Here’s what’s new at WCMFA this summer

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts has announced its upcoming events for July and August.

The museum will host the Cumberland Valley Photographers Exhibition through July 27. This annual event has been a tradition since the 1930s, showcasing regional artists. The exhibition is organized by the museum with support from Conservit Inc. and Delaplaine Foundation Inc. Awards for the exhibition are funded by several local sponsors, according to an announcement.

Another major exhibition, Frida Kahlo: Picturing an Icon, runs through Oct. 5. This exhibition provides a rare look into the life of the Mexican artist through photographs from her personal albums. Vicente Wolf Associates organized the exhibit, with major funding from Nora and Bruce Wilder, and additional support from Visit Hagerstown and the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The museum has planned several programs for teens and adults. From July 8-10, the museum will host Adaptive Arts for Teens: Creative Voices, an inclusive art program for teens with special needs. This three-day program will focus on projects in painting, sculpture and collage, centering on identity and personal expression. The program is free, but students needing one-on-one aides must attend with support.

On July 11, from 5 to 8 p.m., the museum will hold Garden Night: Color y Alegria. This event celebrates the Frida Kahlo exhibition with a performance by the Latin fusion band De Tierra Caliente. Attendees can bring a picnic or order food, and wine will be available for purchase. The galleries will remain open until 8 p.m.

From July 15-17, the museum will offer Adaptive Arts for Adults: Artful Expressions. This program invites adults with special needs to explore personal narratives through various art forms, inspired by the Frida Kahlo exhibition. A mini-exhibit will showcase participant work at the end of the program. The museum cannot provide individual aides. Participation is free.

The museum will also host a Professional Development Workshop Series: The Art of Success, starting July 18. This four-part series will cover skills for personal and professional growth, including career development and leadership. The workshops are open to anyone, not just artists or educators, and costs $50 per session or $180 for all four sessions.

On July 18, a Watercolor Illustration Workshop will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for students in grades nine through 12. Participants will explore watercolor techniques and visual storytelling, creating artwork inspired by the Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s 2025-26 season. The final project will be a submission for the BRAVO! Program Cover Art Contest. The cost is $45 for museum members and $50 for non-members.

Teen Studios: Art Hangouts will take place every Wednesday from July to August, from 1 to 3 p.m. This program is for teens ages 13-18 and offers a space for creative expression without formal instruction. Materials will be provided, and optional prompts will be available for those interested in the BRAVO! Cover Art Contest. Participation is free.

On Aug. 6, a Bookmaking Workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will create handmade journals inspired by Frida Kahlo’s personal albums. The workshop costs $85 for members and $100 for non-members.

A Classical Concert: Latin Voices with David Pedraz will take place on Aug. 7 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This concert will highlight works that pay tribute to Kahlo’s cultural heritage. Tickets are $18 for members and $20 for non-members.

The museum will also host another Garden Night on Aug. 8, featuring the Mack Berry Band from 5 to 8 p.m. Attendees can bring a picnic and enjoy the performance. The galleries will stay open until 8 p.m.

On Aug. 9, the museum will collaborate with the Jonathan Hager House Museum for a Plein Air Fest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artists can register to participate, or visitors can observe the artists at work.

For more information about these events, go to wcmfa.org or call 301-739-5727.

This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.

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This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Hagerstown museum’s summer lineup includes Frida, concerts, workshops