Cumberland Valley Artists Exhibition Concludes with Record-Breaking Public Engagement

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts has announced the successful conclusion of its annual Cumberland Valley Artists Exhibition, which ran from November 8, 2025, to April 26, 2026. The exhibition, which this year focused on four themes—Unfinished Revolutions, Power of Place, Tell Everyone’s Story, and American Experiment—in observance of America’s semiquincentennial, drew significant participation from both artists and the public. The museum reported that over 13,500 visitors experienced the collection during its extended run.

The exhibition’s themes invited regional artists to explore various facets of American identity, prompting a robust response that saw 85 artists submit 198 works. From these submissions, 62 pieces were selected for display, offering a diverse range of perspectives on historical progress, current challenges, and future hopes. The artwork presented a thoughtful examination of the nation’s complexities, addressing themes of resilience and optimism amidst uncertain times.

Community involvement was a notable aspect of this year’s exhibition, with more than 3,000 guests participating in the popular vote, an annual tradition allowing visitors to select their favorite artwork. This high level of engagement underscores the strong connection between the exhibited art and the local community.

The museum announced James Roberts as the first-place winner of the 2026 Popular Vote for his piece titled “Fabric.” Roberts, a former school teacher, created the artwork to address the pervasive issue of gun violence and the stalled discourse surrounding it. “Fabric” is a mixed-media sculpture combining laser-cut steel, rust patina, acrylic paint, and wood. The piece depicts an American flag unraveling into an arrangement of machine guns against a yellow wooden background, a powerful visual commentary on the subject.

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts expressed gratitude to all who visited, voted, and engaged with the exhibition. The museum highlighted that visitor enthusiasm and participation are vital to fulfilling its mission and that community support, through attendance and dialogue, is central to its operations. The exhibition was made possible through the generous support of Conservit Inc., Hugh and Marty Talton, the Delaplaine Foundation, and Katharine and Kent Oliver.

Looking ahead, the museum is preparing for the 2026 Cumberland Valley Photographers Exhibition, scheduled to open on June 20, 2026. This upcoming exhibition will feature a free artist panel discussion with award-winning artists and museum jurors, followed by a reception. Admission to the museum and parking are free, and it is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Mondays and major holidays.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.

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