By Lori J McCullough, Managing Director, Adams County Arts Council
Spring is always an exciting time at the Adams County Arts Council, but this year feels especially meaningful. We’re gearing up for our annual Juried Art Exhibition, launching a brand-new Teen Night program, and expanding our summer camps—all as part of Creative Communities 250: 250 Voices of Adams County, our initiative documenting and celebrating what makes our community special as we approach Pennsylvania’s 250th anniversary.
Call for Artists: 2026 Juried Exhibition
We’re inviting artists to submit work for this year’s Juried Art Exhibition. We’re thrilled to announce that Philip Lindsey, Professor of Fine Arts and Curator of Bogigian Gallery at Wilson College, will be jurying the show. His expertise and fresh perspective will help us showcase the very best artistic work our region has to offer.
The exhibition is open to all media:painting, sculpture, photography, fiber arts, ceramics, mixed media, and more. Whether you’re an emerging artist or have been creating for decades, we encourage you to submit. Selected works will be displayed in our galleries at 125 South Washington Street in downtown Gettysburg. Submission details and deadlines are available at www.adamsarts.org.
Teen Night Launches March 20
I’m particularly excited about our new Teen Night program, launching March 20. We’ve heard from so many parents and teens that there aren’t enough creative spaces for high schoolers in Adams County, so we’re creating one.
These evening sessions will feature guided art projects led by professional artists, everything from pottery, painting, jewelry-making, and mixed media. The best part? It doesn’t matter if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush or if you’re already an accomplished artist. Teen Night is about exploration, not perfection. It’s a judgment-free zone where teens can try new things, make friends, and just be creative.
Summer Camps: Now with Full-Day Options
Our summer arts camp has always been popular, but this year we’re expanding to meet community needs. We’re offering full-day camp options for the first time, which we know will be a relief for working families. Through multiple week-long sessions, we’ll serve 180 young people with hands-on experiences in ceramics, painting, drawing, and collaborative mural design.
Professional teaching artists guide campers through projects that build both technical skills and confidence. And yes, scholarships are available. We believe every child deserves access to creative experiences. Camp artwork and stories become part of Creative Communities 250, ensuring our youngest community members have a voice in this historic documentation project.
Something for Everyone, Year-Round
Of course, our year-round programming continues.
Beginner Architectural Illustration Saturdays, March 7, 14, and 21 from 10 am -12 p.m.
Mahjong Open Play Day Saturday, March 7, 1-3:30 pm
Folded Silver Pendant Wednesday, March 11, 6-8 pm
Cooking From Your Pantry Wednesday, March 11, 5:30—8:30 PM
Sound Bath with Soulshine by Shannon March 14, 10 – 11 am
Whether you’re submitting work to our juried exhibition, signing up your teenager for Teen Night, registering kids for summer camp, or taking a pottery class yourself, you’re part of something bigger: you’re helping document and celebrate the voices that make this community home.
Come see us at www.adamsarts.org 125 South Washington Street, give us a call at 717-334-5006, or visit.