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November 29, 2023

Volume 23-63

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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.

View More
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A Holiday Gift!

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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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Amélie Lavenant-Wink: Re Focus
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Opening Thursday, December 7, 2023!

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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).

www.washingtoncountyarts.com/cvape
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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

www.washingtoncountyarts.com/mdiff-call
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hcc-hedgeapple.hagerstowncc.edu
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Washington County Chamber of Commerce!

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Coffee & Connections REGISTER HERE

Washington County Chamber of Commerce

1 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740

Phone: 301-739-2015

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Jennie Avila: Sky Cats and Fancy Plants
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Tickets on EventBrite
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Valley Art Association presents “Happy Holidays,” an exhibit by members at the Mansion House Art Gallery from Friday December 1, 2023 to Sunday January 28, 2024

The Mansion House Art Gallery is located at 480 Highland Avenue(City Park), Hagerstown MD. Open Fridays & Saturdays 11am-4pm Hours, Sundays 1-5pm. FREE

www.valleyartassoc.org

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Facebook Page
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Celebration of Trees


LOCATION: Springfield Barn 12 Springfield Lane Williamsport, MD 21795


EVENT DATES:

December 2nd, 8th, 9th, and 16th FROM: 3pm – 9pm

December 5th & 12th FROM: 11am – 4pm

December 3rd, 10th & 17th FROM: 2pm – 7pm

Springfield Barn's Facebook Page
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Christmas Revels & Holiday Sing-Along

at the Hancock Town Hall Performing Arts Center

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Facebook Page
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The Berkeley Arts Council is celebrating its 13th annual holiday arts and crafts market.

St. Nick’s Market will be open Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 to 5:00, Friday from 11:00 to 8:00, and Saturday from 11:00 to 4:00.  The Berkeley Art Works is located at 116 N. Queen Street, Martinsburg, WV.

berkeleyartswv.org/2023-holiday-market-at-the-berkeley-art-works
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HCC to hold Fall Student Art Exhibition

and Ensemble Performances

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The English and Humanities Division at Hagerstown Community College will host its Student Art Exhibition and Ensemble Performances from Thursday, December 7, 2023 through Friday, December 15, 2023 in the Kepler Center on HCC’s main campus.


The exhibit will feature artwork from students enrolled in the visual arts studio courses this fall, including drawing, painting, photography, digital art, and ceramics. The exhibit will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


The opening reception for the exhibition will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 4 to 7 p.m., in the Kepler Center. The evening’s festivities will feature musical performances from HCC’s Guitar Ensemble and Contemporary Music Ensemble. The event is open to the public.

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Blooms Alley on Facebook
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Downloadable Sponsorship Packages
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Gene Weingarten - Below the Beltway Pundit and winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, is the Maryland Writers Association’s (MWA) Notable Maryland Author for December.

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marylandwriters.org
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The Washington County Museum’s exhibition “Childhood Favorites: 100 Years of Children’s Book Illustration 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.

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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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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Learn more about the Renfrew Museum’s beloved holiday program at www.renfrewmuseum.org/Christmas

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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!
www.santacon.info/Hagerstown-MD
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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.

christkindlmarkthagerstown.com
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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.

Saturday December 9, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Sunday December 10, 2023 | 3:00 PM

Contact Audrey Vargason at 301-790-3500 or Contact Email: ajv@mdtheatre.org

Our Box Office Location is:


The Maryland Theatre

21 South Potomac Street

Hagerstown, MD 21740


Contact Our Box Office

301-790-2000

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

BUY TICKETS

Contact Audrey Vargason at 301-790-3500 or Contact Email: ajv@mdtheatre.org

Our Box Office Location is:


The Maryland Theatre

21 South Potomac Street

Hagerstown, MD 21740


Contact Our Box Office

301-790-2000

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

www.washcolibrary.org/fundraiser-2023
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Maryland Symphony Orchestra

Home for the Holidays

December 16 and 17

Buy Tickets Now from the MSO

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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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Tickets are NOW ON SALE for the 4 remaining productions at the Playhouse


Visit washingtoncountyplayhouse.com today to secure your seats.

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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.


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Participating Houses of Worship: 

  • Christ’s Reformed Church
  • Congregation B’nai Abraham
  • Grace United Methodist Church


www.washingtoncountyarts.com/holiday-worship-tour

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

Contact Audrey Vargason at 301-790-3500 or Contact Email: ajv@mdtheatre.org

Our Box Office Location is:


The Maryland Theatre

21 South Potomac Street

Hagerstown, MD 21740


Contact Our Box Office

301-790-2000

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

BUY TICKETS

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.

Contact Audrey Vargason at 301-790-3500 or Contact Email: ajv@mdtheatre.org

Our Box Office Location is:


The Maryland Theatre

21 South Potomac Street

Hagerstown, MD 21740


Contact Our Box Office

301-790-2000

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

The Irish Comedy Tour

Friday, March 15, 2024 at 8:00 PM

Tickets are available Friday, December 1st at 12:00 PM


Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com,

by phone at 301-790-2000, or in person at the Box Office.


For groups of 8 or more, contact the Box Office directly.

BUY TICKETS

About the Show...

The Irish Comedy Tour takes the party atmosphere of a Dublin pub and combines it with a boisterous, belly laugh band of hooligans. The groups comedians and musicians, whose ancestors hail from the Emerald Isle, include Detroit native Derek Richards, Ohios Michael Malone, Nova Scotias Damon Leibert, and from Inchicore, a suburb of Dublin, Ireland Derrick Keane. Do not miss these hilarious Irish American comedians as they tear apart as well as validate all of the Irish myths and stereotypes.


**VIP Pre-Show Experience**

Join us for the show and VIP pre-show party! Only 100 VIP Experience Tickets are available, so don’t delay in purchasing. The ticket includes:

  • Premium orchestra seating for the show
  • Pre-show party in the Cocktail Lounge
  • Complimentary drink
  • Cocktail service to “create your own” specialty drink.
  • Holiday-themed selfie station
  • Costume contest/prizes

Contact Audrey Vargason at 301-790-3500 or Contact Email: ajv@mdtheatre.org

Our Box Office Location is:


The Maryland Theatre

21 South Potomac Street

Hagerstown, MD 21740


Contact Our Box Office

301-790-2000

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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Valley Art Association
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Destination Arts! Events
Joyful Arts Studio Classes
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Opportunities for Artists


Explore MSAC grants and opportunities available to independent artists, click here for details.

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Links for Artists

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Maryland Artist Registry


Maryland Artist Marketplace



Arts Across Maryland

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Opportunities for Artists

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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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Supported in part by:

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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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CAAM


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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.

Join Our Mailing List

34 S. Potomac St., Suite 100

Hagerstown, MD 21740

(301) 791-3132

info@washingtoncountyarts.com