AOB_Digital_Flipbook_a

CAN YOUFEEL IT? We are having a BIG IMPACT through smart and beautiful ART & DESIGN in local neighborhoods and we have EXCITING GOALS for 2019!

Arts on the Block is wrapping up anexceptional year of growth full of visionaryprojects led by youth in communities andbacked by creative champions like you!

Natural beauty and environmental stewardshipilluminated in the new LightScape Rain GardenPhoto Credit: Jelena Djakovic. The University of Maryland, School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.Part of our 10-year arts-integrated collaboration with YMCA Youth andFamily Services and the University of Maryland in the Carroll Avenue/QuebecTerrace neighborhood, the rain garden provides STEAM-based learning in alight-filled outdoor space to help local kids become stewards of the naturalenvironment and designers of their communities.

Apprentice artists produce mosaic murals inHistoric Anacostia’s growing arts districtWe created a pop-up mosaic studio in Historic Anacostia to produce a largecommission for JPMorganChase. A 15-strong studio crew, led by an expertteaching team, designed and fabricated mosaic murals in time for theopening of three new bank branches.

Transportation projects open doorsto regional designBased on the success of our 2017 Rockville Pike project, MontgomeryCounty Department of Transportation invited our apprentice team backto produce mosaic installations for the new bus rapid transit line on Route29 from Silver Spring to Burtonsville. Now, thousands more public transitriders will enjoy new artwork on their daily commute!

Design professionals help creative teensget started on college and careerArchitect Edgar Alvarado (’08) and his younger brother Christian Alvarado(’15-’18) exemplify the creative leadership in the AOB studio, and ourcommitment to passing it on. Edgar is paying it forward as a member ofour board of directors. Christian is completing his first year at University ofMaryland, following his brother’s footsteps into the field of architecture.

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?Arts on the Block is moving to Downtown Silver Spring!

Hickok Cole is designing our new headquartersand art studio that will grow our capacity to offeramazing art opportunities for kids, teens, andemerging professionals. Photo Caption: FarragutfulOpening in late 2019, our new home on the first floor of the Silver SpringLibrary will be on the Purple Line and a magnet for creative teen talentthroughout the region!

You know Arts on the Block by our beautiful mosaics and public artin communities. But there is something even more dazzling withineach piece. As a board member, I've been fortunate to witness thefull impact on individual lives that each artwork represents. Theproduction process is truly art in action.From the expressiveness of the apprentice artists presenting theirearliest drawings, to the professionalism that goes into managing alarge commission, to the teamwork required to complete it under aclient's deadline, to the pride on their young faces as their finishedpiece is installed -- I have never seen anything more spectacular. Please help us continue to provide these opportunities to creative youth in our community. Your gift has a direct impact on their lives, and a ripple effect of civic engagement and cultural beauty that can be seen across the region. Thank you! Leslie Grizzard Board Secretary and Development Chair

HELP US MAKE IT HAPPEN!Your ongoing support is mission-critical while we grow. Every gift is a vote of confidence in our youth. DONATE TODAY THANK YOU!

Photo Caption: Christopher Barclay