Events

Have you ever wanted to see your art on the walls of Montpelier Arts Center? In the antithesis of a curated exhibition, local artists are invited to submit one piece of artwork to be included in our community showcase. This exhibition is open to Prince George’s County artists aged 18 and older. For more information and to receive a prospectus, contact the Arts Center at 301-377-7800 or email montpelierarts@pgparks.com.

Elisa Mayes showcases artisanal craftsmanship in an array of functional ceramics. While many of her pieces serve practical purposes, a few sculptures also punctuate the display, offering glimpses into her creativity. In a world inundated with mass-produced goods, Mayes’ work serves as a reminder of the allure and authenticity found in handcrafted treasures. Savor the beauty of imperfection and embrace the allure of one-of-a-kind creations.

* Exhibition runs Mar. 12, 2025-Apr. 13, 2025 *
Public reception Sat., Mar. 22, 1-3 pm

Montpelier Arts Center strives to foster a positive, creative environment in which young and emerging artists realize their full potential. Now in its 13th year, this annual exhibition spotlights the talents of visual artists ages 13–18 from the Washington, D.C., area. The juror will award prizes based on artistic excellence, with cash prizes for first, second, and third place. Beginning in winter 2024, interested teens may submit work online for consideration at montpelierartscenter.submittable.com.

Montpelier Arts Center honors Aretha Franklin, a singer, songwriter, and pianist whose career spanned an incredible six decades. The reigning “Queen of Soul,” Franklin’s music has touched countless hearts and souls. This afternoon concert features one of the DMV’s most talented songbirds, R&B recording artist Ameya Taylor, who honors Franklin’s legacy by performing some of her greatest hits, including “Chain of Fools,” “Freeway of Love,” “Ain’t No Way,” and more.

Michael Hawkins is a charismatic bassist and composer currently heating up the jazz scene in the greater Richmond, VA, area with his band Michael Hawkins and the Brotherhood (James “Saxsmo” Gates on alto sax, Dr. Weldon Hill on piano, and Billy Williams, Jr. on drums). The term brotherhood not only signifies the interpersonal relationships among the members of the band but also pays homage to jazz musicians from years past.

In the Soles of Imagination shoe design workshop, participants take charge of the entire brand process. They create color concepts, choose brand and shoe names, and determine the perfect look and price for their brand. Imagination is encouraged, resulting in unique designs. As they design their shoes, students ponder their dreams: How would it feel for these dreams to come true? How would they see themselves? How would the world perceive them? At the course’s end, participants walk in the spirit of their desired dreams.

Dynamic and soothing four-piece vocal group Kings Return take pride in crafting a diverse yet supremely cohesive a cappella sound: The blend of their unique vocal timbres is so rich and so smooth that, at times, it sounds more like a full choir. Their sound has earned comparisons to iconic acts like Take 6 and Boyz II Men. Their brand of R&B is entwined with free moments of jazz, soulful bursts of gospel, and bright touches of pop—all built on a solid, classical foundation. Theirs is the kind of talent that makes virtuosic performance look (and sound) like sublime, effortless playtime, defying the constraints of any single genre to explore a myriad of sonic shades and textures.