Events

For more than 40 years, the Montpelier Arts Center has been showcasing the work of sculptors throughout the region. The 44th annual Invitational Sculpture Exhibition will take place in the Main Gallery. To register for the Artist Talk/Luncheon, please email MontpelierArts@pgparks.com or call 301-377-7800 by Sun., Jun. 8, 2025.

* Exhibition runs Jun. 28, 2025 – Jul. 27, 2025 *
Public reception Sat., Jul. 12, 2-4 pm

This exhibition will showcase work by Montpelier Arts Center’s visiting resident artist, who has been busy all year creating one-of-a-kind pieces. The Arts Center’s one-year artist residency is a juried competition, giving artists the opportunity to be a part of the resident artist community and conclude their residency with an exhibition.

Child’s Play: A Reimagination of Social Norms is a transformative exploration. Through mixed media paintings and community art, it delves into inner-child healing, reshaping societal foundations. The journey, led by artist Sasha-Loriene McClain, embraces resilience and playfulness, shaping a future that celebrates our inherent spirit.

This exhibition will showcase work by Montpelier Arts Center’s visiting resident artist, who has been busy all year creating one-of-a-kind pieces. The Arts Center’s one-year artist residency is a juried competition, giving artists the opportunity to be a part of the resident artist community and conclude their residency with an exhibition.

Child’s Play: A Reimagination of Social Norms is a transformative exploration. Through mixed media paintings and community art, it delves into inner-child healing, reshaping societal foundations. The journey, led by artist Sasha-Loriene McClain, embraces resilience and playfulness, shaping a future that celebrates our inherent spirit.

Joy Nutt, a first-generation Trinidadian American born in Washington, D.C., brings her artistic vision to life. Studying at Howard University, she crafts abstract paintings using found objects, resulting in delightful layers of pattern and texture. Nutt’s work explores geometric quilt patterns infused with original fabric-inspired motifs. In her Common Thread exhibit, vibrant paintings echo traditional quilts and intricate collaged crazy quilts. Drawing from a rich Trinidadian family tradition of quilting and sewing, Nutt also finds inspiration in West African Ankara textiles. Viewers will revel in the complexity of her layered art, a tapestry of color, pattern, and texture—a celebration of cherished memories.

Joy Nutt, a first-generation Trinidadian American born in Washington, D.C., brings her artistic vision to life. Studying at Howard University, she crafts abstract paintings using found objects, resulting in delightful layers of pattern and texture. Nutt’s work explores geometric quilt patterns infused with original fabric-inspired motifs. In her Common Thread exhibit, vibrant paintings echo traditional quilts and intricate collaged crazy quilts. Drawing from a rich Trinidadian family tradition of quilting and sewing, Nutt also finds inspiration in West African Ankara textiles. Viewers will revel in the complexity of her layered art, a tapestry of color, pattern, and texture—a celebration of cherished memories.

The group exhibition Peculiar Matters dives into a world of found objects, reflections of time and space, and awkward landscapes. Artists Tory Cowles, Jim Doran, and Sean Reily, working in multiple disciplines, create conversations through humor, color, and sculptural constructs. Individually, each artist delivers a unique visionary narrative. Together, their work in the exhibition will create noteworthy discussions between the artwork and the viewer.

Curated by Pete Duvall, The Sound of DC: A Visual History of Behind-the-Scenes presents photos of those who documented the music scene – including images of the crowds, the venues, the environments created, and the larger visual context around the DMV scene.