The Delaplaine Arts Center

Founded in 1986, The Delaplaine Arts Center has grown from an idea to a vibrantly alive organization on the banks of Carroll Creek in historic downtown Frederick. The Center currently receives 50,000 visitors annually, and is the largest visual arts center in Maryland outside of Baltimore City.

Each year, over 250 classes and workshops, for over 2,000 students of all ages and levels of experience, are offered through the Center. Classes are offered in an ever-growing list of media and subjects for all ages. To date, courses have included: drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry making, photography, printmaking, pastels, paper making, book making, painted furniture, woodworking, design, color theory, calligraphy, quilting and more.

The Center also hosts a variety of lectures, special events, art trips and artist's talks, in addition to monthly exhibits in seven beautiful galleries that highlight the wide variety of artwork being produced locally, by both professional and amateur artists. Besides the main galleries, we also offer exhibits in three libraries in Frederick County.

As a community education center, we also provide services for people with special needs. With the support of generous community donations, we offer many free classes for economically disadvantaged children and teens, senior citizens, and physically challenged adults.