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
RESERVATIONS FOR THE EVENT WILL BE ACCEPTED: APRIL 15 - MAY 15
www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org
410-641-0809
"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 2026 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 and are available now at the
Worcester County Arts Council Gallery - 6 Jefferson Street - Berlin, MD
✨ 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!
CALL FOR ENTRIES: "THREADS OF CONNECTIONS"
In honor of its 50th Anniversary, the Worcester County Arts Council invites artists to submit work for a juried exhibition exploring the theme “Threads of Connection.” This special show celebrates five decades of creativity while reflecting on the relationships that bind us—across communities, generations, cultures, and shared experiences.
Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly. Submissions may explore personal connections, community ties, cultural heritage, the natural world, or the unseen threads that link people, places, and ideas. Whether literal or abstract, we welcome work that speaks to the power of connection through artistic expression.
Key Dates:
• Artwork Drop-Off: April 28–30 | 11 AM – 2 PM
• Exhibit on View: May 1 – June 28, 2026
• Opening Reception: May 8 | 4–6 PM (Awards at 5 PM)
📍 Worcester County Arts Council, 6 Jefferson Street, Berlin, MD
Click HERE for detailed Competition Guidelines. Artists are encouraged to completed the ENTRY FORM to be delivered with their entries submission.
This juried exhibition is open to artists working in all media and offers an opportunity to be part of a meaningful celebration of 50 years of Arts, Community, and Connections in Worcester County.
Join us in honoring the past, celebrating the present, and weaving new connections for the future.
TO VIEW OUR FEATURED EXHIBITS
ROOTS AND REFLECTIONS JURIED SHOW
YOUTH ART MONTH CELEBRATION - ARTWORK FROM CEDAR CHAPEL SPECIAL SCHOOL
BERLIN LIBRARY GALLERY
(Artwork by CAROL GENTES and CHERYL TAYLOR)
ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
The Worcester County Arts Council’s Student Arts Scholarship award program is underway.
The scholarship awards range from $500 to $2,500 for qualifying high school seniors who are Worcester County residents interested in majoring in the arts. Scholarships are also available to college art majors wishing to continue their education in the arts.
In 2025, a total of $10,000, including the John Sisson family’s contribution, was awarded to Worcester County students who were pursuing an education in the arts.
The Worcester County Arts Council’s Student Arts Scholarship program is designed to identify, recognize, and encourage talented students who demonstrate excellence in Creative Writing, Culinary Arts, Dance, Music, Theater, or Visual Arts.
ARTS SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION FORMS
2025-2026 ARTS SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES
2025-2026 ARTS SCHOLARHIP APPLICATION
Applications must be received by April 1, 2026.
For further information, please contact Anna Mullis, Executive Director: anna@worcestercountyartscouncil.org.
FY 2026 GRANTS
2025 SUMMER ARTS CAMP
THE WORCESTER COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL PARTNERIED 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.
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
Stay tuned for more details!
Artist registration opens July 1st, and 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
ART LEAGUE OF OCEAN CITY
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.
This month, we are pleased to feature the Art League of Ocean City - a valued grantee and vibrant cultural hub in our community.
The Arts Council funding supports a wide range of Art League's programs, including monthly exhibitions, youth initiatives like Kids Paint OC, and the Ocean City Film Festival. In addition, the Arts Council funding supports the after-school art clubs in Worcester County schools that encourage creativity and personal growth.
Through this support, the Art League continues to expand access to the arts while strengthening a sustainable creative community. In the past year alone, they have offered hundreds of classes and events, showcased thousands of artworks, and engaged artists and audiences of all ages.
Moments from their youth programs—like a student and her grandmother both finding inspiration and connection through painting—highlight the meaningful impact of this work.
The Worcester County Arts Council is proud to support the Art League’s mission to make art accessible, engaging, and transformative for all.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Art League of Ocean City mission, programming, and community impact.
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.
Above: Anna Mullis (center), WCAC Executive Director pictured with John Hickman, BEACON Director (right), and Dr. KwangWook Gang, Associate Professor Salisbury University Perdue School of Business.
Above: Pictured from left - Brianna Dix, Marketing Specialist and Nancy Schwendeman, Workforce Development Specialist - Office of Tourism and Economic Development; Ishmael "Bailey" Willey, John Hickman - SU BEACON Perdue School of Business; Anna Mullis - WCAC Executive Director, Dr. KwangWook GANG - Associate Professor, SU Perdue School of Business.
