UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

Something Left Behind: Selections from the Studio of Michael B. Platt

Brentwood Arts Exchange’s upcoming main gallery exhibition showcases both the seen and the previously private work of Michael B. Platt, a revered D.C. artist and professor who passed away in 2019.  

During his life, Platt and his wife of 27 years, Carol Beane, co-created several projects and collectively affected the lives of many in the DC metro area. The pieces span genres and wrestle with the tangles of history and humanity in ways that provoke self-reflection.

Curated by Gia Harewood, in collaboration with Carol Beane, this exhibition aims to remind visitors of the importance of Platt’s art and keep his legacy alive.  

Reverberations: The Butterfly Effect of Michael B. Platt

Brentwood Arts Exchange’s upcoming lab gallery exhibition, Reverberations, acts as a companion to Something Left Behind: Selections from the Studio of Michael B. Platt.  

Platt was a major force in the beginning of many artists’ careers, especially amongst his students. As a professor, Platt taught at Northern Viriginia Community College and Howard University for a combined 40+ years. He would often tell his students and colleagues that art is the only thing that lasts after our short lives are over. Reverberations is a testament to this fact, showcasing the work from a collection of artists who continue to create art inspired by him.

Both exhibitions run from Sep. 3- Oct. 19

There will be an Opening Reception on Saturday, Sep. 7, from 5 - 8pm.

Classes and Workshops

Embroidery: Adults 

Every Wednesday, September 11- November 13

6:30-8:30 pm 

Have you ever wanted to customize your clothes or explore a hobby to help you relax and de-stress? Learn at least 8 foundational embroidery stitches and techniques, including how to transfer designs, follow a pattern, and finish pieces for display. From ancient craft to contemporary art, embroidery is a skill everyone can enjoy! 

Ages 18 & up 

Activity Code- 15408-510A

Open Studio for Kids 

Every Saturday, September 14- November 16

10:30-12:00 pm 

Children will explore their imagination and try different art making styles. A lead instructor will be available to guide your young artist in a myriad of 2D and 3D materials and methods.

Ages 6-12 

Activity Code- 30213-510A

Graffiti Art Styles and Techniques 

Every Monday, September 9- November 11

5:00-7:00 pm

Create your own graffiti style and technique in this popular, and important, artform. This course teaches the standard components of graffiti lettering and design, including tags, connections, extensions, replacements, fill, and composition in an ethically framed context.

No spray paint will be used. 

Ages 8-14 

Activity Code- 30620-510A

Creative Time with Emily 

Lead instructor Emily Liddle, a respected artist and educator in the Gateway Arts District, has selected these fun and creative workshops for everyone to enjoy! Every participant will learn a new project and have a unique keepsake to bring home.

Sign up now!

Sock Puppet Scallywags! Family Workshop 

Sat., Sep. 7, 1-3 pm 

What’s more fun than a silly sock puppet?! This family friendly workshop will walk you through the steps to create your very own sock puppet character using everyday materials that you have at home or use the materials we provide. JUST BRING SOCKS! Guaranteed fun and creativity for all ages. 

All ages | $20 per family 

Activity Code- 15620-510A

Day of the Dead Family Mask Making Workshop 

Sat., Oct. 5, 1-3 pm

Sugar skulls are an important and beloved tradition in the Mexican Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebrations. The whole family can create either 2 or 3-D skull masks and paint them with colorful designs and embellishments to honor a loved one, or just for fun! 

All ages | $20 per family 

Activity Code- 15609-510A

SUPERHERO ADVENTURES! Family Workshop 

Sat., Nov. 9, 1-3 pm 

Bring your inner superhero to life in this exciting and imaginative family workshop! Design your own mask, cape, and logo to suit your own special superpowers. Bring an old, adult-sized t-shirt (bigger is better!) and your wildest super fantasies before you “suit up” to save the world! 

All ages | $20 per family

Activity Code- 15609-510B

Call us at 301-277-2863 for more information on classes and workshops.

Port Towns

FOCUS GROUP

We are excited to invite you to help us shape the future of Port Towns by participating in a focus group of artists and community arts supporters (curators, performers, actors, visual artists, administrators, etc.). The session will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at the Publick Playhouse (5445 Landover Road Hyattsville, MD 20784).

RSVP HERE: If you have any questions please reach out to Regan Carver, Outreach Consultant via cell at 202-469-9906)

Participants will join in discussing steps that the Prince George's County Planning Department can take to foster the arts in the Port Towns which is made up of the municipalities of Bladensburg, Colmar Manor, Cottage City and Edmonston as part of an ongoing planning initiative called the Port Towns Sector Plan and SMA. Our objective is to draft a roadmap to a shared community vision and future for Port Towns. The community wants its future to include inclusive storytelling and incorporate a vibrant art scene, which is why we need your help. Your expertise will help us move this initiative forward.

miXt Food Hall

ARTIST CALL

miXt seeks an artist to design, create and install an art installation on the patio facing Rhode Island Avenue. The purpose of the installation is to connect people to the art community and the create a visual aesthetic for the Route 1 corridor.

The art may be affixed to the building, railing or may be mounted in the plant bed area. Work is to be installed by the selected artist. All respondents are encouraged to visit miXt Food Hall to take measurements and photos. The final selected piece must be able to withstand regional climate and must be washable.

Work comes with a $2,000 honorarium. Cost of supplies is covered up to $500.

Anticipated schedule:

- Deadline for submissions: Sep. 15

- Selected artist notification: Sep. 30

- Installation schedule: Nov. 2024

Upon approval, the selected artist or artist team will be issued an artist agreement.

Please submit the following to Sandy Patterson ([email protected])

- Rough sketch with descriptive narrative and examples of previous work

- Use of color is recommended to stand out!

- Up to three submissions per artist

For questions and all inquiries contact:

Sandy Patterson

[email protected]

301-332-4584

The Brentwood Summer Concert Series

Brentwood Arts Exchange is proud to partner with The Town of Brentwood to present The Summer Concert Series, featuring three individual performances every second Saturday of July, August and September.

Upcoming Concerts:

Taisha Estrada

Bartlett Park Gazebo

Saturday, September 14, 6-8 PM

FREE | ALL AGES

Puerto Rican vocalist and songwriter Taisha Estrada will lend her talent for the third performance of The Summer Concert Series.

Highlighting her compelling lyrics and dynamic stage performance, she was featured in the Washington Post and NPR’s Tiny Desk show.

Listening Room Concert Series

The Listening Room Music Concert Series, our longest standing music series, will provide a platform for local singer-songwriters from diverse musical genres, representing the limitless creativity across the DMV.

Upcoming Concerts:

José Luiz Martins

Brentwood Arts Exchange

Friday, September 13, 8-10 PM

$20 | ALL AGES

José Luiz Martins, hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, boasts a multifaceted career as a pianist, keyboard player, composer, arranger and producer.

Garnering praise from both critics and audiences alike, Martins is currently immersed in the production of his forthcoming album with his US band. This anticipated release will showcase a fusion of original compositions, alongside his unique approach arranging pieces by Brazilian and American composers.

Tickets

Rental Spaces

Looking for a space to hold your next event? Brentwood Arts Exchange features three unique, distinct and affordable spaces for hosting various types of events of all sizes. Each room provides a different atmosphere perfect for your specific needs.

Call us, or visit our website for more information on hosting your next event at Brentwood Arts Exchange. Autumn is approaching, so reserve one of our spaces while you can!