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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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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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Antonio Vivaldi
Sunday, January 31, 2021 | 3:00 PM
Virtual Concert
On Sunday, January 31st at 3:00 PM, join Elizabeth Schulze and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra for an incredible performance of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" streaming exclusively on MSO Live! (watch.marylandsymphony.org)
Acclaimed for her passionate, powerful performances, beautiful sound, and compelling command of her instrument, violinist Bella Hristova joins the MSO for this brilliant performance of Vivaldi's masterpiece. The Strad has praised, “Every sound she draws is superb” and The Washington Post wrote she is “a player of impressive power and control”.
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
DAVID LUDWIG | Seasons Lost
ANTONIO VIVALDI | The Four Seasons
COST
or
HOW TO ACCESS THE CONCERT
To access the concert live stream, patrons will need to create an account on the new “MSO Live! Virtual Concert Hall” streaming platform at watch.marylandsymphony.org. There is no charge to create an account.
After purchasing either a single performance OR a virtual season subscription, your selected concert(s) will be added to your streaming account to provide you with streaming access.
Through this newly developed platform, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra's upcoming live performances will be accessible on over 1,000 devices including iOS devices, Android devices, MACs, PCs, streaming media boxes such as Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast. Additionally, native apps can now be downloaded on Roku and Fire TV for easier viewing at home.
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Tired of empty chairs and empty tables?
Donations of $100 or more include:
Chance to win a $100 restaurant gift certificate
Sneak Preview Virtual Cocktail Party, January 31, 2021, 6 p.m.
Complimentary party package
Hear designers talk about their tables
Hosted by Sarah Hall, Museum Director
Closing Virtual Cocktail Party, February 28, 2021, 6 p.m.
A Toast to the People’s Choice Award Winner
Announcement of the winner of the restaurant gift certificate
Hosted by Roger Fairbourn, President of the Museum’s Board of Directors
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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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Maryland Arts Day 2021 Keynote Speaker: Aaron Maybin |
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Aaron Maybin is a 32-year-old Art-Activist and former professional football player from Baltimore City, Maryland. Selected as the 11th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills as a former All-American defensive end at Penn State University. Aaron went on to play in the NFL for the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals in a 5-year career before making the decision to walk away from football to pursue a career as a professional artist, activist, author, educator and community organizer.
In 2009, Aaron established Project Mayhem to provide aid, both personal and economic, to help underprivileged and at-risk youth excel beyond their current conditions. Through his work with Project Mayhem and as a teacher, Aaron has implemented art workshops and curricula into many Schools in the Baltimore City area that have had budget cuts due to a lack of State Funding.
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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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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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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 performances January 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 22 & 23 at 6PM.
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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The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater, Western MD's Professional Dinner Theatre, announces its 2021 MainStage Season & Staff. This marks The Playhouse’s first SEVEN Show Season, and features comedies, dramas, thrillers, and more!
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde: January 29 - February 21, 2021
Based on the classic novella, this original adaptation takes you to the dismal streets of London in the 1860s, where societal pressures silence a gentle doctor's questions about the nature of morality. As the pressure intensifies, Dr Jekyll takes matters into his own hands. However, things take an eerie turn when his experiment takes on a life of its own. Will his efforts save the world, or will they destroy all that he holds dear? After all, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Vanities: March 12 - April 18, 2021
A bittersweet comedy that is an astute, snapshot sharp chronicle of the lives of three Texas girls. In 1963, Joanne, Kathy, and Mary are aggressively vivacious cheerleaders. Five years later in their college sorority house, they are confronting their futures with nervous jauntiness. In 1974, they reunite briefly in New York. Their lives have diverged their friendship, which once thrived on assumption as well coordinated as sweater sets, is strained and ambiguous. Old time banter rings false. Their attempts at honest conversation only show they can no longer afford to have very much in common.
Dead Certain: April 30 - May 23, 2021
Michael is an out-of-work actor who was once on the verge of stardom. Elizabeth is a theatre-obsessed ex-dancer who is now wheelchair-bound and lives alone in a large country house. When she contacts Michael’s agent and offers a large fee if Michael will visit her and act out a play she has written, he jumps at the chance. The suspense builds layer upon layer as this taut psychological thriller gathers speed at an alarming rate towards a gripping climax, where truth and illusion become almost inseparably entangled in a real-life game of cat and mouse.
Neil Simon’s I Ought To Be In Pictures: June 11 - July 3, 2021
Herb, a Hollywood scriptwriter currently “at liberty,” is surprised when his forgotten past reappears in the form of Libby, a teenage daughter who’s trekked from Brooklyn with dreams of movie stardom. With Steffy, his sometime paramour, at his side, Herb decides to take another stab at fatherhood and hopefully this time, get it right.
Steve Martin’s Meteor Shower: July 30 - August 29, 2021
Corky and Norm are excited to host Gerald and Laura at their home in the valley outside Los Angeles to watch a once-in-a-lifetime meteor shower. But as the stars come out and the conversation gets rolling, it becomes clear that Gerald and Laura might not be all that they appear to be. Over the course of a crazy, starlit dinner party, the wildly unexpected occurs. The couples begin to flirt and insanity reigns. Martin, using his trademark absurdist humor, bends the fluid nature of time and reality to create a surprising and unforgettably funny new play.
The Turn of the Screw: September 17 - October 23, 2021
From the story by Henry James, the inspiration for the Netflix hit The Haunting of Bly Manor...
Based on the provocative tale of suspense, horror and repressed sexuality, this adaptation gives the famous story yet another turn of its own. A young governess journeys to a lonely English manor house to care for two recently orphaned children. But she is not their first governess...
Now the new governess has begun to see the specters haunting the children, and she must find a way to stop the fiends before it is too late. But one frightening question tortures the would-be heroine: Are the ghosts real, or are they the product of her own fevered imagination?
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!): November 27 - December 19, 2021
Instead of performing Charles Dickens' beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told -- plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season!
All MainStage productions are preceded by Dinner featuring Dinner Rolls, 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 to MainStage productions. Performances play on Friday and Saturday evenings at 6PM and select Sunday matinees at 1PM.
Beginning this year, the Playhouse will offer discounted ticket pricing for active military, police, & first responders! Tickets to all MainStage shows cost $59.50 for Adults ($53.50 for Active Military & First Responders) and can be purchased at www.washingtoncountyplayhouse.com or by calling (301)739-7469.
Season Passes are also on sale for the 2021 Season! Choose between a 7-show or 5-show Flex Pass and receive that number of admissions to use on any 2021 MainStage performance. A 7-Show Flex Pass is a 25% savings and costs $320 for 7 admissions (Dinner & Show) for any 2021 MainStage shows (Includes $14 ticketing fees). A 5-Show Flex Pass is a 15% savings and costs $260 for 5 admissions (Dinner & Show) for any 2021 MainStage shows (Includes $10 ticketing fees). Season Passes can be purchased online at washingtoncountyplayhouse.com or by calling (301)739-7469.
In order to support the ongoing effort to mitigate the temporary health emergency, staff has made some temporary changes to provide guests with a clean, comfortable, and compliant environment in which to enjoy your time at the Playhouse:
The dining area has been redesigned following social distancing best practices. The dining area capacity has been reduced as well.
Dinner is served "cafeteria style" --- Hot Buffet and Salad Bar have been eliminated. The meal will feature a plated salad.
All staff will wear masks during the dinner hour and performers will be wearing face coverings during the performance.
Guests will be asked to wear masks when not seated at their table and during the performance.
The Playhouse is located at 44 North Potomac Street, Rear in the heart of Hagerstown's Arts and Entertainment District and City Center.
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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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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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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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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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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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