FEATURED EXHIBITS

The month of July in the Worcester County Arts Council's Gallery begins with Coastal Echoes, a juried exhibition on display at the WCAC Gallery in Berlin from July 1 through August 31, 2026. Celebrating the Arts Council's 50th Anniversary, the exhibit explores the lasting impressions, memories, and connections inspired by the coast through a diverse collection of original artwork by regional artists.

A unique feature of the exhibition is each artist's accompanying "Echo,” a brief written reflection describing the inspiration behind the artwork, and its connection to the theme, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of each piece.

Entries in this competition have been reviewed by Jeffrey Smith.

About the artist juror: Jeff Smith is a writer, actor, and creative entrepreneur based on Maryland's Eastern Shore. His work has spanned theater, film, fiction, and photography, with a lifelong interest in the ways stories connect people across different mediums. Today, as the founder of Cast 26 Coffee, he continues to blend creativity and craftsmanship through a business built on tradition, design, and community.

The following winning artists were announced at the July 10 reception:

FIRST PLACE: IVY HOLLOWAY - “RHYTHM OF THE WAVES” - ACRYLIC SECOND PLACE: ANGELA M. PIERCE - “SALT POND” - OIL THIRD PLACE: JUDY BENTON - “SURF, SUN, AND SCALES - WATERCOLOR HONORABLE MENTION: DAN MATHIS - “BOARDWALK MEMORIES” - WATERCOLOR HONORABLE MENTION: MARY SHELSBY - “FLYING THE COLORS” - WATERCOLOR HONORABLE MENTION: KATHY HUEGEL - “MEDITATION” - OIL

From Left to Right: Kathy Huegel - Honorable Mention; Dan Mathis - Honorable Mention; Angela M. Pierce - 2nd Place; Judy Benton - 3rd Place; Ivy Holloway - 1st Place; Jeff Smith - Judge; Mary Shelsby - Honorable Mention


FIRST - SECOND - THIRD PLACE

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Left t0 Right: Carol Gentes - WCAC Co-Op Artist; Kathy Huegel - Honorable Mention; Dan Mathis - Honorable Mention; Angela M. Pierce - 2nd Place; Judy Benton - 3rd Place; Iva Holloway - 1st Place; Jeff Smith - Judge; Marcy Shelsby - Honorable Mention; Ellie Scott - WCAC Co-Op Artist.

In addition to our featured exhibit, new artwork by Co-Op Gallery artists is also on display and available for purchase.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Sunday | 11 AM – 3 PM

BERLIN LIBRARY GALLERY

We are pleased to present new exhibits at our new Gallery located on the second floor of the Berlin Library. Exhibits change every three months and feature artwork created by local and regional artists.
All artwork is available for sale.

To make a purchase, please contact the Worcester County Arts Council at 410-641-0809.

The Berlin Library is located at 13 Harrison Avenue. Exhibits are open to the public during the library's regular hours: 

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Wednesday - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Friday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday. - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Sunday - CLOSED

LIBRARY GALLERY DISPLAY - JULY 7 TO SEPTEMBER 22

Brigitte Bowden: My lifelong engagement with art began in Austria and Germany, where I was immersed in a rich cultural landscape from an early age. Since beginning my exploration of painting in my teens, I have worked with diverse media, which influenced my career in education. As an administrator overseeing the visual arts program for Worcester County Public Schools, I saw firsthand the power of artistic expression. 

In this exhibition, I focus on oil painting, a medium I find both challenging and deeply rewarding. My creative process is inspired by the interplay of nature, color, and pattern. Whether I am capturing the subtle, atmospheric beauty of Maryland’s Eastern Shore or the unique light of a new destination, my goal remains the same: to translate the mood and mystique of a place onto the canvas. For me, painting is more than just recording a scene, it is an act of joy, and I am delighted to share these moments of beauty with you. Click HERE to learn more about Brigitte and see her work.

Suzy Quader: After many years in printing and graphics, I entered the decorative arts as the proprietor and principal artist of SQ Designs Studios, specializing in faux finishing, trompe l'oeil, and interior murals for eight years before closing the studio in 2011.

After relocating to Maryland's Eastern Shore in 2021, I "accidentally" discovered soft pastels while experimenting with an acrylic painting. What began as curiosity quickly became a full-time passion. Although I am largely self-taught, I have continued to study through classes and workshops at The Corcoran School of Art, The Alexandria Art League, and other schools and organizations. These experiences, along with inspiring mentors, have shaped my artistic journey.

I am a member of the Pastel Society of America, the Mid-Atlantic Pastel Society, the Maryland Pastel Society, the Art League of Ocean City, and the Worcester County Arts Council Co-Op Gallery. My work has received awards in numerous juried exhibitions throughout the region. I live in Ocean Pines, Maryland. Click HERE to learn more about Suzy and see her work.

Join us on July 14, from 4 pm to 6 pm for the Let's Talk Art Opening Reception! Meet the featured artists, connect with fellow art enthusiasts, and enjoy an inspiring exhibition of original artwork in a welcoming and creative atmosphere.

OPENING RECEPTION