The Black Art Today Foundation: Ascension: A BIPOC Exhibition
2026-05-26 - 2026-07-18
* This exhibition runs May 26–Jul. 18, with a public reception on Sat., May 30. *

Ascension is a transformation journey, a testament to the human spirit’s unwavering capacity to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. This exhibition, featuring the works of BIPOC artists, delves into the lives of individuals who have defied limitations, challenged norms, and ultimately ascended to leave an enduring legacy. Each artwork is a visual biography, capturing the essence of the subject’s unique path toward transcendence. The exhibition explores the multifaceted nature of ascension through diverse artistic mediums, from the literal ascent of physical challenges to the metaphorical rise of social and personal triumphs.

Lunchtime Lawn Concert with Linwood Taylor
2026-05-27 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Stop by Darnall’s Chance Historic Site & Museum and listen to Linwood Taylor. Bring your own brown bag lunch or picnic basket. Some picnic tables will be on site, but you are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Program sponsored, in part, by a grant from the Maryland State Humanities Council. No reservations required. FREE

Davey Yarborough and Esther Williams: A Beautiful Friendship
2026-05-29 20:00 - 22:00
Husband-and-wife duo Davey Yarborough and Esther Williams thrill audiences with their soulful jazz and original songwriting. Esther (vocals) has an extensive repertoire in jazz, R&B, pop, and gospel; Davey (saxophone) is an accomplished performer, bandleader, composer, arranger, and educator. They have performed together for decades and co-founded the Washington Jazz Arts Institute.

Success: The Beauty Among Us - Public Reception
2026-05-30 14:00 - 16:00
* This exhibition runs May 26–Jul. 18, with a public reception on Sat., May 30. *

Success is a self-taught, mixed-media artist born in Baltimore, Maryland. Their artistic journey commenced at age eight and has steadily grown into a passionate exploration of various creative mediums. Now a new but prominent voice in contemporary art, Success has developed a diverse portfolio encompassing digital photography, photo manipulation, and acrylic paintings. Success is a graduate of Howard University. They created a bridge between local D.C. photographers and the Howard photography community by organizing lectures, workshops, and collaboration opportunities among students. Characterized by a keen ability to transform aspects of the ordinary into extraordinary narratives, Success’s work expresses complex human emotions through vivid colors, dynamic forms, and exaggerated color palettes.

The Black Art Today Foundation: Ascension: A BIPOC Exhibition - Public Reception
2026-05-30 14:00 - 16:00

Soul Generation featuring Cliff Perkins
2026-05-30 20:00 - 21:30
Soul Generation, out of Jersey City, New Jersey, is led by original member and founder Cliff Perkins. Known as one of the supergroups of the 1970s with chart-busting hits such as “Body and Soul,” “Million Dollars,” and “I Wonder What She’s Doin’.” Cliff Perkins’ smooth tenor voice is legendary among the singers of an era known for great lead singers. They continue to perform worldwide and are a staple on the “’70s Soul Jam Tour.”

Take 6
2026-05-30 20:00 - 21:30, 2026-05-31 16:00 - 17:30
The most awarded a cappella group in history, heralded by Quincy Jones as the “Baddest vocal cats on the planet!” is the quintessential a cappella model for vocal genius. With 10 Grammy Awards, 10 Dove Awards, 2 NAACP Image Awards, a Soul Train Award, and more, Take 6 continues to bring extraordinary vocals to their worldwide audiences. From jazz to pop, adult R&B, doo wop and blues, they admirably and adeptly cross most musical genres. Like a fine-tuned vocal orchestra, the group continues pushing the boundaries of creativity and musical genius with every new release and their ever-evolving live performances.

Sat., May 30, 8 pm Tickets

Sun., May 31, 4 pm Tickets

Lunchtime Listening with Sweet Storm
2026-06-03 11:00 - 13:00
Experience the rhythm, culture, and soul of D.C.’s blues scene. Sweet Storm delivers soulful, heartfelt blues, blending traditional and contemporary styles. Stormi Weaver (vocals, guitar) and Willie Leebel (vocals, guitar) have performed together at bars, clubs, art openings, and private events for three years. Their collaboration also led to the formation of Stormi and the Blue Skies, a five-piece acoustic group. They met through the Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation and call each other music spouses. Celebrate the legacy of Archie Edwards with a powerful blues concert, honoring African American music history and the Piedmont blues tradition.

Miss Gayle’s Clean Comedy
2026-06-04 11:00 - 12:00
Hailed as bright, energetic, absolutely captivating, and outrageously funny, Miss Gayle will keep an audience in stitches. She is an explosively talented individual who lights up the stage for sold-out audiences nationwide. Since the age of six, people have demanded amusement from the comedienne, actress, and entertainer who successfully lifted their spirits. Miss Gayle can put life in perspective through her down-home humor.

Creative Entrepreneurship & Scaling Your Business
2026-06-06 13:00 - 16:00
Take your creative practice to the next level by learning business strategies, marketing, and growth techniques to expand your artistic brand and maximize success.

Art Exhibit: Rosana Azar
2026-06-08 - 2026-07-26
* This exhibition runs Jun. 8–Jul. 26, with a public reception on Thu., Jun. 18. *

Rosana is an Argentinian artist that explores Surrealism. She sees the universe as a powerful, vivid place of continual transformation, and her works attempt to capture glimpses of it. Every brushstroke, color, and shape gives insight into her heart and is a window to her soul.

This exhibit will be on display at the Publick Playhouse from June 8-July 26, 2026, and can be viewed during regular facility hours (M-F, 9 am-5 pm). Please note that exhibits cannot be viewed when a performance or event is in progress. Before viewing an exhibit, please call the Box Office at 301-277-1710 to check the performance schedule.

Basquiat
2026-06-11 19:00 - 21:00
Starring Jeffrey Wright, this film tells the story of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a young graffiti artist who skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s New York art scene. Featuring a star-studded cast, Basquiat captures the artist’s meteoric rise, his complex relationship with fame, and his artistic brilliance.

The 45th Annual Invitational Sculpture Exhibition
2026-06-12 10:00 - 2026-08-02 17:00
* This exhibition runs Jun. 12–Aug. 2, with a public reception on Fri., Jun. 12 and an artist talk/luncheon on Fri., Jun. 19. *

For 45 years, the Montpelier Arts Center has been proud to showcase the work of sculptors from throughout the region. The 45th 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 Fri., Jun. 5, 2026.

Melissa Burley - Public Reception
2026-06-12 19:00 - 21:00
* This exhibition runs May 23–Jun. 21, with a public reception on Fri., Jun. 12. *

Melissa Burley combines reclaimed and found objects from the past to create illuminated sculptures that may include glass, test tubes, furniture parts, clocks, bicycle components, and resin. She sees the primary focus of her work as bringing life back into the things people once cherished and utilized, thereby communicating a strong sense of the past.

Rashid Cornish: Whispers of the Divine – A Spiritual Journey Through Nature - Public Reception
2026-06-12 19:00 - 21:00
* This exhibition runs May 9–Jun. 21, with a public reception on Fri., Jun. 12. *

Rashid Cornish explores the profound relationship between the natural world and spirituality through the delicate medium of pastel painting. The collection invites viewers to experience nature as an environment and a living, breathing entity with spiritual significance and a connection to something greater in the cosmos.

The 45th Annual Invitational Sculpture Exhibition - Public Reception
2026-06-12 19:00 - 21:00

Night at the Museum Rock Concert
2026-06-13 17:00 - 20:00
Close out Trolley Trail Day with an epic museum concert featuring high energy performances and a special one-night collaboration between Laundry World and the College Park Chorale. Sara B & the Backline will kick off the evening with an energetic performance of various genres of music. Enjoy food and drinks for purchase or bring a picnic. Presented in partnership with Maryland Milestones. FREE!

Ceej Maples: Good Luck with That
2026-06-15 - 2026-08-01
An exhibition partnership with Art Enables

This exhibition runs Jun. 15-Aug. 1, 2026, with an opening reception on Sat., Jun. 20 and an artist & curator talk on Sat., Jul. 18.

Art Enables proudly presents Ceej Maples: Good Luck With That, the artist’s first solo exhibition. Through his illustrative realism and ink mastery, Maples brings his internal struggles and triumphs to life, weaving humor, pain, and irony into every work. His art serves as both self-expression and therapy, helping him cope with physical and mental challenges. In Good Luck With That, Maples explores life’s lighthearted and darker aspects, confronting hardships with wit and imagination. The title piece, which is both earnest and sarcastic, encapsulates this sentiment: life is difficult, but facing it with humor and creativity can make the journey more bearable.

Radiant Resistance: The Joy of Being
2026-06-15 - 2026-08-15
* This exhibition runs Jun. 15–Aug. 15, with a public reception on Sat., Jun. 20 and an artist and curator talk on Sat., Jul. 18. *

Curated by Rashad Ali Muhammad in celebration of Pride Month, Radiant Resistance: The Joy of Being is a bold tribute to queer resilience, creativity, and joy. Featuring C.S. Corbin, Chrys Seawood, Michael P. Jr., Miss Grace David, and Shyama R. Cuver, this exhibition asserts that joy is not just a byproduct of survival—it is a radical act of resistance.

Through collage, sculpture, installation, and digital media, these artists transform adversity into light, affirming that queerness is a driving force for cultural progress, innovation, and healing. Radiant Resistance is a celebration of thriving, existing, and creating unapologetically.

Artist Reception: Rosana Azar
2026-06-18 18:00 - 20:00

The 45th Annual Invitational Sculpture Exhibition - Artist Talk/Luncheon
2026-06-19 12:00 - 14:00

Radiant Resistance: The Joy of Being - Opening Reception
2026-06-20 17:00 - 20:00

Ceej Maples: Good Luck with That - Opening Reception
2026-06-20 17:00 - 20:00

Maryland History Day Showcase
2026-06-26 14:00 - 16:00
Step into a whirlwind of creativity and history as award‑winning Maryland History Day projects take over the museum! Be inspired by current National History Day participants as you explore their standout posters, visual arts, projects, and performances. Students in grades 6-12 can jump into hands‑on activities, learn how to participate in the program, and discover how the museum can support their journey. Presented in partnership with Maryland Humanities.

FREE; no registration required; includes museum admission.

Visiting Resident Artist Exhibition
2026-06-27 10:00 - 2026-08-02 17:00
* This exhibition runs Jun. 27–Aug. 2, with a public reception on Sat., Jul. 11. *

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, allowing artists to join the resident artist community and conclude their residency with an exhibition.

Aaron Oldenburg: Night Walks
2026-06-27 10:00 - 2026-08-08 17:00
* This exhibition runs Jun. 27–Aug. 8, with a public reception on Sat., Jul. 11. *

Aaron Oldenburg creates artworks using game engines, coding languages, 2D and 3D digital art creation software, and audio sampling. This exhibition is a series of procedural software works, including interactive virtual reality, that deal with memory, climate instability, and bodily de/re-composition. Prints of screenshots taken from them accompany the works.

Runway Rhythms Summer Music Series
2026-06-27 11:00 - 12:00
Soak up the sounds of summer as local musicians bring the museum courtyard to life! Pack a picnic, spread out on a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy great tunes and snappy beats. Rotating food trucks will be on-site with tasty bites for purchase. Sponsored in part by Riverdale Park Arts and the Field of Firsts Foundation. FREE! No registration required; includes museum admission.

Pop 'Til You Drop
2026-06-27 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for bubbles, music, games, and activities. All participants must be accompanied by an adult.

This event will feature bubble stations, bubble art, a foam zone, a bubble dance party, and bubble themed treats. Refreshments will be available while supplies last.

Taratibu!
2026-06-30
The Taratibu Youth Association (TYA) is a sensational ensemble of young artists representing the performing arts of the African diaspora. With eclectic and diverse musical influences, they perform percussive dance styles, from stepping to traditional South African Gumboot, modern dance to hip-hop. TYA sings in Zulu and Sotho from South Africa, Kiswahili from Tanzania, Creole from Haiti, and Portuguese from Brazil. Their performances are educational and inspirational, telling stories of empowerment and cultural history.This performance is part of our Education on Stage Series and is recommended for ages 5-16. Please note, everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age. Groups of 20+ can call our Box Office at 301-277-1710 for Group Sales or fill out the online request form.

Jun 30, 10:30 am Tickets

Jun 30, 12 noon Tickets

Jul 2, 10:30 am Tickets

Jul 2, 12 noon Tickets
