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.
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
Clement Akpang is an assistant professor, art historian, and theorist specializing in twentieth-century African art, African modernisms, and materially oriented contemporary art. His research focuses on grounding art history in specific contexts, deconstructing Eurocentric frameworks in African art scholarship, and exploring post-canonical museological approaches to the ethical display of art and material culture. He is the author of Nigerian Modernism, 1900–1965: Anti-Europeanization, Nationalism, and Avant-Garde Art (2019) and Analyzing Art: A Short Guide to Art Appreciation, Criticism, and Research in Visual Arts (2021). Dr. Akpang has held senior fellowships at the Institute for Advanced Study, Central European University in Hungary, and at the Filozofická Fakulta, Univerzita Komenskeho, in Slovakia. He regularly delivers guest lectures on art and diplomacy for the Foreign Service Institute of the U.S. Department of State and has presented invited talks at universities across North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Dr. Akpang is also an artist and curator.
Clement Akpang is an assistant professor, art historian, and theorist specializing in twentieth-century African art, African modernisms, and materially oriented contemporary art. His research focuses on grounding art history in specific contexts, deconstructing Eurocentric frameworks in African art scholarship, and exploring post-canonical museological approaches to the ethical display of art and material culture. He is the author of Nigerian Modernism, 1900–1965: Anti-Europeanization, Nationalism, and Avant-Garde Art (2019) and Analyzing Art: A Short Guide to Art Appreciation, Criticism, and Research in Visual Arts (2021). Dr. Akpang has held senior fellowships at the Institute for Advanced Study, Central European University in Hungary, and at the Filozofická Fakulta, Univerzita Komenskeho, in Slovakia. He regularly delivers guest lectures on art and diplomacy for the Foreign Service Institute of the U.S. Department of State and has presented invited talks at universities across North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Dr. Akpang is also an artist and curator.
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