Art is more than decor: It's about coming together, preserving traditions, making memories
At the heart of Washington County Museum of Fine Arts’ mission is the belief in the transformative power of art — all our lives benefit from spending time making or appreciating art.
In our ongoing commitment to enrich lives through art, the museum proudly announces a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents of Washington County.
We understand the profound impact art and museums can have on individuals and communities alike. That's why we are dedicated to providing diverse opportunities for people to engage with and appreciate the world of fine arts. It's about more than just paintings on walls; it's about bringing people together, passing on traditions, and creating cherished memories.
From inviting families to engage in traditional rug hooking to hosting community days or panel discussions for exhibitions, we are dedicated to fostering connections and making art accessible to everyone.
Our strength lies in nurturing a vibrant community where organizations, such as With Hands and Hearts Antietam Fiber Artists, can share their talents with museum visitors through their work on display, and to the next generation through teaching elementary school students in our Saturday Morning Youth Program.
We firmly believe in the power of art to bring generations together and pass on traditions. You can come see them yourselves, when With Hands and Hearts Antietam Fiber Artists come back on March 2 to offer free demonstrations to the public.
Also in March, we will celebrate the artists who are part of the juried Cumberland Valley Photographers Exhibition. On Saturday, March 23, we are opening with a free panel discussion with CVP award winners and jurors Anna Grindley and Gary Graves of Grindley + Graves.
During our community day event on Thanksgiving weekend last fall, generations of families gathered to enjoy the nostalgia of our exhibition “Childhood Favorites: 100 Years of Children’s Book Illustration.” Parents, grandparents and children read stories to each other, chatted about their favorite books and even drew and danced to live music together.
This year marks a significant milestone as we expand our free class offerings to reach all ages. For the first time in our museum's history, we have introduced multiple-session, free courses including Grown-up and Me Bonding for pre-K children, Explore and Express Your Style for middle-schoolers, a Teen Studio Program for high-schoolers, Art Exploration for homeschoolers and Empowering Creativity for adults with special needs. Our diverse programming aims to foster creativity, skill development and personal connection with art.
As we move into May and June, our offerings continue to expand with events like Plein Air Fridays, preview parties for the upcoming exhibitions, “Art, Fashion, Symbol & Statement: Tattooing in America, 1960s to Today” and “Cumberland Valley Artists,” One of the highlights of our upcoming events will be “Bingo, Brushstrokes, and Beverages” on Thursday, June 27, promising a unique blend of art, entertainment, and camaraderie.
If you are looking for something fun for the kids to do this summer, check out our camps. From Monday, June 17 to Friday, June 21, join us for Palette Pioneers: Local Art Discovery Camp Designed for children aged 8 to 12, this immersive camp explores the rich artistry of the Cumberland Valley Artist community. Led by passionate museum educators, campers will discover new horizons through hands-on activities and exploration of our collections. Secure your child's spot today for a week of creativity and inspiration.
In July, we are offering an Adaptive Arts Mini Summer Camp from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, July 25, to Saturday, July 27. Led by experienced special education teacher Heidi Coble, this hands-on class is tailored for ages 5 to 11. Participants will explore artistic styles and media through interaction with exhibits and works from different artists in the museum. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our community for their unwavering support and presence. Your engagement and enthusiasm shape the programming at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, making it a vibrant hub of artistic exploration and connection.
As the director of education, my personal passion is witnessing individuals discover their unique ways to connect through art, regardless of how that manifests for each person. Together, let's continue to cultivate the quality of life in our region for generations to come. Thank you for being part of our journey.
For more information on our programs and events, including registration details, go to wcmfa.org or call 301-739-5727. Let us together continue to advance the cultural landscape of Washington County, making art accessible and enjoyable for all.
Kellie Mele is the director of education for Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. The museum is open 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. The museum is closed Good Friday, March 29, but is open Easter weekend. Go to wcmfa.org for more information.
February at the museum: Whimsical tables and a celebration of women in art
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Art and quality of life go hand in hand at WCMFA
