Emily Springer’s sewn tapestries create a space for reflection and conversation about cultural identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling through art. The pieces depict compositions highlighting the generational bonds between Black women. Through their intricate craftsmanship, they are an ode to the historical practice of quilting and its significance to Black culture.
* This exhibition runs Jan. 14–Mar. 1, with a public reception on Fri., Feb. 20. *
Celebrate Black History Month with Montpelier Arts Center! This annual exhibition shows the diverse talents of regional artists. Featured artwork will highlight African Americans’ lives, stories, and experiences through painting, drawing, photography, and more.
* This exhibition runs Jan. 19–Mar. 8, with a public reception on Thu., Jan. 29. *
American Dreaming is a poignant exploration of the complex interplay between pursuing financial freedom and the Black experience in America. This series delves into the nuanced relationship between aspiration and the systemic barriers that persist within our society, particularly emphasizing the American lottery system as a symbol of hope in the Black community.
This exhibit will be on display at the Publick Playhouse from January 19-March 8, 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.
* This exhibition runs Jan. 20–Mar. 14, with a public reception on Sat., Jan. 24 and an artist and curator talk on Sat., Feb. 21. *
Curated by Asha Elana Casey in honor of Black History Month, Genuine celebrates the depth, resilience, and authenticity of Black artistic expression. Featuring works by Lionel Frazier White III, Khaleelah Harris, Jessica Valoris, and Desmond Beach, this exhibition explores themes of identity, heritage, and truth through a range of materials and perspectives. Genuine highlights the power of storytelling and cultural reflection, offering a compelling tribute to the legacy and future of Black artistry.
In Glimpses of Heaven, Mame Ndiaye invites viewers into a dazzling world of mixed media works that sparkle with vibrancy and imagination. Using glitter as a central medium, Ndiaye creates otherworldly pieces that evoke a sense of transcendence and wonder. Each artwork is a luminous exploration of light, color, and texture, offering fleeting moments of beauty that transport viewers into a dreamlike space. Through Glimpses of Heaven, Ndiaye captures the ephemeral nature of joy and the magic found in the simplest, most radiant elements of life.
* This exhibition runs Jan. 26–Mar. 7, with a public reception on Sun., Feb. 1. *
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Black History Program returns to Harmony Hall Arts Center with its annual exhibition. For close to 45 years, the Black History Program has worked to preserve, honor, and celebrate Prince George’s County’s rich African American Heritage. The annual exhibition is part of this tradition. Explore stories from our county’s past that highlight the challenges and triumphs of the African American community.
Learn the art of improvisation, also known as ‘Silly make ‘em ups!’ Excellent for developing social skills, collaboration skills, and communication skills. Practice accepting other people’s ideas and adding some of your own, speaking specially, paying attention to what you are doing, etc. thorough exercises and short form Improv games.
This class will run from January 6 – February 10, 2026 on Tuesday evenings, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Registration will open in mid-November, 2025. Participants must register for the entire class session; there are no drop in rates.
* This exhibition runs Jan. 19–Mar. 8, with a public reception on Thu., Jan. 29. *
American Dreaming is a poignant exploration of the complex interplay between pursuing financial freedom and the Black experience in America. This series delves into the nuanced relationship between aspiration and the systemic barriers that persist within our society, particularly emphasizing the American lottery system as a symbol of hope in the Black community.
This exhibit will be on display at the Publick Playhouse from Janury 19-March 8, 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.
* This exhibition runs Jan. 31–Mar. 8, with a public reception on Fri., Feb. 20. *
Primarily an oil painter, Patricia Phillips Bowden discovered a renewed interest in exploring paper, collage, and mixed media during the pandemic. She finds beauty in the old, the worn, and the rusty, and hopes to capture that elegance in her work. As an artist, she strives to maintain a childlike sense of wonder and curiosity toward this fascinating place we call Earth.
* This exhibition runs Jan. 31–Mar. 7, with a public reception on Sun., Feb. 1. *
Qrcky’s artistic endeavors delve into the interplay between the sensibilities of the Black diaspora and the urban landscapes they inhabit. While the artist draws inspiration from esteemed artists such as Kara Walker and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Qrcky also profoundly influences the surrounding world. Qrcky is captivated by the sensations of movement, the deconstruction and reassembly of surfaces, and the intricate processes of forgetting and remembering that shape our collective consciousness. The artist’s creations profoundly reflect his identity, heritage, and the encompassing tapestry of culture that envelops him.
* This exhibition runs Jan. 26–Mar. 7, with a public reception on Sun., Feb. 1. *
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Black History Program returns to Harmony Hall Arts Center with its annual exhibition. For close to 45 years, the Black History Program has worked to preserve, honor, and celebrate Prince George’s County’s rich African American Heritage. The annual exhibition is part of this tradition. Explore stories from our county’s past that highlight the challenges and triumphs of the African American community.
* This exhibition runs Jan. 31–Mar. 7, with a public reception on Sun., Feb. 1. *
Qrcky’s artistic endeavors delve into the interplay between the sensibilities of the Black diaspora and the urban landscapes they inhabit. While the artist draws inspiration from esteemed artists such as Kara Walker and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Qrcky also profoundly influences the surrounding world. Qrcky is captivated by the sensations of movement, the deconstruction and reassembly of surfaces, and the intricate processes of forgetting and remembering that shape our collective consciousness. The artist’s creations profoundly reflect his identity, heritage, and the encompassing tapestry of culture that envelops him.
Learn the art of improvisation, also known as ‘Silly make ‘em ups!’ Excellent for developing social skills, collaboration skills, and communication skills. Practice accepting other people’s ideas and adding some of your own, speaking specially, paying attention to what you are doing, etc. thorough exercises and short form Improv games.
This class will run from January 6 – February 10, 2026 on Tuesday evenings, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Registration will open in mid-November, 2025. Participants must register for the entire class session; there are no drop in rates.
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.
Celebrate Black History Month with the soulful fusion of Memphis blues, New York fire, and D.C. flavor with the Muneer Nasser Quintet. A master trumpeter, composer, and jazz historian, Nasser brings his deep-rooted passion for jazz to the stage. His latest album, Blue House Session, is a vibrant mix of blues, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and timeless jazz energy. Celebrate Black History Month with an electrifying performance that honors the past while igniting the future of jazz. Don’t miss this unforgettable afternoon of music. Celebrate history. Experience the music.
Message is not your typical concert series. It is an oasis where local artists find their voice and share their stories. Here, music transcends mere entertainment–it becomes personal. Local talent takes center stage. These are the musicians who play at the neighborhood cafes, scribble lyrics on napkins, and dream big. They’re not chasing fame, they’re chasing connection. From soulful ballads to introspective rap, their performances resonate with authenticity. Every Message event is unrepeatable, no two shows are alike; each carries a unique message. The audience sits close enough to see the artist’s fingertips on the strings and feel the raw emotion in every lyric. This is an event for anyone seeking refuge from the noise, who craves more than a passive concert experience.
A light-hearted homage to the style and spirit of the Great Age of Vaudeville, an immensely popular theatre from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, comprised of specialty acts, song, and dance. Happenstance Theater’s five versatile players breathe new life into classic old routines from a ventriloquist’s dummy to a magic act that goes awry, from novelty songs and a musical saw to waiters juggling meatballs, all with full live foley sound effects. This show teems with hijinks, harmonies, nostalgic beauty, and physical comedy. This family-friendly show has something for everyone!
Explore diverse revenue opportunities beyond traditional sales, including licensing, commissions, teaching, digital platforms, and passive income strategies.
Celebrate Black History Month with an unforgettable music matinee featuring award-winning saxophonist Brent Birckhead and his sextet. Hailed by The New York Times as “one of the most riveting young improvisers in New York,” Birckhead blends tradition and innovation, drawing from jazz, soul, and activism. A Howard University alumnus, he has performed with legends like Lauryn Hill, Nas, and George Duke. Experience his powerful sound and storytelling, showcasing the depth of African American musical heritage. Don’t miss this special tribute—an afternoon of history, culture, and soul-stirring jazz!
This performance is part of our Education on Stage Series and is recommended for Grades K-5. Black History heroes laid the groundwork for some of the most amazing discoveries of the modern era, especially regarding Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Hosted by the incredible scientist, George Washington Carver, who invented thousands of uses for the lowly peanut, this Bright Star Touring show introduces students to other great scientists, entrepreneurs, and groundbreakers from Black History. Meet Madame CJ Walker, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and more! Please note, everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.
This performance is part of our Education on Stage Series and is recommended for Grades K-5. Black History heroes laid the groundwork for some of the most amazing discoveries of the modern era, especially regarding Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Hosted by the incredible scientist, George Washington Carver, who invented thousands of uses for the lowly peanut, this Bright Star Touring show introduces students to other great scientists, entrepreneurs, and groundbreakers from Black History. Meet Madame CJ Walker, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and more! Please note, everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.
In honor of Black History Month, musician, author, and lecturer Daryl Davis will present a concert of the Roots of American Popular Music consisting of Blues, Boogie Woogie, Jazz, and Rock’n’Roll composed by Black musicians as performed by The Daryl Davis Trio.
A D.C.-based reggae group that maintains the authentic sound of Rasta Roots Reggae while spreading messages of social consciousness and spiritual wisdom.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by making Shrinky Dink charms and keepsakes! Watch your designs magically shrink into mini masterpieces—perfect for jewelry, keychains, or heartfelt gifts.
Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am is an artful and intimate meditation on the legendary Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author that examines her life, her works, and the powerful themes she has confronted throughout her literary career. The documentary collects written and graphic work from the history of Black life in America, seeking to fill in the gaps in the master narrative of American history.
Attention teen actors! The Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation Arts & Cultural Heritage Division seeks ten talented teens, ages 16 and up, to join the 2026 Teen Performance Ensemble Summer Tour. The ensemble performs a one-act play, directed by professional theater artists, for children enrolled in M-NCPPC’s Summer Camps.
Rehearsals begin in April 2026, and the tour will take place on weekdays from June 29 to August 7. This is a paid position. For more information, contact Megan.Merchant@pgparks com or call 301-446-3238.
This multi-week class builds upon foundational acting skills, focusing on in-depth exploration of techniques, character development, and performance styles; often including scene work, improvisation, and analysis of dramatic texts. Participants should have a basic understanding of acting techniques and principles that the class will focus on refining and expanding.
This class will run from February 17 – March 24, 2026 on Tuesday evenings, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Registration will open in mid-November, 2025. Participants must register for the entire class session; there are no drop in rates.
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.
Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect traces Thurgood Marshall’s life and career from his birth in Baltimore in 1908, through his years at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Lincoln University and Howard University School of Law, and on to his groundbreaking career as a lawyer championing civil rights. After launching his legal career in Baltimore in 1935, Marshall went on to win 29 of the 32 cases he argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, most notably the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case, which invalidated the “separate but equal” doctrine and ended racial segregation in public schools. In 1967, Marshall became the first African American appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he served until his retirement in 1991. Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect includes exclusive interviews with family members, leading historians and authors, and legal experts who offer fresh insights into the life and extraordinary influence of the man who became known as “Mr. Civil Rights.”
Executive produced by Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson and MPT Senior Vice President and Chief Content Officer Travis Mitchell, the film is produced and directed by Alexis Aggrey, with music by two-time Grammy Award-winning composer Derrick Hodge. “For the first time, audiences will hear Thurgood Marshall tell his own story – in his own words,” said director and producer Alexis Aggrey. “This film is the first to center Marshall’s own voice, drawn from a rare eight-hour oral history. It’s not just a documentary; it’s a conversation with a man whose legal mind reshaped the nation and whose legacy still echoes through our justice system today.”
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.
* This exhibition runs Jan. 14–Mar. 1, with a public reception on Fri., Feb. 20. *
Celebrate Black History Month with Montpelier Arts Center! This annual exhibition shows the diverse talents of regional artists. Featured artwork will highlight African Americans’ lives, stories, and experiences through painting, drawing, photography, and more.
* This exhibition runs Jan. 13–Mar. 1, with a public reception on Fri., Feb. 20. *
Emily Springer’s sewn tapestries create a space for reflection and conversation about cultural identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling through art. The pieces depict compositions highlighting the generational bonds between Black women. Through their intricate craftsmanship, they are an ode to the historical practice of quilting and its significance to Black culture.
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 exhibition runs Jan. 20–Mar. 14, with a public reception on Sat., Jan. 24 and an artist and curator talk on Sat., Feb. 21. *
Curated by Asha Elana Casey in honor of Black History Month, Genuine celebrates the depth, resilience, and authenticity of Black artistic expression. Featuring works by Lionel Frazier White III, Khaleelah Harris, Jessica Valoris, and Desmond Beach, this exhibition explores themes of identity, heritage, and truth through a range of materials and perspectives. Genuine highlights the power of storytelling and cultural reflection, offering a compelling tribute to the legacy and future of Black artistry.
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).
This performance is part of our Education on Stage Series and is recommended for Grades 1-6. Race to the finish line with two black Olympians who changed history in this original musical play from Discovery Theater! Soaring music and the exhilaration of world-class sports inspire us all to greatness in this vivid portrayal of the lives of Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph. Watch them overcome childhood illness, infirmity, and poverty to become the world’s fastest man and fastest woman, winning the greatest honor in athletics: the Olympic Gold medal. The John Cornelius II score speaks to the heart and soul of the winner in all of us. Please note, everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.
This performance is part of our Education on Stage Series and is recommended for Grades 1-6. Race to the finish line with two black Olympians who changed history in this original musical play from Discovery Theater! Soaring music and the exhilaration of world-class sports inspire us all to greatness in this vivid portrayal of the lives of Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph. Watch them overcome childhood illness, infirmity, and poverty to become the world’s fastest man and fastest woman, winning the greatest honor in athletics: the Olympic Gold medal. The John Cornelius II score speaks to the heart and soul of the winner in all of us. Please note, everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.
A live tribute to American singer and songwriter Frankie Beverly. He was best known for his recordings with the soul and funk band Maze and was a consistent hitmaker on the R&B charts for almost 50 years. His music is known for its authenticity and emotional depth. This concert highlights the early years of Maze and the transition to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. We Are One X-Perience performs all the hit songs that everyone knows and loves, including: “Back in Stride,” “Too Many Games,” “Can’t Get Over You,” “Before I Let Go, Running Away,” and many more. They pride themselves on giving the audience an incredibly high-energy performance each time they take the stage.
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.
Forever Yours – Tribute To The O’Jays has quickly become one of today’s most outstanding tribute groups. The O’Jays have acknowledged them as a group worthy of carrying on their legacy. The group comprises some of the DMV’s most talented singers. Their renditions of such great hits as “Back Stabbers,” “Love Train,” “For The Love of Money,” and others will take you back to the days of your youth. They have graced the stages of popular local venues such as The Birchmere and Bethesda Blues and Jazz. Come out and get on the “Love Train” with Forever Yours – Tribute To The O’Jays.