The Worcester County Arts Council’s Gallery is open Tuesdays - Sundays from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Visit the Gallery to view the exquisite artwork of our Co-Op artists and juried show entries. The Co-Op includes acrylic, collage, mixed media, watercolor artwork, blown glass, ceramics, jewelry, painting on silk, stained glass, etc.
Promoting and Cultivating Arts Since 1976
Welcome to the Worcester County Arts Council - the Home of the Arts!
The Worcester County Arts Council was designated the local arts agency for Worcester County by the Worcester County Commissioners in 1976. As a non-profit, 501 (c3) organization, the Arts Council works to lead the way in support of the Arts with programs designed to encourage diversity, access, and inclusion of everyone in the Community.
We strive to bring the Arts to under-served areas of the Community with its wealth of free, high-quality art exhibits, activities, performances, and other cultural art programming designed for children and adults alike.
Visit our charming Gallery and experience the beauty of local Arts!
50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF ART, COMMUNITY & CONNECTIONS!
JOIN US ON JUNE 9, 2026
EVENT IS SOLD OUT
"GOLDEN TICKET" 50 ANNIVERSARY RAFFLE!
WIN ORIGINAL PAINTING BY PATRICK HENRY
Artist, Patrick Henry, pictured in his studio with his donated painting - "Foggy Morning - Ocean City"
Enter the "Golden Ticket" Raffle for a chance to win a $7,000 Original Painting & Support the Next Generation of Artists!
As part of its 50th Anniversary celebration, the Worcester County Arts Council is excited to launch a special “Golden Ticket” Raffle Fundraiser beginning April 1, and one lucky supporter will take home a stunning original work of art.
The raffle prize is “Foggy Morning – Ocean City,” a beautifully framed original oil painting (valued at $7,000) generously donated by acclaimed local artist and founding Arts Council board member Patrick Henry.
This extraordinary piece captures the quiet beauty of the coast and represents a meaningful connection to the Arts Council’s history.
Even more meaningful, every ticket purchased supports the future of the arts. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Patrick Henry Arts Scholarship, which will be awarded to a student pursuing studies in the arts—helping nurture the next generation of creative talent in our community!
The winning ticket will be drawn on June 9 at the Worcester County Arts Council’s 50th Anniversary Luncheon Celebration.
Tickets are just $10 each (CASH or CHECK) and are available now at the
Worcester County Arts Council Gallery.
✨ Don’t miss your chance to win a remarkable original painting while supporting young artists in our community. Stop by the Gallery, purchase your Golden Ticket, and be part of celebrating 50 years of arts, community, and connections!
TO VIEW OUR FEATURED EXHIBITS
THREADS OF CONNECTIONS JURIED SHOW
BERLIN LIBRARY GALLERY
(Artwork by BETH COOPER and JOANNE GUILFOIL)
CALL FOR ENTRIES: "COASTAL ECHOES"
JURIED ART COMPETITION
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Worcester County Arts Council, we invite artists to submit work for Coastal Echoes, a juried exhibition inspired by the voices, memories, landscapes, traditions, and creative spirit that continue to resonate throughout our coastal communities.
For fifty years, the Arts Council has supported, connected, and amplified creativity across the region. The goal for this exhibition is to reflect those lasting impressions: the echoes of artists, stories, places, and experiences that shape our cultural identity and continue to inspire future generations.
Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly and creatively. From the rhythms of the shoreline and natural environment to personal histories, community connections, heritage, belonging, resilience, and artistic legacy, Coastal Echoes celebrates how art carries meaning forward through time.
As part of the exhibition, each submitted work must include a brief artist reflection, titled “Artist Echo” describing how the piece connects to the exhibition theme.
Key Dates:
• Artwork Drop-Off: June 23-25| 11 AM – 2 PM
• Exhibit on View: July 1 – August 31, 2026
• Opening Reception: July 10 | 4–6 PM (Awards at 5 PM)
📍 Worcester County Arts Council, Berlin
All entries will be judged as part of the juried competition.
Join us as we celebrate fifty years of creativity, connection, and community through the enduring echoes of art.
Detailed guidelines for the competition are available HERE
Artists are requested to complete a juried exhibit ENTRY FORM and deliver it along with their entries for the competition.
ARTS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS ANNOUNCED!
FY 2027 GRANTS
FY 2027 GRANTS FOR THE ARTS AWARDED
APPLICATIONS FOR THE GRANTING PERIOD JULY 1, 2026 - DECEMBER 31, 2026 ARE CLOSED. MINI GRANT REQUESTS ARE AVAILABLE…CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Worcester County Arts Council is proud to award $29,953 in the Community Arts Development Grants program to 11 art projects and events to be presented by local nonprofit organizations during the granting cycle beginning July 1, 2026.
Funding will support a wide variety of creative and innovative projects that are of outstanding artistic quality and demonstrate community benefit, enhancing the lives of everyone living and visiting Worcester County. This program is funded and supported by the MARYLAND STATE ARTS COUNCIL.
Grant projects are evaluated based on the overall quality of cultural excellence, community outreach, public impact, and financial/administrative merit.
In the last ten years, the Worcester County Arts Council has awarded close to $500,000. through this program to assist local community groups in presenting quality art projects and activities.
Congratulations to the following organizations which projects have been awarded a Community Arts Development Grant for the first cycle of the FY 2027 granting period:
Art League of Ocean City: Free Access Art Programming
Atlantic Club: Recovery Crafts
Berlin Heritage Foundation - Year Community Events 2026-2027
Community Players of Salisbury - The Great Gatsby
Lower Shore Performing Arts Company - July-Dec. Season
Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra - 2026 Fall Concerts
Pine Tones Chorus - Christmas Traditions
Rackliffe House - Colonial Harvest Festival
Town of Berlin Main Street - Farmers' Market Music
Worcester County Library - Fundamentals of Film
Worcester Goes Purple - Stigma Highlighted
The next deadline to apply for Community Arts Development Grants is October 15, 2026. Mini-Grants (maximum award $500.00) are available between grant cycles.
For more information, the Application form and Grant Guidelines follow this link:
OUR PARTNERSHIPS THROUGH THE ARTS
Above: Meg Wynes, Freeman Arts Pavilion Community Engagement Coordinator pictured with Anna Mullis, WCAC Executive Director
The Worcester County Arts Council is proud to celebrate the power of partnerships and community connections during our 50th Anniversary year: "50 Years of Art, Community, and Connections".
Our Executive Director had recently the pleasure of partnering with the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation to coordinate a special project benefiting students across Worcester County.
Through this special connection we were able to secure 250 Creative Nourishment Art Kits for students participating in our upcoming Summer Arts Camp Program.
Designed by artist Randee Exler, the bilingual art kits include instructions in both English and Spanish, along with all supplies needed for students to create an “Underwater World in Pieces” collage project. These thoughtfully prepared kits will provide students with a fun, creative, and enriching artistic experience this summer.
At the Arts Council, we truly value connections like these. Partnerships with organizations such as the Freeman Foundation allow us to expand our outreach, strengthen our community impact, and bring meaningful arts opportunities to local children and families.
Learn more about the Freeman Foundation HERE.
Our Summer Arts Camp, coordinated in partnership with Worcester County Public Schools, will take place July 14–16 and July 20–21. Families are encouraged to sign up their children through their school.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support the arts and help us build creative connections throughout Worcester County!
2026 SUMMER ARTS CAMP
IN 2025, THE WORCESTER COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL, WITH THE PARTIAL SUPPORT FROM THE OCEAN CIT/BERLIN OPTIMIST CLUB, PARTNERED WITH THE WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO BRING THE BEST ART EXPERIENCE TO ALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS!
MORE THAN 250 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN THIS PROGRAM.
PLEIN AIR 2025 - First Place - Homer Proctor - Sunday's Last Light - Oil
SAVE THE DATE!
Worcester County Plein Air Event
September 13 - 18, 2026
September 18 - Awards, Reception, and Exhibit Location: Worcester County Arts Council 6 Jefferson Street, Berlin, MD
The Worcester County Arts Council is pleased to announce that the 2026 Paint Worcester County Plein Air event will take place September 13–18, 2026. This beloved annual tradition brings artists together to capture the beauty and character of Worcester County through plein air painting.
In celebration of the Arts Council’s 50th Anniversary, this year’s event will be hosted at the Worcester County Arts Council Gallery in Berlin, creating a special opportunity to showcase both the artists and this milestone year.
The week will culminate on September 18 with an Awards Presentation, Reception, and Art Sales where the public is invited to view and purchase freshly created works.
Artist registration will open on July 14th. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to be part of this exciting celebration of art, place, and community!
SPACE IS LIMITED!
DONATE TO OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN!
Our mission at the Arts Council depends on the generosity of dedicated members, patrons, and supporters who make it possible for us to provide meaningful arts programming throughout Worcester County.
As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, we invite you to consider donating to our Anniversary Campaign so we can continue to expand our reach and support our communities, schools, and local artists.
Visit our page at ShoreGives365 to support
the Worcester County Arts Council, or click the button below
to make your tax-deductible donation:
✨ Every donation directly supports the mission of the Worcester County Arts Council.
🎨 Every dollar directly supports local arts programs, exhibits, and outreach.
💙 Every contribution truly matters!
For 50 years, the Worcester County Arts Council (WCAC) has been at the heart of cultural life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We believe the arts are not just for some, but for everyone — they inspire creativity, foster community connections, and open doors to opportunity.
Let's continue to shine together as we celebrate the vibrant Arts Scene in Worcester County!
50th ANNIVERSARY GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT:
LOWER SHORE PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY
As part of the Worcester County Arts Council's 50th Anniversary celebration, we are proud to spotlight our Grantees - local organizations whose work, made possible through WCAC grant support, has a lasting impact on our communities.
The Worcester County Arts Council proudly recognizes Lower Shore Performing Arts Company (LSPAC) as it celebrates ten years of bringing live theater and arts education to communities across the Lower Eastern Shore.
Founded in 2016 in Pocomoke City, LSPAC was created with a mission to make performing arts accessible to underserved communities by taking theater directly to audiences. Over the past decade, the company has evolved into a fully mobile traveling theater, presenting musicals, comedies, mysteries, educational programs, and original productions throughout the region.
A strong supporter of collaboration, LSPAC has built lasting partnerships with local nonprofits, galleries, and community organizations creating opportunities for audiences to experience the arts in nontraditional venues. The company has also championed arts education and local storytelling through original productions highlighting regional history and the work of local playwrights.
LSPAC credits the Worcester County Arts Council’s financial support, leadership, and advocacy as a key factor in its growth and success. Through this partnership, the organization has expanded its reach, enriched countless lives through the performing arts, and strengthened access to cultural experiences across the Lower Shore.
The Worcester County Arts Council congratulates Lower Shore Performing Arts Company on this milestone anniversary and looks forward to supporting its continued impact in the years ahead.
ART FOR THE HEART - LITTLE FREE GALLERY
OFFICIALLY OPEN!
We are excited to invite you to visit the Art for the Heart - Little Free Gallery, a community-driven space where creativity, healing, and community come together! This new gallery is dedicated to the transformative power of art in promoting emotional well-being, mental health, and connection.
The gallery space, located at the front of the Arts Council building, opened its doors on Friday, November 29th, and serves as a free, accessible space for both viewing and sharing art.
This initiative is especially meaningful as the gallery itself was built by a World War II veteran, Mr. James Panzetta, whose personal journey of healing through craftsmanship and creativity led him to construct this tiny gallery space.
Art for the Heart is more than just a place to view and share art; it’s a space for healing through creativity, where every piece invites reflection, joy, and emotional expression. Art for the Heart Little Free Gallery is a space where everyone is welcome to share, discover, and connect.
Take home a piece that resonates with you, add your own creation to the gallery, or simply enjoy the positive energy of a space built around art, well-being, and connection.
Through local artists' works, we offer a range of pieces that can inspire, uplift, and spark meaningful conversations around well-being, mental health, and healing.
We can't wait to share the love of art with you all as we celebrate the opening of this unique, community-driven space! Enjoy the art and maybe even take home a piece that speaks to your heart!
ARTS ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY
MARYLAND’S ARTS SECTOR RANKS HIGH IN VALUE!
We are thrilled to announce that the Worcester County Arts Council is conducting an Economic Impact Study of the Arts in Worcester County to measure the economic and social value of the Arts, Artists, and Arts Council's programming and contributions to the local Community.
We are proud to work with the Salisbury University Perdue School of Business BEACON team, Salisbury University students, and our partners at Worcester County Tourism on this important research.
Several rankings announced over the last few months show the positive economic impact and strong support for Maryland’s arts and culture sector, of which the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is a primary funder.
The National Center for Arts Research, or SMU DataArts recently ranked Maryland first in public support of the arts, as well as fifth overall for the most arts-vibrant states. These first-ever rankings researched the nationwide supply, demand, and government support for the arts.
To read the full report, follow THIS LINK.
