The Delaplaine Arts Center, Inc.

What The Delaplaine Arts Center, Inc. does

The Delaplaine Arts Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit visual arts organization headquartered in Frederick, Maryland, operating from a 40,000-square-foot adaptively reused historic mill building (Mountain City Mill, dating to the 1850s) on Carroll Creek in downtown Frederick. Founded in 1993 after the Delaplaine and Randall families donated the building to the City of Frederick in 1986, the organization serves over 75,000 visitors annually through five main on-site galleries, three satellite galleries co-located with Frederick County Public Library branches, 50+ rotating exhibitions featuring local, regional, and national artists, more than 250 classes and workshops covering ceramics, painting, drawing, jewelry making, fiber arts, photography, and woodworking, and nine weeks of summer art camps for children ages 6-14. It also operates the Etchison-Davis Library, one of the largest free public art reference libraries in Maryland with 3,500+ art reference books, and runs community engagement programs serving seniors, preschoolers, adults with disabilities, homeless and at-risk youth, and economically disadvantaged populations through 20+ MOU partnerships with local nonprofit and government organizations.

The organization operates a diversified six-stream revenue model: charitable donations and annual fund contributions (the largest stream), recurring memberships, facility rentals through Gardiner Hall (1,800 sq ft event space plus 1,000 sq ft Event Deck) and the Etchison-Davis Library conference space, instruction fees for teen/adult classes ($55-$270), summer camps ($115-$165 per week), and birthday parties/group workshops ($160-$304), gift gallery consignment sales of local artists' work, and an annual fundraising gala ($125 per ticket). Pricing is publicly disclosed with a 25% nonprofit discount on conference space, member discounts on classes and camps, and free daily admission to exhibitions. The center publishes a quarterly Delaplaine Arts magazine distributed to over 50,000 homes and businesses, and operates free public programs including Helen Smith Free Workshops for Kids, Francine Brady Art Carts, an Interactive Gallery, Open Studios, and the Virtual Delaplaine YouTube channel for online programming.

The Delaplaine is governed by a Board of Trustees (2026 leadership includes Chair John C. Hanrahan, Vice Chair Molly Carlson, Treasurer Anca G. Stradley) and managed by CEO Duane Doxzen (in role since 2021, with the organization since 2014) plus a staff of approximately 11-50. It holds Standards for Excellence accreditation and Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar USA, and has been voted Best Art Gallery by Frederick News-Post readers every year since 2013 and by Frederick Magazine readers every year since 2010. The facility is owned by the City of Frederick, with the Delaplaine operating as a debt-free nonprofit tenant that undergoes annual independent financial audits.

Name

The Delaplaine Arts Center, Inc.

Legal name

The Delaplaine Arts Center, Inc.

Website

https://delaplaine.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Delaplaine Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit visual arts organization in Frederick, Maryland, operating from a 40,000-square-foot historic mill. It delivers 50+ exhibitions, 250+ classes, summer camps, community engagement, and venue rentals serving 75,000+ visitors annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Visual Arts Center and Arts Education

NAICS

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121), Museums (712110), Museums (71211)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Cultural Centers & Multidisciplinary Arts Institutions (THAJADAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Art Galleries & Exhibition Spaces (Commercial & Nonprofit) (THAJADAH), Arts Education & Community Arts Programs (BPAGAHAC), Visual Arts (Drawing, Painting, Illustration) (EDAAAGAA), Arts & Design Camps (Visual Arts, Crafts, Design Thinking) (EDAMALAH), Arts & Crafts Workshops (Painting, Pottery, Ceramics, Sculpture) (THAJAKAA)

Keywords

• Visual arts education
• Art exhibitions galleries
• Community arts programs
• Art classes workshops
• Event venue rentals

Headquarters

HQ city

Frederick

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Annual Fund: The Delaplaine relies on charitable contributions from individuals who appreciate the arts. Donations support the Annual Fund which enables more than 50 exhibitions, 2,000+ hours of classes and workshops, and public programs. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with Tax ID #52-1481592.
2. Memberships: Members receive benefits including discounts on classes, camps, and birthday parties; free Tuesdays@Ten open studio access; reduced Artobus fees; and recognition in publications.
3. Facility Rentals: Gardiner Hall event space generates revenue through wedding receptions ($4,200-$4,600), private events ($500-$1,800), and conference space rentals ($200-$350). The venue hosts over 200 events annually.
4. Instruction and Classes: Revenue from teen and adult classes/workshops ($55-$270 per course), summer camps ($115-$165 per week), before/after care, and group workshops ($20-$44 per person). Youth classes are provided with art supplies included.
5. Gift Gallery Sales: The Gift Gallery operates as a consignment shop supporting local artists, offering framed originals, prints, pottery, woodwork, accessories, jewelry, and textiles. Gift certificates available.
6. Annual Gala: Major annual fundraiser featuring tickets ($125 per person), sponsorships, and online silent auction of artwork by local artists. The 2026 Ancients & Aliens Gala celebrates the organization's 40th year.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Delaplaine Arts Center operates a 40,000 sq ft visual arts facility providing rotating exhibitions across five on-site galleries and three satellite galleries, more than 250 classes and workshops annually for all ages and skill levels, nine weeks of summer art camps for ages 6-14, community outreach programs through 20+ nonprofit partnerships, event venue rentals via Gardiner Hall, and a Gift Gallery retail shop featuring local and regional artists.

Product overview

The Delaplaine Arts Center is a nonprofit arts organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of visual arts programs and services from its 40,000-square-foot facility in downtown Frederick, Maryland. The organization operates as a multi-faceted arts center combining five on-site galleries and three satellite galleries showcasing over 50 exhibitions annually, with a robust instructional program offering more than 250 classes, workshops, and summer camps for all ages and skill levels. Core offerings include Community Engagement Programs bringing art education to underserved populations, a Gift Gallery retail shop supporting local artists, and venue rental services through Gardiner Hall for weddings and corporate events. The center also provides digital programming through Virtual Delaplaine, publishes a quarterly Delaplaine Arts Magazine, and maintains the Etchison-Davis Library as a free public art reference resource. The organization is accredited in Standards for Excellence and has been serving the community since 1993, welcoming over 75,000 visitors annually.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Visual Arts Exhibitions Rotating art exhibitions showcased across five main on-site galleries (Delaplaine East, Delaplaine West, M&T Bank, Catherine Moreland, and Hall Galleries), three satellite galleries at Frederick County Public Library branches, and community galleries, featuring works by local, regional, and national artists in more than 50 exhibitions annually.
• Art Instruction Classes and Workshops More than 250 art classes and workshops offered annually for all ages and skill levels, covering ceramics, painting, drawing, jewelry making, fiber arts, photography, woodworking, printmaking, and more, taught by qualified artist-educators across four semesters each year.
• Summer Art Camps Nine weeks of morning and afternoon art camps for kids and teens ages 6-14 from mid-June through mid-August, licensed by the State of Maryland, with extended before and after care available.
• Satellite Galleries Three satellite gallery spaces in partnership with Frederick County Public Libraries at Brunswick Branch Library, Thurmont Regional Library, and Urbana Regional Library, sponsored by the Nora Roberts Foundation, extending visual arts access throughout Frederick County.
• Helen Smith Free Workshops for Kids Free hands-on art workshops for children held most first Saturdays (1-3pm, except July/August), exploring artists and art techniques from history, made possible through the Helen L. Smith Scholarship Fund.
• Community Engagement Programs Outreach programs bringing art education to seniors, preschoolers, adults with disabilities, homeless and at-risk youth, and economically disadvantaged individuals through partnerships with over 20 local nonprofit organizations, including the Community Art Gallery and Community Engagement Gallery dedicated to partner-created artwork.
• Artobus Trips Bus trips to art museums and points of interest in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering multiple trips throughout the year for members at discounted rates.
• High School Art Club School-year-long afterschool program for high school students seeking deeper art education experience in a peer-oriented visual arts environment.
• Open Studios BYOS (Bring Your Own Supplies), Third Space Open Studio, and Tuesdays@Ten programs providing artistic community and workspace for adult artists of any visual medium.
• Gift Gallery Retail Shop Retail shop in the main lobby featuring fine art and handcrafted items by local and regional artists on consignment, including prints, pottery, woodwork, jewelry, textiles, and Delaplaine merchandise, with e-Gift Cards processed via Square.
• Gardiner Hall Venue Rentals 1,800-square-foot climate-controlled event space with 1,000-square-foot covered Event Deck overlooking Carroll Creek Park, available for weddings ($4,200-$4,600), corporate events, conferences, and private celebrations accommodating up to 90 guests.
• Birthday Art Parties Private instructor-led art workshops for birthdays featuring various mediums including painting, drawing, ceramics, printmaking, and mixed media for ages 6 and up, with member discounts available.
• Group Workshops Private group art workshops for corporate team building, scout troops, and friend gatherings, with various mediums (painting, drawing, mixed media, ceramics, printmaking) and durations available.
• Virtual Delaplaine Online platform bringing visual arts experiences remotely through recorded programs including Art Matters Artist Talks, Art at Noon, and Delaplaine at Home art tutorials available on YouTube, extending reach globally at no cost.
• Art Talks and Artist Presentations Free presentations by artists, scholars, and experts including Art at Noon/Art at Night, Art Matters Artist Talks, and the Annual Art Symposium exploring topics such as art and AI intersection.
• Delaplaine Arts Magazine

Quantifiable outcome

• 75,000+ visitors served annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Frederick County Public LibrariescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost three satellite galleries at the Brunswick Branch Library, Thurmont Regional Library, and Urbana Regional Library, extending visual arts access throughout Frederick County.
• Visit FrederickminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional tourism partner promoting the Delaplaine as a destination attraction in Frederick County.
• Alzheimer's Association of Frederick CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU partnership providing art engagement programs for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
• Arc of Frederick CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU partnership providing visual art experiences for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Boys and Girls Club of Frederick CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU partnership bringing youth art programming to Club members.
• Centro Hispano de FrederickminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU partnership providing culturally responsive arts programming for Hispanic/Latino community members.
• Frederick County Division of AgingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU partnership providing art programming for seniors at Frederick County Senior Centers.
• Head Start of Frederick County (YMCA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU partnership providing early childhood art education through Head Start preschool program.
• Wells House/Gale RecoveryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU partnership providing art engagement for individuals in addiction recovery programs.
• Frederick County Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides exhibition space for student and faculty artwork; school tours; Youth Art Month student exhibition; co-sponsors programs and distributes Delaplaine Arts magazine through schools.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Torpedo Factory Art Center: Large multidisciplinary art center in Alexandria, Virginia operating studios, galleries, classes, and community programs. Comparable multidisciplinary arts-center model in the Mid-Atlantic, though at larger scale.
• Creative Alliance: Baltimore-based nonprofit community arts organization offering exhibitions, classes, and community programs. Comparable community-arts nonprofit model serving a Mid-Atlantic urban community.
• Carroll Arts Center: Community arts center in Taneytown, Maryland (Carroll County) offering exhibitions, classes, and community programming. Comparable in scale and mission to the Delaplaine, serving an adjacent Mid-Atlantic county.
• Visual Arts Center of Richmond (VisArts): Community arts center in Richmond, Virginia offering classes, exhibitions, artist studios, and outreach. Directly comparable operating model combining instruction, exhibitions, and community programming.
• Washington County Museum of Fine Arts: Regional art museum in Hagerstown, Maryland with permanent collections, rotating exhibitions, and art instruction. Comparable size and Maryland community-arts footprint, with similar exhibition-plus-education operating model.

Broad incumbents

• The Baltimore Museum of Art: Major encyclopedic art museum in Baltimore with permanent collections, exhibitions, and educational programming. Much larger incumbent with similar regional Maryland audience and education mission.
• The Walters Art Museum: Major regional art museum in Baltimore with extensive permanent collections and rotating exhibitions. Larger and broader incumbent serving the same regional Maryland audience with overlapping gallery programming.

Emerging players

• Maryland Art Place: Baltimore nonprofit art space focused on contemporary exhibitions and artist support. Smaller-scale peer with similar exhibition-driven nonprofit model and regional Maryland footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCIQ3laRShCMZA-gNtf93bhQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/delaplaine.arts
• Instagraminstagram.com/delaplaine
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/delaplaine-visual-arts-education-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Delaplaine Arts Center, Inc.