The Worcester County Arts Council’s Gallery is open Tuesdays - Saturdays from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Visit the Gallery to view the exquisite artwork of our Co-Op artists and juried show entries. The Co-Op includes acrylic, collage, mixed media, watercolor artwork, blown glass, ceramics, jewelry, painting on silk, stained glass, etc.

Promoting and Cultivating Arts Since 1976

Welcome to the Worcester County Arts Council - the Home of the Arts!

The Worcester County Arts Council was designated the local arts agency for Worcester County by the Worcester County Commissioners in 1976. As a non-profit, 501 (c3) organization, the Arts Council works to lead the way in support of the Arts with programs designed to encourage diversity, access, and inclusion of everyone in the Community.

We strive to bring the Arts to under-served areas of the Community with its wealth of free, high-quality art exhibits, activities, performances, and other cultural art programming designed for children and adults alike.

Visit our charming Gallery and experience the beauty of local Arts!

FY 2027 GRANTS

The Worcester County Arts Council Grants Review Committee is seeking applicants for local art events and projects to be held in Worcester County from January 1 to July 30, 2027.

The Worcester County Arts Council’s Community Arts Development Grant program is designed to assist local, non-profit community-based groups to produce and present arts activities in Worcester County. This program is funded and supported by the Maryland State Arts Council.

The deadline for application submission is October 15, 2026.

In the first 6-month of FY 2027 grant cycle, the Worcester County Arts Council has awarded $30,000 in the Community Arts Development Grants program to 11 art projects and events to be presented by local nonprofit organizations in Worcester County.

For grant technical assistance, please contact Anna Mullis, Executive Director: anna@worcestercountyartscouncil.org

Grant projects are evaluated based on the overall quality of cultural excellence, community outreach, public impact, and financial/administrative merit.

In the last ten years, the Worcester County Arts Council has awarded close to $500,000. through this program to assist local community groups in presenting quality art projects and activities.

Congratulations to the following organizations which projects have been awarded a Community Arts Development Grant for the first cycle of the FY 2027 granting period:

Art League of Ocean City: Free Access Art Programming

Atlantic Club: Recovery Crafts

Berlin Heritage Foundation - Year Community Events 2026-2027

Community Players of Salisbury - The Great Gatsby

Lower Shore Performing Arts Company - July-Dec. Season

Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra - 2026 Fall Concerts

Pine Tones Chorus - Christmas Traditions

Rackliffe House - Colonial Harvest Festival

Town of Berlin Main Street - Farmers' Market Music

Worcester County Library - Fundamentals of Film

Worcester Goes Purple - Stigma Highlighted

The next deadline to apply for Community Arts Development Grants is October 15, 2026. Mini-Grants (maximum award $500.00) are available between grant cycles.

For more information, the Application form and Grant Guidelines follow this link BELOW:

CALL FOR ENTRIES - SMALL TREASURES

JURIED ART COMPETITION

The Worcester County Arts Council invites artists to submit original miniature artworks for our upcoming juried exhibition, "Small Treasures," to be exhibited in November and December at the WCAC Gallery.

"Small Treasures" celebrates the beauty, intricacy, and charm of miniature art - pieces that invite viewers to look closer, discover hidden details, and appreciate the artistry within a small scale.

Artists are encouraged to explore this theme in any way that resonates with them, whether through:

• Tiny landscapes or cityscapes that transport the viewer to another place.

• Intimate portraits capturing emotion in a delicate format.

• Intricate still lifes showcasing everyday beauty in a small composition.

• Abstract explorations that challenge scale and perception.

• Sculptural miniatures that bring texture and dimension to tiny spaces.

The exhibition is open to all artists, professional or amateur, with work in all media.  

2D entries cannot exceed 12" in any direction (including the frame).  

3D work cannot exceed 7" in any one direction. 

All work must be original and completed within the last three years.  

Work must be delivered to the Arts Council between October 27 - 29, 11 am - 2 pm

to be accepted. 

Artwork will be judged for the competition.

For detailed information on this competition, please check: SMALL TREASURES GUIDELINES.

Monetary prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place during an open-to-the-public reception on November 13th from 4 pm to 6 pm. 

Artists interested in participating should submit a JURIED SHOW ENTRY FORM upon delivery of their entries.

TO VIEW OUR FEATURED EXHIBITS

ARTIST’S VOICE

SUMMER ARTS CAMP YOUTH EXHIBIT

BERLIN LIBRARY GALLERY

Paint Worcester County Plein Air

WMDT TV HIGHLIGHTS THE WORCESTER COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

The WORCESTER COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL CELEBRATED ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY ON JUNE 9 AT THE WORCESTER TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL. THE CELEBRATION WAS GLORIOUS!

CLICK THE LINKS BELOW TO ENJOY:

THE WCAC 50TH ANNIVERSARY VIDEO PREPARED BY B. L. STRANG-MOYA

ANNA MULLIS - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S KEYNOTE ADDRESS LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

ARTS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS ANNOUNCED!

OUR PARTNERSHIPS THROUGH THE ARTS

The Worcester County Arts Council is proud to celebrate the power of partnerships and community connections during our 50th Anniversary year: "50 Years of Art, Community, and Connections".

Our Executive Director had recently the pleasure of partnering with the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation to coordinate a special project benefiting students across Worcester County.

Through this special connection we were able to secure 250 Creative Nourishment Art Kits for students participating in our upcoming Summer Arts Camp Program.

Designed by artist Randee Exler, the bilingual art kits include instructions in both English and Spanish, along with all supplies needed for students to create an “Underwater World in Pieces” collage project. These thoughtfully prepared kits will provide students with a fun, creative, and enriching artistic experience this summer.

At the Arts Council, we truly value connections like these. Partnerships with organizations such as the Freeman Foundation allow us to expand our outreach, strengthen our community impact, and bring meaningful arts opportunities to local children and families.

Learn more about the Freeman Foundation HERE.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support the arts and help us build creative connections throughout Worcester County!

2026 SUMMER ARTS CAMP

The Worcester County Arts Council’s Summer Arts Camp was once again a great success this July! This year’s theme, Power Up! Summer Learning Lab, invited young artists to explore the exciting worlds of circuitry, energy, motion, and innovation through hands-on art projects, creative challenges, and collaborative activities.

More than 300 students from five Worcester County elementary schools participated in this engaging arts enrichment program.                                                                                                                                   

A special thank you goes to the Berlin/Ocean City Optimist Club for its support of the youth in our communities.

USA 250 COMMEMORATIVE BOWL RAFFLE

To Benefit Arts Scholarships

DONATE TO OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN!

Our mission at the Arts Council depends on the generosity of dedicated members, patrons, and supporters who make it possible for us to provide meaningful arts programming throughout Worcester County.

As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, we invite you to consider donating to our Anniversary Campaign so we can continue to expand our reach and support our communities, schools, and local artists.

Visit our page at ShoreGives365 to support

the Worcester County Arts Council, or click the button below

to make your tax-deductible donation:

✨ Every donation directly supports the mission of the Worcester County Arts Council.

🎨 Every dollar directly supports local arts programs, exhibits, and outreach.

💙 Every contribution truly matters!

For 50 years, the Worcester County Arts Council (WCAC) has been at the heart of cultural life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We believe the arts are not just for some, but for everyone — they inspire creativity, foster community connections, and open doors to opportunity.

Let's continue to shine together as we celebrate the vibrant Arts Scene in Worcester County!

50th ANNIVERSARY GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT:

RACKLIFFE HOUSE

ART FOR THE HEART - LITTLE FREE GALLERY

OFFICIALLY OPEN!

We are excited to invite you to visit the Art for the Heart - Little Free Gallery, a community-driven space where creativity, healing, and community come together! This new gallery is dedicated to the transformative power of art in promoting emotional well-being, mental health, and connection.

The gallery space, located at the front of the Arts Council building, opened its doors on Friday, November 29th, and serves as a free, accessible space for both viewing and sharing art.

This initiative is especially meaningful as the gallery itself was built by a World War II veteran, Mr. James Panzetta, whose personal journey of healing through craftsmanship and creativity led him to construct this tiny gallery space.

Art for the Heart is more than just a place to view and share art; it’s a space for healing through creativity, where every piece invites reflection, joy, and emotional expression. Art for the Heart Little Free Gallery is a space where everyone is welcome to share, discover, and connect.

Take home a piece that resonates with you, add your own creation to the gallery, or simply enjoy the positive energy of a space built around art, well-being, and connection.

Through local artists' works, we offer a range of pieces that can inspire, uplift, and spark meaningful conversations around well-being, mental health, and healing.

We can't wait to share the love of art with you all as we celebrate the opening of this unique, community-driven space! Enjoy the art and maybe even take home a piece that speaks to your heart!

ARTS ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY

MARYLAND’S ARTS SECTOR RANKS HIGH IN VALUE!

The Worcester County Arts Council is proud to announce the release of its Economic Impact Study of the Arts, conducted in partnership with BEACON at Salisbury University.

The study confirms that the Arts Council is a significant economic driver for Worcester County, generating between $1 million and $3.6 million in annual economic impact and producing an estimated return on investment of $6 to $23 for every dollar spent.

Beyond enriching our community through arts and culture, the findings demonstrate that the Arts Council supports local jobs, generates tax revenue, and strengthens the regional economy.

This landmark study reinforces the vital role the arts play in building a vibrant and prosperous Worcester County.We are thrilled to announce that the Worcester County Arts Council is conducting an Economic Impact Study of the Arts in Worcester County to measure the economic and social value of the Arts, Artists, and Arts Council's programming and contributions to the local Community.

We are proud to have worked with the Salisbury University Perdue School of Business BEACON team, Salisbury University students, and our partners at Worcester County Tourism on this important research.

Several rankings announced over the last few months show the positive economic impact and strong support for Maryland’s arts and culture sector, of which the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is a primary funder.

The National Center for Arts Research, or SMU DataArts recently ranked Maryland first in public support of the arts, as well as fifth overall for the most arts-vibrant states. These first-ever rankings researched the nationwide supply, demand, and government support for the arts. 

To read the full report, follow THIS LINK.