News & Events

Artists & Makers Studios Celebrates their 10^th Anniversary with the
WCADC, Dignitaries, and a Toast to the Artists

(Rockville, MD) – Artists & Makers Studios is thrilled to host the Women’s Caucus for Art DC in the Invited Artist Gallery for the 10th Anniversary Celebrations in Rockville. The exhibit “Gift of Life” runs from March 5th through March 26th, with an opening reception on March 7th from 5-8pm with visiting dignitaries, remarks, and a toast at 7pm. Historian and author Cynthia Greenlee said, “Black women’s maternal death rate has been shockingly high for decades, with few voices outside public health communities calling for action. What will it take to get people to recognize not just the racial disparity in death rates but the disparity in concern over U.S. Black women’s health and lives?” The United States has the highest mortality rates of any developed country. While the crisis of maternal mortality in this country plagues us all, an acute burden is experienced disproportionately by Black, Indigenous, and other women of color. Beloved members of our community are dying at rates greater than any other high-wealth nation. The neurological and physiological effects of historic and systemic patriarchy and racism have dire consequences. Education alone cannot change the stats. These painful truths demand artists’ immediate attention: women shouldn’t die giving life. As a call to action, the Women’s Caucus for Art of Greater Washington, DC (WCADC) invited artists based in DC, Maryland, or Virginia to showcase work focused on the theme of maternal health. Through our art, we can raise awareness of and resources for this critical issue. Enjoy additional exhibits “Celebrating Ten Years with our Best” with Resident Artists, A group exhibit for student artists of Bannockburn Elementary School in Bethesda, a mini-solo with Kate Bramante in the Lounge Gallery, Pop-Ups with Niki Francesca and Naan Pocen, along with nineteen Gallery 209 Member Artists exhibiting their latest work. Open Studios building-wide will welcome visitors to visit and learn. Shop and support local working artists, makers, and professionals. Light fare is sponsored monthly by The Chesapeake Framing Company and Clear Skies Meadery will sell their handcrafted meads.

WCADC – “Gift of Life”
“Celebrating Ten Years with our Best” with Resident Artists
Mini-Solo with Kate Bramante
The 19 Member Artists of Gallery 209
Pop-Ups with Niki Francesca and Naan Pocen
Student Artists of Bannockburn Elementary School in Bethesda

Opening Reception
5:00pm – 8:00pm, Friday, March 7th, 2025

Artists & Makers Studios
11810 Parklawn Drive, Suite 210
Rockville, MD 20852

Remarks from Honored Dignitaries and a Toast at 7pm

Viewing hours are 10:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Saturday, and Sundays by chance or appointment. Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville, established in October of 2014 by artist and arts community builder Judith HeartSong, is a 13,000 sq. ft. facility is home to 87 artists, as well as student artists. Artists & Makers Studios – Oro Valley, AZ is a four-year-old jewel box location with talented Resident Artists, 3,575 sq ft of studios, galleries, and flex-classroom space. Construction is currently underway in San Gabriel, CA for Artists & Makers Studios’ third location, with construction set to begin shortly for the fourth location in North Hollywood, CA. A&M Studios is dedicated to providing a supportive and vibrant environment for artists to realize their creative goals – through studio practice, collaboration, education, opportunities, networking and connecting with the community beyond our doors.

A&M

Artists & Makers Studios Celebrates their 10^th Anniversary with the
Women’s Caucus for Art DC, and Four More Fabulous Exhibits

(Rockville, MD) – Artists & Makers Studios is thrilled to host the Women’s Caucus for Art DC in the Invited Artist Gallery for the 10th Anniversary Celebrations in Rockville. The exhibit “Gift of Life” runs from March 5th through March 26th, with an opening reception on March 7th from 5-8pm with visiting dignitaries, remarks, and a toast at 7pm. Historian and author Cynthia Greenlee said, “Black women’s maternal death rate has been shockingly high for decades, with few voices outside public health communities calling for action. What will it take to get people to recognize not just the racial disparity in death rates but the disparity in concern over U.S. Black women’s health and lives?” The United States has the highest mortality rates of any developed country. While the crisis of maternal mortality in this country plagues us all, an acute burden is experienced disproportionately by Black, Indigenous, and other women of color. Beloved members of our community are dying at rates greater than any other high-wealth nation. The neurological and physiological effects of historic and systemic patriarchy and racism have dire consequences. Education alone cannot change the stats. These painful truths demand artists’ immediate attention: women shouldn’t die giving life. As a call to action, the Women’s Caucus for Art of Greater Washington, DC (WCADC) invited artists based in DC, Maryland, or Virginia to showcase work focused on the theme of maternal health. Through our art, we can raise awareness of and resources for this critical issue. Enjoy additional exhibits “Celebrating Ten Years with our Best” with Resident Artists, A group exhibit for student artists of Bannockburn Elementary School in Bethesda, a mini-solo with Kate Bramante in the Lounge Gallery, Pop-Ups with Niki Francesca and Naan Pocen, along with nineteen Gallery 209 Member Artists exhibiting their latest work. Open Studios building-wide will welcome visitors to visit and learn. Shop and support local working artists, makers, and professionals. Light fare is sponsored monthly by The Chesapeake Framing Company and Clear Skies Meadery will sell their handcrafted meads.

WCADC – “Gift of Life”
“Celebrating Ten Years with our Best” with Resident Artists
Mini-Solo with Kate Bramante
The 19 Member Artists of Gallery 209
Pop-Ups with Niki Francesca and Naan Pocen
Student Artists of Bannockburn Elementary School in Bethesda

Opening Reception
5:00pm – 8:00pm, Friday, March 7th, 2025
Remarks from Honored Dignitaries and a Toast at 7pm

Artists & Makers Studios
11810 Parklawn Drive, Suite 210
Rockville, MD 20852

Viewing hours are 10:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Saturday, and Sundays by chance or appointment. Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville, established in October of 2014 by artist and arts community builder Judith HeartSong, is a 13,000 sq. ft. facility is home to 87 artists, as well as student artists. Artists & Makers Studios – Oro Valley, AZ is a four-year-old jewel box location with talented Resident Artists, 3,575 sq ft of studios, galleries, and flex-classroom space. Construction is currently underway in San Gabriel, CA for Artists & Makers Studios’ third location, with construction set to begin shortly for the fourth location in North Hollywood, CA. A&M Studios is dedicated to providing a supportive and vibrant environment for artists to realize their creative goals – through studio practice, collaboration, education, opportunities, networking and connecting with the community beyond our doors.

Featured work by Marilyn Gates-Davis

Artists & Makers Studios in Rockville Presents
Steve Wanna and “Line, Circle, Ground”
for the Month of February

(Rockville, MD) – Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville is thrilled to host Steve Wanna in the Invited Artist Gallery for the month of February 2025. The exhibit runs from February 5th through February 26th, with an opening reception on First Friday, February 7th, 5 – 8pm. This exhibition features experimental techniques that push materials past their limits to yield unexpected, not entirely controllable results. Almost all the works use paper, pigment, and water as active mediums in an almost performative process. There’s a defining element shared among all the works of pigment that is pulled apart in unexpected fractures and bifurcations, creating organic patterns reminiscent of those in nature, such as in lightning or the branches and roots of trees. These works also speak to the behavior of water in different terrains such as sudden river formation in arid land. In some cases the paper is treated similar to soil, at times approached while completely dry and other times presoaked, each causing dramatic changes as the paper and the media that is applied to it react to water. Enjoy additional exhibits “Languaging Feelings in the Month of Hearts and Flowers” with Resident Artists, a mini-solo with Elizabeth Davison in the Lounge Gallery, Pop-Up with Naan Pocen, along with nineteen Gallery 209 Member Artists exhibiting their latest work. Open Studios building wide will welcome visitors to visit and learn. Shop and support local working artists, makers, and professionals. Light fare is sponsored monthly by The Chesapeake Framing Company – celebrating their 45th year. Wine by the glass and bottle by Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard.

Steve Wanna – “Line, Circle, Ground”
“Languaging Feelings in the Month of Hearts and Flowers” with Resident Artists
Mini-Solo with Elizabeth Davison
Pop-Up with Naan Pocen
The 19 Member Artists of Gallery 209
Theremin Music by Arthur Harrison

Opening Reception
5:00pm – 8:00pm, Friday, February 7th, 2025

Artists & Makers Studios
11810 Parklawn Drive, Suite 210
Rockville, MD 20852

Meet the Artist 12:00pm – 2:00pm, Saturday, February 15th, 2025

Viewing hours are 10:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Saturday, and Sundays by chance or appointment. Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville, established in October of 2014 by artist and arts community builder Judith HeartSong, is a 13,000 sq. ft. facility is home to 87 artists, as well as student artists. Artists & Makers Studios – Oro Valley, AZ is a four-year-old jewel box location with talented Resident Artists, 3,575 sq ft of studios, galleries, and flex-classroom space. Construction is currently underway in San Gabriel, CA for Artists & Makers Studios’ third location, with construction set to begin shortly for the fourth location in North Hollywood, CA. A&M Studios is dedicated to providing a supportive and vibrant environment for artists to realize their creative goals – through studio practice, collaboration, education, opportunities, networking and connecting with the community beyond our doors.

A&M

Artists & Makers Studios in Rockville Presents
Bud Wilkinson’s “Artist Portraits Series”
for the Month of January

(Rockville, MD) – Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville is thrilled to host Bud Wilkinson in the Invited Artist Gallery for the month of January 2025. The exhibit runs from January 8th through January 29th, with an opening reception on Second Friday, January 10th, 5 – 8pm. “Artist Portraits” is a photographic survey of hundreds of DC area artists, presented in an immersive, celebratory, kaleidoscopic, multiscreen, environment. Bud Wilkinson began the project casually, taking photos of friends at galleries, until eventually, it snowballed into a project that lasted over ten years, and documented an era of artists and their activity at multiple DC venues. Bud Wilkinson is an artist and photographer, living in Arlington, Virginia. He shows his paintings regularly, is employed as a decorative artist, and has worked in the White House, State Department, and National Gallery of Art. Enjoy additional exhibits “Surreality” with Resident Artists in the Gallery Hall, a mini-solo with Brigitte Messali in the Lounge Gallery, a Pop-Up Shop with Colleen Darkow, along with nineteen Gallery 209 Member Artists exhibiting their latest work. Open Studios building wide will welcome visitors to visit and learn. Shop and support local working artists, makers, and professionals. Light fare sponsored by The Chesapeake Framing Company and mead will be offered for sale by Clear Skies Meadery – who invite you to Savor the Sweetness of Nature.

Bud Wilkinson – “Artist Portraits Series”
“Surreality” with Resident Artists
Mini-Solo with Brigitte Messali
The 19 Member Artists of Gallery 209
Pop-Up Shop with Colleen Darkow

Opening Reception
5:00pm – 8:00pm, Friday, January 10, 2025

Artists & Makers Studios
11810 Parklawn Drive, Suite 210
Rockville, MD 20852

Viewing hours are 10:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Saturday, and Sundays by chance or appointment. Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville, established in October of 2014 by artist and arts community builder Judith HeartSong, is a 13,000 sq. ft. facility is home to 87 artists, as well as student artists. Artists & Makers Studios – Oro Valley, AZ is a four-year-old jewel box location with talented Resident Artists, 3,575 sq ft of studios, galleries, and flex-classroom space. Construction is currently underway in San Gabriel, CA for Artists & Makers Studios’ third location, with construction set to begin shortly for the fourth location in North Hollywood, CA. A&M Studios is dedicated to providing a supportive and vibrant environment for artists to realize their creative goals – through studio practice, collaboration, education, opportunities, networking and connecting with the community beyond our doors.

Artists & Makers Studios in Rockville Presents
Olney Art Association and “Small Works for a Big Anniversary”
for the Month of December

(Rockville, MD) – Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville is thrilled to host Olney Art Association in the Invited Artist Gallery for the month of December. The exhibit runs from December 4th through December 18th, with an opening reception on Friday, December 6th, 5 – 8pm. This Small Works exhibition features members’ work. In 1974 rural Olney was considered to be out in the country, with many active farms. Five people with a passion for creating original artwork started talking to each other about art.  They didn’t have much formal art training. Meeting in each other’s homes they shared ideas about art and started inviting local artists to participate and demonstrate art techniques. Over time Olney Art Association evolved as an organization. Art shows were planned and the public was invited and more people wanted to join to grow and share their creativity and love of art. With 70 member artists, the Association is now considered to be one of the premier art groups in the DMV. Enjoy additional exhibits “The Blues” with Resident Artists in the Gallery Hall, a Pop-Up Shop with Colleen Darkow, along with nineteen Gallery 209 Member Artists exhibiting their latest work. Open Studios building wide will welcome visitors. Shop and support local working artists, makers, and professionals. Light fare sponsored by The Chesapeake Framing Company and craft beer will be offered for sale by Third Hill Brewing Co.

Olney Art Association – “Small Works for a Big Anniversary”
“The Blues” with Resident Artists
The 19 Member Artists of Gallery 209
Pop-Up Shop with Colleen Darkow

Opening Reception
5:00pm – 8:00pm, Friday, December 6, 2024

Artists & Makers Studios
11810 Parklawn Drive, Suite 210
Rockville, MD 20852

Meet the Artists – Saturday December 14th, 1-3pm

Viewing hours are 10:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Saturday, and Sundays by chance or appointment. Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville, established in October of 2014 by artist and arts community builder Judith HeartSong, is a 13,000 sq. ft. facility is home to 87 artists, as well as student artists. Artists & Makers Studios – Oro Valley, AZ is a four-year-old jewel box location with talented Resident Artists, 3,575 sq ft of studios, galleries, and flex-classroom space. Construction is currently underway in San Gabriel, CA for Artists & Makers Studios’ third location, with construction set to begin shortly for the fourth location in North Hollywood, CA. A&M Studios is dedicated to providing a supportive and vibrant environment for artists to realize their creative goals – through studio practice, collaboration, education, opportunities, networking and connecting with the community beyond our doors.

Artists & Makers Studios in Rockville Presents
Vlad Zabavskiy and “Hidden Worlds” for the Month of November

(Rockville, MD) – Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville is thrilled to host Vlad Zabavskiy in the Invited Artist Gallery for the month of November. The exhibit runs from October 30th through November 26th at Artists & Makers Studios, with an opening reception on Friday, November 1st, 5 – 8pm. Vlad’s area of artistic exploration and research lies primarily in mixed media and innovative materials. However, these experiments are not limited to just the search for a new artistic language. Life, the universe, space and time appear to him as a constantly changing, flowing process. He believes their essence can somehow be conveyed through the fluid mediums he mixes – watercolor, acrylic, alcohol inks, and oil paints. A recent trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, has profoundly shaped Vlad’s artistic direction, particularly through the vibrant culture of the Zapotec indigenous people. To enhance the holographic experience of his artworks, viewers may choose to use the 3D ChromaDepth glasses provided by the artist during the exhibition. Don’t miss “Hidden Worlds” this November, where Vlad’s innovative art will transport you to unseen dimensions. Enjoy additional exhibits “The Conflict” with Resident Artists – on view in the Gallery Hall, along with nineteen Gallery 209 Member Artists exhibiting their latest work. Shop and support local working artists, makers, and professionals. Light fare sponsored by The Chesapeake Framing Company and craft beer will be offered for sale by Third Hill Brewing Co.

Vlad Zabavskiy – “Hidden Worlds”
“The Conflict” with Resident Artists
The 19 Member Artists of Gallery 209

Opening Reception
5:00pm – 8:00pm, Friday, November 1, 2024

Artists & Makers Studios
11810 Parklawn Drive, Suite 210
Rockville, MD 20852

Artist Meet and Greet with Vlad Zabavskiy – Saturday November 23rd, 1-3pm

Viewing hours are 10:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Saturday, and Sundays by chance or appointment. Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville, established in October of 2014 by artist and arts community builder Judith HeartSong, is a 13,000 sq. ft. facility is home to 87 artists, as well as student artists. Artists & Makers Studios – Oro Valley, AZ is a three-year-old jewel box location with talented Resident Artists, 3,575 sq ft of studios, galleries, and flex-classroom space. Construction is currently underway in San Gabriel, CA for Artists & Makers Studios’ third location, with construction set to begin shortly for the fourth location in North Hollywood, CA. A&M Studios is dedicated to providing a supportive and vibrant environment for artists to realize their creative goals – through studio practice, collaboration, education, opportunities, networking and connecting with the community beyond our doors.

Good Afternoon All! From now until March 2025 we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary! At this time 10 years ago we were actively touring and cleaning up this building, getting keys made, and locks added or changed. Things were cleaned to within an inch of their life and then freshly painted. We started out with only sections A&B, and rapidly took over section C. We then added section B2 to make a total of 13,000 sq ft. We are so fortunate to have this space in Greater Rockville, a dedicated parking area for the building, and two large picnic tables outside for artists’ and visitors’ dining pleasure.

We survived the shutdown of the pandemic, providing safe, clean space to work in studios with plenty of ventilation during the worst of it…. and our Artist roster and depth of talent has never been better. We appreciate you all – your professionalism, positivity, dedication – and are so glad you all are with us. Thank you to all of our visitors who follow artists, buy their work, share their PR, and join us each month. Thank you to our sponsors – where would we be without you!! Happy, Happy Anniversary to us all!!

“Artists & Makers Studios is dedicated to providing a supportive and vibrant environment for artists to realize their creative goals – through studio practice, collaboration, education, opportunities, networking and connecting with the community beyond our doors.”

Artists & Makers Studios in Rockville Presents
Kimberly Keller – “Synchronicity” for the Month of October

“Synchronicity is an ever-present reality for those who have eyes to see.” — C.G. Jung

(Rockville, MD) – Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville is thrilled to host photographer Kimberly Keller in the Invited Artist Gallery for the month of October. The exhibit runs from October 2nd through October 23rd at Artists & Makers Studios, with an opening reception on Friday, October 4th, 5 – 8pm. Human beings have always been fascinated by synchronicity, or the simultaneous occurrence of events that appear related but have no discernible causal connection.  Street photography celebrates synchronicity, presenting images that appear carefully composed but which spring from random events. Each of the photos in this exhibit captures a moment when two or more objects or beings, often on the move, come together to create an apparent flash of meaning.  They can be surprising, humorous, or the shortest of short stories.  The images illustrate the appeal of synchronicity and deliver the pleasure of the “aha” moment or the punchline of a joke.  But they are also a reminder that meaning is created by our perception, not the degree of permanence, truth, or intentionality of what we see.  If these images, where nothing has been staged, added, or removed, seem to urge us to connect the dots in specific ways, how much more closely should we examine messages deliberately created to persuade? Enjoy additional exhibits “Forbidden” with Resident Artists – on view in the Gallery Hall, along with nineteen Gallery 209 Member Artists exhibiting their latest work. Shop and support local working artists, makers, and professionals. Light fare sponsored by The Chesapeake Framing Company and craft beer will be offered for sale by Third Hill Brewing Co.

Kimberly Keller – “Synchronicity”
“Forbidden” with Resident Artists
The 19 Member Artists of Gallery 209

Opening Reception

5:00pm – 8:00pm, Friday, October 4th, 2024

Artists & Makers Studios

11810 Parklawn Drive, Suite 210

Rockville, MD 20852

Artist Meet and Greet – Saturday October 12^th, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Viewing hours are 10:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Saturday, and Sundays by chance or appointment. Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville, established in October of 2014 by artist and arts community builder Judith HeartSong, is a 13,000 sq. ft. facility is home to 87 artists, as well as student artists. Artists & Makers Studios – Oro Valley, AZ is a three-year-old jewel box location with talented Resident Artists, 3,575 sq ft of studios, galleries, and flex-classroom space. Construction is currently underway in San Gabriel, CA for Artists & Makers Studios’ third location, with construction set to begin shortly for the fourth location in North Hollywood, CA. A&M Studios is dedicated to providing a supportive and vibrant environment for artists to realize their creative goals – through studio practice, collaboration, education, opportunities, networking and connecting with the community beyond our doors.

Artists & Makers Studios in Rockville Presents
Megan Maher – “Candy Coated”

(Rockville, MD) – Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville is thrilled to host Megan Maher in the Invited Artist Gallery for the month of August. The exhibit runs from July 31st through August 28th at Artists & Makers Studios, with an opening reception on Friday, August 2nd, 5 – 8pm. In “Candy Coated,” artist Megan Maher creates a visual playground of irregular looping lines that invite us to rediscover the color orange. This new series of paintings and drawings centers on the artist’s distinctive “squiggle,” inviting viewers to embrace their inner child and delight in the act of viewing. This playful color study includes several large-scale paintings alongside an immersive grid of small, six-inch pieces that engulfs the viewer. Of this new body of work, the artist describes: “I was inspired by the work of the French post-impressionist painter, Pierre Bonnard… I love the way he puts strong colors next to each other so that they seem to flicker across the surface.” Like Bonnard, the works on view embrace the play between colors which creates depth and nuance. To heighten this interplay, Maher combines an array of materials to create rich fields of varied textures and lusters transforming each squiggle into a dynamic whirlpool that rewards close looking by revealing its depths in the smallest of details. Much like a squiggle, orange in these works becomes both familiar and open to interpretation. The effect is that audiences are left energized and uplifted with a new appreciation for the charm and potential of this bold and magnetic color. Enjoy additional exhibits “Saturation” with Resident Artists – on view in the Gallery Hall, along with nineteen Gallery 209 Member Artists exhibiting their latest work. Shop and support local working artists, makers, and professionals.

Megan Maher – “Candy Coated”
“Saturation” with Resident Artists
The Member Artists of Gallery 209

Opening Reception
5:00pm – 8:00pm, Friday, August 2nd, 2024

Artists & Makers Studios
11810 Parklawn Drive, Suite 210
Rockville, MD 20852

Artist Talk – Saturday, August 17th, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Viewing hours are 10:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Saturday, and Sundays by chance or appointment.

Artists & Makers Studios is the
“Best Place to Experience Art”
according to the editors of the 2018 issue of
BEST OF BETHESDA MAGAZINE, JAN/FEB 2018

Featuring the studio of Kristina Penhoet
 Featuring Christine Cardellino (Torpedo Factory Artist) and her solo exhibit at A&M

“Want to try your hand at painting, glassmaking or even belly dancing? Artists & Makers Studios has offerings in everything from smartphone photography to doll-making and provides an outlet for all kinds of creative pursuits for beginners through professional artists……..”

Editor’s Pick PDF here

And Best Bets in the same issue of BEST OF BETHESDA MAGAZINE
Featuring the work of David Amoroso
and mentions for
Marily Mojica
&
Sergio and Claudia Olivos

“Mexican artist Frida Kahlo was known for her intense self-portraits, but an exhibitionat Artists & Makers Studios in Rockville shows how four local artists depict the famous painter, feminist and political activist. The Mexican holiday Day of the Dead is another common theme among the paintings and mixed-media artwork by David Amoroso, Marily Mojica and Sergio and Claudia Olivos on display in the exhibition Frida and the Day of the Dead……”

Best Bets PDF here