CUMBERLAND — A new venue that marries art and gastronomy has launched in downtown Cumberland.
The Arcadian Gallery and Arcadian Oasis, 47 Baltimore St., combines a curated gallery experience with a Spanish-style wine bar and small plate service — bringing bold new flavors and cultural vibrancy to Western Maryland.
The project, led by Christopher Sloan and Christina Elson, involved extensive renovation and modernization of the building’s infrastructure to make it suitable for a business. The effort was significantly boosted by a grant from Maryland’s Senator George C. Edwards Fund, a program dedicated to supporting business development and job creation in the region.
“The Edwards Fund was designed to bridge the gap to make these projects a reality, but the key is the private sector must take the lead. That is exactly what was achieved with this project,” said Jake Shade, executive director of the fund. “This project also assists with the revitalization of downtown Cumberland. The Arcadian increases the tax base, supports local job growth and, following the success of the Rosenbaum Building, is the second completed project downtown involving the Edwards Fund. We have three more projects in the pipeline downtown, which will continue to build on this momentum.”
The fund is a four-year, $50 million program designed to spur economic growth across Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties by investing in infrastructure and business development projects. Established in 2022, the fund prioritizes projects that create sustainable jobs, improve infrastructure and attract private investment to the region. Over the past two years, the fund has supported projects totaling $290.1 million in economic value through $36.8 million in grant funding, with over $18.4 million awarded in 2024 alone.
Sloan and Elson, the gallery’s co-owners, also invested in the venture.
“We’re putting our money where our mouths are,” said Sloan, a leader in both local and state arts organizations. “Christina, with her MBA background and entrepreneurial spirit, and I felt that if we didn’t take action to support Cumberland’s downtown revitalization, who would?”
Arcadian Oasis will be open Wednesday through Saturday, with gallery hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and food and beverage service from 4 to 10 p.m. The menu includes chilled Spanish-style gazpacho — refreshing cold soups — and tapas, featuring Spanish-style cheeses and cured meats such as Serrano ham and Coppa.
Alongside the food and drink offerings, guests will enjoy a curated selection of regional nature-inspired artwork as well as pieces by artists Sloan collaborated with during his tenure as art director at National Geographic Magazine.
The gallery is also launching its first major art initiative, the American Wildlife Competition and Exhibition. This juried international contest invites submissions through July 31, with selected works featured in an October exhibition celebrating regional biodiversity and conservation. Artists interested in entering the competition can do so at arcadiangallery.com.
For additional information, visit the gallery’s website at www.arcadiangallery.com, call 301-919-3494 or email info@arcadiangallery.com.