Give the gift of an experience this holiday season with a trip to WCMFA

There’s nothing I love more than the holidays.

Years ago, I made a simple promise to myself when it came to holiday time: slow down. I didn’t want to regret not taking in the spirit of the season. So, you will find me singing in my car to Christmas music, decorating the tree, and making plans for the holidays. 

As we think about what to give to our loved ones, I am reminded of what a friend does every year for her nieces and nephews. Instead of buying a trendy toy that would end up discarded after the first of the year, she decided to give them experiences. No back and forth with their parents on what they were going to buy. No worrying about their sizes or colors. Instead, she believes that being present is present enough. I have to agree.

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts has plenty to experience year-round, including the holidays. With free admission and parking, a visit to the museum is really the perfect gift for an experience.

Experience for the eyes

Nothing lends itself more to slowing down than experiencing art. Currently we have two special exhibitions, “Joseph Holston: Color in Freedom, Journey Along the Underground Railroad,” which closes Jan. 15, and “From the Pages of PAN: Art Nouveau Prints, 1895-1900,” which closes Jan. 29. Additionally, a special collection of prints by Penn’s Woods Printmakers, based in Chambersburg, Pa., can be seen in the museum’s glass hallway cases through Dec. 28.

Those looking for a specific holiday connection can find it in two objects that are part of our collection.

One piece that will return on display for the Christmas season is “Cold Sauce with Christmas Pudding,” by Frederick Stuart Church. Originally published in The Century Magazine article “Our Christmas Pictures” by W. Lewis Fraser in 1894, this whimsical piece features a woman, a bear and rabbits surrounding a traditional English Christmas pudding.

Church, an American artist, produced the scene in black and white so it could specifically be printed for the magazine. The drawing has become a favorite of museum guests over the years as it makes a rare appearance only during the holidays.

Another holiday painting on display is William H. Singer Jr.’s “Christmas Eve,” which can be found in our administrative office. (Just ask the museum greeter or security guard, if you don’t know the way to our offices.) The white hills and icy waters below depict a Norwegian winter night. The chilly scene is warmed by the soft yellow glow of lights in the church and homes.

Singer, along with his wife Anna Brugh Singer, founded the museum. They traveled to Norway for the first time in 1903. They lived there seasonally for many years, and he would often return to the country for inspiration.

Experience for the hands

We always encourage the creation of art of any kind. And for crafty visitors, we are offering two holiday-themed art classes.

The first is a wreath-making workshop 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6. Sukey Rankin will lead students to make a festive winter wreath using fresh greenery, herbs, and everlastings. Supplies will be provided; however, participants are asked to bring their own embellishments, gloves, and clippers. Cost is $70 or $60 for museum members.

For the younger crowd, we have a Winter Art Workshop for Kids, 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. Students will create art that is inspired by winter and take their completed project home. Cost is $15 or $10 for members.

To register for either class, contact Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or drastelli@wcmfa.org. Or go to https://wcmfa.org/art-classes.

Experience for the heart

For the past two holiday seasons, we have collected mittens, gloves, hats and scarves for a local nonprofit. We were told the hats and gloves were a hit with the students. That has inspired us again to place a Christmas mitten tree in our lobby for patrons to place new items on. We will deliver them to a local nonprofit before Christmas to help keep our young neighbors warm this winter.

Experience the spirit

On Dec. 2, the museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. as part of the City Park Tree Lighting festivities. City of Hagerstown is hosting the event with free family activities in the park from 6 to 9 p.m. Hay wagon rides will be 6 to 8:30 p.m. The holiday lighting and music show is set for 7 p.m. at City Park Lake. The lights will remain on from 5 to 11 p.m. until Jan. 1, and are synched to the music of 90.3 FM. Visit the museum to warm up and see our two special exhibitions and maybe do a little Christmas shopping in our museum store. For more information about the event, go to https://www.hagerstownmd.org/1130/City-Park-Lighting.

Experience our shop

OK, so maybe you still have some physical gifts you need to purchase. Find something unique at our Museum Shop. We have unusual items for any art lover or creative soul, including special items inspired by our exhibitions “Color in Freedom” and “From the Pages of PAN.”

While you’re in the shop, you might consider a museum membership as a gift for yourself or others. Yearly memberships begin at $15 for students, $40 for an individual and $60 for a family, up to $500 for benefactors. Members receive discounts and special pricing for museum activities, and know that their ongoing financial support helps the museum to continue its 91-year tradition of community service. For a complete list of membership levels and benefits, or to purchase a membership, go to https://wcmfa.org/join-support/membership/.

As the holiday season fully gets under way, take time to soak in the memories, and maybe experience something that you’ll love. We hope that you make the museum part of your holiday plans, and maybe even a tradition.

Crystal Schelle is director of marketing and communications for Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Go to wcmfa.org, or call 301-739-5727. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. 

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Hagerstown's art museum offers holiday experiences