The Olney Art Association (OAA) is pleased to announce its 2026 Juried Art Exhibition at the Damascus Community Recreation Center, bringing original artwork by OAA members to the community from October 5 through November 30, 2026.

This juried exhibition will feature 2D artwork by OAA members and will be juried by James Vissari. The exhibition offers OAA artists an opportunity to share their work with a new audience while bringing local art into a community recreation space that will see significant activity throughout October and November.

Damascus Recreation Center
25520 Oak Drive
Damascus, MD 20872
240-777-6953

Exhibition at a Glance

Exhibition Dates: October 5–November 30, 2026
Location: Damascus Recreation Center, 25520 Oak Drive, Damascus, MD 20872
Juror: James Vissari
Artwork: 2D work by OAA members
Opening Reception & Juror Talk: Saturday, October 17, 12:00–2:30 p.m.
Exhibition Admission: Free

The public is invited to visit the exhibition and attend the October 17 reception, juror talk, and awards presentation.

Community Art Classes During the Exhibition

The Damascus Recreation Center will also host several Basic Acrylic Painting classes taught by OAA’s president, David Terrar, during the exhibition. These classes are open to the public and require registration.

Friday, October 9
3:00–4:30 p.m.

Friday, October 23
3:00–4:30 p.m.

Friday, November 6
3:00–4:30 p.m.

Friday, November 13
3:00–4:30 p.m.

These classes provide another opportunity for community members to engage with art while the OAA exhibition is on display.

A Chance to See Local Art in a Community Setting

The Damascus Recreation Center is an especially exciting venue for this year's exhibition because the artwork will be seen by visitors participating in the center's regular programming and seasonal events.

October brings Halloween activities and family programming to the recreation center, giving parents and children an opportunity to encounter the exhibition during their visits. In November, the recreation center will also serve as a voting location, bringing additional members of the community through the building.

For OAA artists, the exhibition is an opportunity to place original artwork in front of an audience beyond the association's usual exhibition venues. For the community, it is a chance to experience local artwork in an accessible, everyday setting.

Important Dates for OAA Artists

September 21, 2026 — Artwork Submission Deadline

OAA members must submit their artwork online through the OAA website by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 21.

Artists may submit one or three pieces for a $15 entry fee. Entry fees are nonrefundable.

[Submit artwork online through the Olney Art Association website.]

October 3, 2026 — Artwork Drop-Off & Installation

Accepted artwork should be delivered to the Damascus Recreation Center on:

Saturday, October 3
12:00–1:00 p.m. — Artwork drop-off
1:00–2:00 p.m. — OAA exhibition installation

The juror will review the submitted artwork following installation.

October 17, 2026 — Opening Reception, Juror Talk & Awards

The official opening will take place on Saturday, October 17, from 12:00–2:30 p.m.

The event will include:

Reception and artist meet-and-greet
Juror’s talk with James Vissari
Presentation of exhibition awards
Opportunity for members of the community to view the exhibition and meet participating artists

This event is open to the public.

November 30, 2026 — Exhibition Closes & Artwork Pickup

Artists should retrieve unsold artwork on:

Monday, November 30
9:30–11:30 a.m.

All artwork must remain on display through the end of the exhibition.

Questions About the Exhibition

Exhibition Chair: Susan Nerlinger
Email:sjnerlinger@gmail.com

Digital Submission Questions:
OAA Webmaster
webwork@olneyartassociation.org

Damascus Recreation Center
25520 Oak Drive
Damascus, MD 20872
240-777-6953

We look forward to sharing the work of OAA artists with the Damascus community this fall!

Olney Art Association’s 2026 Juried Art Exhibition Comes to Damascus Recreation Center