EXHIBITIONS:

Current through March 9: E.O. Hoppé: Women—Vintage platinum prints showcasing one of the most important art and documentary photographers of the modern era with portraits of early 20th-century women who were pioneers in their fields. Drawn from the E.O. Hoppé Estate Collection, organized by Curatorial Exhibitions, Pasadena, CA; the Hagerstown presentation has been made possible through the generous support of the John R. Hershey Jr. and Anna L. Hershey Family Foundation, Inc.

January 18 – May 11: The Sincerest Form: Master Art Copyists—First-time special project featuring eight National Gallery of Art-authorized copyists, members of the Master Art Copyists, established in 2015, who will be painting on-site selected Museum of Fine Artsworks. This project addresses the use of copying throughout art history, and also addresses copies within the museum’s collection. Painting demonstrations take place Thursdays through Sundays, 11 am- 3:30 pm. Generously supported by Raymond James, Inc.

PROGRAMS:

Wednesday, February 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m. On the Shoulders of Giants: Copying the Masters with Christopher Madden –

The president of the group, comprised of officially registered copyists of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., will discuss the group and its work and the role of copying in fine arts, how paintings are selected, and the artistic process involved. Free. Register in advance: (301) 739-5727 or email: drastelli@wcmfa.org

Friday, February 7, 10:30 a.m. New Docent Training – Get more involved with a world-class art museum in Hagerstown’s historic City Park by becoming a docent! Learn about the exhibitions and the skills and strategies for leading an engaging and informative tour. Free. Register in advance: (301) 739-5727 or email: educator@wcmfa.org.

Wednesday, February 12, 12 noon-1 p.m., Art Social Hour: Celebrating Faith Ringgold – Director of Education Kellie Marz Mele will lead an online discussion on the impactful work of Faith Ringgold, one of the most influential Black artists of our time, as well as the historical lack of Black artists in museum collections and how institutions are working to address this imbalance. For museum members only. Free. Register for the link: (301) 739-5727 or email drastelli@wcmfa.org.

Thursday, February 20, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Let’s Talk Art: E.O. Hoppé and Trailblazing Women – Executive Director Sarah J. Hall and a special guest discuss Britain’s most famous portrait photographer’s approach to his work and some of the inspirational women he photographed – women who defied convention, forged their own paths, and opened doors for others in the early 20th century. Free, online. Register in advance for the link: (301) 739-5727 or email drastelli@wcmfa.org.

Thursday, March 6, 5:00-8:00 p.m., Poetry Meetup – Let the powerful images and stories told through the museum’s current exhibitions inspire you in this creative and unstructured evening of poetry writing. Writing prompts will be available near select works to help guide you. Free. Register in advance: (301) 739-5727 or email drastelli@wcmfa.org.

Thursday, March 6, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Celtic Creations: A St. Patrick’s Day Date Night – An enchanting evening starting with a guided tour of the historic Hager House, followed by a short walk to the art museum for a fun and creative paint-and-sip session featuring local beers and wines paired with snacks. For 21 and over. $60 museum members, $70 general public. Register in advance: (301)739-5727 or email drastelli@wcmfa.org.

Wednesday, March 12, 12 noon-1:00 p.m., Art Social Hour: Campagnola’s Magdalen – Museum executive director Sarah Hall leads a close look at and conversation about this Venetian work in the museum’s Old Master collection. Free, online. Open to museum members only. Register to receive a link: (301)739-5727 or email drastelli@wcmfa.org.

CLASSES:

Wednesday, February 5, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sketchbook Binding Workshop – Atist Diane Roman leads participants through the creation of a custom sketchbook – from binding to design – that is perfect for drawing prompts or sketching in the museum’s galleries. No prior experience is necessary. $60 museum members, $70 general public. Register in advance: (301) 739-5727 or email: drastelli@wcmfa.org.

Wednesday, March 19, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Introduction to Oil Painting: Master Copyist Techniques – Explore the time-honored tradition of master copyist painting in this hands-on workshop led by artist Christopher Madden, president of the Master Art Copyists organization. Students will select a piece from the museum’s project, The Sincerest Form: Master Art Copyists, make a study and recreate their own masterpiece while learning valuable techniques such as color mixing, brushwork, composition and layering. The class is for beginner and intermediate artists. $100 museum members, $120 general public. Register in advance: (301) 739-5727 or email: drastelli@wcmfa.org.

***

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, located at Hagerstown’s City Park lakeside, was established in 1931 by William H. Singer, Jr. and Anna Brugh Singer and has an extensive, world-class permanent collection of paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures from the 15th century, (plus older Roman and Egyptian artifacts) to the present, featuring celebrated and diverse artists. The Museum offers tours, classes, educational programs and community events and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission and parking are free. For more information: wcmfa.org