January 28, 2025 | View in browser.

Hi Jenni,


As January comes to a close, activities are ramping up at the Park! Winter classes and workshops are going strong, with Spring and Summer classes just on the horizon. With the frozen weather finally starting to thaw slightly, it's the perfect time to join us for a social dance, visit a gallery, or check out a Children's Theater show.


We've got a returning favorite DanceFit for Body & Mind class Saturday mornings in February! Join instructor Smita Khatri for a Bollywood & Bhangra class, perfect for ages 10+. Dance to the soul-stirring rhythms of India with Bhangra — a celebratory and uplifting folk dance from the state of Punjab in North India and Bollywood dance — which borrows from Indian classical and folk dance styles, and is seen in Indian cinema.


We're thrilled to announce that West Coast Swing is coming to the Park! Saturday evening, join us for the very first West Coast Swing dance with Late Night Early in the Ballroom Back Room. Late Night Early is the only West Coast Swing party with late night vibes... but you can still call it a night at 10pm! 


Join us Sunday afternoon to kick off Black History Month with an artist talk in conjunction with the current exhibition in the Photoworks Gallery, The Colors of Life, featuring photography by members of The Exposure Group African Americans Photographers Association. Participating artists Sharon Farmer, Sandy Adams, and Marvin Jones will impart wisdom on the topic of storytelling from behind — and in front of — the lens!


It's the last week to catch the Puppet Co.'s current show, Snowflakes, presented by the Beale Street Puppets. Don't miss this wintery, magical delight! The show closes this Sunday.


Interested in presenting a social dance, live music event, or educational dance program at Glen Echo Park? The Partnership is looking for qualified individuals or organizations to submit proposals for programming during the 2025 calendar year. Proposals are due February 14th at 5:00pm.


Read on for more of this week's happenings, including upcoming classes and social dance. We can't wait to see you at the Park soon, and as always, we appreciate your support!

VIEW FULL EVENTS CALENDAR

Interested in presenting a program at Glen Echo Park?


Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture Inc. is looking for qualified individuals or organizations to present public participatory dances, live music events, or educational dance programs at Glen Echo Park during the 2025 calendar year, from April 1-December 31. 


Proposals due February 14th at 5:00pm

Learn More

Featured

West Coast Swing: Late Night Early

February 1 | 5:00pm - 10:00pm | Ballroom Back Room


Late Night Early is the only West Coast Swing party with late night vibes... but you can still call it a night at 10pm! Join us starting at 5:00pm for a leveled lesson, then dance into the (not so late) evening with a social dance from 6:00pm - 10:00pm.

More Info & Purchase Tickets >>

Artist Talk: How Photographers Tell Stories

February 2 | 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Photoworks


Join us for an artist talk in conjunction with the current exhibition at Photoworks, The Colors of Life, featuring the work of artists of The Exposure Group African Americans Photographers Association. Participating artists Sharon Farmer, Sandy Adams, and Marvin Jones will present an artist talk on Sunday, February 2, imparting wisdom on the topic of storytelling from behind — and in front of — the lens!

Learn More >>

Beale Street Puppets Snowflakes

Closes February 2 | the Puppet Co.


Jack Frost brings his magical touch to winter: see Nicicle Icicle the Penguin, Louis Walrus and his Sardine Chorus, Jingle Belle the Ice Skater, and Jolly Holly the Snowman! Our Snowflake Snowgirls Showgirls dance while our Tuxedo Penguins tip their top hats to you! Winter is Whimsical with our Merry Marionettes!

Purchase Tickets >>

DanceFit for Body & Mind

Bollywood & Bhangra | Saturdays in February | 11:15am - 12:15pm

Line Dance | Monday, February 3 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm


DanceFit is back for 2025 — now held in the Ballroom Back Room! This series is a great opportunity to try a new style of dance every month, designed to keep your body moving and your spirits up! You can still join us for one more Line Dance class with Gizelle Merced! Then, starting February 1st, we have four consecutive Bollywood & Bhangra classes with Smita Khatri, back by popular demand on Saturdays. Dance to the soul-stirring rhythms of India and feel your spirits lift! 

Learn More >>

FALL/WINTER CLASSES

Registration is Open

Visit our website for information on registering. Learn more >>

BROWSE THE CATALOG

Upcoming

Virtual Artist Talk with Marilyn Gates-Davis

February 6 | 7:00pm - 8:00pm | ONLINE


Join us for an Artist Talk featuring artist Marilyn Gates-Davis, moderated by The Black Art Today Foundation. Recipient of the 2024 Park View Artist Award at the 53rd Annual Labor Day Art Show, Gates-Davis' painting titled DC Back in the Day was selected for the award by show juror Amy Kaslow, owner of Amy Kaslow Gallery. In her current solo show, Pieces Of A Dream, the artist explores the interplay between cherished childhood memories, personal loss, and the symbolic language of dreams. 

Learn More & Meeting Link >>

Dragons Love Tacos

February 7 - March 30 | Adventure Theatre MTC


You know what Dragons really love? Tacos of course! A boy and his dog are watching a TV show about dragons when they unexpectedly get caught up in the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ of what to serve to dragons to eat. Dragons love tacos, but if they accidentally eat spicy salsa…watch out!  

Purchase Tickets >>

National Parks Along the Potomac

February 8 | 9:30am | Dentzel Carousel


Join a Park Ranger for a guided circuit hike through Glen Echo Park, along the C&O Canal National Historical Park and MacArthur Boulevard to Clara Barton National Historic Site.


To register, email: kevin_patti@nps.gov

ACO Artist Discussion with Matt Klos

February 8 | 10:30am - 11:30am | ONLINE


Join us for an online discussion with Matt Klos, recipient of four Individual Artist Awards from the Maryland State Arts Council. Klos has been featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions including the Prince Street Gallery in Chelsea, NY in 2011. He currently teaches drawing and painting full-time at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, MD and has served as a guest lecturer/critic at various institutions.

Learn More & Meeting Link >>

Bumper Car Squares

February 8 | 7:00pm - 10:30pm | Bumper Car Pavilion


Join us for a special series of square dances in the Bumper Car Pavilion, once a month on Saturday evenings. In February, enjoy live music by Furnace Mountain and calling by Megan Downes! NO partner, special attire, or prior experience necessary. The Bumper Car Pavilion has a wonderful wooden floor and overhead radiant heaters will keep you toasty warm throughout the winter months.

Learn More >>

Peter and the Wolf

February 14 – March 16 | the Puppet Co.


Follow Peter, a courageous and naïve boy on his quest to catch the Wolf against the wishes of his grandfather and his animal friends of the woods. This production will incorporate the classic music in this two-person small marionette romp.

Purchase Tickets >>

"Heartbreakers" Honky Tonk Dance with Rusty Sal

February 15 | 8:30pm - 11:30pm | Bumper Car Pavilion


We are thrilled to partner with multi-instrumentalist and organizer Alex Lacquement to bring the lively Honky Tonk event he has cultivated in Baltimore to our own Bumper Car Pavilion! Join us for a free dance lesson in Two Step followed by an evening of post-Valentine's Day dancing to live music with the four heartbreakers of Rusty Sal. No prior experience needed and you don't need to bring a partner.

Purchase Tickets >>

PRIVATE RENTALS

at Glen Echo Park

Now Booking 2025 & 2026!

Host your next corporate gathering, wedding, bar or bat mitzvah, birthday celebration, retirement party, or family reunion at Glen Echo Park!

Learn More

Social Dance

Our fun and affordable social dances are open to the public with no prior experience or partner required. When we say we offer something for everyone, we're not kidding! Styles range from folk, blues, and contra to waltz, swing, tango and ballroom ... and more!


New dancers are always welcome, and a pre-dance, introductory lesson is included with admission. Most dances feature live music by renowned local and national bands.

FULL DANCE CALENDAR

FEATURED DANCES

West Coast Swing: Late Night Early

February 1 | 5:00pm - 10:00pm | Ballroom Back Room


See "Featured" section above for more details.

More Info & Purchase Tickets >>

Waltz Dance with Waltz Time

Waltz Time presents a waltz dance with live music by SUGAR BEAT with Susan Brandt (flute), Elke Baker (fiddle), Marc Glickman (piano). Free Waltz lesson included with admission.

Learn More >>

Also Check Out this Week ...

International Folk Dance* with Dancing Planet | Blues Dance* with Capital Blues | Contra Dance & Occasional Squares* with Friday Night Dancers  | DanceFit for Body & Mind: Bollywood & Bhangra | Viennese Waltz Workshop with Dance Sport Endurance | Swing Dance* with Gottaswing | Tango/Milonga Dance* with Tango Brillante


*Includes beginner lesson & social dance

Partnership Dance Class Series



View the full dance calendar >>

Classes & Workshops

Glen Echo Park is your go-to place for classes & camps in visual arts, dance, music, and more! We offer a wide array of classes and workshops for children, teens, and adults, as well as camps for children & teens. We also present nature & aquatic life programs for kids.

FALL/WINTER CLASS CATALOG

FEATURED ADULT & TEEN CLASSES

Just Add Water: Watercolor Witchcraft: Color

Begins February 18 | Tuesdays @ 10:00am - 12:30pm | Stone Tower Studio


If there ever is proof that magic is real, it resides in watercolor. When in the right hands, color springs from the brush like fireworks, pigment meanders through washes like it’s alive, and accidents strangely become the most interesting part of the painting. You will learn everything you need to know from brush types, to pigments, to paper weights, so you will feel comfortable with this beautiful medium. This Art Clinic is geared toward beginning and intermediate level students and will focus on a deeper understanding of color.

More info: mkastrin@gmail.com. Minimum age 14. 5 sessions. 

Learn More & Register >>

Seascapes in Colored Pencil

Begins February 19 | Wednesdays @ 5:00pm - 7:00pm | ONLINE


Everyone wants to draw the water in all its forms, from quiet water for sailing to rolling waves. Learn to portray the textures and depth of seascapes with colored pencils! Learn vital techniques you can even take with you on vacation. Classes, critique & demos recorded for you to re-watch. You will benefit whether beginner or advanced.

More info: lisarts.com@gmail.com. Minimum age 16. 3 sessions. 

Learn More & Register >>

FEATURED CHILDREN'S CLASSES

See Children’s Programs section below for Featured Children's Classes.

Learn More About Children's Classes >>


Browse the camps section of our upcoming Spring/Summer 2025 digital catalog! Registration opens February 5. Browse the catalog >>

Exhibitions & Galleries

Popcorn Gallery >>

Glassworks presents

Gathering Perspectives

January 11 - February 16

Saturdays & Sundays, 12pm - 6pm

Stone Tower Gallery >>

Jill McCarthy Stauffer

If Saltwater Heals Wounds

January 11 - February 16

Saturdays & Sundays, 12pm - 6pm

Park View Gallery >>

Marilyn Gates-Davis (2024 Park View Artist Award Winner)

Pieces Of A Dream

January 11 - February 16

Monday - Saturday, 10am - 6pm

Upcoming Virtual Artist Talk: February 6 | 7:00pm - 8:00pm | ONLINE | Learn More & RSVP >>


Lauri Hafvenstein: Magic Staircase

In the Arcade Building staircase between Popcorn Gallery and the Puppet Co.

Learn More >>

Art Glass Center >> Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Current Exhibition: New Work by the Art Glass Center Resident Artists, ongoing

Glen Echo Pottery Gallery >> Reopens Spring 2025

Photoworks >> Saturday & Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Current Exhibition: The Colors of Life by the Exposure Group, January 10 - March 2

Artist Talk: "How Photographers Tell Stories" with members of the Exposure Group

Sunday, February 2 | 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Photoworks

The Sculpture Studio >> Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday 11am - 2pm

or by appointment, nizetteb@gmail.com

SilverWorks Gallery >> Thursday - Sunday 11am - 5pm

Stone Tower Studio >> Saturday & Sunday 11am - 5pm or by appointment,

301.634.5379

Yellow Barn Gallery >> Reopens Spring 2025

Current Virtual Exhibition: 30th Annual Members Show

Children's Programs

CHILDREN'S THEATER

Beale Street Puppets Snowflakes

January 11 - February 2 | the Puppet Co.


Jack Frost brings his magical touch to winter: see Nicicle Icicle the Penguin, Louis Walrus and his Sardine Chorus, Jingle Belle the Ice Skater, and Jolly Holly the Snowman! Our Snowflake Snowgirls Showgirls dance while our Tuxedo Penguins tip their top hats to you! Winter is Whimsical with our Merry Marionettes!

Purchase Tickets >>

Upcoming: Dragons Love Tacos

February 7 - March 30 | Adventure Theatre MTC


You know what Dragons really love? Tacos of course! A boy and his dog are watching a TV show about dragons when they unexpectedly get caught up in the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ of what to serve to dragons to eat. Dragons love tacos, but if they accidentally eat spicy salsa…watch out!  

Purchase Tickets >>

Upcoming: Peter and the Wolf

February 14 – March 16 | the Puppet Co.


Follow Peter, a courageous and naïve boy on his quest to catch the Wolf against the wishes of his grandfather and his animal friends of the woods. This production will incorporate the classic music in this two-person small marionette romp.


Purchase Tickets >>

FEATURED CHILDREN'S CLASSES

Learn More About Children's Classes >>

Making a Valentine Box - Parent & Child Workshop (Ages 5-12)

February 9 | Sunday @ 1:00pm - 3:00pm (one day) | Crystal Pool Studio


Create a lovely stencil painting on a small wooden box provided for you. You will also have the opportunity to create your own stencils. Tuition covers one person. Adult and child must be registered under their own name. Supply fee is $10 per individual, payable to the instructor the day of the workshop.

More info: 301.980.1538; andrle@youngcreativespirit.org. 1 session.

Learn More & Register >>

Parent/Child Nature-Inspired Art & Artists Workshop – Shadows and Light (Ages 4 – 7)

February 15 | Saturday @ 11:00am - 12:30pm (one day) | Room 303


Discover the world of nature inspired art and artists with your child. Learn about shadows and sunlight. Then we will make our own shadow art, tracing shadows on white paper and painting our tracings. Tuition covers one person. Adult and child must each register separately under their own name. Supply fee of $10 per person payable to instructor. More info: sarah.m.rizk@gmail.com. 1 session.

Learn More & Register >>

SUMMER CAMPS PREVIEW


Browse the camps section of our upcoming Spring-Summer 2025 digital catalog! Registration opens February 5.


Let your child spark their creativity and develop their artistic skills in a fun, non-competitive environment with classes in:

Aquatic Life & Nature | Arts & Media | Dance & Movement | Drawing, Painting & Crafts | Fused Glass | Music | Theater | & More!

BROWSE THE CATALOG

Glen Echo Park Aquarium


Learn about the creatures that inhabit the Chesapeake Bay and beyond through interactive exhibits, knowledgable educators, and a dynamic space. Timed entry creates a personalized learning environment, guaranteeing an in-depth experience for all who visit.


Book a Visit

Timed entry daily between 9am - 5pm

Tickets are $8 per person for all visitors ages 2 & up.

Book a Visit >>


Kids Story Time

Thursdays at 11:00am

Gather in the aquarium to read a few ocean picture books each week! All ages welcome; timed entry is required.

VIEW FULL PARK EVENTS CALENDAR

Praline Cafe

Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday - Friday: 10am - 3pm

Saturday & Sunday: 11am - 7pm

*open for dances and special events beyond these hours*


Stop by Praline, located in the Spanish Ballroom wing closest to the playground, for sandwiches, pastries, snacks, and drinks! More Information >>

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The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org) and also by funding from the Montgomery County government and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (creativemoco.com). All programs are produced in cooperation with the National Park Service and Montgomery County, Maryland.