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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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Visitors are able to view the current exhibitions, of artists Lesley Whalley and Dana Ebersole through August 2020.
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The Washington County Arts Council July & August 2020 Exhibits....view the videos.
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or visit the Gallery.....socially distancing...wearing facial masks...
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Saturday, August 1, 2020--Rock & Roll Relics, Oldies
Free Concert at Hagerstown City Park Band Shell.
Please practice social distancing and wear a mask when you cannot socially distance.
Concessions available at Nena's Curbside Cafe, located by the new playground in City Park!
Sponsored by the Washington County Arts Council and the City of Hagerstown.
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2020 Washington Goes Purple
Call for Artists
The Washington County Arts Council, Inc. (WCAC) and Washington Goes Purple invite local artists working in any medium to submit their art for a September 2020 exhibit, “Purple - the Color of Recovery.” The juried community art exhibit will be on display virtually and in the gallery from August 27, 2020 through September 29, 2020. “Purple - the Color of Recovery,” while recognizing the impact of the opioid epidemic, celebrates recovery and the hope that we will heal as a community.”
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Washington County Free Library Introduces Limited Public Computer Access Beginning August 3
In the next phase of Washington County Free Library’s gradual reopening beginning Monday, August 3, branch libraries throughout the county will welcome patrons back for limited public computer access. Following Governor Hogan’s guidelines, a regulated number of library patrons will be allowed enter library buildings to use public computers for 30 minutes at a time.
This service will be offered for limited hours on weekdays at the main Fletcher Branch Library in Hagerstown and by appointment at branch libraries throughout the county. Measures to limit the number of people and the amount of time spent in the buildings have been put into place and may vary slightly from branch to branch. Please keep in mind that these measures may involve waiting for a period of time to use public computers based on the number of people already in the building, etc. Patrons must wear face coverings at all times, sanitize hands using provided disinfectant, and practice social distancing in all WCFL branch libraries.
Public printing and technology assistance from library staff processes have been adjusted wherever possible to limit exposure to frequently touched surfaces and maintain social distancing. A waiver will be available to opt in for remote computer assistance from library staff.
Please visit washcolibrary.org or call your branch library for more information about limited public computer access.
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Library materials, such as books and DVDs, are available for checkout through curbside pickup services only. Library shelves will not be open for browsing. Patrons can place holds on materials through the online library catalog and schedule a time for their item pickup via an online calendar or via phone.
All Washington County Free Library book drops are open for returns. Returns will only be accepted through book drops; please do not leave library materials outside of library buildings or on the curbside pickup tables. Returned items are now being quarantined for at least 96 hours.
Reference librarians are also available to answer questions via phone from Monday-Thursday 10 AM to 7 PM, Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday-Sunday 10 AM to 2 PM. Call 301-739-3250 ext. 300 for research assistance, information about community resources, and help connecting to eLibrary services.
Virtual library programs are also available online. Please visit our website and calendar for information about upcoming virtual book discussion groups, craft programs, and more.
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The health and safety of Washington County Free Library customers and staff continue to be of utmost importance. WCFL has been diligent in following the advice of our federal, state, and local public health officials which is now allowing us to provide limited in-person library services. Library staff have been working to clean and disinfect library facilities and materials and create new service models to efficiently and safely serve the Washington County community.
For more information about library services available at this time, visit the Washington County Free Library website at
washcolibrary.org
or call your branch library.
Contact Sarah Nadeau, Community Partnerships Librarian, Washington County Free Library,
snadeau@washcolibrary.org
or 301-739-3250 ext. 168.
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Call for Artists
Annual Community Art Show:
The Best Local Art of 2020
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The Washington County Arts Council, Inc. invites local artists working in any medium to submit their best new works for WCAC’s “Annual Community Art Show: The Best Local Art of 2020.” The juried community art exhibit will be on display virtually and in the gallery from December 3, 2020 through January 5, 2021.
Submission Deadline: October 24, 2020
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MFA Opens!
Museum Members Week: Tuesday, July 21 - Sunday, July 26
Open to the public beginning Tuesday, July 28
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 AM - 4 PM
Sunday: 1 - 4 PM
Closed Mondays
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Maryland Symphony Orchestra Announces
Contract Extension of Elizabeth Schulze
Maryland Symphony Orchestra Board President Melinda Marsden has announced that Music Director Elizabeth Schulze has agreed to renew her contract through 2024. Schulze has just completed her 20th season as the artistic leader of the organization. During her tenure, the orchestra has continued to achieve new artistic heights, recently collaborating with Sharon Isbin, the world’s foremost guitar soloist. The MSO is featured on Sharon’s critically acclaimed CD entitled “Affinity” after the composition by Chris Brubeck (son of Jazz great, Dave Brubeck) that was commissioned by the orchestra and recorded last year.
In making the announcement, Marsden said “Elizabeth's skills and knowledge have been instrumental in developing the MSO into an amazing orchestra. She has used her abilities to extend our educational offerings and has stressed the need for music to represent all people. Her interest in new music displays itself in the number of world and regional premiers of newly composed works and the number of works from living composers. She especially presents offerings from women and minority composers. She is an amazing woman and we are fortunate to have her here.”
During this pandemic “Intermission” Ms. Schulze has been curating and hosting weekly online concerts drawn from the MSO’s archive of concert recordings to display the MSO to a wider world and to keep our local audience connected during a period of shut-down. She is also taking a deeper role in the continued development of online educational content for students who will not be able to attend school in person this fall.
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The Maryland Symphony Orchestra plans to begin its subscription season in late January, even if some distancing is still required. Plans are underway to offer a livestream option for remote concert attendance. More details will be available on their website soon at
www.marylandsymphony.org
During this pandemic “Intermission” Music Director Elizabeth Schulze has been curating and hosting weekly online concerts drawn from the MSO’s archive of concert recordings to display the MSO to a wider world and to keep our local audience connected during a period of shut-down. She is also taking a deeper role in the continued development of online educational content for students who will not be able to attend school in person this fall.
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The Valley Art Association August 2020 all member show at the Mansion House Art Gallery is the theme "Vacay Daze". This exhibit includes works of art by Valley Art members about vacations. The show runs through August 30,2020. The Mansion House at 501 Highland Way, Hagerstown MD is open Fridays & Saturdays 11am-4pm and Sundays 1pm-5pm. Admission is FREE and face masks and social distancing are required.
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Registration is now open!
Five virtual (and free!) summer art camps are now open for registration. Students in elementary school can choose from mini-mosaics, painting through a window, watercolor painting, silk-dyed scarves, and animal printmaking.
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Message from the Maryland State Arts Council
Overview
Recent trends in Maryland concerning those contracting the COVID-19 virus are showing that people of
all ages
are now being impacted. As a reminder that taking several, simple precautions can help stop the virus from spreading, the Maryland Office of Tourism is creating a radio and social media campaign called “Masks On Maryland”. The radio campaign is already in production and will air shortly. However, our social media campaign is now in development and will showcase popular social media influencers, young celebrities and business leaders in general who will urge their peers and followers to wear masks to help stop the virus from spreading.
To Participate
- Post a photo of themselves wearing a Maryland flag mask that will be given to them.
- Produce a video (approved prior to posting) using the following basic script messages delivered in their own special way.
- “I’m (name, occupation)”.
- “I’ve worked hard to (capture today’s issues in my art, make music that inspires, etc.)”
- “Only you can keep Maryland in business”.
- “Stay 6 feet apart and wear a mask.”
- “MASKS ON MARYLAND”! (put on provided Maryland flag mask)
- Use the following hashtags
- #MasksOnMaryland
- #MDinFocus
- #PhysicalDistancing
- Link to Maryland Office of Tourism social media sites.
- Facebook.com/travelmd
- Instagram.com/visitmaryland
- Twitter.com/travelmd
The Maryland State Arts Council thanks you for your help. MSAC appreciates your participation in its quest to stop the spread of COVID-19.
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The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
announces the 2020 Treasure Sale!
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The 2020 Treasure Sale returns this year in the form of an online auction beginning Friday, November 6.
The Museum is
accepting donations now --
click here
!
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MSAC ENVISION Series:
Focusing on Possibilities
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Join us this week for the Envision series! MSAC offers free weekly professional development opportunities focusing on the resurgence of the arts in Maryland across our state and our communities. For more information and to register, please visit our
website
.
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Envisioning Our State: Coffee with Ken
August 4 9-10AM
Arts as Service: Connecting Programs to Communities
Here’s your chance to get the ear of the Director! Join MSAC’s Executive Director, Ken Skrzesz, and your fellow colleagues across the state on Tuesday mornings with your favorite coffee drink (or tea, if you’re like Ken!) for a topic-specific dialogue about the arts in Maryland
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Envisioning Our Communities: Story Share
August 5 12-1PM
with Barbara Paca
What better way to listen and share, if not over a meal? Grab lunch and join your fellow colleagues in a story share! As we gather together, this time is to collectively discuss anecdotal hopes, challenges, and tales of resilience of our arts com
munities. Leave the hour feeling inspired and connected as we envision the resurgence of the arts in our communities.
Guest Barbara Paca will share a story of connectedness: the evolution of the Maryland Spirituals Initiative as it intersects with her identity as an artist, art historian, member of Maryland's Commission on African American History and Culture, and mother.
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Envisioning Digital Engagement: Digital Sharing
August 6 1-2 PM
Literary Arts
Join us to hear what’s working well digitally for sharing online content as we hear from arts organizations and artists across Maryland and beyond.
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Envisioning Our Programming
MSDE Arts in Education Update
August 3 2-3PM
In this conversation, Alysia Lee, Fine Arts Coordinator for the Maryland State Department of Education, will provide relevant updates and recommendations for teaching artists and organizations. Additionally, Alysia and MSAC staff will share current resources as well as hear needs for future guidance.
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MSDE M:BRACE Offerings
The Fine Arts Office & Professional Learning Office of the Maryland State Department of Education are offering over 130 hours of professional learning this summer (with CPD credit opportunities)! The sessions for artists of all disciplines are a great way to reconnect to your craft and creativity. Register by Thursday for next week's free MC3 professional learning opportunities!
To learn more and see a full list of sessions, please visit the
MSDE website
.
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MCA Racial Equity Program
Hosted by Maryland Citizens for the Arts, this program will include educational and developmental work by way of workshops and reflection sessions, and a complimentary book club. For more information, please visit the MCA
website
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MSAC Celebrates 30th Anniversary of the
Americans with Disabilities Act!
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Screenshot of Our Joyful Noise’s Azure Concerts for Families Living with Autism Video.
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MSAC strives to provide inclusive, mutually beneficial and meaningful participation of people with disabilities in all cultural and creative spaces. Throughout the last week of July, MSAC celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by featuring Maryland artists with disabilities and arts organizations who support them on our social media channels. Artists also shared the impact of the ADA, what disability justice and accessibility looks like today, and their imaginations for the future. See all the videos on our Youtube Page!
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We are happy to celebrate all artists and organizations around the state championing accessibility and disability justice. Continue the conversation using hashtags #ThanksToTheADA #ADA30 and learning more at
www.adaanniversary.org
.
Featured Artists and Arts Organizations
Dominique Sessa
Writer Dominique Sessa highlights their work in the Salisbury community to create Disability Pride Month and the progression we are and will make towards disability justice.
Interact Story Theatre
Ali Oliver-Krueger from Interact Story Theatre describes their process in creating theatre for and by people with disabilities and what disability justice looks like today and in the future.
Our Joyful Noise
Our Joyful Noise's Azure Concerts for Families Living with Autism create a welcome sensory environment for everyone.
Magical Experiences Arts Company
Magical Experiences Arts Company performs residencies and performances focusing on therapeutic theaters for individuals with disabilities.
The Musical Autist
Co-Founders of The Musical Autist CJ Shiloh and Sunny Cefaratti introduce us to their organization's work and program.
Make Studio
Make Studio empowers artists with disabilities to grow as professionals with visibility and voice in their communities. Make Studio artists shared with us how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is important and their visions for disability justice:
"The ADA emphasizes us making money but doesn't emphasize the quality of work. People need more support than they're getting in the workplace. Just packing boxes is not meaningful work for everyone.” - Erika Clark
"We are not our disabilities. Our disabilities do not define us. We can be whatever we need to be. We are whatever we need to be." - Zach Manuel
"Treating people with dignity and respect. People with disabilities are getting what they want instead of nothing and liking it.” - Tony LaBate
“[People with disabilities are teachers and leaders,] I teach interns about painting techniques and give art talks. I also teach when new artists come... Art is important in the world because it's helping people with disabilities.” - Louis Middleton
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To stay connected, please join the
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Please specify
- Organization
- Program
- Dates
- Brief Description
- Location
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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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