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!
SAVE THE DATE REGISTRATION IS OPEN
PAINT WORCESTER COUNTY PLEIN AIR 2026
Registration fee is $50.00
Paint Worcester County Plein Air 2026
September 13 - 18, 2026
SPACE IS LIMITED!
REGISTRATION CLOSES - AUGUST 31
CALL FOR ENTRIES: "ARTIST's VOICE"
3-D & PHOTOGRAPHY
JURIED ART COMPETITION
The Worcester County Arts Council invites photographers and three-dimensional artists to participate in Artist's Voice, a juried exhibition celebrating our 50th Anniversary.
Every artist has a voice, a distinct way of interpreting the world through creativity. Whether expressed through the lens of a camera or the form and texture of sculpture, ceramics, fiber, glass, wood, metal, or mixed media, Artist's Voice celebrates the individuality that makes each artist's work meaningful.
We encourage artists to submit pieces that reveal something personal about their artistic journey, values, inspirations, or worldview. Entries may reflect identity, place, memory, culture, social commentary, imagination, resilience, or the simple beauty found in everyday life. While all interpretations of the theme are welcome, artists are encouraged to consider how their work represents their own unique voice and creative vision.
Exhibition Details
Exhibition Dates: September 1 – November 1, 2026
Eligible Media:
• Photography
• Three-Dimensional Artwork (including, but not limited to, sculpture, ceramics, wood, fiber, glass, metal, mixed media, and other original 3-D works)
Artwork Drop-Off:
August 25–27, 2026 / 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Entries will be judged for the competition.
Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony:
Friday, September 11, 2026
Reception: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Awards Presentation: 5:00 p.m.
CLICK HERE FOR: JURIED EXHIBIT GUIDELINES and EXHIBIT ENTRY FORM.
WMDT TV HIGHLIGHTS THE WORCESTER COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
The WORCESTER COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL CELEBRATED ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY ON JUNE 9 AT THE WORCESTER TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL. THE CELEBRATION WAS GLORIOUS!
CLICK THE LINKS BELOW TO ENJOY:
THE WCAC 50TH ANNIVERSARY VIDEO PREPARED BY B. L. STRANG-MOYA
ANNA MULLIS - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S KEYNOTE ADDRESS LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
TO VIEW OUR FEATURED EXHIBITS
COASTAL ECHOES
BERLIN LIBRARY GALLERY
(Artwork by BRIGITTE BOWDEN and SUZY QUADER)
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.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support the arts and help us build creative connections throughout Worcester County!
2026 SUMMER ARTS CAMP
The Worcester County Arts Council’s Summer Arts Camp was once again a great success this July! This year’s theme, Power Up! Summer Learning Lab, invited young artists to explore the exciting worlds of circuitry, energy, motion, and innovation through hands-on art projects, creative challenges, and collaborative activities.
More than 300 students from five Worcester County elementary schools participated in this engaging arts enrichment program.
A special thank you goes to the Berlin/Ocean City Optimist Club for its support of the youth in our communities.
USA 250 COMMEMORATIVE BOWL RAFFLE
To Benefit Arts Scholarships
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:
SDHS MORGAN'S MESSAGE MURAL
The Worcester County Arts Council is proud to have supported the Stephen Decatur High School Morgan's Message Club in creating a lasting symbol of hope, resilience, and mental health awareness through a Community Arts Development Grant.
With grant funding from the Arts Council, the club transformed an athletic ball wall on the Stephen Decatur High School campus into a vibrant community mural celebrating the Morgan's Message mission. The grant provided the paint and materials needed to bring the project to life, creating a space that serves both student-athletes and the broader community.
Students, teachers, families, and community members gathered for a Community Paint Day, each adding their own brushstroke to the mural. Featuring the Morgan's Message butterfly alongside artwork representing the school's athletic teams, the mural became more than a work of art—it became a powerful expression of unity, compassion, and support.
Today, the completed mural stands as a daily reminder that mental health matters. Whether visitors are using the athletic facilities or simply passing by, they are greeted with an important message:
"It's okay to not be okay. Ask for help. We need you here."
As the Worcester County Arts Council celebrates 50 years of strengthening communities through the arts, projects like this demonstrate how creative expression can inspire meaningful conversations, foster connection, and make a lasting impact well beyond the canvas.
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!
The Worcester County Arts Council is proud to announce the release of its Economic Impact Study of the Arts, conducted in partnership with BEACON at Salisbury University.
The study confirms that the Arts Council is a significant economic driver for Worcester County, generating between $1 million and $3.6 million in annual economic impact and producing an estimated return on investment of $6 to $23 for every dollar spent.
Beyond enriching our community through arts and culture, the findings demonstrate that the Arts Council supports local jobs, generates tax revenue, and strengthens the regional economy.
This landmark study reinforces the vital role the arts play in building a vibrant and prosperous Worcester County.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 have worked 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.
