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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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“Passages,” an exhibition by James Barkley & Terry M. Rieker
on display at the WCAC Galleries through February 6, 2024!
The art focus is “an exhibit of visual and
written work related to linear passages
through time and distance.”
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Washington County Free Library Announces 2024 Writers & Poets Contest
The Washington County Free Library is once again pleased to announce its annual Writers & Poets Contest that begins on January 15, 2024. The contest includes five age divisions: Children in Grades 2-3; Grades 4-5; Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12; and Adult. Entries will be accepted between January 15 and March 15, 2024.
Entrants must be residents of Washington County, MD or have a valid Washington County Free Library Card. Writers may enter up to two poems & one short story. Short stories must be no longer than 1200 words (4 pages double spaced). All entries must be original work and may be on any topic. All entries must include the author’s name, age or grade division, address, phone number, and email. Children’s entries should have the child’s current grade level included.
No email submissions will be accepted. Remember to keep a copy of your work. Originals will not be returned. There will be first, second, and third place winners for each division. Winners will be announced in April 2024. Honorees will be feted at a reception in early May. Watch our website washcolibrary.org for date and time.
Entries may be submitted at any library branch throughout the county, or they may be mailed to:
Poetry & Short Story Writing Contest
Attn: Children’s Department
Washington County Free Library
100 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Mailed entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2024. Call the Children’s Department at 301-739-3250 for further information. Contact person: Abigail Andrews, Children’s Services, Washington County Free Library, 100 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD. 21740
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The Washington County Arts Council
invites you to the 14th Annual Art of Cooking 2024
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The 14th Annual Washington County Art Educators
DEADLINE: February 6, 2024 @ 5pm
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The 14th Annual Washington County Art Educators
The Washington County Arts Council invites all art educators in Washington County’s public and private schools, colleges, private studios, and home school programs to enter work for the February 2024 exhibit.
This is an invitational exhibition and all work will be accepted. Each educator can submit three works that have been completed within the last two years. Artwork may be dropped off Friday, February 2, 2024 from 11am to 5pm, Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 10am to 4pm, or Tuesday, February 6, 2024 from 11am to 5pm.
The Exhibit will run from February 8, 2024 through March 5, 2024 in the galleries as well as virtually by Saturday, February 10, 2024.
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Holiday Tour Photo Contest
EXTENDED DEADLINE: January 18, 2024 @ Noon
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Call for Photographers
2023 Historic Houses of Worship Tour Photo Contest
The Historic Houses of Worship Tour in partnership with and support from The Washington County Arts Council (WCAC) is pleased to invite the public to enter a photo contest to promote the 2023 Historic Houses of Worship Tour. All submissions are subject to the guidelines set forth herein, and the photo contest is open to submission by any and all interested people.
Photos should capture an image from the Historic Houses of Worship Tour, scheduled to take place on December 26, 2023 from 3pm to 7pm with a snow date of December 27, 2023 from 3pm to 7pm. One selected original photograph will be commissioned by the tour organizers and will be used to create posters and promotional materials for the 2024 Tour.
Contestants may enter up to three images to the contest. Images must be submitted in a jpg format and files should be labeled: “Last Name, First Name, and Title of Work and Name of Church” All submissions will be received by the WCAC on behalf of HWC. The submissions will be juried by two jurors chosen by the tour committee.
All digital entries must be submitted to WCAC no later than Noon on January 18, 2024. WCAC will create a database with the identifying information of each artist, the title of the piece, and an assigned number. To ensure fair and impartial judging, WCAC will provide judges with each photograph identified by a number only.
This year there will be two award winners which will be announced in February 2024.
Monetary awards, $100 for first place and $50 for second place, are sponsored by Downtown Hagerstown.
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May 2024 St. Maria Goretti High School
Art Exhibition
at the Washington County Arts Council
Call for Art!
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City of Hagerstown Decades Music Series Poster Contest
DEADLINE: January 19, 2024
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Call for Bands -
MDWK Summer Music Series
DEADLINE: January 31, 2024
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Public Service Announcement
Chromebooks for Eligible Washington County Households Distributed Through
Washington County Free Library Beginning The Week of January 2, 2023
Through a grant provided by Washington County government via the Maryland State Department of Housing and Community Development, Washington County Free Library is the primary distributor of no-cost Chromebooks for eligible Washington County households to help close the digital divide and increase digital literacy in our community. Distribution events will be held at each WCFL location during the first five months of the year. The first event will be held Friday, January 5 at the Hagerstown Fletcher Library. Appointments will be required.
Only Washington County residents 18 years or older may participate and only one device is allowed per household. Appointments must be made to pick up a Chromebook. At appointments, individuals must provide:
- valid photo ID,
- proof of Washington County residence, and
- proof of qualifications for one of the eligibility requirements.
As at distribution events throughout the state, eligibility requirements include:
Households with an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- $27,180 for a household of 1
- $36,620 for a household of 2
- $46,060 for a household of 3
- $55,500 for a household of 4
- Or $9,440 more for each additional household member
Households enrolled in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Households that participate in government assistance programs such as:
- Child receives free or reduced-price school lunch.
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Medicaid
- Pell Grant (current award year)
- SNAP, formerly Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- WIC
A complete list of distribution dates in January, information about making your appointment, examples of accepted proof of eligibility, and more are available now at https://www.washcolibrary.org/chromebook. Distribution dates for subsequent months will be updated on this page toward the end of each month.
Washington County Free Library believes that access to technology is one key to achieving economic freedom and accessing important educational activities. Public computers are available at all WFL locations. For more information about library services, resources, and programs, visit washcolibrary.org or call 301-739-3250.
Contact: Sarah Nadeau, Public Relations, Washington County Free Library, 100 S. Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD. 21740....snadeau@washcolibrary.org or 301-241-9383
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Art at The Chamber
Brian Heinrich---Art of the Ancient Adolescent
1 South Potomac Street
On the Square in Downtown Hagerstown
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Culture & Cocktails:
Archaeology of the Jonathan Street Cabin
Fri, Jan 12, 2024---6:00 PM
From an archaeological site, the subject of a museum exhibit, and a documentary--the Jonathan Street Cabin has had much-deserved buzz over the last several years.
On Friday, January 12, 2024, join Senior Archaeologist Aaron Levinthal from the Maryland Department of Transportation as he explores the fascinating discoveries uncovered during the archaeological excavation at the historic Jonathan Street cabin.
This month’s cocktail is the Cabin Fever, a bourbon forward drink sure to give you all those warm cabin feels. Doors open at 5:30 PM and light hors d'oeuvres will be served!
Culture & Cocktails 2024 has been made possible by the generous support of the James and Mary Schurz Foundation.
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Washington County Historical Society
Miller House Museum
135 West Washington Street Hagerstown, MD 21740
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Marie Osmond in Concert
with Special Guest David Osmond
Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 at 7:00 PM
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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.
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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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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Shakespeare’s
A Midsummer
Night’s Dream
January 13: 3-5 pm, 8 to10 pm
January 14: 3-5 pm
Tickets: $18
Directed by Caitlin Cutright
It’s the 1970’s Me decade. The performance troupe, the Rude Mechanicals, has a paying gig for an upscale middleaged wedding in Athens, America. Elsewhere, young lovers chase each other in unrequited efforts. To complete the mayhem, other-worldly hippies intervene to get the 20 somethings paired off.
Join the party!
Supported in part by grants from:
The Maryland State Arts Council
The Washington County Arts Council.
All performances will be held at the
Potomac Playmakers Performing Arts Center
17303 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown MD 21740
www.potomacplaymakers.org
potomacplaymakers@gmail.com
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Thomas Pandolfi Concert
Reserve your seat for a concert by pianist Thomas Pandolfi Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the museum. In addition to being recognized as one of the greatest interpreters of Polish masters such as Chopin, Paderewski, and Godowsky, this versatile pianist has received accolades for everything from Bach to Gershwin. $15 museum members, $20 general public. Go to https://wcmfa.org/concerts-lectures-2/ or contact Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or drastelli@wcmfa.org
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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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Into the Woods Jr.
Friday, January 19th at 7:00 PM
Saturday, January 20th at 7:00 PM
Be careful what you wish for, as Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s cockeyed fairytale comes to life in this adaptation of their groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical. Into the Woods JR. features all of your favorite characters — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and the Witch — in this lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables.
The musical centers on a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse, and wind up changed forever.
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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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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Pastel Animals Workshop with Carol Wilks
on January 22, 2024
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The Mansion House Art Gallery
480 Highland Avenue in Hagerstown City Park
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TREE STORIES
Enjoy a story under our “treehouse” Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, with Jeff Ridgeway, head of Youth Services at Washington County Free Library.
This free event begins at 11 a.m. Inspired by Childhood Favorites
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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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Purple Xperience: A Prince Tribute
Friday, January 26, 2024 at 7:30 PM
at the Maryland Theatre
The Purple experience is a five-piece group hailing from Prince’s birthplace, Minneapolis, MN. They have been touring around the country since its inception in 2011 by Dr. Fink and front-man Marshall Charloff – bringing the greatest and most authentic production of Prince and The Revolution in the world to audiences of all generations!
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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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 hosts,
Comedian Vic DiBitetto
Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Vic DiBitetto is an American stand-up comedian, Internet personality, and actor. He often refers to himself as The Donkey of Comedy or The Working Class Zero. Dibitetto is known for his YouTube videos, most notably his Bread and Milk and Who Wants Coffee videos, and for portraying Gino Chizetti in the 2015 comedy film, Paul Blart Mall Cop 2.
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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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 New York Bee Gees
at The Maryland Theatre
Friday, February 2, 2024 at 7:30 PM
The New York Bee Gees: A tribute to the music of this iconic group playing all the hits from every decade. Based in New York the Show has played to sell out shows at The Paramount Theater and BB King NYC. BB King NYC wrote, The NY Bee Gees Tribute Show presents the most extravagant Bee Gees show a fan can experience.
The band offers all of the classic 70s disco hits from Stayin Alive to Night Fever while embracing their early works such as To Love Somebody, I've Got To Get A Message To You and Massachusetts. The New York Bee Gees delivers songs from every decade of the Bee Gees Catalog with a stunning production, powerful vocals, and the professional stage presence to fill any club or casino.
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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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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Amazing Fundraiser--Amazing Tablescapes!
Join us for the Washington County Museum’s most whimsical fundraiser of the year, Amazing Tablescapes! The highly decorated tables will be on display Feb. 6-11, 2024. The cost is $10 admission.
Meet the designers Feb. 8, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. for a special reception. Reception cost is $100 per person with reservation. Vote online with your dollars for the People's Choice Award winner Feb. 6-29, 2024.
To reserve your special reception slot or to vote online beginning Feb. 6, click HERE.
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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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The Maryland Theatre Presents
Remembering the Fire of 1974
Thursday, February 8th at 6:00 PM
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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About the Show...
The Maryland Theatre is commemorating the fire of 1974 that threatened the historic auditorium of The Maryland Theatre and destroyed other dwellings including apartments and The Theatre Box Office. Hear from local residents that were there on February 8, 1974 – that fought the fire and braved the harsh elements. Audience members will have the opportunity to interact and share their own memories, stories, and memorabilia of the fire.
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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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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St. Maria Goretti High School hosts The Little Mermaid | |
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St. Maria Goretti Catholic High School presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid live on stage! Experience the story of Ariel, the little mermaid who should be happy -- she lives in an enchanted undersea kingdom, her father is the King, and she has the most beautiful singing voice. But she is a passionate, headstrong teenager, and wants what she cannot have -- to be human and live on land! When she falls in love with a human prince, Ariel is more determined than ever to gain a pair of legs! But her only option is to defy her father, and make a bargain with Ursula the Sea Witch, giving her voice as the price of entry onto dry land.
The stage musical features many of the songs you know and love, “Part of Your World,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Under the Sea” as well many more that are unique to the stage version. Come and enjoy this timeless classic that will feature Goretti students and faculty.
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MORE THAN MUSES
More than Muses Weekend, set for Friday, Feb. 23, 2024-Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, is a three-day event that looks at the challenges of balancing the creative life with family life and puts the spotlight on female artists in various disciplines, past, present, global, and local. All three events cost $25 for museum members and $35 for guests. Click the link for the entire schedule. To register, contact Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or drastelli@wcmfa.org.
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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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Valley Art Association presents “Happy Holidays,” an exhibit by members at the Mansion House Art Gallery through 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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The Washington County Museum’s exhibition “Childhood Favorites: 100 Years of Children’s Book Illustration Childhood Favorites 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. | |
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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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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.
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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
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Our Box Office Location is:
The Maryland Theatre
21 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Contact Our Box Office
301-790-2000
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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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Applications and Info Session Available
for Grants for Artists Program
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The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is excited to open applications to the Grants for Artists program, which broadly supports Maryland independent artists’ working and living expenses with $2,500 grants. Applications are open through Feb. 29. Click here to learn more about the program and access grant guidelines.
Interested artists may also view the recording of a virtual information session covering program details and application strategies. Click here to access the recording.
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Applications due by Thursday, February 29, 2024
Questions?
Contact Deputy Director Chad Buterbaugh at chad.buterbaugh@maryland.gov or 443.469.8239.
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Opportunities for Artists
Explore MSAC grants and opportunities available to independent artists, 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. | |
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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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