HAGERSTOWN, Md. – The Cumberland Valley Artists Exhibition, on view at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts from Nov. 8 through April 26, has officially concluded following an extended and successful run. This year, the exhibition invited artists to respond to four resonant themes in recognition of America’s semiquincentennial: Unfinished Revolutions, Power of Place, Tell Everyone’s Story and American Experiment.
The first place winner of the 2026 Popular Vote during the exhiibit is James Roberts, for his piece “Fabric.” Roberts was a school teacher for many years and his piece critiques the growing prevalence of gun violence in our communities and the stalemated discourse surrounding the topic.
The piece itself is a blend of laser cut steel, rust patina, acrylic paint and wood, resulting in a metal American flag unraveling into machine guns on a yellow painted wooden background. This artist captured the attention and imagination of visitors, reflecting the diverse voices and interpretations that made this year’s exhibition especially compelling.
This year’s exhibition inspired an extraordinary response from the regional artistic community. Eighty-five artists submitted a total of 198 works, with 62 pieces selected for display. Together, these works offered thoughtful and often deeply personal reflections on the complexities of American identity—grappling with histories of progress and setback, while pointing toward resilience and hope in uncertain times.
The exhibition also saw exceptional engagement from the public. Over the course of its extended run, more than 13,500 visitors experienced the exhibition, and more than 3,000 guests participated in the popular vote—an annual tradition that invites visitors to share their perspectives and celebrate their favorite works. This level of participation speaks to the meaningful connections formed between the artwork and the community it serves.
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts officials extend sincere gratitude to all who visited, voted and engaged with the exhibition. The enthusiasm and thoughtful participation of visitors not only activated the meaning of these works, but also make the museum’s mission possible. Community support—through attendance, dialogue and shared experiences—remains at the heart of everything the museum does, officials said.
The Cumberland Valley Artists Exhibition was organized by the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts with generous support from Conservit Inc., Hugh and Marty Talton, the Delaplaine Foundation and Katharine and Kent Oliver.
Looking ahead, museum officials are pleased to announce the upcoming 2026 Cumberland Valley Photographers Exhibition, opening June 20. The exhibition will debut with a free artist panel discussion featuring award-winning artists and museum jurors, followed by a reception in the museum’s atrium.
For more information about exhibitions and upcoming programs, readers may visit the Museum’s website.
