Gaithersburg Arts Barn Plans Anniversary Celebration

GAITHERSBURG, MD - From the City of Gaithersburg: The Arts Barn is celebrating 15 years as Gaithersburg’s home for the arts throughout the 2017-2018 season, and it’s kicking things off with a special Anniversary Celebration on September 15, 2017, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Arts Barn is located at 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD.

Free activities on September 15 include music by Pritchard Music Academy, demonstrations by resident artists Tony Glander of Fitzpatrick Glass and Jack and Jaree Donnelly of Arts Entwine, an exhibition of historical photographs depicting the Tschiffely-Kent estate, and remarks and a proclamation by the Mayor and City Council. The event also features the debut of “Celebrating 15,” a year-long exhibit of original artwork by Arts Barn faculty instructors. Patrons can vote for their favorite “Celebrating 15” art piece, which will then be acquired for the City’s permanent collection at the end of the exhibition. Refreshments and an anniversary cake and cash bar will be available. Wear the number 15 in honor of this milestone year for a chance to win a prize.

Stay after the reception for one of two cultural programs. Learn about the artist Paul Gauguin, enjoy a glass of beer or wine, and create your own masterpiece with Art Night Out from 7 to 9:30 p.m. All skill levels are welcome; participants must be 21 or older. Workshop registration is $45 for City residents, $50 for nonresidents. You can also enjoy a night of comedic theater with The Canterville Ghost at 8 p.m., presented by Montgomery Playhouse. A ghost makes life miserable for the American owners of an English manor, but the eccentric family has other plans in this funny, raucous and poignant play. Admission is $20, $12 for youth 14 and under. It’s suitable for ages 7 and older.

Celebrating 15 Years of Arts!

Fifteen years ago the Arts Barn opened its doors. Since then nearly 600,000 people have toured its galleries, created artwork in its studios and experienced the magic of the performing arts. Today the Arts Barn is part of the Arts on the Green campus, but a step back in time reveals a very different purpose for this historic building. Built circa 1900 on the former Tschiffely estate, the barn’s architectural style charmingly represents a bygone era. Horses lived in stalls on the first floor while pigeons roosted in a loft. The Tschiffely family entertained friends in a splendid upstairs ballroom with high ceilings and gleaming wood floors.

By 1990, the Tschiffely and Kent families and their animals were gone and development of the Kentlands community was in full swing. The barn and adjacent Kentlands Mansion were destined to become a cultural arts campus, with ownership transferred to the City of Gaithersburg.

Extensive renovation began in 1999. The ballroom was transformed into an auditorium for concerts, live theater and film screenings. “A Fresh of Breath Air” by Dale Stein was the first performance in the new space (May 2002). A formal grand opening followed in July featuring a One-Act Festival produced by Montgomery Playhouse and Kensington Arts Theatre – still partners today. The stalls and loft were converted into classrooms, a box office, an art gallery, artist-in-residence studios, and a retail space for local artists.

Arts on the Green is now a thriving cultural center that features exciting hands-on experiences, nationally and internationally known artists, and a nurturing space for community artists of all ages. We have truly come a long way. Celebrate this milestone year with us!

For workshop registration, theater tickets and more information, please visit the Arts Barn at www.gaithersburgmd.gov or call 301-258-6394. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ArtsontheGreen.

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