FEATURED EXHIBITS

The Worcester County Arts Council is excited to announce a special exhibit throughout February, showcasing remarkable artwork created by local high school students as part of the annual art competition sponsored by the Berlin/Ocean City Optimist Club. The exhibit showcases a vibrant selection of artwork, including paintings, drawings, and digital media.

This competition aims to inspire and celebrate the creative talents of Worcester County students while highlighting the importance of quality art education programs.

The competition offers an impressive total of $2,000 in cash prizes for the participating student artists. In addition, in celebration of the Worcester County Arts Council’s 50th Anniversary, a special $100 award will be presented to the student whose artwork best reflects the WCAC anniversary theme, “50 Years of Art, Community, and Connections.”

Esteemed local artist and educator David Simpson served as the judge for this year’s competition.

A reception and awards ceremony was held on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the presentation of ribbons and monetary prizes beginning at 6:00 p.m.

In addition to the featured exhibit, new artworks by talented members of our Gallery Co-Op are on display and available for purchase.

The Worcester County Arts Council is very appreciative of the Berlin/Ocean City Optimist Club's continued support of the Arts and Youth in our Communities!

THE WINNERS ARE:

DIGITAL

1st Place - Lily Philavanh - “Helios” - Worcester Technical High School 2nd Place - Riley Nelson - “Clipped Creativity” - Worcester Technical High School 3rd Place - Kalen Lin - “Estrellas” - Pocomoke High School Honorable Mention - Alaina Alvarado - “Lings of Life” - Worcester Technical High School

DRAWING

1st Place - Hayden Wagner - “Black Smith’s Boy Heal and Toe” - Worcester Preparatory High School 2nd Place - Malia Canterbury - “The Work of Many Hands” Stephen Decatur High School 3rd Place - Elana Gjoni - “Midnight Fantasy” - Worcester Preparatory High School Honorable Mention - Marcella Alix - “Polly” - Snow Hill High School

PAINTING

1st Place - Monica Baig-Gallegos - “Petals Through Time” - Stephen Decatur High School 2nd Place - Nate Friedman - “Diverse Beauty” - Worcester Preparatory High School 3rd Place - “Abigail Windsor - “Self Portrait” - Pocomoke High School Honorable Mention - Levi Phillips - “Cool Thoughts” Worcester Preparatory High School

PEOPLE’S CHOICE (35 people voted)

Matthew Age - “Good with a Little Old Bay” - Snow Hill High School

WORCESTER COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL’S 50th ANNIVERSARY AWARD

Malia Canterbury - “The Work of Many Hands” - Stephen Decatur High School

WINNING ARTWORK

DIGITAL

DRAWING

PAINTING

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AND WCAC 50TH ANNIVERSARY AWARDS

VIEW THE EXHIBIT

VIDEO BY ARA KANG

BERLIN LIBRARY GALLERY

We are pleased to present new exhibits at our new Gallery located on the second floor of the Berlin Library. Exhibits change every three months and feature artwork created by local and regional artists.
All artwork is available for sale.

To make a purchase, please contact the Worcester County Arts Council at 410-641-0809.

The Berlin Library is located at 13 Harrison Avenue. Exhibits are open to the public during the library's regular hours: 

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Wednesday - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Friday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday. - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Sunday - CLOSED

LIBRARY GALLERY FEATURED EXHIBIT

"LET'S TALK ART"

JANUARY 6, 2026 - MARCH 3, 2026

MEET THE ARTIST RECEPTION: FEB. 10TH BERLIN LIBRARY GALLERY EXHIBIT

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Kathryn Redden’s art is a reflection of resilience, hope, and transformation. A personal health journey became a turning point in her life, inspiring a renewed creative purpose rooted in faith, affirmation, perseverance, and joy. Through her work, Kathryn invites viewers to pause, reflect, and find encouragement along their own life paths.

Working in oils, pastels, acrylics, photography, and mixed media, Kathryn embraces improvisation and creative freedom. Influenced by artists such as Monet, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Van Gogh, her work celebrates color, light, and expressive texture.

Kathryn is an active member of the regional arts community and exhibits widely throughout the Eastern Shore, including the Worcester County Arts Council Gallery and many partner galleries and cultural spaces. She also serves as Artistic Director and Performer with the Lower Shore Performing Arts Company.

Her work is a reminder that even life’s detours can lead to beauty, renewal, and inspiration.

For more information about the artists and to view samples of her artistic work follow THIS LINK.