Newsroom
By PGACThe Prince George’s Arts Council is pleased to join with the Department of Communication and Theatre at the Prince George’s Community College to announce the staged reading of “for colored boys who have considered homicide when the streets were too much,” September 24th and September 25th, 2010, 7:00 p.m. at the Hallam Theater, Queen Anne Fine Arts Building, 301 Largo Road, Largo, Maryland 20774. Six men, who are only identified by a number, explore the various challenges of race, identity, masculinity, love, and life on the streets. Through poetry, music and dance, this theatrical performance will explore what it means to be a black male in America. The performance will be followed by a powerful panel discussion and community outreach event presented by The Diverse Male Student Academy.
“The Diverse Male Student Academy is tailored for men who are interested in focusing their energies toward self-improvement and community involvement. The program is designed to enhance educational attainment and leadership skills by helping men to strengthen their social, cultural and economic acumen and develop a network among current and future leaders.”
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CELEBRATE NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH “THE LOVE OF ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS” EXHIBITION Posted: August 24, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402, or lionellt@artspg.orgThe Prince George’s Arts Council (PGAC) is pleased to announce that local artists Marité Vidales and Rafael Corzo will be featured in the upcoming exhibition entitled The Love of Artistic Expressions to commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month. The exhibit will take place from September 15 – October 15, 2010 at University Town Center, Metro 3 Building in the lobby atrium, located at 6525 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782. There will be a closing artist reception on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
Marité Vidales was born in San José, Costa Rica, where she graduated from the School of Fine Arts of the University of Costa Rica and now resides in Beltsville, Maryland. For over twenty years, Marité has exhibited throughout United States, Costa Rica and Germany. Her work reflects a passion for symbols and colors. Rafael Corzo was born in Mexico City, and he now resides in Laurel, Maryland. He is an artist and undergraduate art student at the Maryland Institute College of Art. He specializes in drawing painting, ceramics, watercolor, and sculpture. His art tends to be figurative with emotional qualities; where as range can imitate an allegory of color.
The Hispanic Month Exhibition is one of the many ways that PGAC celebrates cultural diversity through art,” said PGAC’s Executive Director Lionell Thomas. “This presentation also brings cultural awareness in and among our communities; while showcasing the enormous talents and the virtuosic views of our artists.” The PGAC believes that the arts play a vital role in everyday life, where individuals are able to value culture.
PGAC is an independent non-profit organization designated by the Prince George’s County government to coordinate financial support and advocacy for the arts. PGAC, is supported in part by the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission and Maryland State Arts Council. For more information, please contact 301-277-1402 or go to www.princegeorgesartscouncil.org.
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NEXT PRINCE GEORGE’S ARTS NETWORK MEETING TO FOCUS ON ARTS EDUCATION
Posted: August 4, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402, or lionellt@artspg.orgJoin the network of County arts advocates at the next Prince George’s County Arts Network (PG-CAN) meeting on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., at the Harmony Hall Regional Center, located at 10701 Livingston Road, Ft. Washington, MD 20744. See enclosed PG-CAN Agenda (September 28, 2010) for more details regarding the meeting. The meeting will focus primarily on arts education with a featured special presentation.
The Prince George’s County Arts Network (PG-CAN) is a network of citizens, artists, arts organizations, arts professionals, patrons, stakeholders, and public and private agencies united to advocate for increased support of the arts in Prince George’s County.
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PRINCE GEORGE’S ARTS COUNCIL SELECTED FOR FIRST-EVER LOCAL ARTS INDEX RESEARCH STUDY Posted: August 2, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402 or lionellt@artspg.orgHyattsville, MD — The Prince George’s Arts Council (PGAC) has been selected by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts, to be one of 100 communities that will participate in the inaugural Local Arts Index. These local arts agencies will be part of an 18-month research initiative that serves as a complement to the National Arts Index. The findings from the Local Arts Index will be reported in Fall 2011.
The Local Arts Index will be the first county-level study designed to measure the health and vitality of the arts industries throughout the United States. It will use a single methodology utilizing information gathered from research produced by the federal government and private research organizations and covering multiple industries, including nonprofit groups, for-profit arts businesses, employment figures, and more. When these quantitative measures are taken together, the Local Arts Index will provide a year-by-year and community-by-community comparison of the nation’s arts sector.
“We are very excited to be selected as representatives of the arts in the United States,” said PGAC’s Executive Director Lionell Thomas. “Our unique make-up as a diverse urban, suburban, and rural community should go a long way towards connecting the dots about the social and economic benefits of the arts to our residents and visitors.” “The Local Arts Index is an incredible tool for local arts leaders and we are excited to work with our community partners over the coming year. The Local Arts Index will allow the arts groups to place their community in a national context and strengthen the arts in their schools, businesses, and homes,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts.
The Kresge Foundation has awarded Americans for the Arts a $1.2 million grant to conduct the Local Arts Index, as well as the supporting workshops and materials necessary to assist communities in the effective application of the local data. Research for the Local Arts Index is directed by Roland Kushner, PhD, through support from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. Americans for the Arts announced the National Arts Index in January. Those findings showed that the National Arts Index fell 4 points in 2008 to a score of 98.4, reflecting losses in charitable giving and declining attendance at larger cultural institutions, even as the number of arts organizations grew. Figures from 2009 will be released in October. For the 99 confirmed Local Arts Index communities, see enclosed participants.
Funded in part by the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission and the Maryland State Arts Council, PGAC is an independent non-profit organization designated by the Prince George’s County government to coordinate financial support and advocacy for the arts.
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NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR NEW DIGITAL VISUAL ARTISTS REGISTRY Posted: July 29, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402 or lionellt@artspg.orgThe Prince George’s Arts Council is now accepting applications for its new digital Visual Artists Registry, previously maintained by the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All visual and craft artists who live and work in Prince George’s County are invited to join the nearly 300 artists already in the Registry. The Registry is a free resource for artists, curators, and agencies commissioning art works. “The Visual Artists Registry will showcase the diverse talents of artists living and working in Prince George’s County,” said Executive Director Lionell Thomas. “We are pleased to offer this as a part of our overall goal to build partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities within the community.”
Artists who were listed previously in the M-NCPPC Registry are invited to update their Registry file with digital images and documents. Please mail a disk with digital versions of all of your updated information to the address below. If your digital files were already sent, we already have them. New applicants may submit up to six images. In the case of previous applicants, if there were more than six images submitted, registry images will be chosen at our discretion unless otherwise noted by the artist. Images containing content that is explicitly violent, sexual, or obscene will not be accepted. Artwork and submitted images should meet a certain standard of artistic and technical quality to be considered. Attached is a Visual Artists Registry Application Form to be filled out by all artists who have already or will be sending in digital files. All files must be sent in jpeg format. Please email the form back to princegeorge39scountyartcouncil@yahoo.com. The deadline for submitting all applications is August 13, 2010. The Registry will be updated bi-annually.
If you have any questions about the Registry, please contact Ian McDermott by phone at 301-277-1402 or by email at princegeorge39scountyartcouncil@yahoo.com.
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PRINCE GEORGE’S ARTS COUNCIL PARTNERS WITH ARTS NETWORK TO STAGE COUNTY EXECUTIVE CANDIDATES FORUM “THE ARTS: HERE, NOW AND TOMORROW” Posted: June 30, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402 or lionellt@artspg.orgThe Prince George’s Arts Council joins the Prince George’s County Arts Network (PG-CAN) to stage an interactive forum on arts-related issues with the candidates running for Prince George’s County Executive. This free event will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Joseph and Alma Gildenhorn Recital Hall, on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park. It will be the first time that County Executive candidates will face off around the issue of the arts in Prince George’s County. A meet and greet will follow the question and answer panel discussion. “We are delighted to partner in this effort to highlight the significant role that the artsplay in the social and economic well-being of the County,” said PGAC Executive Director Lionell Thomas. “We view this as an opportunity to engage the next County Executive in an ongoing community dialogue about the future of the arts for our residents.” RSVP to Juliana Njoku at njoku06@yahoo.com or 301-277-1402. For other questions, please contact Lionell Thomas at lionellt@artspg.org.
Primary organizers of the forum are PG-CAN, Prince George’s Arts Council, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Joe’s Movement Emporium and Artsfusion. PG-CAN is a newly formed network of citizens, artists, arts organizations, arts professionals, patrons, stakeholders and public and private agencies united to advocate for increased support of the arts in Prince George’s County.
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THE FIRST LANHAM ARTS INFUSION CELEBRATION July 24th Posted: June 21 2010 Media Contact: Randall Pippen, 301-277-908-5977The Prince George’s Arts Council partners with Prince George’s County Council Member Ingrid M. Turner – District 4, Prince Georges County Council Member Eric Olson – District 3, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and Starlite Advertising Studios are to present the first Lanham Arts Infusion family celebration, featuring the Billy Taylor Jazzmobile from New York City.
The event will be held on Saturday, July 24th from 2:00 to 8:00 pm at the Lanham Sports Park located at 7700 Good Luck Road, Lanham, MD. This one-day free event will bring families, the community, art and music lovers together to share in the cultural resources of the County. It will showcase live world-class entertainment, art exhibitions, kids pavilion, arts, crafts and food, plus the Billy Taylor Jazzmobile. The Jazzmobile will stage music demonstrations for the attendees during the day, which will then be highlighted with evening performances by the great Winard Harper Sextet, Marcus Mitchell Project, and Shawn Allen.
Media sponsors for the event are The Gazette, and The Washington Informer. For more information, please call the Prince George’s Arts Council at 301-277-1402 or visit their website at www.princegeorgesartscouncil.org.
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FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES HOSTED AT THE MALL AT PRINCE GEORGES Posted: June 10, 2010 Media Contact: Victoria Clark, 301-559-8845 or clarkv@preit.comExperience the essence of music through an impressive variety of free, live entertainment performed by local artists and students this summer at The Mall at Prince Georges’ Main Food Court, 3500 East West Highway, Hyattsvile, Maryland 20782. The Prince George’s Arts Council presents a Summer Concert Series Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Food Court, debuting with the Herbert Scott Trio on Thursday, June 17. Shoppers and residents are invited to stop by for dinner and enjoy smooth jazz, indie rock rhythms, classical notes and toe-tapping tunes.
Upcoming performances include:
Thursday, June 17 – Herbert Scott Trio
Thursday, June 24 – Never in Denver
Listen to intuitive and eclectic beats of jazz and indie music woven with talented vocals. Brothers and band mates Nudeo Vega and Posido Vega make for a dynamic drum and bass duo, while guitarist Chris Kennedy and vocalist Amanda Olsavsky, who also plays the dulcimer.
Thursday, July 1 – Unbroken Dreams
Thursday, July 8 – Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra
Shoppers and residents will enjoy this energetic group of young performers as they play all genres of music from classical and jazz to gospel, R&B and calypso. The orchestra, comprised of 24 students ranging in age 8 – 18, has performed across the globe from Boston, Massachusetts to Dakar, Senegal.
Thursday, July 15 – Ottley Music School
Ottley Music School (OMS), located at the University Town Center in Hyattsville, is a multi-faceted learning institution that offers private lessons in music, vocals and dance. OMS will perform a medley of classical music with vocals and instrumentals.
The Mall at Prince Georges is a Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) property. PREIT, founded in 1960 and one of the first equity REITs in the U.S., has a primary investment focus on retail shopping malls and power centers. Currently, PREIT’s retail portfolio consists of 55 properties including 39 shopping malls, 13 strip and power centers and four properties under development. PREIT’s properties are located in 13 states in the eastern half of the United States, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region. PREIT is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Company’s website can be found at www.preit.com. PREIT is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol PEI.
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DISCOUNTED ARTS AND CRAFT VENDING SPACES ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE FIRST LANHAM ARTS INFUSION CELEBRATION Posted: June 8, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402 or lionellt@artspg.orgThe Prince George’s Arts Council is pleased to invite all interested arts and craft artists’ to take advantage of discounted vending spaces at the first Lanham Arts Infusion celebration. The event will take place on Saturday, July 24, 2010, 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Lanham Sports Park located at 7700 Good Luck Road, Lanham, Maryland. Singles booths are offered at a discounted price of $75.00 and $130.00 for a double booth. The event will also include children’s activities, food, and fun, highlighted by entertainment from the Billy Taylor Jazzmobile of New York City. Click on Booth Registration Form for further details. Deadline to take advantage of the discounted price has been extended to July 15, 2010. For more information, please call 301-908-5620.
This event is sponsored by the Prince George’s Arts Council, Council Member Ingrid Turner, District 4, Council Member Eric Olson, District 3, Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission, Maryland State Arts Council, and Starlite Studios.
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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY TEENS PRAISED AT POETRY BETWEEN THE LINES Posted: May 20, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402 or lionellt@artspg.orgLaurel, MD – Thank you to all who helped make this year’s Poetry Between the Lines such a wonderful success! We appreciate your support of the Prince George’s Arts Council and your attendance at last night’s (5/20/2010) celebration. So many emotions come to mind when I reflect on the extraordinary celebration of Prince George’s County teen poets that took place last evening. It was truly magnificent. From the first hit of Doc Powell’s Djembe (African drum) until last delectable morsel was consumed during the concluding catered reception, the vibe throughout night was “top flight.” Poets soared past plateaus to mountaintops, and then danced on the sunbeams that seemed to have been held in wait for this special occasion.
Each of the teen honorees: Andrew Jones, Mariah Williams, Armand Jackson and Michael Penn, performed to a rapt audience before exiting the stage to exhilarating applause. The audience included distinguished local, regionally and nationally known poets and literary academicians who had come out to hear what these teen Prince Georgian poets had to offer. They, like every other guest, whether proud family member, coach, friend or fan, were moved and visibly impressed by what they experienced. Persons could be seen nodding in concurrence, as “snaps and claps” were clearly the order of the day. Even the teens themselves were inspired, as was evidenced when teen poet honoree, Michael Penn, requested an impromptu duet with adult poet/vocalist/poet, Aliya, of Lyrikal Storm. After a moment to get in sync, these two free and gifted spirits demonstrated the beauty of giving birth to creativity in the safe, nurturing ’womb‘ that a healthy and vibrant arts community can provide. In this instance, it was the Montpelier Arts Center. Poets shared their gifts with heartfelt passion, in some instances conveying pain seemingly well beyond their years, crafting verbal and visual images that transported listeners into a private, yet shared inner sanctum where word-mastery reigned supreme. Guests were blessed to witness all this and more through the artistic excellence of Prince George’s County teen poets.
Throughout the evening, the elegant, satiny smooth ribbon-of-a-voice of Mistress of Ceremonies, Jacquie Gales Webb ”wrapped the entire package” together with warmth and sincere appreciation for all she witnessed. Ms. Webb took obvious pride in informing the audience and thanking Poet Lore Magazine (http://www.poetlore.com/home.php) for donating to the teen poet honorees issues of their publication, which is the oldest continuously published poetry magazine in the United States. Event coordinator, Sistah Joy, presented the magazines to the poets upon their arrival. Congratulations again to each of the teen poets! Video footage from this event will soon be available for viewing on-line at http://princegeorgesartscouncil.org/.
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FREE CAPACITY-BUILDING WORKSHOPS OFFERED TO ARTISTS AND ARTS ORGANIZATIONS Posted: May 19, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402 or lionellt@artspg.orgThe Prince George’s Arts Council is pleased to offer another series of capacity-building workshops to support the ongoing development of artists and arts organizations in Prince George’s County. The workshops are free and will take place at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex, located at 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785.
- Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. – How to Start A Nonprofit Organization
- Saturday, June 19, 2010, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. – Fundraising with Special Events
The workshop facilitator is Chery T. Goodman, CEO of Eagle Arts & Entertainment Services, Inc. RSVP is required at 301-277-1402 or by email at elewis@artspg.org.
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PHOTOMANIA EXHIBITION TO SHOWCASE COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHERS
Posted: May 10, 2010
Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402 or lionellt@artspg.org
Come join the Prince George’s Arts Council in celebrating Prince George’s County photographers at the University Town Center Metro 3 Building located at 6525 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782. The exhibit will run from Friday, May 10 – Tuesday, August 31, 2010, with viewing hours from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Featured artists include Stuart Diekmeyer, Valerie Russell, Diane Tuckman, and Richard Weiblinger. A reception will be scheduled and all are invited.
Photo by Richard Paul Weiblinger
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TEEN POETS CELEBRATED AT UPCOMING POETRY BETWEEN THE LINES Thursday, May 20, 2010, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Posted: May 6, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402 or lionellt@artspg.orgThe Prince George’s Arts Council is pleased to announce Poetry Between the Lines, the County’s foremost annual teen poetry event at which the winners of the Xtreme Teen Poetry Slamfest are presented to the community. This year’s celebration takes place from 6:00 until 8:30 PM on Thursday, May 20, 2010, at The Montpelier Arts Center. Esteemed WHUR radio personality Jacquie Gales Webb will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies presenting to the community each of the Slamfest winners, along with five-time Def Poetry Jam poet, Bassey Ikpi and Lyrikal Storm, the Prince George’s County-based premiere teen performance group. Musical performances by Doc Powell will open and conclude the event. Poetry Between the Lines, a significant cultural arts event in Prince George’s County, celebrates the achievement and excellence of Prince George’s County teen poets.
In April 2010, the County held its 2010 Xtreme Teen Poetry Slamfest at Berwyn Heights Elementary School. This event was funded by legislation authored by District 3 Council Member Eric Olson, who opened the Slamfest with remarks citing the importance to providing a positive opportunity for youth to express themselves through poetry. The winners of the Slamfest, who will be highlighted at Poetry Between the Lines, are Michael Penn of Friendly High School (1st Place), Armand Jackson of Friendly High School (2nd Place) and Mariah Williams also of Friendly High School (3rd Place).
Presented as three of the best young voices of Prince George’s County, each poet has been writing for several years and recently studied under master poets Tahira Joseph, founder of Creative Writing Alliance and Neville Adams, founder of Phoenix/Medina Writers Project, Inc. The teens will each perform at Poetry Between the Lines, along side critically acclaimed, award-winning poet, Bassey Ikpi and the teen performance group, Lyrikal Storm. “We are thrilled that our youth poets will have the opportunity to share the stage with the internationally acclaimed Bassey Ikpi,” said PGAC’s Executive Director Lionell Thomas. “The opportunity to celebrate the excellence of County poets, both new voices and acclaimed, opens doors to the arts for creative expression.” Light refreshments will be served. Free parking is available. Guests are requested to silence electronic devices prior to arrival as this event will be recorded. The Montpelier Arts Center is located at 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD 20708. RSVP at 301-277-1402 or by email at elewis@artspg.org. Prince George’s Arts Council website: www.princegeorgesartscouncil.org.
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PG-CAN MEETING HOSTED AT THE DAVID DRISKELL CENTER Wednesday, May 26, 2010, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Posted: May 4, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402 or lionellt@artspg.orgThe Prince George’s County Arts Network (PG-CAN) is a newly forming group of citizens, artists, arts organizations, arts professionals, patrons, stakeholders, and public and private agencies united to support the advancement of the arts in Prince George’s County. All PG-CAN meetings are free and open to the public. The next meeting will be hosted by the David Driskell Center, located on the University of Maryland campus, 1214 Cole Student Activities Building, College Park, MD. Please contact the Prince George’s Arts Council at 301-277-1402 to receive future meeting notices.
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FREE SUMMER STOMPIN FATHER’S DAY CONCERT COMING SOON Posted: May 3, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402 or lionellt@artspg.orgSAVE THE DATE, Summer Stompin Father’s Day Concert, Sunday, June 20, 2010, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Allen Pond Park, 3330 Northview Drive, Bowie, MD 20716. Featuring 2010 Maryland State Fellowship Award Recipient Carolyn Malachi of Prince George’s County and other special guest performers. Free and open to the public. For more information, please call 301-277-1402.
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WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL COMING TO NATIONAL HARBOR MAY 1ST AND 2ND Posted: April 9, 2010 Media Contacts: Rhonda Dallas, 301-943-8520 or rdallas03@aol.com, or Lionell Thomas at 301-277-1402 0r lionellt@artspg.orgThe Prince George’s Arts Council (PGAC) is excited to announce that the Prince George’s Arts Network (PG-CAN) will have an exhibit booth at this year’s inaugural Washington International Arts Festival at National Harbor May 1st and 2nd. We invite County artists and arts organizations to participate in our first joint marketing effort to promote the County’s artistic talent and showcase our wonderfully diverse arts and cultural venues and programs. Participants must commit to two-hour time slots over the two-day festival from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to serve as cultural ambassadors. Each time slot will feature the artist/organization scheduled plus on-going displays of artwork, an information table and rotating artist demonstrations. Interested PG-CAN participants must sign up by Friday, April 23, 2010 by calling the Prince George’s Arts Council at (301) 277-1402 or by email at lionellt@artspg.org. Space is offered on a first come basis as available.
Funded in part by the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission and the Maryland State Arts Council, PGAC is an independent non-profit organization designated by the Prince George’s County government to coordinate financial support and advocacy for the arts.
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THE FIFTH ANNUAL HERITAGE FILM FESTIVAL FREE TO THE PUBLIC Posted: April 2, 2010 Media Contact: www.heritagefilm-videofest.org or email at heritagefilmvideo@yahoo.comNow celebrating its 5th year, this free event showcases an eclectic collection of animation, horror, comedy, documentary, narrative, experimental and fantasy films from Maryland and beyond. The films screen in Rennie Forum at Prince George’s Community College, 301 Largo Road, Largo, MD 20774. Films screen Friday and Saturday evening at 7p.m., with a special program of student films Saturday afternoon at 2pm. Each film program is followed by a panel discussion and reception with the film directors. All programs are free and open to the general public. For more information, click film.
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STATE ARTS FUNDING SPARED BY THE SENATEPosted: April 1, 2010 Media Contact: Rachel Ciprotti, 410-467-6700
On March 28, 2010, the Senate subcommittee which deals with the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) budget held their public decision meeting. They recommended that both the MSAC budget and the Special Fund for Preservation of Cultural Arts not receive cuts in FY11. Despite $200 million being trimmed from the Governor’s budget by Senate subcommittees, they did not reduce the Arts Council budget! Both of the above items still need to be approved by the full Budget & Taxation committee and then the full Senate. The House Appropriations subcommittee has its own decision meeting next on the April 23rd before their version is discussed in the House. This is a very important step in the budgetary process. A huge thanks to all of you who have sent letters, met with Senators, or made phone calls. Your efforts really made a big difference! Now our focus shifts to the House! We have a current Action Alert posted on the MCA website: http://www.mdarts.org. Please send this email if you have not done so already! In addition, several organizations have included a Call to Action alert to their patrons as well as their staff, volunteers, and board members – referring them to the MCA website. We encourage you to do the same! If we are to avoid cuts to the MSAC budget in the House as well, Delegates must hear from their constituents! We’ll keep you updated on the ongoing process of budget approval. You can always visit the MCAC website for the latest news.
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HEALTHY ARTS INTERGENERATIONAL PROJECT FOR SENIORS AND YOUTH Posted: March 30, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402The Prince George’s Arts Council is pleased to announce the selection of artist Rachel Pope to conduct the Healthy Arts Intergenerational Project at the Queenstown Community Center located in Queenstown, Maryland. This partnership with the Prince George’s Department of Child and Family Services will involve approximately 25 senior and youth residents over a six-week period and will provide a unique experience of self-healing through stress management and creative outlets.
Known throughout the Washington Metropolitan region, Ms. Pope brings a new look to the arts world. Her unique approach incorporates the use of rolled newspaper and recycled materials to create sculptures and decorative pieces while providing a relaxing atmosphere. In addition, Ms. Pope works with a number of other artists whose specialties include; stained glass, yoga, and music therapy. When asked about her reasoning for starting such a remarkable program her response was this: “During my long struggle with pain and illness, I needed to find a way to channel my negative energies and turn them into something positive. By funneling all my energy into art and relaxation it helped me find my true self and once again become a healthy individual.” By bringing this personal project to Queenstown Community Center, Ms. Pope hopes that each resident will find a renewed passion for the arts and become a better and healthy individual for it.
The program will be held every Thursday from April 13, through June 1, 2010. This project was funded in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission.
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SPRING FLING ARTISTS BAZAAR COMING SOON Posted: March 26, 2010 Media Contact: Ethel Lewis, 301-277-1402The Prince George’s Arts Council (PGAC) is pleased to invite local artists and artisans to participate in the upcoming Spring Fling Artists Bazaar on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will take place at the University Town Center, Metro Center 3 Building, Lobby Atriuim, located at 6525 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD. The bazaar will feature original artwork, handmade crafts and other vendors. The County is fortunate to have such a diverse and very talented array of artisans contributing to the vibrancy of the community,” said PGAC Executive Director Lionell Thomas. ”We are extremely excited to provide local artists opportunities to display and sell their artwork.” To learn more about this event, click on spring, or to download form, click on vendor application.
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BEYOND ARTISTIC BORDERS HAITI BENEFIT ART AUCTION AT ALOFT NATIONAL HARBOR Posted: March 17, 2010 Media Contact: Rhonda Dallas, 301-943-8520CALLING ALL PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY/METROPOLITAN AREA VISUAL ARTISTS AND PATRONS to donate artwork for a benefit art auction to support the recovery relief efforts of the people of Haiti. Presented by ArtsFusion in partnership with Prince George’s Arts Council, Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center, the Berrin Group, and the PGEDC International Business Strategic Advisory Council, this event will take place on Saturday, May 1, 2010, from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. at the Aloft National Harbor. The reception and auction program is being supported by Haitian Ambassador Raymond Joseph, His Excellency Denis Antoine and other members of the Caribbean and International Diplomatic Corps. The event will include special entertainment. All auction donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowable by the Internal Revenue Service. The remaining net proceeds will be contributed to selected direct service charities vetted by the Embassy of Haiti. Deadline for submission has been extended to Monday, April 12th to artist@beyondartisticborders.org. Up to three artworks may be submitted for consideration. For more details about submission requirements, please click here.
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GATEWAY ARTS CENTER OPENS ALONG ROUTE 1 Posted: March 11, 2010 Media Contact: Cheryl Derricotte, 301-864-3860 ext. 2The Gateway Community Development Corporation (Gateway CDC) is pleased to announce the dedication and grand opening of the Gateway Arts Center on Friday, March 19, 2010, 3:00 p.m. (Open House to follow immediately after), 3901 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, MD 20772. RSVP by Monday, March 15, 2010 by calling 301-864-3860 ext. 3. The Gateway Art Center is 14,000 square feet. For providing funding for the renovation, Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission will operate the Brentwood Arts Exchange, with a 3500 square foot gallery and classroom for community arts classes. The Gateway CDC will operate the 39th Street Gallery and Project Space on the Second Floor, at the 39th Street entrance. The Gateway CDC also leases space to The Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center, operating from Gallery 101, and 12 visual artist studios.
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XTREME TEEN SLAMFEST COUNTY-WIDE Posted March 5, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402, lionellt@artspg.orgCelebrate National Poetry Month by joining FREE Spoken Word workshops. The Prince George’s Arts Council will partner with the Creative Writing Alliance and Lyrikal Storm to create the Xtreme Teen Slamfest featuring performances by local artists seen on Def Poetry Jam, BET Lyric Cafe and Brave New Voices. Led by artists/educators Tahira Brooks and Neville Adams, the workshops will be held April 1 – April 29, 2010, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Berwyn Heights Elementary School, located at 6200 Pontiac Street, Berwyn Heights, MD. The project will culminate with a Poetry Slam on April 30th at 6:00 p.m. at the Berwyn Heights Elementary School auditorium, with cash prizes to be awarded to the winners. The contest and workshops are now open county-wide to students, 13 – 19 years of age. All interested workshop participants must register by April 1st at (301) 277-1402 or by email at elewis@artspg.org. Only workshop participants will be eligible to compete in the Poetry Slam. For more details, see enclosed.
Funding for this project was made possible by Council Member Eric Olson, District 3. The Prince George’s Arts Council is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission.
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YOUTH ART MONTH COMMEMORATED WITH STUDENT VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION Posted: March 3, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402, lionellt@artspg.orgThe Prince George’s Arts Council is pleased to partner with the Prince George’s County Schools to celebrate Youth Art Month with the visual arts exhibition entitled “Our World Observed – Studio Thinking.” We welcome this partnership with the County School System once again as an important part of our mission,” said PGAC Executive Director Lionell Thomas. “We are ecstatic by the level of talent in the show and equally excited to support the schools’ efforts to provide arts learning opportunities to County students.” The exhibition is scheduled from Monday, March 8th to Friday, April 23rd at the University Town Center Building, located at 6525 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782. Viewing hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The celebration will be highlighted by an awards ceremony and reception on Friday, April 9, 2010, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the lower level of the University Town Center Building. Participants in the exhibition were selected through a juried process and include students from kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, please call 301-277-1402. YAM Flyer
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TIME AND SPACE EXHIBITION CELEBRATES PRINCE GEORGE’S ARTISTS Posted: March 2, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402, lionellt@artspg.org
The Prince George’s Arts Council and the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission invite you to attend the Artists Exhibition and Reception on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Lowe House Office Building, Room 180, 6 Blagden Street, Annapolis, MD 21041. RSVP by March 18th at 301-2771-1402 or by email at elewis@artspg.org. Time & Space Postcard
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REGISTER NOW FOR THE ENVISION 21st CENTURY TOWN MEETING Posted: January 18, 2010 Media Contacts: Yvonne Magee, 301-952-3570, or Crystal Prater, 301-780-2026The Envision Prince George’s 21st Century Town Meeting will take place March 20, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Through a series of community forums, innovative educational activities, and online discussions, Envision Prince George’s has involved thousands of residents and other stakeholders from all over the county in helping to create a better future for all. The 21st Century Town Meeting will gather 1,000 to join in this important discussion for the first county-wide meeting of its kind. It will build on the input and ideas from the community forums and will be highly interactive and participatory. Small group facilitated discussions will ensure everyone has a meaningful opportunity to share their views and listen to others. Wireless keypad voting technology will be used to gather participant input and gain perspectives to identify important priorities of the community. Register to attend the Envision Prince George’s Town Meeting here.
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ARTS HUDDLE: DEFINING THE VALUE OF COLLECTIVE ARTS ADVOCACY Posted: February 16, 2010 Media Contact: Jennifer Cover Payne, 202-393-2161, Ext. 23Event Information
Monday, February 22, 2010, 9:00 a.m.—12:15 p.m.
National Building Museum, 401 F Street, NW, Washington, DC
RSVP by February 18, 2010 at staff@cultural-alliance.org
The Arts Huddle report identified the need for the region to develop a Regional Arts Advocacy Message and to focus on a long-term coordinated and collective approach when developing advocacy strategies. This program will examine the value of the research tools such as the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV: the Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences in Greater Washington and other messages that help business and government to determine their investment in the arts. Hear from a distinguished panel of arts leaders and representatives from Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments, Greater Washington Marketing Initiative and Americans for the Arts the value of research in a down economy. Work in teams with colleagues, state arts advocacy representatives, business leaders and arts council and commission leaders to craft a collective arts advocacy message.
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AWARD-WINNING DIRECTOR HAILE GERIMA COMES TO HYATTSVILLE Posted: February 9, 2010 Media Contacts: Karen Crooms, 301-887-0777, karencrooms@atha.com, or Stuart Eisenberg, sweisenberg@atha.comIn celebration of Black History Month, the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, (ATHA) Inc. and the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation (CDC), in cooperation with the City of Hyattsville and the Prince George’s Arts Council, are proud to present the premiere Maryland showing of TEZA, the latest release from world-renowned, independent filmmaker Haile Gerima. A one-week limited engagement of TEZA will begin on February 26th at Regal Entertainment’s Royale Stadium 14, at the University Town Center, in Hyattsville, Maryland.Movie Tickets will be on sale at the Regal Royale’s box office or online at www.fandango.com or www.regalentertainmentgroup.com. TEZA PRESS RELEASE
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NEW ARTS NETWORK NOW FORMING!!! Posted: January 29, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402 or lionellt@artspg.orgThe Prince George’s County Arts Network (PG-CAN), a newly forming group of artists, arts organizations, arts professionals, patrons, stakeholders, and public and private agencies, invites anyone interested to join them in advocating for increased support of the arts in Prince George’s County. Please contact the Prince George’s Arts Council at 301-277-1402 to receive future meeting notices. First meeting on Wednesday, March 31, 2010, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. at the Gateway Arts Center located at 3901 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, MD. All are welcomed. PG-CAN Advocacy Card
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FY 2011 GRANT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE Posted: January 25, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402 or lionellt@artspg.orgThe Prince George’s Arts Council (PGAC) is pleased to announce that the FY 2011 grant applications are now available online at www.princegeorgesartscouncil.org. Artists, arts organizations, schools and community groups are encouraged to apply to one or more programs. All applicants must meet eligibility requirements to apply. New this year, applicants may submit multiple applications to the various funding programs, but will only be eligible to receive two grants per fiscal year. Applicants may not receive multiple funding from PGAC for the same project. Additionally, all workshops will be conducted via teleconferencing. Note the Grant Guidelines and Applications for specific review criteria, workshop and deadline dates. For more information, please call 301-277-1402.
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COUNTY VISUAL ARTISTS WANTED Posted: January 20, 2010Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402
The Prince George’s Arts Council invites local artists to participate in the Washington International Arts Festival, which will be held on May 1 & 2, 2010 on the 300-acre site of National Harbor. An exciting new community considered the gateway to the National Capital Region, National Harbor is located on the eastern bank of the Potomac River in Prince George’s County, MD. It is estimated that 12 million people visit National Harbor each year with over 33 million domestic and international visitors attracted to the Washington, DC area. The deadline for submission is March 3, 2010. For additional details, please click WIAF.
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“SING A SONG” Posted: January 19, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402The Prince George’s Arts Council (PGAC) is pleased to present a family celebration of Black History Month entitled “Sing A Song” on Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. This first ever event will feature a wide variety of talented performers from all over Prince George’s County. Performers featured at this concert will be CAFE, Positive Vibrations, Dance Makers, Inc., and Northwestern High Schools’ own Three Chords, The Truth, and The Colours Program. Sing A Song flyer
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DIVERSE IMPRESSIONS VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION January 18 to February 25, 2010 Posted: January 14, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402In celebration of Black History Month, the Prince George’s Arts Council is pleased to invite you to the visual arts exhibition entitled “Diverse Impressions” in the University Town Center – Metro 3 Building, located at 6525 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782. The exhibit features local visual artists La-Mario Chez Jackson, Korbet Moering, Alec Simpson and Valerie Watson. This exhibit is free and open to the public. Viewing hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Artists reception will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2010, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Diverse Impressions flyer
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REGIONAL ADVOCACY NETWORKING BREAKFAST Posted: January 13, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402The Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington has invited Chiefs of Staff of elected officials, and other key individuals from the state, city and county governments of Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia who help to prepare the budgets for the arts community. The purpose of this event is to provide an opportunity for arts leaders to meet and talk to key staffers and officials in an informal setting. Please be sure to forward to your colleagues. Regional Advocacy Networking Breakfast Flyer
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MARYLAND ARTS DAY Posted: January 4, 2010 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402Save the Date for our annual Maryland Arts Day, taking place on February 9, 2010 in Annapolis. Maryland Arts Day is a community event for arts supporters across the state. There will be keynote speakers, educational discussions, and meetings with local legislators where you can make your case for arts funding. In the coming weeks, you will receive program details and registration information.
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FREE CAPACITY-BUILDING WORKSHOPS OFFERED Posted: December 8, 2009 Workshop Dates: January 20, 2010 and February 10, 2010 (rescheduled for Thursday, March 25, 2010) Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402The Elevator Speech workshop originally scheduled for February 10, 2010 has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785. PGAC – Capacity-Building Workshops Postcard
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FY 2010 GRANT AWARDS ANNOUNCED Posted: October 2, 2009 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402The Prince George’s Arts Council announces its FY 2010 grant awards to Prince George’s County artists, arts organizations and schools totaling $48,161.00. FY 2010 Grantees
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HEALTHY SENIORS ARTS PROJECT Posted: July 20, 2009 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402July 20 – October 19, 2009. Every Monday at 2:30 p.m.
Closing Reception: Monday, October 19, 2009, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Newton Green Senior Center. Healthy Arts Press Release
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FOR COLORED GIRLS PLAY PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PRINCE GEORGE’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE Posted: August 12, 2009 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402Public Performance on Saturday, September 26, 2009, 7:30 p.m.
Prince George’s Community College
Queen Anne Fine Arts Building, Hallam Theatre
301 Largo Road, Largo, Maryland 20774
For Colored Girls Press Release
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LIVING COLOR EXHIBITION AND RECEPTION Posted: September 18, 2009 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402Reception on Thursday, October 1, 2009
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
University Town Center – Building #3
6525 Belcrest Road
Hyattsville, Maryland 20782
Refreshments served
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NOW ACCEPTING PANELISTS NOMINATIONS Posted: September 11, 2009 Media Contact: Lionell Thomas, 301-277-1402Nominees must live in the Greater Metropolitan area. Artists, administrators, educators and critics in the arts with at least a two-year history of involvement in the Prince George’s County arts community are eligible for nomination. Individuals are encouraged to self-nominate. Advisory Panelist Nomination Form
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