National Arts & Humanities Month in October encourages everyone to appreciate art and is a great way to explore the diverse cultural scene of Montgomery County, Maryland. From musical and theatrical performances to sculptures, paintings, and an interactive multimedia exhibit, be inspired by these must-see cultural experiences the county has to offer.
Performing Arts
Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground
Olney Theatre Center | Olney
Various Dates Through October 27
It is 1962 and The New York Times Magazine has published its first list ranking the American Presidents in order of greatness, and poor Ike is ranked 22nd of 31. Enraged at being called “mediocre”, he mounts a defense of his life and career – his Kansa upbringing, his decorated Army career, his victories in WWII, and his two terms as President- contemplating the qualities and adversities that make an American President great. Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground is adapted from a vast array of General Eishenhower’s memoirs, speeches, and letters animated by a bravura performance by one of the great actors at Olney Theatre Center.
Winnie the Pooh
Imagination Stage | Bethesda
Various Dates Through October 27
Everyone’s favorite bear from 100 Acre Wood is surrounded by Christopher Robin, Piglet, and friends in this delightful musical. Their busy day includes catching a Heffalump, finding Eeyore’s tail, and solving problems between Rabbit and Kanga. In the end, friendship and understanding save the day. Best for ages 3+.
Music
Afro-Cuban All Stars
The Music Center at Strathmore | North Bethesda
Friday, October 18 | 8:00 pm
Grammy-nominated orchestra, Afro-Cuban All Stars, will celebrate the tradition of Cuban music in their performance. Frontman and producer Juan de Marcos Gonzalez has made sure to captivate audiences since the 1990s. The All Stars plan to bring the spirit of Havana to audiences near and far captivating listeners with their irresistible rhythms and heartfelt music.Â
Sarah Cahill
The Mansion at Strathmore | North Bethesda
Thursday, October 31 | 7:30 pm
Sarah Cahill has commissioned and premiered over 70 compositions for solo piano and contemporary composers. Her latest project, The Future is Female is a three album series that explores and reframes the works of women composers from the 17th century to the present. Listen to her riveting selections at the Mansion at Strathmore.
Visual Arts
National Capital Art Glass Guild Presents “Glass Unlimited”
Gallery B| Bethesda
Various Dates Through November 2nd
The exhibit will showcase work from 35 different Guild members including mosaic, fused, stained, and blown glass. The National Capital Art Glass Guild (NCAGG) was founded in 1978 as a community of artisans working in stained glass and has grown over the years to include all forms of glass art.
Katherine Knight: Pool
VisArts | Rockville
Various Dates Through October 29th
Reni Gower’s artwork recognizes geometric perfection (sacred geometry) as the matrix of the cosmos. Since ancient times, perfect forms (circle, square, and triangle) have been thought to convey sacred and universal truths by reflecting the fractal interconnections of the body and the natural world. One finds these similarities embedded in the decorative designs of all cultures across the globe. Significantly, by incorporating these motifs into contemporary works, one can reveal the cross-cultural bonds of our shared humanity.
Countryside Artisans
Montgomery County Agriculture Reserve
October 4-6 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Spend an art day in the country on this self-guided driving tour! Follow winding roads with beautiful views of Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve to discover charming studios of the Countryside Artisans filled with inspired pottery, stoneware, glass, oil, watercolor, wood, stone, fiber, and more.
