9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD 20708
301-377-7800, 410-792-0664; TTY 301-490-2329
montpelier.arts@pgparks.com
Directions To Montpelier Arts Center
Montpelier Arts Center is a dynamic multifaceted arts destination located on the grounds of historic Montpelier Mansion in northern Prince George's County. Montpelier Arts Center enriches the communities of central Maryland by providing quality visual, literary, and performing arts programs.
The Arts Center which opened in 1979 houses three galleries, artist's studios, and classrooms. Exhibitions include cutting edge work as well as more traditional approaches and feature both emerging and established regional, national and international artists. The Main Gallery is also the site for the performances of the Jazz, Folk/Blues and Classical music series. The gallery is also available on a limited basis for rental by community groups. Artist studios are open to the public, and offer insight into the process of creating artwork. Classes and workshops in the visual arts are offered throughout the year.
Read about our current programs below.
- Special Events
- Exhibitions
- Performances
- Recordings
- Classes, Workshops, Camps
- Main Gallery Rental Info
- Sponsorship Opportunities
- Studios & Resident Artists
- Competitions
- Arts Surveys
Special Events
SIGN UP NOW for the winter class session.
Montpelier offers art classes in every medium from bronze casting to digital photography and animation. Most classes begin mid-January. Go to SMARTLINK and browse under Montpelier Arts Center for complete listings.
FOOD AS ART/ ART ON FILM Series:
Saturdays, December 13, 20, & January 3, 10, 6 pm
Montpelier annual film series returns this year with a theme of films with food in the title. Take a holiday from the holidays and set aside a Saturday for dinner and a film at Montpelier.
Exhibitions
The galleries are free and open to the public from 10 am–5 pm, 7 days a week.
Past Exhibitions: 2006 | 2007 | 2008
Main Gallery
The spacious Main Gallery is used for invitational exhibitions as well as juried competitions and is the setting for the performance series. Work by artists of regional and national acclaim is featured. The Main Gallery may also be rented by the public for meetings, receptions, and performances.
Patuxent Art League Juried Exhibition
Exhibition: December 7–January 4
Reception and Awards Ceremony, December 7, 2-4 pm
This year’s juror is artist Mary Arthur. Open to all Maryland, Northern Virginia and District of Columbia artists over the age of 18. Download the prospectus. For questions, please cal this year’s chair, Mary Crothers at 410-867-4453.
Library Gallery
The Library Gallery hosts one person and group exhibitions chosen by an outside juror through a competition open to all Maryland artists. The competition is held biennially. Congratulations to the winners of the 2007-09 competition: Melissa Burley, Lynn Cazabon, Deborah Coburn, Symmes Gardner, Lee Goodwin, Suzanne Herbert-Forton, Traudis Kennedy, Allen Linder, Nancy McNamara, Marcella Morgese, Marcia Wolfson Ray, Renee van der Stelt,and Steven Williams. The first exhibition of this cycle of the competition will be Drawings by Alan Linder, January-February 2008.
The next competition will be held in 2010.
Symmes Gardner
November 4–December 28
Reception: Friday, November 7, 7–9 pm.
Video Installation
Resident Artists Gallery
The Resident Artists Gallery features the work of artists who have studios at the arts center.
Karen Mesinger Miller
November 1- 30
Reception, Friday, November 7, 7-9 pm
Distinctive jewelry designed and fabricated by Montpelier resident artist.
Resident Artists Exhibition
December 6–31
Reception December 7, 2-4 pm
Works by artists who have studios at Montpelier held in conjunction with the 6th Annual Holiday Open Studio.
Performances
The Montpelier Arts Center performance schedule includes a Fall and Spring Jazz Series, the spring Folk and Blues Series and Classical Recitals. All concerts are Fridays at 8 pm. Classical Music Recitals are Sundays at 3 pm in September and October.
The Montpelier Spring Jazz Series
The First concert of the Montpelier Spring Jazz Series will be held on Friday, March 6. Don’t wait until then to buy your tickets. This series often sells out in the first week of individual sales. Series tickets ($120 for all 7 concerts) go on sale Tuesday, February 3 at 8:30 am. Individual concert tickets ($20/ concert) go on sale Tuesday, February 10 at 8:30 am. Members and seniors 60+ receive a 10% discount. Call the arts center at (301) 377-7800. Visa and MasterCard accepted.
Friday, March 6, 8 pm
Steve Abshire
This popular guitarist returns with his group to Montpelier to open the spring series in a sure to be sold out concert.
Friday, March 13, 8 pm
Ethel Ennis with Trio
A favorite at Montpelier, the incomparable Ennis has the Baltimore-based Ennis has sung to critical acclaim all over the world.
Friday, March 20, 8 pm
Avery Sharpe Trio
Playing both electric and acoustic bass, Avery Sharpe has collaborated with McCoy Tyner on over 20 albums. He has also written and performed on his own CDs for his own label, JKNM.
Friday, March 27, 8 pm
Nasar Abadey and SUPERNOVA
Cutting edge percussionist, Nasar Abadey, brings his group back to Montpelier.
Friday, April 3, 8 pm
Rumba Club
This band has forged its own synthesis of jazz and instrumental Latin dance music and promises an evening of irresistible rhythms and Latin sounds.
Friday, April 17, 8 pm
Dick Morgan Quartet, CD Release Party
Come celebrate the release of the latest CD in the JazzMont series featuring pianist Morgan and his group. Morgan has been bringing his distinctive style to Montpelier audiences and now you can take that sound home on this recording made during his 2008 performance at Montpelier.
Friday, April 24, 8 pm
Ron Holloway Quintet
Tenor saxophonist Holloway has remarkable flexibility and is at home playing all forms of jazz from hard bop to funk.
The Montpelier Folk and Blues Series
The Folk and Blues series returns in the spring of 2009 with a great line-up. Series tickets go on sale Tuesday, February 3. Get tickets to all six concerts for the price of five - just $100. Individual tickets go on sale Feb. 10 at a cost of $20 each. Members and seniors (60 and older) receive a 10% discount. Call the arts center at (301) 377-7800. Visa and MasterCard accepted.
Friday, May 1, 8 pm
Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer
These Grammy Award-winning artists are musical treasures whose folk, country and family music have an international following.
Tickets: $20; $18/seniors & Montpelier members
Friday, May 8, 8 pm
Cephas and Wiggins
Local blues at its best!
Friday, May 15, 8 pm
Gordon Bok
Back by popular demand, Bok’s repertoire consists of a rich trove of ballads from Maine and the Maritimes learned by the singer while working in shipyards and sailing on the Clearwater with the Hudson River Sloop Singers.
Friday, May 22 8 pm
Tinsmith
Tinsmith, a high-energy folk band, plays traditional music from Ireland, Scotland and Appalachia. Citing influences from blues, bluegrass, funk, jazz and mountain music, they bring traditional songs and tunes into the new century.
Friday, May 29, 8 pm
Sharron Kraus
British folk artist, Sharron Kraus, is a singer/musician/songwriter with roots in the folk traditions of England and Appalachia. “With soil-rich vocals, haunting banjo, fine acoustic guitar and visionary word craft, she is like the roving storyteller, bringing tales of terror, sadness and joy to a stranger’s hearth on a dark and stormy night.”
Friday, June 5, 8 pm
Robin and Linda Williams
Returning to Montpelier, the Williams’ are well-known from their appearances on A Prairie Home Companion. They have explored the roots of American folk music and brought their own lively wit and memorable melodies to the tradition.
The Montpelier Classical Recital Series
Montpelier Arts Center is pleased to announce the winners of the 2008-09 Classical Recital Competition. Congratulations to: Makeda Hampton, National Brass, Emmanuel Borowsky, Greg Giannascoli, Daniel Holmes, Basso Moderno Duo, Zane Forshee, and Marcolivia,
Held biennially, this year’s winners were chosen from 99 applications by Gail Berman, Arts Facilities Coordinator of the Maryland – National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Ms Berman is both a classical musician and a conductor with many years experience in the arts.
The winners will perform in 8 recitals over the next two years. All recitals are Sundays at 3 pm. in October. To make a reservation for a recital, please call the Montpelier Arts Center at 301-953-1993.
This Year’s Recitalists: Fall 2008
Sunday, October 5, 3 pm
Makeda Hampton, Soprano
Sunday, October 12, 3 pm
National Brass
Sunday, October 19, 3 pm
Emmanuel Borowsky, Violin
Sunday, October 26, 3 pm
Greg Giannascoli, MarimbaNext Year’s Recitalists: Fall 2009
The Montpelier Film Series: FOOD as ART/ART ON FILM
Daniel Holmes, Tenor
Oct. 4 at 3PM
Basso Moderno Duo, Solo Bass and Piano
Oct. 11 at 3PM
Zane Forshee, Guitar
Oct. 18 at 3PM
Marcolivia
Oct. 25 at 3PM
Saturdays, December 13, 20 & January 3, 10, 6 pm Montpelier annual film series returns this year with a theme of films with food in the title.
For the films rated “R”. No one under 17 will be admitted unless accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, Dec. 13, 6 pm
Diner (1982) R
This gentle comedy is Barry Levinson’s (TIN MEN, AVALON) directorial debut and chronicles the relationships among a group of friends living in Baltimore in 1959. American diner food will be served.
Dinner and Film: $20/ $18 members and seniors.
Saturday, Dec. 20, 6 pm
Like Water for Chocolate (1993) R
Like Water for Chocolate brings passion and food together in a magical film that is Mexican storytelling at its best. The dinner will be a taste of Mexico.
Dinner and Film: $20/ $18 members and seniors.
Saturday, Jan 3, 6 pm
Babette's Feast (1987) Not Rated
The bleak Danish coast gives way to a colorful French feast- a story of love, piety and food. Based on an Isak Dinesen story, this film won the Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award in 1988. French cuisine will be served.
Dinner and Film: $20/ $18 members and seniors.
Saturday, Jan 10, 6 pm
American Beer (2005) R
The final film of the series is a documentary. Director Paul Kermizian and four of his friends visited 38 independent breweries in forty days and documented it all. The director will be present at the screening -a treat for beer aficionados.
Dinner and Film: $20/ $18 members and seniors.
JazzMont Records
Montpelier Arts Center's award winning record label is called JazzMont Records. Our CDs can be ordered over the telephone using a credit card, ordered by mail with a check payable to M-NCPPC, or bought in person at the Montpelier Arts Center, 10 am-5 pm seven days per week. The cost is $15 including tax.
JazzMont releases include:
(click a cover to see a larger image)
For more information please call 301-953-1993, 410-792-0664, TTY 301-490-2329, or e-mail montpelier.arts@pgparks.comRoyal Essence, an Evening of Ellington
featuring Sir Roland Hanna & Davey Yarborough
Click here to see album liner notes, song list and bios
Uh-Huh! Buck Hill Live at Montpelier
Click here to see album liner notes, song list and bios
Pinky's Waltz, Keter Betts Live at Montpelier
Click here to see album liner notes, song list and bios
Ron Holloway and Friends, Live at Montpelier
featuring Julia Nixon
Click here to see album liner notes, song list and bios
Ennis Anyone? - Ethel Ennis Live at Montpelier
Winner of the Best Jazz Recording of 2005!
Click here to see album liner notes, song list and bios
JazzMont Records, the Montpelier Jazz Series and the Montpelier Arts Center are programs of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County, Arts and Cultural Heritage Division.
Arts programs of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission are supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of Maryland and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Classes, Workshops, Camps
To view descriptions of classes or to register, visit SMARTlink, choose your language, browse classes under "visual arts" and choose Montpelier Arts Center as your location.
Classes are offered year round. Sessions begin mid-September, December, March and June. Registration opens a month earlier. To receive a class brochure in the mail send an email to Montpelier.arts@pgparks.com with your name, address, and phone number in the body of the email.Montpelier courses are unique!
Take classes in welding, raku-fired ceramics, bronze casting, cartooning, rug hooking as well as more traditional arts. All instructors are practicing artists. Independent study opportunities are available including an ongoing life drawing session Courses for children, teens and adults can be special one-day workshops addressing a particular theme or skill or six to eight week-long sessions. New classes include an Audio Recording Workshop and an expanded Digital Photography and Digital Animation lab for children (10 yrs & up) and adults. Learn how to use that new digital camera like a pro; make a short film, and find out about the world of sound recording.The Montpelier Academy Program
Children's classes begin at age eight. They explore drawing and painting concepts, ceramics, and cartooning with working artists. These classes are available after school and Saturdays during the year and in week-long classes from July through August. Earn a certificate and a gift when you complete the Montpelier After School Academy Program by taking Drawing, Painting, Ceramics and one elective from any of the other children’s or teen class offerings during the school year. Certificates will be awarded in June to any students who have completed the Academy program during the year.Opportunities for home-schooled children.
Interested groups should contact the Center. Descriptions of classes and registration information can be found online or in the Prince George's County Parks and Recreation Guide published four times a year.Summer Camps
Montpelier Arts Center offers special summer camps in the visual arts for children and teens. Usually held throughout the summer, registration for these and other parks and recreation camps will be in February. Camp booklets can be picked up from park facilities and county libraries.
Montpelier Membership ProgramJoin Montpelier! Montpelier members receive a 10% discount on all classes and ticketed events. Memberships can be purchased at the time of registering for a class or purchasing a ticket. If requesting a senior membership, proof of age must be presented in person at the Arts Center. Memberships are good for one year from the date of purchase. A renewal reminder will be sent to you a month prior to expiration.
Annual Membership Fees
Individuals $20 Prince George’s and Montgomery County Residents; $25 All Others
Family $50 Prince George’s and Montgomery County Residents; $60 All Others
Seniors (60+) Free with proof of age.
Rental InfoThe Main Gallery at Montpelier is available for rent by community groups and organizations for meetings, small performances, workshops and conferences. Brides and those wishing to host celebrations should visit Montpelier Mansion webpage. Interested groups or individuals must submit an application at least a month before the event and receive approval from Prince George's Parks and Recreation Department. To obtain an application or for more information, please contact, Ruth Schilling Harwood.
Sponsorship OpportunitiesSponsorship opportunities are available for our peformance and visual arts programming. Contact Montpelier Arts Center director, Richard Zandler for details.
Studio & Resident ArtistsThe Resident Artist Program
Montpelier Arts Center has seventeen resident artists. They work in a diverse variety of media and styles. All are professional artists and several teach in the class program at Montpelier. 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, artists exhibit their work in the Center's Resident Artist Gallery. Find out more about our Resident Artists.Jurying for Studio Space
Studios vary in size. The printmaking studio, which also has a darkroom, is a shared space. Current residents include painters, printmakers, fiber artists, sculptors and a jewelry artist. Space is rented to qualified artists at the rate of $8/ square foot per year ($9.60 for artists residing outside of Prince George's and Montgomery Counties.) Interested artists are encouraged to visit the Center. Resident artists who have studios at Montpelier are also eligible for solo exhibitions in the Resident Artists Gallery on a rotating basis and have access to the studios seven days a week.
Artists who wish to rent space at Montpelier are selected by jury. These juried competitions are held every May. If there is no space available at the time of selection, artists are put on a waiting list. Applications are available online or from the Center.
Download the Application
To receive the call for studio jurying, email montpelier.arts@pgparks.com with Artist in the subject line and your name, address and phone number in the body of the email.
Competitions
- Arts Opportunities Monthly Newsletter
To find out information on current calls for entry or special exhibits to visit, see our monthly newsletter, Artist Opportunties.
Arts Surveys
- Artists
The Arts and Cultural Heritage Division is developing an inventory of Prince George's County performing artists including, but not limited to, musicians, actors, theatre professionals, dancers, etc. for a listing in a new County Registry of Performing Artists and Companies. The Registry will help the public locate performers for special events. Fill out our Artist Registry Form.
- Elementary and Middle School Teachers
Arts Alive! has been a program of the M-NCPPC, Arts and Cultural Heritage Division for the past 20 years. We are seeking your input about the types of programs/performers that would support your classroom activities with an online survey. Please fill out the survey so we can better meet you needs, your input is most appreciated.
Location/Directions - The Montpelier Arts Center is 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 on the right.
Harmony Hall Regional Center · Montpelier Arts Center · Publick Playhouse
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