HAGERSTOWN – Young artists were celebrated on Thursday, Feb. 26, as the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown hosted the 2026 Washington County High School Art Show in the USMH Hospitality Center, 59 W.Washington St., Hagerstown.
Featuring talented high school artists from Washington County public and private schools, nearly 90 pieces were entered in this year’s show. Categories included drawing, painting, photography, digital media and 3D sculpture/ceramics, showcasing an inspiring range of creativity, originality and artistic skill.
Local judges evaluated the artwork earlier in February and, after careful deliberation, selected first-, second- and third-place winners in each category, along with the prestigious overall Best in Show award. Adding to the excitement, the popular USMH Staff Pick Award was once again presented to three students—an honor selected by the USMH team to recognize pieces that particularly resonated with staff.
Howard’s Art & Frames on Dual Highway in Hagerstown generously donated gift cards for the Best in Show and first-place winners.
Overall Best in Show:
Kelly Nguyen – 12 – “Tower of Babel 2.0” – Barbara Ingram School for the Arts – Todd Geiman, teacher.
The winning pieces are currently on display in the lobby of USMH’s main building at 32 W. Washington St. through Thursday, March 5 from 8 am – 9 pm. For more information, please contact Michelle Walls, communications and engagement coordinator, at [email protected] or 240-527-2728.
USMH’s next event will be an open house at its main campus on Thursday, April 9, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Prospective students are invited to attend. For more information and to register, readers may visit https://www.hagerstown.usmd.edu/news/spring-open-house-at-usmh.
