Events

This programs meets every third Tuesdaystarting in January and running through May.

Jan. 21st 2025

Feb. 18th 2025

Mar. 18th 2025

Apr. 15th 2025

May 20th 2025

Active service members and veterans of all eras are invited to join this free, monthly small group reading and discussion dinner series centered around books which relate to military experiences or offer a veteran’s perspective. Veterans Book Group is coordinated statewide by Maryland Humanities and presented locally in partnership with Montpelier Arts Center. Discussions are led by Dr. Karen Arnold, former poet-in-residence at the Arts Center and discussion moderator for multiple literature groups in Baltimore. Dinner and reading materials are provided. Call 301-377-7800 for more information and to register. Spaces are limited; registration is required by Jan. 7, 2025.

* Exhibition runs Mar. 8, 2025-Apr. 13, 2025 *
Public reception Sat., Mar. 8, 2-4 pm

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.

With intriguing soundscapes and dazzling visuals, Sonic Frontiers presents eclectic, improvisatory experiences with live electronic music and projection art. With a focus on community engagement, members of The DC Modular Collective will host fall and spring mini-electronic music festivals at Brentwood Arts Exchange, presenting featured headliners, inviting drop-in performances, and offering hands-on education, demonstrations, and insight into this unique art form.

The Teen Arts Summit is an annual event that invites teens in Prince George’s County and beyond to ignite their creativity for a day of celebration for the arts. Teens will come together for artistic exploration and expression, participating in workshops and masterclasses, enjoying performances from leading industry professionals, and collaborating to shape the artistic voice of their generation.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Jessica Peters at jessica.peters@pgparks.com

Experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share an unbreakable bond in “The Color Purple.” This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones. This 2023 film adaptation stars Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Fantasia Barrino. Rated PG-13 | Run time: 2h 21m.

An afternoon of entertainment with jazz and pop vocalist Janet Paulsen is always a joyful, swinging, and deeply thoughtful occasion. With her sparkling stage persona and warm, welcoming style, she brings her heart and soul to every performance. This show will feature beloved songs by Doris Day, Dinah Shore, and Ella Fitzgerald, from albums they recorded with conductor and pianist Andre Previn.

Idol Beings is the musical partnership of vocalist Akua Allrich and bassist/producer Kris Funn. Born and raised in the DMV, the two have a philosophy about their creative process: “It is in moments of idleness that nodes of the brain that don’t usually communicate with each other spark connections. We created this project to express our art outside of our normal thought process — not for the sake of not being idle, but to become idols.”

An ex-pageant queen fronts a rock ‘n’ roll band? Cinema Hearts has a pulsing passion for days gone by. It’s the sparkling indie rock project of Washington, D.C. singer-songwriter and former Miss America contender Caroline Weinroth, whose music captivates audiences around the world with playful lyricism, moody guitar riffs, retro song references, and dramatic pageantry. Cinema Hearts has shared the stage with Hozier, Bartees Strange, La Luz, The Ventures, Dengue Fever, and more.  While husband and wife bluegrass duo Gabby & Nick each have their own unique creative songwriting projects, the pair unites in performance for deep love and reverence for bluegrass songs. The folk duo interprets traditional bluegrass songs through contemporary folk harmonies and feel. The couple joins forces in song to celebrate the rich canons of Standard American Vernacular music.

The Artisan Shop special events offer a fantastic opportunity to meet local artists, shop for unique handmade items, and learn about their creative process through interactive artist demonstrations. Enjoy a 15% discount on everything in the Artisan Shop. Don’t miss these two exciting events to support local artists while observing their creative process in action! All ages; FREE

L.T.D. (which stands for Love, Togetherness, and Devotion) was formed in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1968, and is best known for hits like “Back in Love Again” and “Holding On,” as well as their soulful ballads such as “Love Ballad” and “Where Did We Go Wrong.” This tribute promises to take you back to the days of sweet love ballads with the music of Jeffrey Osborne and L.T.D.

Daniela Soledade and Nate Najar’s captivating Bossa Nova performances have resonated in jazz-loving capitals like Paris and London, blending English and Portuguese songs with tender beauty and syncopated rhythms. Rooted in a pandemic-era livestream series, their repertoire spans generations, showcasing Daniela’s Brazilian music heritage and celebrating the genre romantically. With Soledade’s soulful vocals and Najar’s guitar virtuosity, their performance promises an unforgettable journey into love and tradition. It’s a unique fusion of irresistible voice, guitar prowess, and deep affection—an homage to venerable music.

Are you musically curious? Musicians and those who are interested in listening are invited to BAE’s monthly Curiosity Jam! We welcome singers and instrumentalists from any culture in the world. Our goal is to share music and encourage cross-cultural collaboration. World music band Kundalika is the house backing band, with sitar-guitar, acoustic guitar, upright bass and djembe on hand. In addition to “open mic” time, each monthly jam will also feature a special segment, the world music group jam. We will teach folks how to play the basic outline of an Indian classical music scale on their own instrument (or sing it vocally). Then we’ll lay down a groove and do a jam will all the musicians there playing together! No knowledge of Indian music required; we will have handouts in Western notation.

* Exhibition runs Apr. 19, 2025-Jun. 1, 2025 *
Public reception Sat., May 3, 1-3 pm

This annual exhibit organized by the Laurel Art Guild is juried by a regional professional and showcases works by artists ages 18 and older in the Washington, D.C., area. The exhibit includes paintings, drawings, photographs, wall-hung sculptures, collages, and more. Cash prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place, along with three merit awards. Get involved and enjoy the support and camaraderie of your fellow local artists. Find more information at laurelartguild.org.

Immerse yourself in dialogue-turned-poetry and step into a world where words wield power and conscience finds voice. Join us as J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford, Sylvia Dianne “Ladi Di” Beverly, Billye Okera, and Brenardo Taylor take the stage. These poets, rooted in Washington, DC, deliver unapologetically powerful messages, addressing societal divides with hope and unity. Through original poetry, they navigate themes of social consciousness, empowerment, and faith.

Dancers learn a mixture of regional dances of Africa from the professionals of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Women/girls can wear a “lappa” (2 yards of African print fabric to be wrapped around the waist). Spaces are limited; advance registration is recommended. For ages 15 and up.

Dancers learn praise choreography from the professionals of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Spaces are limited; advance registration is recommended. For ages 15 and up.

Penelope Shvarts has played both classical and flamenco guitar since she was five years old and is currently studying at the Peabody Institute, where she was given an award to continue her research into non-male composers and their works for guitar. She hopes to diversify the standard classical guitar repertoire and make music more inclusive.

Vibe/Vibrance, a group exhibit featuring Chee Kung, Jenny Nordstrom, Sookkyung Park, Alexandra Sherman, and April Wright, will create a zestful and immersive environment – encompassing various disciplines and filling the main gallery with color and purpose. Kung’s geometrical assemblages provide structure and chaos, where Nordstrum’s photographs depict aged, but resonant structures from around the world. Park and Wright extend their artwork beyond the walls, creating an expansive viewing experience, while Sherman’s drawings bring an otherworldly, yet semi-historical perspective to the earth and what lies within. Together, these artists provide illustrious approaches to their craft that combine into a beautiful, yet unexplainable story.

Curated by Monica Sklar, Assistant Professor & Director/Coordinator of the Historic Clothing and Textiles Collection, University of Georgia, The Sound of DC: A Visual History of Fashion explores the layered influences of fashion in and from the Punk and Go-Go music scenes rooted in the DMV.

Join us for an electrifying Tribute Concert celebrating the timeless hits of two iconic R&B groups: Switch and DeBarge. From the infectious grooves of Switch to the soulful melodies of DeBarge, this event promises an unforgettable journey through decades of classic music. From chart-topping hits like “There’ll Never Be,” “I Call Your Name,” and “Rhythm of the Night” to romantic ballads such as “All This Love,” their music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. This tribute promises to transport you back in time.

Happy Together, released in 1997, follows a couple that take a trip to from Hong Kong to Argentina, but both men find their lives drifting apart in opposite directions. Ages 18 & up; FREE

In this hour-and-a-half workshop, poet and yoga educator Yael Flusberg will guide students through breath work, poses, mindfulness techniques, and writing exercises to connect with their bodies, minds, and spirits. Bring a yoga mat, pen, and your favorite notebook. Wear comfortable clothing.

This annual exhibit organized by the Laurel Art Guild is juried by a regional professional and showcases works by artists ages 18 and older in the Washington, D.C., area. The exhibit includes paintings, drawings, photographs, wall-hung sculptures, collages, and more. Cash prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place, along with three merit awards. Get involved and enjoy the support and camaraderie of your fellow local artists. Find more information at laurelartguild.org.

Ray “Apollo” Allen is a songwriter, composer, and powerhouse performer who masters the genres of blues, R&B, and gospel. Formerly of the Apollo Brothers, a group Ray formed with his brother Butch and friend Jackie Love in the 1960s, Allen went solo in 1985. He has shared the stage with legends such as The Drifters, The Teenagers, The Chantels, Sam & Dave, The Jones Girls, Chuck Brown, and Motown’s The Funk Brothers, and performed at The Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and Constitution Hall.

Released in 1995, Fallen Angels is a Hong Kong-set crime drama that follows the lives of a hitman, hoping to get out of the business, and his elusive female partner. Ages 18 & up; FREE

Zawadi Elaine Carroll is a singer, songwriter, and creative director from Washington, DC. Zawadi’s music is a reflection of her life’s vast experiences. Her lyrics embrace the power of feminine energy, and her music possesses a calm and glamorous aura. Zawadi began her journey as a musician while attending The University of Wisconsin-Madison on a full tuition scholarship. From there she brought her creative talents back to the East Coast where she built the House of Ethereal Realness, a femme-based arts collective committed to providing intentional and safe spaces that foster radical joy and love.

Shelton Cornelius Price, a phenomenal male artist, hails from Washington, DC. As a dedicated healthcare provider and military veteran, he discovered his passion for singing during active duty. Inspired by Motown legends like Marvin Gaye, Shelton’s silky-smooth voice has taken him worldwide. His sold-out shows, including performances at The Blue Dolphin Seafood Bar & Grill, Bethesda Blues, and Jazz Supper Club, and City Winery Philadelphia, offer an unforgettable “REMEMBERING MARVIN” experience. With a unique ability to captivate audiences, especially the ladies, Shelton’s artistry ensures lasting memories.

Allen Linder is an artist whose works blend lived experience with imagination and crafts stories through daily focused discipline. Magic emerges, as experience and imagination intertwine. These narratives reveal themselves as Linder actively coaxes them from raw materials. Whether shaping stone or leaving gestural marks on canvas, form arises from the creative process. To manage stone dust, Linder maintains separate studios—one for each medium. Some days, he dedicates hours to painting or sculpture, while on others, he shuttles between studios in 15-minute intervals, immersed in his artistic journey.

Drawing inspiration from legends like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Carmen McRae, as well as modern greats such as Anita O’Day and Annie Ross, Christina Drapkin delivers soulful ballads and scat improvisations with unparalleled depth and artistry. Her rich tradition of jazz standards, honed in New Orleans and New York, showcases improvisation and harmonic development reminiscent of bebop legends like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. With multiple acclaimed albums, including “Songs About You,” Drapkin continues to captivate audiences with her enchanting voice and innovative vision.

Released in 2000, In the Mood for Love features two neighbors that form a strong bond after both suspect extramarital activities of their spouses. The film is set in Hong Kong, 1962. Ages 18 & up; FREE

Allen Linder is an artist whose works blend lived experience with imagination and crafts stories through daily focused discipline. Magic emerges, as experience and imagination intertwine. These narratives reveal themselves as Linder actively coaxes them from raw materials. Whether shaping stone or leaving gestural marks on canvas, form arises from the creative process. To manage stone dust, Linder maintains separate studios—one for each medium. Some days, he dedicates hours to painting or sculpture, while on others, he shuttles between studios in 15-minute intervals, immersed in his artistic journey.

Hsiang-Hsin Ching is a passionate and committed Taiwanese violist and recording engineer currently attending the Peabody Institute and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Recording Arts and Viola Performance. Dedicated to her craft, Hsiang-Hsin has played viola since age 13 and graced stages across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. with chamber music and orchestra performances.

Dancers representing countries from across the globe get together to showcase their talent in this interactive and immersive dance experience. Enjoy a live DJ spinning the latest international dance tracks and learn a few new moves to celebrate diversity in our community. Space is limited; advance registration is recommended.

Join us this month to celebrate the mesmerizing art of belly dance as a powerful fitness routine. Discover the enchanting fusion of cultural expression and physical movement that tones muscles, improves flexibility, and boosts confidence. Experience the joy of dance while reaping the benefits of a full-body workout. Let music guide you on a journey towards strength, grace, and vitality. Unleash your inner dancer this Fitness Month with the ancient art of belly dancing!

Hiroya Tsukamoto’s blend of masterful fingerstyle guitar and evocative storytelling transcends cultural barriers. Recognized for his soulful performances that create an orchestra at his fingertips, Tsukamoto draws audiences into his world of musical exploration. This is a rare opportunity to witness a performer celebrated for his ability to take listeners on an “impressionistic journey” (Boston Herald) that will resonate long after the final note is played.

* Exhibition runs May 24, 2025-Jun. 13, 2025 *
Public reception Fri., Jun. 13, 7-9 pm

When asked daily, this simple question can create a shift in perspective toward mindful awareness. Julie Polt seeks to ask and answer this question in her latest body of work, utilizing experimental printmaking and painting. She finds inspiration in daily, common moments, while searching for beauty everywhere – even in unexpected places. She looks to nature, relationships, and tiny changes that we notice only when we are mindful and carefully observing our surroundings.

Breathe in, breathe out! Relax and find your center at a yoga class featuring live jazz music, held in Montpelier Arts Center’s Main Gallery. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat.

Keith Kozloff, an artist, writer, and activist, delves into the intricate web of human connections and disconnections with ourselves, others, and nature. His exhibition, born from Maine beach rock photos, captures the passage of time through long-exposure shots with intentional camera movement. Subsequently, he weaves a narrative around the one-billion-year paleogeography of the lost continent of Avalonia. Kozloff invites viewers to immerse themselves in this vast temporal expanse, urging reflection on our fleeting human existence. Perhaps, within these ancient echoes, we find inspiration to be better ancestors. As a member of the Waverly Street Gallery in Bethesda, his work graces local galleries, his website Peripheral Visions, and various online publications.

Keith Kozloff, an artist, writer, and activist, delves into the intricate web of human connections and disconnections with ourselves, others, and nature. His exhibition, born from Maine beach rock photos, captures the passage of time through long-exposure shots with intentional camera movement. Subsequently, he weaves a narrative around the one-billion-year paleogeography of the lost continent of Avalonia. Kozloff invites viewers to immerse themselves in this vast temporal expanse, urging reflection on our fleeting human existence. Perhaps, within these ancient echoes, we find inspiration to be better ancestors. As a member of the Waverly Street Gallery in Bethesda, his work graces local galleries, his website Peripheral Visions, and various online publications.

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.

* Exhibition runs Jun. 3, 2025-Jul. 7, 2025 *
Public reception Fri., Jun. 13, 7-9 pm

Cedric Williams is interested in the ways in which buildings, surfaces, and structures change once they are abandoned. This series deals with the decaying Konterra Cement Plant in Kensington, Maryland, which closed in 2001. Williams uses his own photographs and, in some cases, materials found at the site to create works that become an assemblage of materials that provide texture and depth.

Grammy Award winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer are master musicians whose superb harmonies are backed by instrumental virtuosity on the guitar, five-string banjo, ukulele, mandolin, cello-banjo, and more. Cathy & Marcy’s Old Time Coalition, featuring Rachel Eddy (fiddle) and Becky Hill (percussive dancer), has grown out of a mutual love of Appalachian music and dance. They take the passion of a late-night porch jam session and put it on stage.

Pedrito Martinez is a Cuban percussionist, drummer, singer, songwriter, and composer originally from Havana, Cuba. A consummate master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the batá drum, he is also the world’s first call rumbero—playing, singing, and dancing with dozens of Cuban rumba groups. Pedrito was a founding member of the highly successful, Afro-Cuban/Afro-Beat band, Yerba Buena, with which he recorded two albums and toured the world in the mid- to late-90’s. “The Pedrito Martinez Group is writing a new chapter in Cuban music history.” -NPR All Things Considered

* Exhibition runs Jun. 13, 2025-Jul. 27, 2025 *
Public reception Fri., Jun. 13, 7-9 pm
Artist Talk/Luncheon Fri., Jun. 20, 12 noon

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.

Sy Smith is heralded as one of the hardest working women in soul music. But she’s also one of the smartest… She has a career that spans two decades and now has 6 albums under her belt. She’s toured with some of the heaviest hitters in the industry (Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, and Chris Botti, to name a few). If you’ve never been to a Sy Smith show, prepare to be entertained – not only by her multi-layered vocal virtuosity, but also by her storytelling. Funk, glamour, soul, and jams. Sy brings it all to the stage and leaves it there.

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.

Cedric Williams is interested in the ways in which buildings, surfaces, and structures change once they are abandoned. This series deals with the decaying Konterra Cement Plant in Kensington, Maryland, which closed in 2001. Williams uses his own photographs and, in some cases, materials found at the site to create works that become an assemblage of materials that provide texture and depth.

When asked daily, this simple question can create a shift in perspective toward mindful awareness. Julie Polt seeks to ask and answer this question in her latest body of work, utilizing experimental printmaking and painting. She finds inspiration in daily, common moments, while searching for beauty everywhere – even in unexpected places. She looks to nature, relationships, and tiny changes that we notice only when we are mindful and carefully observing our surroundings.

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.