Montpelier Arts Center
- Home
- Facilities
- Montpelier Arts Center
9652 Muirkirk Road
Laurel, MD
Tel: 301-377-7800
Email: montpelierarts@pgparks.com
Hours:
Office Hours: Mon-Fri : 9am-5pm
Gallery Hours: Sun - Sat : 10am - 5pm
Visitors can explore the three galleries with rotating exhibitions by local and national visual artists. Located on the grounds of the historic Montpelier Mansion, the center also houses artist studios, a bronze casting foundry, gas and electric-fired kilns, a digital lab, printmaking presses, and classrooms.
Montpelier Arts Center offers visual, literary, and performing arts experiences for children to adults; beginners to advanced. These creative spaces are designed to inspire artists to work in a variety of mediums including printmaking, sculpture, painting, ceramics, and more.
Gallery Hours:
Sunday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm (closed major holidays).
Admission is free!
Call 301-377-7800 to schedule a tour.
Gallery Exhibitions
Virtual Gallery
Montpelier Arts Center’s first virtual Resident Artist Exhibition, featuring Patricia Phillips Bowden, showcases oil paintings and sketches done on-site and throughout the United States as well as several countries, including Spain, Portugal, and Corsica.
The artist has created moments in time of various locations, using a limited number of oil paints, time, all while braving the elements, and answering questions from some very friendly and curious onlookers – some practicing their English, some using their native language. It was a learning experience for all!
Corrie Francis Parks searches for life among the inanimate, endowing tiny grains of sand with their own autonomy. Drawing from the wondrous explorations of early micro cinematography, Uncanny Bodies transforms the gallery into an intricately constructed bioscope, accentuating the significance of the insignificant.
Irene Sylvester is a longtime resident artist and instructor of collage at Montpelier Arts Center. Sylvester’s love to travel inspired Off the Wall, where she explored a variety of mediums. From painted rice paper shaped into irregular wrinkled forms to represent the shape of rocks and mountains to textiles that express human presence in social graces, style, and classic beauty. There are underlying threads throughout Sylvester’s artistic endeavors, and in Off the Wall, one will see a small selection of her continued experimentation.
Blending painting and sculpture, Alizah Lathrop recontextualizes notions of decoration and personal family struggles. Her work wavers between a fragile discomfort and a sense of calm—a search for peace in the midst of destruction.
Montpelier Arts Center strives to foster a positive, creative environment in which young and emerging artists realize their full potential as creative individuals. Every year Montpelier spotlights the talents of teen visual artists (ages 13-18) from the Washington metropolitan area. At the virtual reception, honorable mentions and cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third places.
The Story of Our Skin is an exhibition of figurative works and portraiture featuring people of color. Four artists: Luis Peralta Del Valle, Al Burts, Preston Sampson, and J’Nell Jordan, draw on everyday life and historical events and icons for their subjects. The artists transform materials to create their paintings and mixed media compositions in wood, metal signs, handmade paper, and other innovative techniques. This exhibit will show the strength and dignity of people of color from the past, present, and future.
*Presenting exhibitions of artists at various stages of their career is one of Montpelier Arts Center’s core commitments. We are excited to invite an outside curator to help further this mission. We are thrilled to have Tim Davis, who is the founder and owner of the international Visions Gallery and consultants, curate this exhibition.
About the Curator: In addition to a curator and gallery owner, Tim Davis is an artist and educator; he received his Masters of Arts degree from the University of Illinois, where he studied art education and fine art. Davis has earned many honors and awards throughout his impressive career including an Arts Management fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, and he has worked as a consultant for numerous DMV arts organizations. Davis has also served on several boards throughout the Washington metropolitan area.
Drawing inspiration from celestial sources, Julie Wills creates mixed media drawings and installations that invoke both the rational and the magical. Choosing everyday materials for their metaphoric properties, her works explore constancy and mutability, current conditions, and hope for an unrealized but longed-for future.
Join us for an exhibition of wood-based sculptures by two Baltimore-based artists: Greg Gensheimer and Allen Zaruba. Sylvan Compositions celebrates the place where the natural beauty of wood intersects with human imagination.
The exhibition Wild Goose Chase by Julie Polt is inspired by the constant movement in nature and her experimentation with materials to capture a moment. This exhibition explores motion and shows expressive movement as a characteristic of her current body of work.
Live! @ Montpelier
Smooth Sounds For Seniors
FREE Classical Recitals
Special Events
The Resident Artist Program
The resident artists of Montpelier Arts Center work in a diverse variety of media and styles. All are professional artists and several teach classes at Montpelier.
Artists work in their studios throughout the week; they have visiting hours for groups and/or individuals interested in purchasing their work or learning more about the artistic process. On a rotating basis, artists exhibit their work in the Center’s Resident Artist Gallery.
Current Resident Artists
- Linda Bernard, ceramics (adults ceramic instructor)
- Patricia Phillips Bowden, painting
- Nikki Brooks, painting
- David Brosch, specializes in traditional etching (printmaking instructor)
- Alla and Milana Borovskaia, fiber arts and mixed media
- Melissa Burley, sculpture
- Barry Goldstein, sculpture
- Racquel Keller, Mixed media
- Christopher Kirages, sculpture
- Elisa Mayes, Ceramics*
- Tric Nelson, Ceramics*
- Bao-Yen Nguyen, painting
- Sushama Parikh, sculpture, ceramics, and batik
- Julie Polt, printmaker
- Sharon Sefton, printmaker
- Michael Stewart, printmaker
- Jeremy Wright, ceramics, sculpture (ceramics instructor)
Jurying for Studio Space
Montpelier Arts Center holds a jury for studio space when space becomes available.
Solo Exhibitions
Resident artists who have studios at Montpelier are also eligible for solo exhibitions in the Resident Artists Gallery on a rotating basis; they also have access to the studios seven days a week. Interested artists are encouraged to visit the center.
Scheduling
Rentals are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis as the program schedule allows. Rentals must be arranged with at least 30 days’ notice. Rates vary depending on the type of organization-relative to non-profit status, bi-county residency, and whether or not an organization is arts-focused or not.
Celebration
Those wishing to host celebrations/social events should visit Historic Rental Properties. Interested groups or individuals must submit an application at least a month before the event and will receive approval from Prince George’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Main Gallery
The Main Gallery can be rented for meetings or events only after 5 pm Monday through Thursday and after 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Gallery rentals may only be scheduled as the exhibition, program, and class schedule allows.
Montpelier Arts Center Rental Schedule
- Resident Cost Per Hour: $50
- Non-Resident Cost Per Hour: $65
- Hour Minimum: 2
- Resident Cost Per Hour: $65
- Non-Resident Cost Per Hour: $85
- Hour Minimum: 2
- Resident Cost Per Hour: $150
- Non-Resident Cost Per Hour: $195
- Hour Minimum: 2
Montpelier Arts Center is open to the public. The three galleries housed at the Arts Center introduce rotating exhibitions by local and national visual artists. Gallery hours are Sunday through Saturday, 10 am-5 pm (closed major holidays). Admission is free.
Directions
We are located off Route 197 and Muirkirk Road in Laurel, Maryland, one-quarter mile west of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. From the Capitol Beltway (I-495), take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway North, and exit at Laurel-Bowie Road (Route 197) North. Continue on Route 197 (Laurel-Bowie Road) to Crystal Plaza Shopping Center/Muirkirk Road. Turn left onto Muirkirk Road; Art Center Drive is first right.
Parking
Free parking is available at the Arts Center.
Planning Your Visit
Visitor Guidelines
Our galleries and studios are free and open to the public seven days a week. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult when visiting the galleries. No photography or videotaping is allowed in the galleries without permission of the artists or the arts center.
Gallery Hours
10 am to 5 pm Sunday through Saturday. Closed major holidays.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Tours can be arranged by calling the arts center during office hours.
Accessibility
We encourage and support the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. Montpelier Arts Center is wheelchair accessible.
Tours
Guided tours of the arts center include the exhibitions on view and visits with artists working in their studios. Tours can be arranged by calling the arts center during office hours (9:30 am-5 pm). A tour of the arts center can often be combined with a tour of the Montpelier Mansion. To schedule a Mansion Tour, call 301-377-7817 or email montpeliermansion@pgparks.com.
Stay in Touch
Subscribe to our e-newsletter!
Explore the arts in Prince George’s County! Follow Arts PG Parks on Facebook and Instagram for updates on upcoming exhibitions, performances, workshops, and more.
Montpelier Arts Center is proud to support the arts and welcomes artists of all ages to showcase their work in our exhibitions and programs. For more details on the programs listed below, contact Montpelier Arts Center by phone at 301-377-7800 or by email a MontpelierArts@pgparks.com.
Annual Artist Opportunities
Artists on the Rise: Annual Juried Teen Exhibition
Montpelier Arts Center strives to foster a positive, creative environment in which young and emerging artists realize their full potential as creative individuals. This competition is open to visual artists ages 13-18 who reside in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C., and are currently home-schooled or enrolled in middle or high school. Jurors award prizes and cash honoraria based on artistic excellence.
How to Apply: Use Montpelier’s Submittable link
Dates: Wintertime call for entries; springtime exhibition
Main Gallery Call for Proposals
Montpelier Arts Center aims to showcase a diverse array of art from different genres, media, and cultures in its Main Gallery space to stimulate public interest, excitement, and dialogue about the arts. Please note, this is an open call for proposals and does not guarantee submitted proposals will be selected for exhibition.
How to Apply: Interested artists, curators, and groups, please submit exhibition proposals via email to MontpelierArts@pgparks.com.
Dates: Proposals accepted on an ongoing basis; exhibitions held year-round
Library Gallery Competition
Montpelier Arts Center is pleased to invite artists to enter its annual competition to be selected for two-month-long exhibitions held in the Library Gallery. Artists must reside in Maryland and may apply for solo or group exhibitions. An honorarium will be awarded to each artist or group selected for exhibition.
How to Apply: Use Montpelier’s Submittable link
Dates: Wintertime call for entries; exhibitions held year-round
Classical Recital Competition
Montpelier Arts Center seeks classical musicians for its annual Classical Recital program. Winners will be featured in a recital in the Main Gallery between September and May. The competition is open to all classical musicians ages 18 and above, with no geographical restrictions. Winners receive honoraria and are responsible for their own transportation and hospitality.
How to Apply: Use Montpelier’s Submittable link
Dates: Wintertime call for entries; recitals held between September and May
Teaching Opportunities
Montpelier Arts Center is interested in providing new and inspiring avenues for students in the visual and literary arts. Montpelier currently seeks instructors who possess a thorough knowledge of the elements, processes, skills, and forms of their medium, with the ability to express that knowledge clearly to a diverse audience, from young children to older adults.
How to Apply: Send an email containing a resume, a class proposal/syllabus, and images of your work or a link to your website to MontpelierArts@pgparks.com.
Dates: Proposals accepted on an ongoing basis; classes held year-round
Resident Artists Program
Montpelier Arts Center houses resident artists who work in a diverse array of media and styles. All are professional artists, and several teach the Arts Center’s classes and programs. Artists work in their studios throughout the week and can be visited by groups or individuals interested in purchasing their work or learning more about the artistic process. On a revolving basis, resident artists exhibit new work in the Resident Artist Gallery.
How to Apply: See “Jurying for Studio Space” below
Jurying for Studio Space
Join a thriving community of professional artists in the Montpelier Resident Artist Program. Reasonably priced studios that vary in size are rented to qualified artists. Individual studio spaces are located on the first and second floors. The printmaking studio is a shared workspace on the first floor. Resident Artists have access to studios seven days a week. Montpelier Arts Center holds an annual jury for available studio spaces every spring.
How to Apply: Use Montpelier’s Submittable link. Interested artists are encouraged to visit the Arts Center before applying.
Dates: Wintertime call for applications; springtime jury for available studio spaces. If selected, leases start July 1.