Regional Artists Capture American Spirit in Milestone Exhibition

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is set to unveil the 2026 Cumberland Valley Photographers Exhibition, a significant showcase of contemporary photographic interpretations of the American experience as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. This juried exhibition will feature works from artists across Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., offering diverse perspectives on national identity, community, history, and hope.

The exhibition, which opens on Saturday, June 20, 2026, is organized around the theme of America’s semiquincentennial, inviting photographers to explore four key areas: “Unfinished Revolutions,” “Power of Place,” “Tell Everyone’s Story,” and “American Experiment.” A total of 48 artists submitted 107 photographs for consideration, with a jury ultimately selecting 39 images by 28 artists. Maryland artists form the largest group, with significant contributions hailing from Washington, Frederick, Montgomery, Baltimore, Allegany, and Carroll Counties. The local area is particularly well-represented, with artists from Hagerstown, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Keedysville, and Williamsport showcasing their work.

The selected photographs delve into the complex and often contradictory narratives that define the American story. Many pieces address themes of justice, memory, identity, and societal change, while also highlighting resilience, interconnectedness, and the persistent potential for progress. These images collectively offer a powerful reflection on the nation’s journey and its future aspirations.

Four artists were recognized with awards for their outstanding contributions. Kameron Ross of Hagerstown, Maryland, received the First Place Jurors’ Award of $1,000 for “A Robin’s-Egg Blue Trailer Sits Beneath a Northern Catalpa Tree.” Sandra Chen Weinstein of McLean, Virginia, was awarded Second Place and $500 for “Black Lives Matter.” Mark Youngblood of Hagerstown, Maryland, secured Third Place and $250 for “Nobody’s Right if Everyone is Wrong.” Additionally, the Washington County Arts Council Award of $250 was presented to Justin Artz of Hagerstown, Maryland, for “The Community’s Living Room.”

The public is invited to attend the opening program on Friday, June 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event will include a panel discussion featuring award-winning photographers Kameron Ross and Justin Artz, alongside members of the exhibition jury. Attendees will gain insights into the selected artworks, the selection process, and the overarching themes that inspired the exhibition. Following the discussion, a reception will be held in the museum atrium. Admission to the opening panel and reception is free.

The 2026 Cumberland Valley Photographers Exhibition aims to encourage visitors to contemplate America’s past, engage with its present, and envision its future through the lens of regional artistic talent. The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, located at 401 Museum Drive in Hagerstown, Maryland, is committed to showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions and providing accessible cultural experiences to the community.

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

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