ARTISTIC EXPRESSION FOR ALL
Through changing visual art exhibitions presented in our galleries, BlackRock presents works by a diverse range of visual artists to keep us connected and engaged.
exceptional visual art exhibits in a variety of media
BlackRock presents changing exhibits in our galleries throughout the year to provide opportunities for the creative expression of artists and the active engagement of audiences of all ages.
The series of solo, group, juried and themed exhibits showcase works in a variety of media by both emerging and established contemporary visual artists from across the Mid-Atlantic region.
OUR GALLERIES HAVE RE-OPENED!
Two New In-Person Exhibits Open on Saturday, September 18, 2021
Drop in to see The Power of Patience invitational group show in the Kay Gallery (main level) and view art created by local youth in the special Quotable Quarantine exhibit in our Gallery II (upper level). FREE
We look forward to welcoming you back safely to experience in-person exhibits again!
MASKS REQUIRED | PROOF OF VACCINATION FOR AGE 12+
Masks must be worn at all times in our building. All guests over the age of 12 must show proof of vaccination, or proof of medical exemption, to enter the building.
CURRENT EXHIBITS
NEW IN-PERSON EXHBITS NOW ON VIEW :
SEPTEMBER 18 – OCTOBER 30, 2021
THE POWER OF PATIENCE | KAY GALLERY | MAIN LEVEL
INVITATIONAL EXHIBIT FEATURING 18 ARTISTS WHO EMPLOY PATIENCE IN THEIR CREATIVE PRACTICE
QUOTABLE QUARANTINE | GALLERY II | UPPER LEVEL
ARTWORK AND QUOTATIONS CREATED BY YOUTH ARTISTS IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
THE POWER OF PATIENCE | IN-PERSON GALLERY EXHIBIT
EXHIBIT ON VIEW :
SEPTEMBER 18 – OCTOBER 30, 2021 | KAY GALLERY
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION: The invitational exhibition The Power of Patience features 18 artists working in varied media who employ patience in a variety of ways in their creative process and the active practice of making works which inspire the viewer to engage in the rewarding experience of slow looking. Attentive viewing allows us to discover hidden details, consider layers of meaning, and appreciate the mastery of skill in a wide range of techniques while exploring the more than 65 pieces on display. This exhibition serves as a celebration of the reopening of the Kay Gallery following an 18 month closure while the space served as home base for the Upcounty Consolidation Hub operations of collecting, storing, sorting, packing and delivering food and essential items to more than 1,000 families each week during the pandemic.
The exhibition The Power of Patience includes a selection of works by artists whose exhibits were suddenly canceled when the gallery closed on March 13, 2020 as well as artists who presented work in virtual exhibitions through our online galleries. Both abstract and realist works are represented in paintings, drawings, prints, mixed-media collages, photographs, works of fiber art, quilts, and turned wood, and sculptural pieces. The 18 participating artists are: Patricia Underwood, Imar Hutchins, Julia Kwon, Steve Wanna, Jordann Wine, Edgar Reyes, Gordana Gerskovic, Ellen Cornett, William C. Wright, Nilou Kazemzadeh, Karen Schulz, David Termini, Sandra Smith, Jeff Struewing, Joh Ricci, Robert Stuart Cohen, Clare Winslow, and Caroline Thorington.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
ROBERT STUART COHEN
ELLEN CORNETT
GORDANA GERSKOVIC
IMAR HUTCHINS
NILOU KAZEMZADEH
JULIA KWON
EDGAR REYES
JOH RICCI
KAREN SCHULZ
SANDRA SMITH
JEFF STRUEWING
DAVID TERMINI
CAROLINE THORINGTON
PATRICIA UNDERWOOD
STEVE WANNA
JORDANN WINE
CLARE WINSLOW
WILLIAM C. WRIGHT
QUOTABLE QUARANTINE | IN-PERSON GALLERY EXHIBIT
EXHIBIT ON VIEW :
SEPTEMBER 18 – OCTOBER 30, 2021 | GALLERY II
JOIN US ON OPENING DAY ...
BLACKROCK OPEN HOUSE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | FREE *
Stop by the galleries during BlackRock's Free Open House event to enjoy the new exhibits as well as performances, classes, workshops and hands-on activities throughout our facility!
Click here to learn more and register for free classes and workshops ...
MASKS REQUIRED & PROOF OF VACCINATION FOR AGE 12+ : Masks must be worn at all times in our building. All persons 12+ entering BlackRock's facility must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask.
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION: The Quotable Quarantine in-person gallery exhibit features 156 artworks by local youth artists responding to an invitation to create a work inspired by their quarantine experience during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The display will include inspiring art created in a range of media accompanied by insightful quotations selected by, or written by each young artist. The submissions, which were received from students in grades K-12, were displayed virtually in the spring of 2020 on the BlackRock website so they could be shared with the community. We are thrilled to finally have the opportunity to shine the gallery spotlights on the talented young artists who participated in this special project as we reopen our galleries on September 18.
The full collection of 156 Quotable Quarantine student artworks, and accompanying quotes, have also been published into a beautiful 164-page professionally printed art book, where each student has their own page with a full-color image of the artwork is printed on thick coated paper. The beautiful keepsake catalog has a glossy cover and is bound to a size of 8.5 x 8.5 inches. This limited-edition book is available for purchase online at the link below. Book orders can be picked up at BlackRock, or shipping can be arranged for an additional fee. Learn more ...
PAST EXHIBITS
© SYDNI REUBIN
VIRTUAL EXHIBIT PRESENTED ONLINE:
JUNE 12 - AUGUST 31, 2021
Sponsored by the Baltimore Watercolor Society (BWS), this annual juried exhibit is the second oldest watercolor competition in the U.S. Experience the virtual exhibit online this year to view all 104 paintings selected by juror Anne Abgott, AWS, NWS, and find out who won the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and other awards. Learn more ...
VIRTUAL SOLO EXHIBIT PRESENTED ONLINE:
JUNE 12 - AUGUST 31, 2021
For more than forty years William C. Wright, AWS, BWS, has been painting the landscape in a realistic style using traditional materials. Working in both watercolor and oil, his brushwork often tells the story of rural landscapes near his home in Maryland or wild and unspoiled locations he discovers on his travels across the U.S. Learn more ...
© WILLIAM C. WRIGHT
Shades of Spring Virtual Show & Sale
APRIL 17 – MAY 29, 2021
The Art League of Germantown's Spring Show with 175+ Works by Local Artists and Fine Craft Artisans
IMAGINATION: 1 x 4
SAQA Regional Exhibit
JANUARY 9 – FEBRUARY 20, 2021
50 Unique Art Quilts with a Uniform 1' x 4' Format by Artist members of Studio Artist Quilt Associates (SAQA)
Handcrafted:
Fiber Art + Turned Wood
NOVEMBER 14, 2020 – JANUARY 2, 2021
Virtual Presentation of Biennial Juried Exhibit Featuring Fiber Art and Turned Wood by Mid-Atlantic Artists
Cheriss May:
Beyond the Protest
OCTOBER 3 – DECEMBER 31, 2020
Solo Exhibit Exploring the Intersection of Race, Politics & Protest by Award-winning Photojournalist Cheriss May
A Fresh Perspective
Virtual Show & Sale
NOVEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 19, 2020
Art League of Germantown's Annual Show Goes Virtual with 82 Works by Local Artists and Fine Craft Artisans
Ellen Cornett:
Into the Woods
SEPTEMBER 12 – OCTOBER 31, 2020
Solo Exhibit of Drawings Exploring Themes of Conflict, Misunderstanding and Absurdity by Maryland Artist
Mid-Atlantic Regional Watercolor Exhibition
JULY 1 – AUGUST 31, 2020
Annual Juried Exhibit Sponsored by the Baltimore Watercolor Society Featuring Paintings by 100 Regional Artists
Gordana Gerskovic: Texturescapes
JUNE 20 – JULY 31, 2020
Solo Exhibition Featuring 35 Abstract Photographs of Textures Found in the Landscape by Local Artist
Quotable Quarantine
The Online Exhibit
MAY 22 – JULY 3, 2020
Online Exhibit of 156 Artworks Created by Students in Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Accompanied by Quotations
Youth Art Month:
MCPS Students
MARCH 6 – 14, 2020
Showcasing School Art Projects by K-12 Students from Montgomery County Public Schools Located in Germantown
Handcrafted:
Fiber Art + Turned Wood
Biennial Juried Exhibit of Fiber Art Selected by Caroline Kipp and Turned Wood Selected by Dr. Barbara Wolanin
FEBRUARY 29 – APRIL 11, 2020
Heloisa Escudero:
Tools for the Mind
Solo Exhibit and Performative Installation Focused on Interaction, Reaction, Inclusiveness & Participation
JANUARY 11 – FEBRUARY 22, 2020
Cat Gunn:
Pretty Boy
Solo Exhibit of Abstract Paintings Exploring Paint Alchemy and Notions of Identity within the LGBTQ Community
JANUARY 11 – FEBRUARY 22, 2020
CALL TO ARTISTS OPPORTUNITIES
We are now accepting entries for BlackRock's biennial juried photography exhibit. Selected works will be presented in the "CAPTURED LIGHT 2021" exhibit (on view: NOVEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 23, 2021 in the KAY GALLERY). Entries are open to professional artists and photographers as well as students who are over age 18 and live or work in MD, DC, VA, WV, DE and PA.
ENTRIES ACCEPTED: SEPTEMBER 18 - OCTOBER 18, 2021
JUROR: Mehves Lelic, Curator, Academy Art Museum (Easton, MD).
ENTRY FEES:
$20 | Professional Artists | Submit up to 5 works per entry
$10 | Students | Submit up to 5 works per entry
ENTRY DEADLINE: OCTOBER 18, 2021 (11:59 PM EST)
Entries must be submitted online through Submittalbe Entry Form no later than OCTOBER 18, 2021 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time). Incomplete entries will not be considered.
CALL FOR EXHIBITION PROPOSALS
BlackRock Center for the Arts accepts Exhibition Proposals throughout the year through our online submission system powered by Submittable. Proposals may be for for solo, group and themed exhibitions. Visual artists, curators, and coordinators of artist collectives and organizations who are over age 18 and live or work in Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania are encouraged to submit proposals.
ONGOING SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED
ANNUAL DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 1 (11:59 PM EST)
All complete Exhibition Proposals submitted online on or before February 1 (11:59 EST) through our Submittable submission form will be considered for the following calendar year and beyond.
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Galleries
The Kay Gallery (main level) and Gallery II (upper level) will re-open on September 18, 2021 as BlackRock resumes the presentation of in-person gallery exhibitions in our facility. Masks are required at all times in our building. All visitors over age 12 are required to present proof of vaccination, or proof of medical exemption, to enter our facility.