For almost four decades, The Delaplaine Arts Center has been a creative cornerstone in the heart of downtown Frederick. With galleries that showcase local, regional, and national artists, and classrooms filled with learners of all ages, the Delaplaine makes art accessible to everyone — no matter their age, experience, or background.
“The Delaplaine provides quality visual arts programming to the community. That includes more than 50 exhibitions, 250 classes and workshops, and dozens of programs each year,” Delaplaine CEO Duane Doxzen said. “Importantly, we reflect our vision that ‘everyone deserves art’ by doing our best to remove barriers for participation.”
From free exhibitions that invite thousands of visitors each year, to robust art education programs and community engagement initiatives, the Delaplaine helps weave the arts into Frederick’s everyday life. Their programs reach far beyond the walls of the historic building, extending into schools, senior centers, and community spaces, ensuring that creativity touches every corner of our community.
The Community Foundation has proudly partnered with the Delaplaine over many years, awarding grants that help fuel these programs and keep the arts flourishing. This long-standing relationship is built on mutual trust: we trust in the Delaplaine’s vision to inspire and connect people through art, and they trust in our shared commitment to make Frederick County a vibrant and culturally rich place to live, work, and play.
“The Community Foundation is a critical source of support for our ability to move our mission forward,” Doxzen said. “Certain programs exist only because the Community Foundation recognized their value. It not only provides opportunities for direct funding, but also is an important resource for connecting and encouraging the local nonprofit community generally. The expertise and guidance it provides can’t be underestimated.”
Together, we are ensuring that art — and the joy, reflection, and connection it brings — remains deeply rooted in Frederick County.
In FY25, the Community Foundation distributed grants from 9 funds to The Delaplaine Arts Center totaling more than $41,500.
- Mary Mason Hendrickson Memorial Fund
- Bruce and Geraldine Wilson Charitable Fund
- Memarsadeghi Family Fund
- Sharon I. Hooper Fund for Children
- Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center Endowment Fund
- Robert E. Randall Memorial Endowment Fund
- Helen L. Smith Scholarship Fund for Children and the Arts
- Colleen M. Remsberg Memorial Fund
This article was featured in the Community Foundation’s fiscal year 2025 Annual Report.