Events

Dr. James Illingworth has been on the staff of the University of Mayland’s History Department Freedmen and Southern Society Project since 2015 and is currently an associate editor. He received his PhD in history from the University of California, Santa Cruz; his research and writing focuses on slavery, emancipation, and Reconstruction. Illingworth is the lead editor for a forthcoming volume of Freedom: A Documentary History of Emancipation that examines family and kinship among formerly enslaved people in the immediate aftermath of emancipation.

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.

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.

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.

Barbara Ziselberger is interested in how art can awaken memories and facilitate self-awareness. Her current project centers on the material aspects of line and texture in the medium of collage. She will take a deep dive into the study of mark-making and paper production techniques in artist-created collage materials, then use what she learns to create a new body of work.

Bao Yen Nguyen was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the U.S. in 1997. Nguyen’s works focus on manipulating photographs by using gel medium transfer and mixed media, and deals with Asian Americans living between two worlds: the old and the new. In recent years, hate speech and violence toward Asians have risen. The new series visualizes her internal struggle with anti-Asian racism and a sense of belonging.

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.

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.