This is a great addition to the Kensington community near the neighboring Antique Village…read more It occupies the entire building next to the post office, and has a large parking lot in the rear (with a few spots reserved for the dental practice). It's a unique art school combined with artists' workshops on three levels. They offer an array of classes for artists and for novice looking for a fun hobby. The classes posted that I saw were for drawing,painting, and live model drawing. Some studio rooms were quite small, while other room were larger for classes/workshops. I came for the grand opening celebration. The founder's young son was greeting people at the door and giving a well rehearsed explanation of all they had to offer. I was impressed. It was quite fun going in all the rooms and meeting some of the artists. I hope to visit again soon... maybe partake in a class one day.

The Compass Art Center is a wonderful place to learn and create! The classes and workshops are…read morefantastic, and the supportive community makes it an inspiring space for artists of all levels. Highly recommend!

In Downtown Silver Spring, the Cultural Arts Center is part of a Montgomery College satellite…read morecampus. It is modern, clean, wheelchair and easy to access, with ample parking - including open lots and a garage, and numerous handicapped spots. The facility has gender specific rest rooms and also a gender neutral family rest room. Before the event that we came for, the snack bar was open - with surprisingly well-priced sodas, beer and wine, and snack items. We came for the David Russell classical guitar concert - part of the John E. Marlow Guitar Series - on a Saturday evening. Wow! He is absolutely amazing - and offered a flawless and entertaining and mesmerizing and calming 2+ hours of music! Before the concert, we were treated to a discussion about the music in a one of the many rooms available for lectures and gatherings. We also were treated to bonus content during the concert - including a performance by the youth winner of a classical guitar concert and a proclamation presentation from the Montgomery County Council - recognizing 25 years of this type of programming initiated by and in honor of the Marlow family. The auditorium space was large and comfortable, with no poor seating anywhere - including the wheelchair section (great view, about a third of the way back in the theatre style seating). What a great space and place for appreciating and learning and celebrating culture and art - and life.

Went here to go see Bhi Bhiman. This is my first at the venue and will not be my last. The staging…read morefor the show was pretty cool as well as we were on the stage. It is also close to Cristfields so it's a win-win.

Ya gotta love this place…read more Whole fully unexpected in Wheaton Mall to be honest. But it's been there for years. Local artists display artwork ( mainly paintings and prints). All artwork is for sale, and the shop acts as sort of a CO-Op. The artists themselves are the cashiers. For the wall space, they have to work a number of set days in the shop. The artwork on the walls changes monthly. The artists are always being encouraged to paint and design new things. Did I mention the prices are really reasonable. I can't wait to seriously go shopping for art here. There is a lot of local art. Paintings of Glen Echo, Kensington, and more. Recreations of famous paintings. It's just a neat little place all around. So unassuming, but you should totally go in!

Even though the gallery has been closed, the association is still going strong with area shows and…read moreprograms of great art and artists. Get more info from the website, www.montgomeryart.org.

Artful Framing is FULL SERVICE and does excellent work. Dilip is wonderful to work with and strives…read morefor complete customer satisfaction. Several months ago he repaired a mahogany round mirror frame that had shaken apart in the moving van. Most recently he re-stretched the canvas of an acrylic painting that was shipped to me. Artful Framing offered pickup service of the massive box, stretched the painting on its frame, delivered it back to the house, where he and his assistant mounted the painting on my wall. Truly "1-stop shopping"! Highly recommend!

I recently had my artwork framed at this lovely small business, and I couldn't be more pleased! The…read moreowner Dilipi is not only incredibly talented and has a great eye for detail, but you can tell he truly loves art and brings that passion into his work. I've found my new go-to framing shop! I also really appreciate supporting a small business run by an artist, rather than a big chain. Highly recommend it . Their pricing is reasonable too and they are very polite and professional .

I enjoyed my first time at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center to see their current exhibition, Offline:…read moreTracing the Source by Hadiya Williams and curated by Anika Hobbs. The exhibition displayed hand-pulled prints, ceramics, and textiles. The exhibition is on view til March 3, 2026.

I visited the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center for a political fundraiser recently, and I'm so glad I…read morehad a reason to go inside and learn about it. It's amazing. The Pyramid Atlantic Art Center is a nonprofit center specializing in papermaking, printmaking, and book arts. It was founded in 1981, but more recently it moved into the historic Arcade building in the Hyattsville Gateway Arts District. They offer artist residencies, studios for artists, workshops, instruction, artist talks, and other events, including classes for the public. They sell pieces - large and small - and they have a small shop where they sell prints, cards, and other items. If I lived nearby and had the slightest artistic talent, I'd want to spend time at Pyramid. What a great resource for people who make art and love art in the Hyattsville area! I'm sure I'll be back, but if you live in the area, learn more about it and check it out!

This gallery space is unique. It uses an open floor plan and is surrounded by walls of varying…read moreshapes. All the better to showcase the works of jewelry makers, pottery folks, sculptors, painters, photogs, sculptors, and printmakers from and around the DC area. There is a new exhibit every month here. The Creative Partners Gallery participates in an event called "Bethesda Art Walk" which happens the second Friday each month (free reception with snacks and wine). Above and beyond the local artists shown here, Creative hosts national and international guest artists too.

If you're into the arts, check out the workshops and art gallery inside the Mansion at Strathmore…read more There's a parking lot near a garden full of sculptures and chairs to enjoy the view. Walk inside to the mansion to find an art gallery throughout. Here, they host afternoon tea, crafts, story time, and more. My nine-year-old daughter loves their gift shop!

Attended the afternoon tea experience at the Strathmore Mansion in May 2025. Probably one of the…read morebest tea services in the area for the value. Their signature blend tea is really flavorful and available for purchase in their gift shop. Everything was laid out on the table when we arrived so we were able to enjoy ourselves. Great variety of sandwiches, desserts and a scone. The caterer did a fabulous job with the food prep. I'm not a fan of macarons so that was the only item I didn't taste. The chicken sandwich was the only one that was missing something, but it still tasted very good. They host teas during the week and on one Saturday each month. The weekend dates sell out pretty fast. Definitely worth a try! And parking is right there so you can get decked out for your tea experience and not have to worry about walking too far!

This is not only one of the must see places whenever you're in Kensington, but through the hard…read morework and persistence of it owner, this gallery has become one of the key art spaces of the Greater Washington area region! The gallery showcases mid career and emerging artists, and every single one of them is a brilliant find for both beginning and established art collectors. This is also one of the few area galleries with a national footprint, as Adah Rose routinely participates in national art fairs, most notably in fairs in Miami during December's Art Basel week - the crown jewel of Art shows/fairs on the planet. The gallery is welcoming to young and beginning collectors, and thus I highly recommend it if you're interested in original and intelligent art from nearly every artworld niche and approach! Without a doubt one of the vital components of the tapestry that makes an art scene! My highest possible recommendation!

Adah Rose has a small but nice collection of contemporary pieces. She has a very warm and welcoming…read morepersonality and is happy to show you and talk about the collection even if you are not looking to buy. We ended up walking out with two pieces. We'll be back the next time we're looking to add a piece to our collection.

I always see this place in passing, but one day I decided to stop in…read more Brentwood Arts Exchange has all types of cool happenings. The space is amazing: Track lighting, natural sun light from the window paneled entrance, large white walls. The design is simple and sophisticated, great place to rent out for an event. Note: they also have a class room that can be rented for presentations and demonstrations. You can purchase original paintings, sculptures, pottery, and jewelry here.Greeting cards of all sorts available with unique and current pop, political- cultural messages and lovely artwork too! I bought this beautiful ring made of rock by Ebony Westbrook, it's called an Upcycled ring. The term upcycle means to reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of a higher quality or value than the original. Yeah a new one for me too! Prices here are very reasonable. A nice place to get that artistic friend /mentor a mature, rare, and eclectic keep sake. For me, as I get older going to the mall and making certain trendy commercial purchases just feels like I'm purchasing junk. So, I am always happy to find nooks in the county or city, where I can get someone something that actually is hand made or represents something timeless. The staff is very kind and friendly. The art exchange gives art classes for children as well as adults, also lots of local art exhibitions take place here, as well as musical performances, everything from Hip Hop to Electronica. I feel an urgency to support this place, because far too many times art hubs get evaporated by big business and we don't miss them until they're long gone. May this place NEVER rest in peace- LET'S SUPPORT LOCAL ART!

Full disclosure: I'm a teaching artist who teaches classes here sometimes…read more I adore the Brentwood Art Exchange. A partnership between Gateway Community Arts and MD National Park Commission, there are two galleries and two classrooms inside this nondescript building, as well as a small retail operation selling local artisans' goods. They've got great space and great curation. They're right on the bus line, and also have a Capital Bikeshare rack in front of the apartment building next door. They offer children's art classes (from age 6-14) and I believe they offer some adult classes, too- or will soon. It'a a special, very accessible art space. We need more like it.

This place is totally hidden from the masses. I got a bit frustrated as I was asking students on…read morecampus where The Driskell Center was and no one seemed to know, even though we were standing steps away from it. David C. Driskell Center is located in the center of University of Maryland's campus within/beside Coalfield House Athletic Center and has been quietly breathing since 2011. The Driskell Center is a museum and a historical archival center that strives to obtain and preserve collections from and about African American art and artists. Dr. David C. Driskell is a world renowned artist, educator, and philanthropist who has taken it upon himself to create a repository for African American culture and art, donating his own collection of work to the center in 2011. What brought me here was the Kara Walker exhibit: Tales of Slavery and Power and if you're not familiar with Kara Walker, let's just say her work is not for the faint at heart! http://www.yelp.com/biz/a-subtlety-by-kara-walker-brooklyn?hrid=JmYsWbCtcOQAT5bqR_i7-w I went to view Tales of Slavery and Power and it was amazingly truthful, haunting, and powerful, the Driskell Center did a great job of editing down her work for its audience; lots of notable pieces that really gives a person a "good feel" for her broader body of work. My favorite was the Emancipation Approximation set, where Walker borrows from the Asian influence of silk screens to play out psychologically deep and intimate experiences of African American women within Civil War time. If you're interested, Tales of Slavery and Power is on display at the Driskell Center until May 29, 2015. Like most galleries you can take pictures, so long as you remove the flash from your camera. The Driskell Center is an ocean of knowledge and information for researchers and art history buffs, Dr. Driskell's communications with art greats such as Georgia O'Keeffe, Romare Bearden, and Elizabeth Catlett are available to the public. Note the archival program is by appointment only Tuesday thru Friday. Lots of open space for people like me who love to pace, circle exhibits, and walk up from different angles. I so enjoyed being in this large space with less than 5 people. So many interesting and stimulating things going on here like "Black Lives/White Light" an exhibition featuring 8 White artists responding to the Black Lives Matter Movement. The all-media show surveys how White artists have reacted to the fight to preserve and protect Black Lives. "Black Lives/White Light" will be on display from April 3-30, 2015 The Gallery Hours for "Black Lives/White Light" are: Thurs/Fri 4-8pm + Sat/Sun 12-5pm. For those who like to attend lectures and hear about the inspiration behind the art. Check out the current 2015 roster: PANEL DISCUSSIONS Sunday 4/12 4pm-Artist Talk Wednesday 4/15 Teaching the Movement Now; Black Lives Matter In the Classroom-Teaching for Change Tuesday 4/21 White Voices on Black Movement: From Abolition to Now Tuesday 4/28 Black Artist response to BLWL/ Closing Reception Artist Deborah Willis, Ph.D. will have a reception at the Driskell Center Thursday, April 26 @ 5pm , she is a Professor of Photography & Imaging at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. Her Series "Critical Narratives in Visualizing the Black Body in Art and Popular Culture". The great thing is that the Driskell Center has incorporated various influences into the African American experience, offering various responses and interpretations of the work rendered, so your not just getting one polarized version of the art and its history. I am falling in love with this place already--exclusive rare pockets of knowledge, cool, interesting, interactive information for EVERYONE!