Cumberland is emerging as a thriving artistic community in Western Maryland. Thomas and Rebecca Ferleman, owners of the Ferleman Art Gallery located on Centre Street, are spearheading an initiative to cement Cumberland's reputation as a vibrant creative hub. Their plans include relocating to a larger venue, which will double as a communal center and an incubator for artists, aficionados, and collectors alike.

“We looked all over the East Coast for somewhere to put the gallery and fell in love with Cumberland’s vibrant arts community,” said Thomas. “There are nationally recognized artists located right in Allegany County. They’ve created a creative home for many, including Western Maryland’s significant collector community."

The support of Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD) and the Allegany Arts Council helped the gallery find its home in Cumberland.

Since its inception in September 2023, the Ferleman Art Gallery has displayed over 100 pieces from Thomas and Rebecca’s personal collection, accumulated from their travels.

“We have quite a few locals in the shop, and many come back every couple of weeks looking for new pieces and innovative things,” shares Thomas. “We also get a pretty steady flow of tourists traveling through Cumberland from Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, and Baltimore.”

A few months into operation, the Ferlemans were presented with the opportunity to expand into a larger building down the street—formerly occupied by the Allegany Arts Council. Thomas and Rebecca saw a chance to diversify their offerings and further engage Cumberland’s arts community.

“The Allegany Arts Council is the cornerstone of our arts community,” says Thomas. “Their tireless efforts have laid the foundation for our growing scene. As members of the Arts Council, we’re committed to ensuring their success. When they wanted to find new headquarters, we met with Julie Westendorff, their executive director, several times to explore the possibility of moving our gallery into the building once they relocated.”

The new facility will not only enhance the gallery’s offerings but also include an auditorium for performances, providing a platform for musicians and performance artists. Thomas explains, “We want to elevate all forms of art, and we hope to make the gallery an ‘incubator’ to help artists grow. Whether through exhibitions, classes, or events, we want to make a community space for Cumberland’s art scene to flourish.”

Set to open in July 2024, the three-story, 10,000-square-foot building will feature two floors for the gallery and five luxury upper-story apartments (renovated by the building’s previous owner).

The expanded space will accommodate more fine art pieces, including museum-grade artwork from Salvador Dalí, Marc Chagall, and other world-class artists. Up-and-coming and well-known local artists, including Hilmar Gottesthal—an internationally-recognized Austrian artist living in Western Maryland—will also be showcased, as well as works from the F. Brooke Whiting House and Museum collection. 

Thomas and Rebecca want the Ferleman Art Gallery to help welcome other galleries into downtown Cumberland. “We don't see other galleries as competition. We see that as an opportunity. The more galleries we have here, the more people will come to see the art,” said Thomas. 

Beyond Cumberland, the Ferleman Art Gallery helps promote Western Maryland as an arts-focused community when they attend national art shows. “We're investing in Cumberland, not just for ourselves, but for the whole of the community. We strongly believe in what the people of Cumberland have built here,” Thomas finished. 

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