Spring provides hopeful pivot to beauty of outdoors

Spring provides an opportunity to explore the beauty of the outdoors, such as this scene from Greenbrier State Park. Photo by Emmet Burke

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Spring provides hopeful pivot to beauty of outdoors

written by

MARY ANNE BURKE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WASHINGTON COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL INC.

In her poem “April Is a Dog’s Dream,” Marilyn Singer writes, “April is a dog’s dream, the soft grass is growing, the sweet breeze is blowing … so no excuses now, we’re going to the park … and I will make you see what spring is all about.”

As the gray of winter slowly passes, our thoughts turn to all things spring, with a pivot to color, sunshine, gardening, planning for summer events and outdoor concerts. As we move through the pandemic confinement, hope reigns for all that will brighten our days this season. There is no better time to celebrate the beauty of our own surroundings.

“With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic changing the way we live, work and play, more and more Marylanders are finding affordable, socially-distant and family-friendly recreation opportunities at our parks and public lands,” said Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford, as quoted on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, dnr. maryland.gov. “In rain, snow and sun, I’ve yet to find a view to match Maryland’s natural lands.”

98

In 2021, the C&O Canal celebrates its 50th anniversary of becoming a National Historical Park. The Maryland Office of Tourism is focusing on promoting the “C&O Canal experience” with multiple celebrations, both educational and recreational. There will be a brewery trail, juried photo contest and worldwide conference later in the summer, all to highlight the beauty of our own backyard. The trail hosts visitors each year who enjoy its recreational, cultural, historical and natural resources.

Additionally, the winners of the C&O Canal 50th Photo Competition, highlighting the trail’s treasures, will be on display at the Washington County Arts Council galleries between May 6 and June 1. The exhibit will also be available virtually, with the opportunity for voting for the People’s Choice Award. The competitive exhibit, which was open to photographers at any level of expertise, is sponsored by Visit Hagerstown-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the C&O Canal Trust and the Washington County Arts Council.

Moving to the outdoors in spring brings planning for gardens with attention to design, innovation, beauty and creativity. Art is seen everywhere in nature, and garden clubs that typically meet for garden activities are yearning for the return of in-person gatherings. Local clubs refocused by touring the Hagerstown Cultural Trail, sharing holiday home décor photos and holding virtual holiday gatherings. Information about local garden clubs is available through The Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland Inc., a 501(c)(3) whose motto is “Planting Maryland for Beauty and Wildlife.”

Spring 2021 also will include celebrating the 100th anniversary of City Park with an extended outdoor City Park Summer Concert Series, sponsored by the City of Hagerstown and the Washington County Arts Council, and providing music for dancing and listening pleasure.

This spring, the City of Hagerstown and the Washington County Arts Council encourage everyone to come outdoors and participate in the photography call for the second “Faces of Hagerstown” outdoor photo-mural exhibition celebrating the people of Hagerstown. Selected photos will line the Hagerstown Cultural Trail.

Finally, this time of year is a reminder that registration has begun for many summer camps, which provide children varied experiences, new friends and skill-building options, along with educational, athletic and cultural development. The local offerings are expansive, focusing on art, dance, fashion, game development, languages, music, the outdoors, religion, Scouting, sports, STEM/STEAM, theater and more. See the arts council’s website for more information. — Places

The winners of the C&O Canal 50th Photo Competition, highlighting the trail’s treasures, will be on display at the Washington County Arts Council galleries between May 6 and June 1. The exhibit will also be available virtually, with the opportunity for voting for the People’s Choice Award.

Come outdoors and participate in the photography call for the second “Faces of Hagerstown” outdoor photo-mural exhibition celebrating the people of Hagerstown. Selected photos will line the Hagerstown Cultural Trail.

HELPFUL LINKS:

For more information about the programs mentioned here, go to: Summer Camps washingtoncountyarts.com/summercamps Summer Events washingtoncountyarts.com/summer-events Hagerstown Cultural Trail washingtoncountyarts.com/hct Juried photography celebrating the 50th anniversary of the C&O Canal National Historical Park washingtoncountyarts.com/canal-50 “Faces of Hagerstown” second outdoor photo mural exhibition washingtoncountyarts.com/hct-foh Calendar of Events washingtoncountyarts.com/events