Events

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For thousands of years, music and craftsmanship have been intertwined, serving as a powerful form of communication and self-expression. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll embark on a journey through time, exploring the ancient musical traditions of Central and South America while creating your own unique clay instrument. Reconnect with nature through the tactile experience of working with clay. Awaken your creativity by shaping and designing a traditional rattle. Experience the joy of sound and music-making, no matter your skill level. Guided by the expert instruction of teaching artist, Melissa Hyatt Foss, you’ll learn about the history and significance of these ancient instruments and craft your own functional clay rattle—a piece of history you can play! All materials, supplies, and firing are included, and no prior experience with clay, instruments, or music is necessary. Step into the past, create in the present, and leave with a one-of-a-kind musical treasure.

Musical instruments have helped us communicate and express ourselves since the dawn of human culture. Learning about the musical instruments of the ancient Americas and building and playing our own unique instruments helps us to awaken the memory of our connection to nature, cultivate presence through working with clay, and experience joy through sound and music-making. In this hands-on workshop we will learn about ceramic musical instruments that have been made across Central and South America for thousands of years and learn to build and tune our own working clay flutes. Guided by the expert instruction of teaching artist, Melissa Hyatt Foss, you’ll learn about the history and significance of these ancient instruments! All materials, supplies and firing are included. No previous experience with clay, instruments, or music is needed!

In the three-hour Altered Book Workshop, participants will choose from a list of prompts discussing emotional regulation skills and emotional naming. In response to these prompts, participants will create altered books and engage in discussions with a life coach and each other. Altered books are created by taking thrifted or donated hardback books and upcycling them into an art journal. The participants will prepare the books by strategically removing and/or gluing pages. Next, they will create art within the pages and on the cover. In an altered book, any medium can be used to make any type of art, such as collage, painting, drawing, found poetry, etc. These altered books offer a safe space to use art as an outlet for self-expression and processing emotions.

Gain essential legal knowledge for creatives, covering contracts, copyright, intellectual property, and artist rights with expert guidance from Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts.

Join the tradition and visit the Gingerbread House Contest and Show held at Darnall’s Chance House Museum. See a dazzling display of gingerbread creations that reflect the rich history and vibrant culture of Prince George’s County, Maryland. This year’s entries will celebrate the local landmarks, architecture, stories, and traditions that showcase the unique heritage of Prince George’s County.

Get into the holiday spirit and shop small on Small Business Saturday 2025! The Brentwood Arts Exchange Artisan Shop is your destination for unique, handcrafted gifts that make the season special. From jewelry and ceramics to textiles and home décor, every purchase directly supports local artisans. Enjoy 20% off all artisan shop purchases!

Make a day of it with artist meet-and-greets, complimentary gift wrapping, and a festive shopping experience. Start your holiday shopping with thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting the creative talent that makes our community shine.

Shop local, spread holiday cheer, and celebrate the season with us!

Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Harmony Hall’s annual Holiday Market Place! Enjoy the enchanting sounds of live music while sipping on warm refreshments. Explore a variety of vendor tables offering unique, handcrafted items and perfect stocking stuffers for everyone on your list. This free event is open to all ages, so bring your family and friends for a delightful holiday experience. Don’t miss this magical opportunity to celebrate the season with us!

You are invited to a magical morning of holiday fun for the whole family. Create your Elf on a Shelf with Arts on a Roll, enjoy cookies and cocoa, and snap a photo with a special jolly guest! Then, experience the heartwarming children’s show Holidays Around the World at 11 am, performed by the CFA Repertory Theatre. Through music, dance, puppetry, and storytelling, journey globally to explore cultural traditions from Diwali to Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, and more. Join us for a festive family celebration filled with holiday magic and joy. This is a perfect holiday event for families and children of all ages!

Kick off the holidays at our festive Holiday Craft Fair, where you can shop from over a dozen local artisans showcasing their handcrafted goods. Discover unique gifts, enjoy live music, and sip on seasonal favorites from Maryland Meadworks. Whether you’re searching for the perfect present or simply soaking in the holiday cheer, you’ll find something special for everyone on your list!

Embrace the season’s joy by joining us at our annual December family event! Get into the holiday spirit with your community, neighbors, and friends at Publick Playhouse. Children will have a chance to visit and take pictures with Santa. We’ll also offer coloring activities and a screening of the short, animated film Kung Fu Panda Holiday to entertain our youngest guests. Following that, we’ll present our feature film, Prancer: A Christmas Tale (2022). Please note, this event is recommended for ages 3-12, however, everyone must have a ticket to enter.

Celebrate the arts and the holidays at Montpelier Arts Center! Meet our talented resident artists and join them for demonstrations and artist talks in their studios. Visit exhibitions in our three galleries and enjoy our receptions for photographer Berchel Douglas and resident artist David Brosch. Groove to live music, make a holiday craft, and celebrate the season with your family and friends!

Christmastime is here! Montpelier Arts Center and The Eric Byrd Trio celebrate the season with an afternoon filled with festive music from the Peanuts’ special. Comprised of pianist/vocalist Eric Byrd, bassist Bhagwan Khalsa, and drummer Alphonso Young, Jr., the Trio has traveled the world as enthusiastic ambassadors of jazz. Bringing fresh arrangements to these familiar songs, they are sure to put you in a holiday mood. “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!”

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. 6, 2026.

Ages 18 & up; FREE; registration required

Join us for a two-part book discussion and film screening featuring Percival Everett’s satirical 2001 novel Erasure and its 2023 film adaptation, the Best Picture-nominated dark comedy American Fiction, starring Jeffrey Wright. The book and film examine (and skewer) the use of Black stereotypes in fiction and the anti-Black stance of the publishing industry.

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“Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin assembled a choir at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles, in 1972 to record her live album, Amazing Grace. Footage of this remarkable gospel concert was shelved for decades over technical and legal issues; it was finally edited and released to critical acclaim in 2018. This is a must-see documentary for Aretha Franklin fans.

Join us for a two-part book discussion and film screening featuring Percival Everett’s satirical 2001 novel Erasure and its 2023 film adaptation, the Best Picture-nominated dark comedy American Fiction, starring Jeffrey Wright. The book and film examine (and skewer) the use of Black stereotypes in fiction and the anti-Black stance of the publishing industry.

Join us for an inspiring journey through the life of Thurgood Marshall, the legendary Supreme Court Justice and Civil Rights icon. The film traces his path from Howard and Lincoln Universities to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and ultimately to the nation’s highest court. Directed by Norfolk State graduate Alexis Aggrey and co-executive produced by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson, this new feature film will debut in 2025 with a special screening at Publick Playhouse. Don’t miss this compelling story of resilience and justice, brought to life by acclaimed filmmakers. Note: reservations strongly recommended due to limited seating.
This film is not yet rated; Run Time: 1 hour

This documentary celebrates the trailblazing women who revolutionized electronic music. Featuring legends like Wendy Carlos and Suzanne Ciani, Sisters With Transistors showcases how these women shaped the soundscape of the 20th century using modular synthesizers.

Through art making and storytelling, this workshop aims to redefine shelter as a space of security, warmth, safe space, and family, fostering empathy and understanding. Resident artist Nikki Brooks will lead participants in guided meditation, an art activity, and open conversations about home, neighborhood dynamics, gentrification, and family tradition, sparking deep reflections and meaningful exchanges.

This riveting, narrated recital takes audience members back to America’s colonial period to explore the music, instruments, voices, and lives of enslaved Africans and forgotten patriots. The music will include period instruments, traditional folk songs, patriotic selections, and Negro spirituals performed by Black musicians. Produced by the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA).

Jewelry is more than adornment—it’s a reflection of history, culture, and identity. This hands-on workshop invites participants to explore the artistry of jewelry-making while connecting with the rich traditions of the Basotho people in Southern Africa. Attendees will gain hands-on experience in crafting unique pieces, while also exploring the historical and cultural significance behind various jewelry designs and materials.

Young Stars Live: A Showcase of Rising Talent! Get ready for an electrifying night of music, theater, and dance as the Young Stars take the stage. This dynamic showcase features incredible teen performers who have honed their talents through our artist development program, bringing creativity, passion, and high-energy performances to the spotlight. From powerful vocals to stunning choreography and captivating drama, this is a show you don’t want to miss. Come cheer on the next generation of stars and experience the magic of live performance. One night only—don’t miss it!

Jump into spring with a little cosplay costume and some animated magic! Join us at the Publick Playhouse for our annual Family Dress-up & Movie Day. Dress as your favorite royal character and capture memorable photos with our special guest, a real-life princess. Enjoy craft activities for kids and then settle in to watch the film Snow White (2025). Please note, this event is recommended for ages 3-12, however, everyone must have a ticket to enter.

Designed for musicians and performing artists, this session dives into branding, booking gigs, securing royalties, and building a sustainable career in the performing arts industry.

Dancers learn praise choreography from the professionals of Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Spaces are limited; advanced registration is recommended.

Dancers learn a mixture of regional dances of Africa from the professionals of 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; advanced registration is recommended.

May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month! Take a trip to a calming destination as the Publick Playhouse stage transforms into a peaceful retreat. Sound Meditation provides an opportunity to slow down and dive deeper into a state of relaxation to bring balance to your mental, physical and spiritual health. The use of instruments such as crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, chimes, bells, gong and voice blend together to invite the mind to a state of calm and the body to release held emotions and tension. Whether you are looking to try something new, meditate or seek a moment of peace, sound meditation can help you do it. Space is limited; advanced registration is recommended.

Led by resident artist Racquel Keller, this dynamic, hands-on collage workshop is designed to inspire creativity and facilitate the exploration of this versatile art form. Listen to music (the rock) as you dive into the world of collage (the paper and scissors), creating unique pieces using a wide range of materials while learning the history and techniques behind the medium.

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. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat, a pen, and your favorite notebook.

Belly Dance for Fitness Month: Embrace the Rhythm of Health and Wellness! 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!

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

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