New season, new exhibits enliven the galleries at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

The Herald-Mail
·5 min read

“First there’s lights out, then there’s lock up

Masterpieces serving maximum sentences

It’s their own fault for being timeless,

There’s a price to pay and a consequence

All the galleries, the museums

Here’s your ticket welcome to the tombs

They’re just public mausoleums

The living dead fill every room.”

In the quiet moments after the museum doors are locked and the lights are out, I am reminded of these lyrics from the Regina Spektor song, “All the Rowboats.”

It might seem strange for someone who loves art and is passionate about museums to feel comfortable sharing lyrics that equate the space to mausoleums, but I like the thought of the art having a soul — because in a way, it does. It’s only when we give the art attention that it comes to life.

Some art requires more attention than others. Some art screams for attention, some softly whispers, some just a glance in your direction. It’s the museum’s job to make sure you feel the pulse of the art beating within its walls.

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts’ upcoming exhibitions breathe life into the museum and its visitors’ spirits. Programs are aligned with these exhibitions are designed to guide your understanding and observations and go beyond your first look at art to connect in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Bring your family or a group of friends to experience “Joseph Holston: Color in Freedom, Journey along the Underground Railroad,” on view from Sept. 24 to Jan. 14. This collection of more than 50 works takes us on a visual journey from the darkness and oppression of slavery to the bright and light colors of freedom.

Holston is a Maryland-based artist and his paintings are large scale and bold — they demand your attention and overcome your emotions through color, size and, of course, the subject. To deepen this experience, we will offer educational programming including:

  • Meet the Artist Reception, 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25. Join the museum in welcoming Joseph Holston for an afternoon event to celebrate the opening of his exhibition. Light refreshments. Free and open to the public.

  • From Slavery to Freedom in Washington County, 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. Historian and author Emilie Amt will discuss how Joseph Holston’s art reflects and exposes the history of Washington County. Sharing true stories of bondage, resistance and journeys to freedom, she will explore the parallels between Holston’s art and local experience. Free for members, $5 for non-members. Register in advance.

  • Unraveling the Past, 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10. Online. Join genealogist Renate Yarbough as she discusses the challenges involved in tracing African American family history and offers concrete tips on how to begin your research. Ask questions to help guide you on your journey to a better understanding of your past. Free. Register for a Zoom link.

  • Painting a Symphony, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7. In-person class. Joseph Holston and music will be the inspiration for completing a colorful masterpiece to take home. For grades 1-6. Cost is $14 for members, $20 for nonmembers. Register in advance.

To register for any of these events, contact Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or drastelli@wcmfa.org.

Talking about ‘PAN’

Bringing art to life sometimes means leaving room for art to spark conversations. For the special exhibition, “From the Pages of PAN: Art Nouveau Prints 1895-1900,” we’ve called upon artists, writers, educators, musicians and local art enthusiasts to give special attention to specific pieces. PAN was a German-based periodical that published from 1895-1900. The exhibition runs from Oct. 8 to Jan. 29. The special guests will create museum labels that will give their own personal perspective in a project called Visiting Voices.

The “PAN” exhibition inspired some interesting programing, which even includes a tasting of the infamous absinthe:

  • “Absinthe and Art Nouveau: Party like it’s 1899!,” 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18. Join us to learn more about the notorious “green fairy.” Absinthe, a legendary spirit and drink of choice in fin de siècle bars and cafés, was by 1915 outlawed in many European countries and in the U.S. Join us to share an absinthe-based cocktail, learn about absinthe in art history, and immerse yourself in the avant-garde world of art and literature represented in our exhibition. $30 per person, $25 for museum members, includes one drink ticket and light hors d’oeuvres. Attendance is limited, so registration is required. Creative dress encouraged. Contact Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or drastelli@wcmfa.org.

  • Upcylced Artist Books, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. Inspired by the art in the art nouveau publication “PAN.” Students will create an upcycled artist book. For ages 14 and older. Free and open to the public.

  • Printmaking Demo, 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. Observe multiple printmaking processes by Penn’s Woods Printmakers and try it for yourself. Inspired by the printing techniques in “PAN.” Free and open to public.

So, when you visit the Washington County Museum in Fine Arts to experience an exhibition or join in a program, remember that your presence, thoughtfulness and appreciation of this art breathes life back into its spirit and fills this hallowed “mausoleum” with a rebirth of the expression's soul.

For more information about any of our educational programs, see our website at WCMFA.org or call 301-739-5727.

Kellie Mele is director of Education for the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts at 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. The museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, go to www.wcmfa.org. Find WCMFA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Two new exhibitions coming to Washington County Museum of Fine Arts