‘Triumph and the African American Experience Art Show Exhibition’ Comes to Arts Council This Summer

Written by Mary Anne Burke

The Doleman Black Heritage Museum in Hagerstown, Maryland, first hosted a Juneteenth celebration in downtown Hagerstown in June 2021 and for the third year, again brought a two-day event to University Plaza. The event on June 16 and 17 celebrated the historical significance of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation which ended slavery in the United States.

A Proclamation on

Juneteenth Day of Observance, 2022

Now, Therefore, I, Joseph R. Biden, Jr, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2022, as Juneteenth Day of Observance.

Past activities in downtown Hagerstown have included an Afrobeats workshop; Dancing with Destiny; Community line dancing; The AfricanAmerican Experience through Song and Dance; socially conscious karaoke; music for the soul; a Believers unity walk; and an “Author’s Showcase” featuring Black voices.

New for 2023, the Washington County Arts Council in downtown Hagerstown is hosting a Black artists’ showcase in partnership with the Doleman Black Heritage Museum.

Chaired by artist Terri Brandt, “Triumph and the African American Experience Art Show Exhibition” features eight well-recognized regional artists. The exhibit opened with a gallery reception on June 8.

“Triumph and the African American Experience Art Show Exhibition” will be on display at the Washington County Arts Council, 34 S Potomac St. in Downtown Hagerstown through July 11, 2023.

Mary Anne Burke is the executive director of the Washington County Arts Council.