HAGERSTOWN – The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts announces a call for entries for the Cumberland Valley Photographers 2026 Exhibition, inviting regional photographers to explore and interpret the same powerful themes presented in the recent Cumberland Valley Artists exhibition.
This juried photography exhibition will showcase contemporary perspectives on history, identity, place and civic life as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
Photographers working in all styles and photographic processes are encouraged to submit work responding to one or more of the exhibition’s guiding themes, which examine the evolving American story through personal, local and national lenses.
The exhibition draws inspiration from four interconnected themes that invite artists to reflect on both the past and present. Artists may respond to the themes in any way they like—literally or metaphorically, on a personal level or more collectively, through documentary photographer, or more conceptual work, through figuration or abstraction.
The themes were drawn, in part, from the American Association of State and Local History’s guidelines for ideas to think about during this 250th year and include:
Unfinished Revolutions
Power of Place
Tell Everyone’s Story
American Experiment
Together, these themes encourage photographers to engage deeply with the complexities of American life—celebrating resilience while prompting thoughtful dialogue about shared histories and futures.
The Cumberland Valley Photographers 2026 Exhibition seeks work that is visually compelling, conceptually thoughtful, and reflective of the diverse voices and perspectives of our region.
Submission Information
· Eligibility: Open to photographers in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia or those who have previously lived in these areas and have been included in prior exhibitions
· Media: All photographic processes accepted
· Submission Deadline: April 1 – April 30
· Exhibition Dates: June 20-Oct. 11 · Submission Details: Details can be found at wcmfa.org/news-listing/call-for-entries/
Selected works will be exhibited at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts offering audiences an opportunity to experience contemporary photography that responds to the themes shaping conversations around America’s 250th anniversary and the role of art in understanding our shared history.
