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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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Current Exhibit
through October 1st, 2024
“Happiness by Choice - ReStory Your Life - Exploring themes of recovery from substance use and mental health challenges through the transformative power of art. The journey of recovery is deeply personal, often marked by moments of struggle, resilience, and ultimately, triumph. Through "Happiness by Choice," we aim to celebrate the courage and resilience of individuals who have embarked on this journey, as well as to challenge stigma and promote understanding surrounding these important issues.”
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Awards sponsored by Nora Roberts Foundation | |
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NAME | PIECE | Jennie Avila | Sky Cats #61 - Answer the Call
| Jennie Avila | Sky Cats #62 - EnLightning
| Michael Dawson | Free at Last
| Richard Gottlieb | Overcoming the Pain
| Ryan Graham | Child of the Most High
| Ryan Graham | I am the Way, the Truth, and the Light
| Ryan Graham | Walking on Water
| Jamie Hardges | From the ashes
| Jamie Hardges | obey your thirst
| Jamie Hardges | Revealing
| Amélie Lavenant-Wink | 55° Glee
| jim mackey | A God #17
| jim mackey | Divine Grace
| jim mackey | Free to Be
| Donna Mason | Cultivate Beauty and Repaint Your Life Story
| Judy Melby-Robinson | Bring It On
| Judy Melby-Robinson | Follow the Yellow Brick Road
| Judy Melby-Robinson | Life is a Puzzle
| Alexandra Neff | Matt
| Matthew Penrod | Alone in Despair
| Matthew Penrod | Together in Bliss
| Matthew Penrod | Together in Rage
| Cindy Roberts Downs | Transformation
| Paula Saneaux | Crawling is the New Walk
| Dustin Schultz | Infinite
| Dustin Schultz | Mind Fuzz
| Dustin Schultz | Solitude
| Chris Shingler | Construction Permit
| Sara Swacina | Soul Renewal
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In recognition of Washington Goes Purple and our current exhibit, Happiness by Choice – ReStory Your Life, we are pleased to share these resources and an opportunity to meet a local author, hosted by Hagerstown Community College. | |
Call for Artists
Annual Community Art Show: The Best Local Art of 2024
DEADLINE: October 12, 2024
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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 Juried “Annual Community Art Show: The Best Local Art of 2024.” The juried community art exhibit will be on display in the galleries from December 12, 2024 through January 7, 2025 and virtually beginning Saturday, December 14, 2024.
Artists are encouraged to submit up to three entries. No works previously shown at WCAC will be considered. Submissions are FREE!
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Fall Fest- 11am - 4pm
Fireworks on the Lake- 5pm - 8pm
Follow the event on Facebook for more details and updates!
Event activities are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information please like us on Facebook at ‘Hagerstown Parks and Recreation’.
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John Mullican
There will be an exhibit of John Mullican's paintings at the Meritus Hospital in the hallway next to the main entrance. The paintings will be on display from September 25 to October 22, 2024.
This year's exhibition will feature paintings of local farm scenes as well as some other subjects that he thought you might enjoy. Stop in if you are in the area.
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Call for Films
Maryland International Film Festival - Hagerstown
Earlybird DEADLINE: November 1, 2024
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We’re looking forward to March 20 thru March 23, 2025 in Downtown Hagerstown!
Welcome, filmmakers, to the Maryland International Film Festival-Hagerstown. We are excited about our 13th Maryland International Film Festival-Hagerstown. More than 100 films are being shown during the four day event, at five venues in Downtown Hagerstown.
This festival has been praised as being a Movie Magazine's "Top 50 film festivals worth the entry fee." For the past 12 festivals, we've been bringing in the finest films from around the world.The film festival became a 501(c)3 in 2009, and was first held in 2011.
The festival is conveniently located downtown, and all venues are in the middle of the Arts and Entertainment District. After the films, we host great after-parties with fantastic food and drinks!
This is a great opportunity for directors and producers to get their work showcased. There are often investors and production companies who attend the festival looking for new talent, and we have seen many of the movies screened go on to be successful projects!
The Maryland International Film Festival - Hagerstown, is organized by filmmakers and marketing executives who understand the power of film and support the talent of the independent filmmaker. Our goal is to fill theaters to capacity, encourage the development of filmmaker networks including media, distribution, and the association with other artists.
MDIFF - Hagerstown, believes in the importance of giving back to the community and donats a portion of the proceeds to charities.
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. ENTRY FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE.
Notifications: February 17, 2025
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Valley Art Association
Presents
“Plein Air Artists Exhibit”
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The Cold Springs of Hagers Fancy by Donna Mason | |
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The Mansion House North Gallery members’ show titled “Plein Air Artists”, opened on Friday August 30, 2024. All VAA members were invited to participate in the show, as well as non-member artists who painted at the 8/10/24 Hager House Plein Air Festival.
The exhibit continues through September 29, 2024. The Mansion House Art Gallery is open Fridays and Saturdays 11-4 and Sundays 1-5. Free Admission.
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The Mansion House
480 Highland Ave.
Hagerstown, MD, Maryland
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In partnership with Valley Art Association, Amanda Taylor, Founder/Director of Creative Chance is offering 4 workshops at The Mansion House Art Center, 480 Highland Avenue, Hagerstown, MD. Art workshops are open to individuals of all abilities. Whether you are an artist or aspiring artist, we welcome you to join us!
Participants will learn about finding your place in the art world, marketing yourself as an artist, how to draw your own comic, and how to complete your own DIY craft.
Fee to participate: $75 per participant
Caregivers/supporters are welcome, free of charge. Please provide identification.
Min. # of participants: 5, Max. # of participants: 20. All supplies will be provided, just bring yourself!
Instructors will include Amanda Taylor, Founder/Director of Creative Chance, along with Guest Artists from Creative Chance.
Creative Chance is an organization that serves individuals with and without disabilities and encourages art of all forms. For more information and to register, contact Amanda Taylor at 240-338-8099 or amanda.creativechancebaltimore@gmail.com.
Visit creativechance.org or go to Facebook: @CreativeChanceBaltimore for more artist info.
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Mary Condon Hodgson Art Gallery
The MCH Gallery presents ten exhibitions annually, including two student exhibits,
and works of art by regional and national artists.
Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For more information, call 301.846.2513.
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118 E Church St. Frederick, MD
Regular Gaslight Gallery Hours:
Saturday 1-6 PM
Sunday 1-6 PM
Call or text +1-703-309-3826 to schedule an appointment.
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Live On Stage, Inc., and the Hagerstown Community Concert Association
are pleased to announce 7x Grammy Award-nominated vocal group
as part of their 2024 - 2025 Concert Season
World-renowned touring group, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, will be performing their hit show “Decades of Love,” which pays tribute to over 100 years of love songs, live in concert at The Maryland Theatre on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Maryland Theatre Box Office or on their website www.mdtheatre.org, $30 for adults and $10 for Students aged 4-17. Lobby doors open one hour prior to the show. Theatre seating starts 45 minutes prior to the show for season/individual ticketholders, and 30 minutes prior to the show for reciprocity ticketholders. General seating, there are no assigned seats. For additional ticket information, visit the association web site at www.communityconcertshagerstown.org.
“…a fantastic experience from start to finish!”
Angela DeMaris, Executive Director, The Dixie Carter PAC
7x Grammy Award-nominated and multi-GMA Dove Award-winning group Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is one of the most popular musical grounds in the world. Haase, who performed for millions worldwide while touring with The Gaither’s, and Signature Sound’s hit show “Decades of Love” breathes new life into some of the most cherished romantic songs from the past 100 years. Their concert features, but is not limited to, songs like “L-O-V-E,” “It Had To Be You,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” and so many more! Click Here To View A Video Of "Decades of Love" with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound.
The Hagerstown Community Concert Association was first established as the "Civic Music Association” for the 1945-46 season and joined the National Community Concert Association in 1959. This all-volunteer nonprofit organization is committed to enriching the cultural life of Hagerstown through live performances. All concerts are presented at the historic downtown Maryland Theatre.
Live On Stage, Inc. provides excellent, affordable, entertainment attractions and support services to an American community of concert presenters. View a video about Live On Stage.
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Stories In The Round with Ilene Evans | |
Ilene Evans, founder of Voices From The Earth (VFTE.org) a theater arts organization based in Thomas WV and since 1991 delivering a wide variety of Chautauqua style events, workshops and community performances - with a focus on but not limited to - Affrilachian offerings - creating a better world through the arts. For her fourth appearance at SITR since 2015, Ilene will portray Eslanda Goode Robeson (1896-1965) activist, author, anthropologist, actress, champion of the African independence movement and wife of actor, singer, and freedom fighter Paul Robeson.
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 paid in advance no later than Monday at 9am, $15 at the door. Children 12 years & older welcome when accompanied by a parent or group leader.
Contact: Fanny Crawford, 301-730-1638 or fanitsky@hotmail.com.
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Registration now under way for free
Saturday art classes for children
Applications are now available for the popular Saturday Morning Youth Program and Explore and Express Your Style for Fall 2024 classes.
Saturday Morning Youth Program, or SMYP, is open to young artists in grades 1-5, SMYP allows students to explore a wide variety of media and art styles to creatively express themselves. Students are exposed to the museum’s exhibitions and draw inspiration from the works of art in our collection, as well as from our rotating exhibitions.
Explore and Express Your Style is open to young artists in grades 6-8, Classes focus on a variety of art media, design exploration, artistic experimentation, and looking and learning from the museum‘s art collections and exhibitions, and portfolio development.
Classes for both programs run Saturdays, Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 27, Nov. 2, 9, 16. SMYP times are 10 a.m. to noon and Express and Explore classes are 1 to 3 p.m.
Parents/guardians must fill out an application online for SMYP and Explore and Express
Because of the popularity of the classes and limited space, registration is first-come, first-serve. Deadline is Sept. 13, or until classes are filled. Acceptance notifications will be sent to guardians/parents by Sept. 10,
Submitting an application for SMYP does NOT guarantee registration. Contact Director of Education Kellie Mele at educator@wcmfa.org.
These programs are generously funded by the Mary K. Bowman Historical and Fine Arts Fund.
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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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TATTOOS AS ART
Art, Fashion, Symbol, Statement: Tattooing in America, 1960s to Today, continues through–Oct. 13, 2024. The exhibition explores the evolution of the tattoo, particularly in the Northeastern United States, from a mark of counter-cultural rebellion to one of the most popular forms of personal creative expression. While it is estimated that about 21% of Americans have tattoos, that number rises to over 40% for millennials, or those currently aged 27 to 42. Tattoos can be powerful signifiers of identity, holders of personal memory, and emblems of accomplishment, inspiration, or protection. Tattoos also embody a variety of aesthetic sensibilities, and their creation is often an intimate collaboration between the artist and the subject—a form of contemporary patronage. This exhibition seeks to illuminate and elevate the voices and experiences of under-recognized artists in the mid-Atlantic region and provide a broader understanding of tattoos and their history. Organized by the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.
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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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Coming Up in September and Beyond
From comedy to camp,
we’ve got it all!!
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October 25, 2024
5:30 to 7:30pm
Event by Downtown Hagerstown
S Potomac Street, Hagerstown MD 21740
Duration: 2 hr.
Public ·
Kick off Spooky Season by joining us for the Downtown Hagerstown Halloween Block Party on South Potomac Street!
This wicked evening will include the following FREE activities:
5:30PM - 7:00PM ~ Trick-or-Treat on S. Potomac Street
6:30PM ~ Kids Costume Contest
7:00PM ~ Adult Costume Contest
5:30PM - 7:30PM ~ Bounce Houses
Local Businesses interested in tabling or participating in Trick-or-Treat can sign up HERE: https://www.mainstreethagerstown.org/halloweenblockparty
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Find your rhythm. Find your community. Find your voice.
Ideal for working professionals and lifelong learners who are serious about their work, the MFA in creative writing appeals to students from a variety of personal and professional backgrounds, all of whom share a passion for literature and a desire to write and publish their own novels, stories and poems. Central to our philosophy is the idea of balance—between writing and the demands of everyday life, between periods of solitude and social interaction—as well as the presence of a diverse and cohesive literary community. By the end of the program, students will have produced a book-length manuscript of poetry or prose and will be beginning to submit and publish their work.
“The residency was a life-changing experience for me, and I think this program is the perfect match for my professional and creative needs.” -Maui Smith, current student
A 48-credit program with concentrations in poetry or prose, the low-residency MFA in creative writing involves four remote mentorship semesters and three on-campus summer residencies. Over the course of the two-year program, students will engage in one-on-one consultations with faculty mentors; participate in intensive writing workshops; attend lectures, panels and readings; begin submitting their work for publication; develop and present a craft lecture; complete a book-length creative project; and give a reading from their work. In addition to summer residences on the beautiful Hood College campus in Frederick, Maryland, students also have the option of attending an international summer residency through the Prague Summer Program for Writers, the nation’s oldest study-abroad program for creative writers in the English language.
Application deadline is April 1, 2025. The summer 2025 residency will be held June 20-30.
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The annual Artist Open Studios (AOS) offers a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a visual artist through an easy-to-navigate, self-guided tour. Each April, visitors from all over are invited to explore hundreds of artist studios and creative spaces throughout Maryland — free of charge. Featured exhibitions, demos, and artist talks connect artists with the public and highlight each neighborhood’s unique flavor and contributions to Maryland’s artistic vibrancy. | |
Opportunities for Artists
Explore MSAC grants and opportunities available to independent artists.
Click here for details.
Maryland Arts Directory
A free online platform that showcases the high-caliber, diverse,
and relevant work of Maryland’s artists and arts organizations.
Click here for details.
Arts Across Maryland
Use our map to find public art, arts venues,
and Arts & Entertainment Districts to explore.
Click here for details.
Resource Bulletin
The MSAC online Resource Bulletin is maintained by the Maryland Art Place,
and includes local, regional, and national opportunities, calls for artists,
grants, and vendor opportunities.
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. | |
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! | |
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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