April 27, 2020
Volume 20-18
Welcome!
Welcome to Artist Alley,
Washington County Arts Council's electronic newsletter. We hope this publication will engage you with the arts in your community.
WCAC welcomes your ideas and support as it continues to take the lead in bringing together the community's art organizations to strengthen our region's arts culture.
For artist information, arts events, calls for art, and more visit WCAC's web page... www.washingtoncountyarts.com .
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 April, 2020.
Governor Hogan Introduces Safe, Gradual, and Effective ‘Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery’ Three-Stage Plan Based on Federal Guidelines, NGA Guidance, AEI and Johns Hopkins Reopening Reports Recovery Could Begin in Early May If Key Hospitalization Numbers Continue to Plateau.
NEW! Virtual Galleries---More to come!
Spotlighting the artists of The Gallery Shop
Remembering past WCAC Gallery Exhibits

Congratulations to Barbara Ingram School for the Arts listed as the 8th best high school in the state of Maryland (up from 10th last year) and #359 in the nation according to The US News and World Report 2020 U.S. News High School Rankings.

The U.S. News rankings include data on more than 24,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Congratulations to Mad Dance on receiving  a Creativity Grant from the  Maryland State Arts Council  for an upcoming new piece called "Time Travelers Alight." Performance date to be announced at a later date.

Ray C. Shaw and Kit Clark are MAD. Mature, Authentic, Dynamic. Meaningful, Artistic, and Daring. Their work is subtle, intense, intimate, and sensitive, and is solidified by an undeniable chemistry between them.
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!
The Spell, presented by  The City Ballet School  and  Maryland Symphony Orchestra , on May 30th and 31st has been cancelled. All tickets will be refunded. Refunds could take up to two weeks to process.

If you do not receive a refund by May 8, please contact the Maryland Theatre via Facebook Messenger.
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 .
Mark your Calendars!
The Maryland Theatre’s highest priority is the health and well-being of all our patrons, performers, and volunteers. In conformance with the public health guidelines issued by state of Maryland, and due to the threat of COVID-19, all public performances and events scheduled at the Maryland Theatre through April 27 will be canceled effective immediately.

For the safety of the staff, the box office is currently closed as well.

Ticket holders should check the show listing on the website for the latest information. Your tickets are transferable and will be valid in the same form you have them in currently for the new date & show time.

Options if you are unable to attend the new date:

1.   Share your tickets with a friend or family member;
2.   Re-sell them online or otherwise.
Consider the ticket value a donation to the performance entity.



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.

The Museum of Fine Arts is still working on planning its summer arts camps.
Follow the Museum’s website for the most recent information.

Museum of Fine Arts Washington County
401 Museum Drive ·
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-739-5727

Click below for more information and registration.
2020 Photo Marathon
Call for Photographers
Deadline: May 23, 2020
2020 Faces of Hagerstown
Hagerstown Cultural Trail
Call for Photographers
Deadline: May 29, 2020 @ 5PM*
*Please note: This is NOT a postmark deadline!
Imagine Hagerstown Street Festival 2020
Saturday Street Festival Vendor Opportunities
September 26, 2020
Vendor Application Deadline: JULY 1, 2020
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.

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*
Western Maryland Regional Library announces that
Digital Magazines are Available for a Limited time


Maryland COVID-19 Recovery Plan includes a task force on the Arts
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.”
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.
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.
Imagine Hagerstown Street Festival 2020
Seeking Artists/Art Educators
Deadline: Until Filled
Important Updates - MSAC Emergency Grants, SBA Loans, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
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 .
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.
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 .
Connect with us
The 2nd Annual
is Going Virtual!
Be Sure to Save the Dates.
May 26 - 29, 2020
Call for Creatives:
The Maryland State Arts Council is in the process of assembling a team of editors to dive into creating and revising accessibility policies at MSAC. Because accessibility issues look different in various communities across the state, MSAC wants to be sure to have adequate representation.

All sessions will be held virtually, and editors will receive modest compensation for the process.

Revised deadline is April 29, 2020.
Call for Editors - Accessibility
The staff of the Maryland State Arts Council is pleased to begin Accessibility program revisions and we need editors from across the state! Editors will receive modest compensation for the entire process, which includes two phases of editing over four in-person meetings and four at-home, electronic editing assignments. A Gmail account is necessary to participate. Editors must be a resident of the State of Maryland.

The Maryland State Arts Council is accessible to all patrons. Guests with accessibility questions or who require additional assistance may call 410-767-6476 or email precious.blake@maryland.gov.

Submission Info

Submit your name and information at the link here
by April 29, 2020 to be considered as an editor.

The Maryland State Arts Council has committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in grantmaking, and therefore our funding mechanisms continue to be examined and updated. We are aided by the work of the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, and Americans for the Arts, as they have clarified and shared approaches to uncover cultural bias in the procedures and policies of state arts organizations. MSAC's intention is to assemble diverse groups of editors with experience in each area whether or not they have history with MSAC's programs.
Dates
 
Phase 1 of Editing: Statewide Accessibility Policies + Procedures
 
Meeting 1 Preparation: Electronically respond to Comparison Document 1 (Statewide Accessibility Policies + Procedures) and prepare all revisions to share at Meeting 1. Approximately two hours of work at home
 
Meeting 1: May 11, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Virtual Comparison Document 1 Editing Meeting at MSAC, with editors and staff present, using Comparison Document 1, review and edit procedures. Identify and assign other tasks to staff to be completed.
 
Meeting 2 Preparation: Electronically make all final revisions to Comparison Document 2. Approximately two hours of work at home.
 
Meeting 2: May 28, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Virtual Final Comparison Document 2 Draft Meeting at MSAC.


Phase 2 of Editing: Implementation Plan
 
Meeting 3 Preparation: Electronically respond to Comparison Document 3 (Implementation Plan) and prepare all revisions to share at Meeting 3. Approximately two hours of work at home.
 
Meeting 3: August 24, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Virtual Comparison Document 3 Editing Meeting at MSAC, with editors and staff present, using Comparison Document 3, review and edit plan. Identify and assign other tasks to staff to be completed.
 
Meeting 4 Preparation: Electronically make all final revisions to Comparison Document 4. Approximately two hours of work at home.
 
Meeting 4: September 11, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Virtual Final Comparison Document 4 Draft Meeting at MSAC.
Connect with us
Call for Panelists - Folklife Network
Dance lessons being hosted by Puerto Rican cultural arts group Cultura Plenera at Sandy Spring Museum, a regional folklife center in Montgomery County. Photo by Edwin Remsberg Photographs.
The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is seeking panelists to review Folklife Network applications for the 2021 fiscal year. Folklife Network grants fund regional folklife centers, or Maryland organizations supporting living cultural traditions through regular programming.
 
Serving as a panelist is a great opportunity to support Maryland folklife while also learning about the MSAC granting processes.
 
What does a panelist do?
Panelists play a vital role in the MSAC grants process. Folklife Network panelists will:
  • Attend an orientation in-person or virtually to learn about the Folklife Network program
  • Review written grant applications online
  • Attend a virtual panel meeting to collaboratively evaluate applications with other panelists
 
Who can be a panelist?
We rely on a wide array of arts experts and enthusiasts from across Maryland to serve as panelists. Folklife Network panelists are selected with a focus on diversity of experiences, diversity of location, and expertise in arts administration and folklife. Regardless of your connection to the arts, we encourage you to apply. Panelists must be Maryland residents.
 
How do I apply to be a panelist?  
Complete an application and submit it by 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 8. 
 
Selected panelists are appointed by MSAC for a one-year term, which may be renewed. Panelists will receive a modest honorarium and travel reimbursement for serving.
 
For each Folklife Network grant, a regional folklife center makes programmatic or educational efforts to support living cultural traditions through exhibitions, performances, festivals, workshops, or other activities. Download Folklife Network guidelines and see lists of current and past grantees at the MSAC website .
 
The Maryland State Arts Council is accessible to all patrons. Guests with accessibility questions or who require additional assistance may call 410.767.6476 or email precious.blake@maryland.gov .
Connect with us
To stay connected, please join the
To include your happenings in future editions of Artist Alley, please send your art information to  maryanneb@washingtoncountyarts.com

Please specify
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Links for Artists


The Washington County Arts Council, Inc. is funded by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), an agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development.
Supported in part by:
The Washington County Arts Council is a proud member of
County Arts Agencies of Maryland,
Maryland Citizens for the Arts, and Americans for the Arts
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becoming a member, donating, entering a contest, or exhibiting with us.
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