
Celebrating 42 years- Maryland's oldest studio tour. Visit the studios of 16 artists and artisans at 13 stops during a self-guided tour through the South Mountain Corridor in Western Maryland. Celebrate the holidays with one-of-a-kind gifts: pottery, wooden ware and furnishings, fiber arts, artisan goat cheese, paintings, ciders, moonshine, jewelry and more- all handmade in Maryland. Free & open to the public. For a map and brochure go to: https://www.valleycraftnetwork.org/
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The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater is proud to present their final MainStage performance of 2023, The Hunchback of Notre Dame! This classic tale opens November 17, 2023.
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. A sweeping score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Audiences will be swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical.
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 are not admitted.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame plays November 17 - December 17, 2023 on Friday and Saturday evenings at 6PM and select Sunday matinees at 1PM.
The Washington County Playhouse is located at 44 North Potomac Street, Rear. Since 1985, The Playhouse has been entertaining guests in the heart of Hagerstown's Arts and Entertainment District and City Center.
Tickets (includes dinner and show) cost $63.00 for Adults, $57.00 for Active Military and First Responders, and $53.00 for children (5-12). Tickets can be purchased at www.washingtoncountyplayhouse.com or by calling (301)739-7469.
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“Orphans,” by Lyle Kessler will be performed November 10-12 & 17-19, 2023.
Directed by Tom Doty with Greg Berezuk, Assistant Director
The Potomac Playmakers proudly announce auditions for the second show of the 2023-2024 Season, the gripping Lyle Kessler thriller “Orphans!” An international success throughout the world, the play details the story of two brothers: Phillip, sensitive, reclusive, never venturing out of his North Philly home; and Treat, a violent pickpocket and thief who kidnaps a mysteriously wealthy businessman. When the businessman turns the table on the two brothers, in a strange, hilarious, and moving way he becomes their long-lost father figure. Produced with kind permission from Concord Theatricals Corp. Supported in part by grants from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Washington County Arts Council.
All performances will be held at the Potomac Playmakers Performing Arts Center
17303 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown MD 21740
www.potomacplaymakers.org
potomacplaymakers@gmail.com
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The Washington County Parks and Recreation Department announces registration for winter programs is now open! Click on the image above to view the program brochure and register for the programs of your choice.
For additional information, please contact Washington County's Public Relations and Marketing Department at pr@washco-md.net.
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COMING SOON
Celebrate the opening of our exhibition Childhood Favorites: 100 Years of Children’s Book Illustration Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring the whole family to tour the exhibition, make kids’ art projects, enjoy story time in our “treehouse” reading area, and sing along to holiday classics performed live. The event is free.
Childhood Favorites: opens Nov. 25, 2023 and runs through March 17, 2023. With more than 140 original works from over 75 books, this exhibition explores the history of children’s literature and illustration, from the works of Beatrix Potter to the digital creations of Mo Willems. Childhood Favorites features work by Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak’s iconic Where the Wild Things Are, and Garth Williams’ Stuart Little. The exhibition was curated and organized by Lee Cohen and Lois Sarkisian in association with Landau Traveling Exhibitions. Exhibition Tour Management by Landau Traveling Exhibitions.
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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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“Cornucopia,” the Valley Art Association all members’ November 2023 show in the North Gallery of The Manson House, opens Friday, Nov 3, 2023 and closes Sun, Nov 26, 2023.
The Mansion House is located at 480 Highland Ave (City Park), Hagerstown Maryland 21740. Gallery Hours: Fridays & Saturdays 11am-4pm , Sundays 1-5pm. Admission is FREE.
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Stories in the Round Series
November 27, 2023
7pm-8:30pm
Beloved native son of this region, Adam Booth – founding artistic director of the nationally acclaimed SPEAK Story Series in Shepherdstown WV – returns to Stories In The Round to close out the 2023 Season. Adam says he will be telling Appalachian tales and is working on new material!
Stories In The Round is a storytelling series at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown, 13245 Cearfoss Pike, usually on the 4th Monday of the month.
$12 in advance, $15 at the door. Payment in advance must be received before Monday, November 27. Cash or check accepted. Please make check payable to Fanny Crawford. If mailing, the address is 20011 Cherry Hill Circle, Hagerstown, MD 21742.
Contact: Fanny Crawford, 301-730-1638 or fanitsky@hotmail.com.
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On Friday, December 1, 2023,
Hagerstown Parks & Recreation and F&M Trust
present the 2023 City Park Lighting.
Join Hagerstown Parks & Recreation for the official lighting of the holiday lights and music show on City Park Lake at 7pm. Free family-friendly activities will be held in City Park 5pm-8pm.
From December 1-December 31, visitors are invited to drive through City Park, tune their car radios to 90.3FM, and enjoy the spectacular music and light show nightly. Drive through hours are 5pm-11pm. Best way to view the lights is to enter Key Street from Park Circle.
The event is proudly presented by Hagerstown Parks & Recreation and F&M Trust, and, sponsored by Wellpoint, Fed Ex Ground, Maryland Physicians Care, and US Cellular.
Parking is available off Highland Ave next to Mansion House Art Gallery. Park and ride the Hay Wagon from the Mansion House to the lake area to see all the lights and activities. The parking lots off Museum Drive by the lake area and off City Park Dr will also be available.
Find more information on the Hagerstown Parks & Recreation Facebook page, online at www.hagerstownmd.org/cpl, or by calling Hagerstown Parks & Rec at 301-739-8577, ext. 169.
Follow the event on Facebook for more details!
Drive through City Park and enjoy the synchronized lights and music show each evening from 5pm-11pm through January 1.
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SantaCon to benefit Toys For Tots
Saturday, December 2, 2023
6:00-11:45 PM
Downtown Bars & Restaurants
- Dress in your favorite Santa gear (or elf, reindeer, Mrs. Claus costume)
- Bring a toy to drop off in the Potomac Walk or at the Broad Axe as a fundraiser for Toys for Tots
- Patronize downtown bars and restaurants with your group.
- Be sure to #downtownhagerstown in all of your photos!
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Christkindl Markt Hagerstown 2023 | |
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Friday, December 8, 2023 3pm – 8pm
Saturday, December 9, 2023 10am - 4pm
University System of Maryland at Hagerstown Plaza
Christkindl Markt Hagerstown is a two-day, outdoor holiday shopping experience inside University Plaza in downtown Hagerstown! Every year the market brings hundreds of shoppers to the heart of Hagerstown at the onset of the Christmas Season. In keeping with a tradition that began in the 12th century in Germany, Christkindl Markt Hagerstown features local artisans and vendors who sell Christmas wares, imported German goods, and local food, including German traditional goodies such as Gluehwein – a spicy, warm wine that warms you from the inside and is a favorite amongst shoppers.sell Christmas wares, imported German goods, and local food, including German traditional goodies such as Gluehwein – a spicy, warm wine that warms you from the inside and is a favorite amongst shoppers. Sponsored in part by the Washington County Arts Council.
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Culture & Cocktails:
George Swearingen: Husband, Sheriff, Murderer
Did you know that one of Washington County's earliest notorious murders was committed by a young sheriff of Hagerstown? Learn all about it in this exciting true crime tale of murder most foul!
On Friday, December 8, join WCHS Curator and Programs Manager Abigail Koontz as she shares a true crime tale from 1828, when Hagerstown’s sheriff, George Swearingen, became a murderer.
This month’s cocktail is the Bloody Poinsettia, a refreshing and sparkling (and dare we say bloody good) drink that is perfect for the holiday season. Doors open at 5:30 PM and light hors d' oeuvres will be served!
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Washington County Historical Society
Miller House Museum
135 West Washington Street Hagerstown, MD 21740
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The City Ballet School Presents
The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 9 and 10, 2023
About the Show...
The Western Maryland City Ballet Company and The City Ballet School present a stunning classic! Experience the magic of ballet this holiday season as you join Clara on her enchanted journey to the land of sweets. Set to Tchaikovskys stunning score, this magical ballet is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with your family. The Nutcracker is sure to capture your heart and become one of your favorite Christmas traditions. This holiday classic features a full cast of 100 dancers, brilliant theatrical magic and elaborate costume and set designs to delight an audience of all ages.
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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The Maryland Theatre
Box Office Hours
Tuesday 12 PM - 6 PM
Wednesday 12 PM - 5 PM
Thursday 12 PM - 6PM
Friday 12 PM - 5 PM
The Box Office is Open
+1 Hour Prior to Showtimes
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The Maryland Theatre Presents
A Christmas Carol
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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The Maryland Theatre
Box Office Hours
Tuesday 12 PM - 6 PM
Wednesday 12 PM - 5 PM
Thursday 12 PM - 6PM
Friday 12 PM - 5 PM
The Box Office is Open
+1 Hour Prior to Showtimes
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Fairytales Come to Life for Washington County Free Library’s
A Night of Enchantment Costume Ball Fundraiser
The pages of your favorite stories and legends are about to come to life! In the spirit of fostering the love of stories, imagination, and community, the Washington County Free Library invites you to don your finest fairytale and magical attire for an immersive fundraiser costume ball at the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Library in Hagerstown on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 6:30-9 PM!
Prepare to be transported to a world of wonder and whimsy as all three floors of the library transform into a realm of mermaids, knights, mystical folk, magical creatures, and a fantastical adventure for all. Allow your creativity to shine as you embody the characters who have captured our hearts within the pages of cherished books.
This evening promises delectable foods and specialty drinks fit for royalty that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to a faraway land filled with magic and wonder.
A variety of enchanting surprises await during this immersive experience, including:
- exciting games to earn points for a friendly competition between the factions throughout the evening,
- a scavenger hunt throughout the event to test keen eyes,
- creative activities and photo ops sure to capture the imagination,
- delightful music and dancing throughout the evening,
- fortune telling to offer fun insights into your own happily ever after,
- henna tattoos to leave a lasting memory of your adventure,
- vendors with a variety of magical crafts, jewelry, and wares,
- and a costume contest that will reward the most enchanting and imaginative costumes.
Proceeds from this event will enable WCFL to provide even more captivating stories, knowledge, and experiences to future generations.
Tickets are available now via Eventbrite for $45/single ticket or $80/two tickets. Follow the link to purchase tickets on the library website or visit https://wcfl-fairytale-ball.eventbrite.com. This event is for ages 21 and over.
Contact: Sarah Nadeau, Head of Public Relations, Washington County Free Library, at snadeau@washcolibrary.org or 301-241-9383
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The Maryland Theatre Hosts
Barbara Ingram School for the Arts
Holiday Spectacular
December 20, 2023 at 7 PM
December 21, 2023 at 7PM
Tickets are Available Online
Tickets can be purchased online at TicketMaster.com, by phone at 301-790-2000, or in person at our Box Office.
For groups of 8 or more, contact the Box Office Directly by Phone at 301-790-2000 to purchase.
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Hagerstown Historic Houses of Worship Tour
December 26, 2023 @ 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
(Snow date December 27, 2023).
This annual event is FREE and open to the public.
A wonderful opportunity to see the interiors of historic downtown Hagerstown houses of worship. Learn about the architecture and ecumenical heritage from docents and guides. Music, refreshments, and local art will be featured at some locations.
This is a self-guided walking/driving tour and can be started and ended at the house of worship of your choice. Parking is available at individual houses of worship in their lots and/or along the nearby streets as permitted. You can use the interactive map at Main Street Hagerstown’s Historic Houses of Worship tour page to navigate and learn more about the participating houses of worship.
The Holiday Tour photo contest will take place with a $200 prize for best original photograph and $50 for the runner-up. Anyone may submit a photo taken during the 2023 tour for a chance to win. Tour organizers are seeking pictures highlighting the beauty and architecture of the houses of worship. The winning original photograph will be commissioned by the tour organizers and will be used to create posters and promotional materials for the 2024 Tour.
Add link for Call.
Participating Houses of Worship:
- Christ’s Reformed Church
- Congregation B’nai Abraham
- Grace United Methodist Church
- Hagerstown Church
- John Wesley United Methodist Church
- Otterbein United Methodist Church
- St. John’s Episcopal Church
- Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church
- Trinity Lutheran Church
- Washington Square United Methodist Church
- Zion Reformed United Church of Christ
This year’s tour is made possible through the generous support of: Hagerstown-Washington County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (Visit Hagerstown), the City of Hagerstown, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, and Trinity Lutheran Church.
Questions regarding the tour can be directed to the Hagerstown Area Religious Council at 301-842-4272 or info@harccoalition.org, this year’s tour organizer Pat Kelley at patakelly@aol.com, or Tiffany Ahalt, Visit Hagerstown at Tiffany@visithagerstown.com or 301-991-2863.
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The Maryland Theatre Presents
Middletown Valley Bank Krumpe's Donut Drop
Saturday, December 31, 2024
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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The Maryland Theatre
Box Office Hours
Tuesday 12 PM - 6 PM
Wednesday 12 PM - 5 PM
Thursday 12 PM - 6PM
Friday 12 PM - 5 PM
The Box Office is Open
+1 Hour Prior to Showtimes
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Marie Osmond in Concert
with Special Guest David Osmond
Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 at 7:00 PM
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About the Show...
Marie Osmond has spent over 6 iconic decades in the entertainment business performing as a successful singer, television performer and talk show host, dancer, actor, author, entrepreneur and public speaker. She has continued to maintain relevance, remaining an instantly recognizable figure across the globe.
Pre-sales may be limited to availability. For groups of 4 or more, contact the Box Office Directly by Phone at 301-790-2000 to purchase.
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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The Maryland Theatre
Box Office Hours
Tuesday 12 PM - 6 PM
Wednesday 12 PM - 5 PM
Thursday 12 PM - 6PM
Friday 12 PM - 5 PM
The Box Office is Open
+1 Hour Prior to Showtimes
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Opportunities for Artists
Explore MSAC grants and opportunities available to independent artists, 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. | |
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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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