Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740

(301) 739-5727 | wcmfa.org info@wcmfa.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HAGERSTOWN, MD (February 27, 2025) – The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts announces the winners of the 2025 Cumberland Valley Photographers Exhibition. which will open March 29 and run through July 27, 2025.

An annual tradition since 1933, the exhibition showcases, celebrates and supports artists in the for-state Cumberland Valley region (MD, PA, WV, VA).  This year’s juror, Christopher Gianunzio, an independent curator based in Red Hook, New York, named “The Bryan Barn” by George Owens of Chambersburg as Best in Show with a cash award of $1,000.

Owens, who has been taking pictures since he received his first plastic camera at age 10 and has a deep interest in history, is particularly fond of photographing in Gettysburg. He says no matter how much he photographs structures and landscapes there, he is always drawn back to the Bryan Barn on Bryan Farm on the Gettysburg Battlefield near Steinwehr Avenue.

“I’ve taken dozens of photos of it using various digital and film cameras in different light, at various times of day and in all four seasons,” Owens said. “I do prefer the late autumn days and the subdued light of winter… I don’t ever recall consciously thinking, ‘I’m going to go out specifically to look for barns to photograph,’ but I seem to be drawn to them more and more. They’re beautiful buildings usually set against beautiful landscapes and of course, here in Pennsylvania and the tri-state area, they’re everywhere. I love everything from the well maintained and cared for variety like the Bryan Barn, to the ones that are ‘barely there.’”

The Second Place Award ($500) goes to Penny Kobel-Besa of Flintstone (Allegany County), MD, for “Touch;” the Juror’s Third Place Award ($250) goes to Sandra Chen Weinstein of McLean, VA for Rodrigo; and the Washington County Arts Council, Inc. Award pf $250 goes to Amelie Lavenant-Wink of Hagerstown, MD for “View from the Couch.”

An opening reception for the exhibition will feature a panel discussion with the juror and award-winning photographers, Saturday, March at 12 noon at the museum. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served, but registration is required by contacting Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or drastelli@wcmfa.org.

Organized by the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, support for the exhibition has been provided by Conservit, Inc., and Delaplaine Foundation, Inc; awards are funded by Jennifer Jones of Cooling Services, Inc.; Hugh and Marty Talton; Nora and Bruce Wilder (Best in Show); Sherry Cramer (Juror’s Awards); Louis Kawaja in honor of Mrs. Mary Helen Strauch; and Washington County Arts Council (Juror’s Awards).

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, located on the lakefront in Hagerstown City Park, was established in 1931 by William H. Singer, Jr. and Anna Brugh Singer and has an extensive, world-class permanent collection of paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures from the 15th century, (plus older Roman and Egyptian artifacts) to the present, featuring celebrated and diverse artists.  Accredited by American Alliance of Museums since 1976, the Museum offers tours, classes, educational programs, and community events and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.  Closed Mondays and major holidays.  Admission and parking are free. For more information: wcmfa.org