About the Wills Creek Exhibition
History
The Wills Creek Exhibition of Fine Art is one of the signature events of the Allegany Arts Council, celebrating contemporary art in a variety of mediums. More than 25 years since its inception, the show continues to stretch the boundaries of contemporary art that reflect the issues that shape our world. The 26th Annual Wills Creek Exhibition of Fine Art, which will take place at the Allegany Museum Gallery located in Cumberland, Maryland, from August 29 to September 6, 2026. This juried exhibition celebrates talented and innovative artists whose work is contemporary, thoughtful, and uniquely portrays the world in which we live. This competition offers more than $5000 in prizes. Artists of all mediums and genres are encouraged to apply.
Opening Reception & Exhibition
Appalachian Creative Expressions Center at the Allegany Museum, Lower Level, 3 Pershing Street, Downtown Cumberland, MD
Call for Entry
The 2026 Call for Entry is now open
Prize Information
This competition offers more than $5000 in prizes.
Awards Total: $5,350
Best of Show $2000
First Place $1500
Second Place $1000
Third Place $500
Honorable Mention $250
People’s Choice $100
2026 Sponsorship
Sponsors directly support:
• Artists from across the United States who enrich our cultural landscape
• A beloved community tradition that’s grown stronger each year for 25 years
• Educational opportunities that inspire the next generation of artists and art lovers
• Economic development through cultural tourism in our region
All sponsors receive acknowledgment in our promotional materials, connecting your name or business with this prestigious cultural event. Your tax-deductible contribution, regardless of amount, helps ensure the Will’s Creek Exhibition continues to thrive.
Bronze
$100
Silver
$250
Gold
$500
Diamond
$1,000
Platinum
$2,500
Meet the Juror
Clement Akpang
Dr. Clement Akpang is an art historian, curator, and educator whose work explores how artists engage contemporary ideas through visual expression. He is Assistant Professor of Art History at The George Washington University’s Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, where he teaches and writes on modern and contemporary art, visual culture, and artistic innovation. As a theorist, he specializes in twentieth-century African art, African modernism, and materially oriented contemporary art.
Through his work as a scholar, curator, and writer, Dr. Akpang has engaged with artists and exhibitions across international contexts, developing a broad appreciation for contemporary artistic practice. As a juror, he values originality, artistic vision, conceptual strength, and excellence in execution, bringing an informed and balanced perspective to evaluating work across disciplines, styles, and backgrounds
Dr. Clement Akpang is an art historian, curator, and educator whose work explores how artists engage contemporary ideas through visual expression. He is Assistant Professor of Art History at The George Washington University's Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, where he teaches and writes on modern and contemporary art, visual culture, and artistic innovation. As a theorist, he specializes in twentieth-century African art, African modernism, and materially oriented contemporary art. Through his work as a scholar, curator, and writer, Dr. Akpang has engaged with artists and exhibitions across international contexts, developing a broad appreciation for contemporary artistic practice. As a juror, he values originality, artistic vision, conceptual strength, and excellence in execution, bringing an informed and balanced perspective to evaluating work across disciplines, styles, and backgrounds
Wills Creek Exhibition Committee
The committees behind our programs and events are crucial to their success. The AAC would like to extend a very special thanks to the team behind the Wills Creek Exhibition:
- Ann Townsell, Chair
- Frank Fotia
Clara Porcello
Tama Scarpelli