The Gallery Shop of the Washington County Arts Council offers one-of-a kind gifts from local artists

Arts Council’s Gallery Shop Offers Original Gift Ideas

Written by MARY ANNE BURKE

Did you know (in 2021), 27% of holiday shoppers planned to begin buying gifts before the end of September, according to a survey by CreditCards.com. That includes 13% who started, or planned to start, in August.

The Gallery Shop of the Washington County Arts Council believes it is not too early to think about the holidays. We have invited Shop artists to consider refreshing or adding to their inventory. New items are rolling in for your gift-giving pleasure. Holiday shopping should not be stressful and we can help.

“Find Something That Says Something” has been the motto of the Washington County Arts Council (WCAC) Gallery Shop. Currently 168 artists consign their handcrafted works in the gallery to make your shopping easy and in one location. With over 3,800 individual, unique items one is sure to find that perfect gift, unique and affordable. The range of items includes glass, jewelry, pottery, textiles, books, wood, visual arts, music, ornaments, creams and soaps, all lovingly crafted by local artists.

In addition, tickets to stage performances both professional and amateur at local theaters; music and books from local authors and musicians; plus selected pieces from Washington County Arts Council’s December art exhibition, “Annual Juried Community Art Show: The Best Local Art of 2022,” all offer unique gift ideas.

And, holiday promotions are back again with shop discounts and a “Holiday Gift” from restaurants 28 South and Bulls & Bears. What better enticement to bring you to Downtown Hagerstown?

The 2022 Community Art Show Jurors are well-known artists, Toby Mendez and Mark Schwenk. Antonio Tobias (Toby) Mendez is a nationally recognized Maryland based sculptor, with over 30 years experience creating significant works of art. Mark Schwenk has been a Gallery artist for 40 years as a photographer, and over 20 years as a metal sculptor.

Artists working in many mediums will have submitted their best new works for this popular juried community art exhibit which will be on display virtually and in the Gallery from Dec. 8, 2022, through Jan. 3, 2023. Prizes have been sponsored by the Hagerstown Arts and Entertainment District with support from the City of Hagerstown.

Finally! Another favorite gift this holiday season will be tickets to “The Art of Cooking 2023,” an opportunity to see local guest chefs demonstrate their favorite recipes prepared by Todd Reynolds, Executive Chef at Fountain Head Country Club.

A full-course dinner will be accompanied by selected wine pairings. Do plan to join Jamie Gruzsak, Sarah Hall, Stuart Kelman, Vicki Willey, Curt Miller, Herb Smith, Jim Pierné, George Pierné, David Shuster and Mac Shuster. These Celebrity Chefs will entertain you with their culinary skills, all while having fun and helping fundraise for the Arts Council. Mary Anne Burke is the executive director of the Washington County Arts Council.