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Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 11am - 6pm

Riverworks Art Center

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Beallsville, MD
Riverworks Art Center

Here you will find a community
of artists, makers and teachers,
dedicated to helping you access and

Operating as usual

01/21/2023

Lines: The cold earth slept below
BY PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY

The cold earth slept below;
Above the cold sky shone;
And all around,
With a chilling sound,
From caves of ice and fields of snow
The breath of night like death did flow
Beneath the sinking moon.

The wintry hedge was black;
The green grass was not seen;
The birds did rest
On the bare thorn’s breast,
Whose roots, beside the pathway track,
Had bound their folds o’er many a crack
Which the frost had made between.

Thine eyes glow’d in the glare
Of the moon’s dying light;
As a fen-fire’s beam
On a sluggish stream
Gleams dimly—so the moon shone there,
And it yellow’d the strings of thy tangled hair,
That shook in the wind of night.

The moon made thy lips pale, beloved;
The wind made thy bosom chill;
The night did shed
On thy dear head
Its frozen dew, and thou didst lie
Where the bitter breath of the naked sky
Might visit thee at will.

If you enjoy the written word - please join us for LIVE READING on Friday, Feb 10 at 7 pm at Locals Farm Market, in celebration of the work of Lisa Couturier's students from the "Writing as a Way of Re-Seeing" class.

photo credit Lauren G. Koch .anvil_lgkart

01/20/2023

In addition to our variety of community events and workshop experiences, Riverworks provides space weekly for artists and musicians to express themselves.

Make a weekly appointment with yourself and your art! Riverworks Art Center Open Studios on Fridays from 12-4 pm. Book a place to work on the website to be guaranteed a spot or feel free to walk in. All are welcome, Join Us!

If music is more your speed, Jam Sessions, hosted by Brian Jamison at Locals Farm Market takes place every Friday from 5 - 8 pm.

photo credit Lauren G. Koch .anvil_lgkart

01/16/2023

"Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love."
From his final book, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community

How will you use the power of love?

Book art piece by Sarah Matthews who is our current featured artist at Artist in the House gallery and is leading the Community Roundtable Project: African American History and Culture. Swing by Locals Farm Market during regular business hours to view and put Feb 16 th at 6:30 pm on you calendar for the Roundtable discussion.

01/13/2023

Fridays are hopping here at Riverworks in the heart of the Ag Reserve.

Join us at the Alden Farms Studio for Open Studio Hours - bring a project or just swing by for a chat - space is limited so reserve your spot to guarantee a space to work.

Followed by Jam Sessions at Locals Farm Market hosted by Brian Jamison. Bring your instruments, voice, or just clap along.

01/12/2023

Riverworks is dedicated to creating space, resources and guidance for experiences like The Community Roundtable Project.

The first Riverworks Community Roundtable Project event has been sponsored by generous donations from our board members.

Would you or your business like to sponsor a Riverworks community event like the Community Roundtable Project? Reach out to chat with Sandy or Pam - or email [email protected] with “Sponsor an event” in the subject line.

01/10/2023

I am pleased to announce that Ellen Letourneau has joined our team as Program & Events Director for Riverworks Art Center!

Ellen has been involved in many nonprofits over the years and has been instrumental in helping local organizations promote and preserve the Agricultural Reserve in Montgomery County. She is an involved and enthusiastic community member who will now bring these talents and deep connections to Riverworks.

She has co-authored two books, Bread and Beauty: A Year in Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve and A Culinary History of Montgomery County, Maryland. These books focused on the culture, history and people of the Ag Reserve and has created a multitude of programs and events in support of preserving our diverse way of life here.

She has been a student and an avid supporter of Riverworks from the beginning, and we are so blessed she is bringing her many talents, skills and art to Riverworks Arts.

Join me in welcoming Ellen!

- Pam Heemskerk, Executive Director

01/09/2023

It was a pleasure to see everyone who came out Saturday for the Fourth Artist in the House gallery reception featuring the work of Sarah Matthews.

Sarah is a gifted and vibrant storyteller and we all enjoyed learning about her art and her process.

Sarah will be joining us again Feb 16th at 6:30 pm to lead the Community Roundtable Project: African American History and Culture event hosted at Locals- hope to see you there to join the discussion- all are welcome!

01/06/2023

Introducing you to two of our Artist Associates in residence.

Lisa Couturier is a renowned author and animal activist, who splits her time between the AgReserve and New York City. Her words reverberate with a strong connection to nature and the feminine experience.

Lesley Dangerfield is a retired painting conservator, who now works as a clay and mixed media artist, deeply inspired by the intricate, often fragile, simplicity of nature. Nature is her muse.

Learn more about our Associate Artists on our website. A new round of interviews will begin in Jan/Feb for several open spots. For those of you who have already applied, the process begins soon.

01/05/2023

Have you joined the jam yet?!?

Bring your instruments, voice, or just clap along to some great tunes.

Jam Sessions are hosted at Locals by Brian Jamison every Friday 5-8 pm.

See you there!

01/04/2023

You don’t want to miss the reception for Artist in the House - Sarah Matthews!!!

Saturday, January 7th 4-6 pm at Locals Farm Market.

Artist talk, small bites, and gallery show.

Sarah will also be the moderator for our first Community Roundtable Project on February 16th. Check the link in the bio/comments for more information.

Come be a part of the conversation at Riverworks!

01/01/2023

Happy New Year from all of us at Riverworks Art Center!

12/28/2022

Last call for end of the year giving! This is the final week to get donations in for this calendar year!

Follow the link in the bio and comments.

We appreciate the continued support of our growing community at Riverworks Art Center. Hope you all had a blessed holiday and wishing you a joyous New Year 2023!

12/27/2022

This is the final week to view "A Sense of Place" featuring the wonderful work of Ann Neslen and Kim Yourick at the Artist in the House Gallery located at Locals Farm Market.

We're kicking off the New Year with an exhibition "Illuminated" by the incomparable Sarah Matthews, who is also our host for the Community Roundtable Project artist talk on February 16th.

12/26/2022

Our first year as an official Arts Non-Profit has been amazing.

To commemorate all the joyous moments of creation & community we've had throughout the year, head over to our Youtube channel (link in the bio) to view a year in review.

12/22/2022

On Dec 17th, Sarah Matthews led our very first Community Roundtable Project Excursion to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

These programs are designed to bring people deeper into the viewing and making of work in a small cohort of artists and makers.

As a group, we have been unpacking what we have seen on a visual and emotional level. Sarah is dedicated to expanding and deepening her students' experience and encouraging them to share the gifts that are given to them with the community. Riverworks deepest value in action.

Grateful to Sarah for her vision and gracious leadership, our Board of Directors for providing the resources, and each of you who encouraged us to keep moving forward with this kind of programming!

Community notes: This multilayered event will conclude with an exhibition and Roundtable discussion. Join us on February 16 at 6:30 pm for this special roundtable artist talk led by Sarah Matthews and Pam Heemskerk.

Art credits:
I go to prepare a place for you, Bise Bulter. Quilt
Psychological Redlining, Rashaun Rucker, 13 Studies
Freedom Quilt, Jessie Bell Williams Telfair, Quilt, Whitfield Lovell, The Card Series II: The Rounds, Batoul S’Himi, Untitled

12/21/2022

Artists have a lot to share. We share emotions, feelings and energy that can ripple through the community. It heals and connects in the spirit of love and inclusion. — David Therriault

12/15/2022

Thank you Lauren Koch!

I would like to let our community know that Lauren Koch, our wonderful and talented Creative Director, will be transitioning out of this role and into a smaller, but no less important one of Website/Social media platform Manager.

Lauren has found an opportunity to become a practitioner of the healing arts by establishing her own private practice in Thurmont. I am thrilled that she is stepping into her power through this work.

She has been in training for many years to become a Reiki master level practitioner and is studied in many forms of the healing arts.

Please join me in wishing Lauren the very best in her new adventure! We have been so blessed to have her with us, she played a huge role is establishing the ground we walk on and the reason we have been able to do so much in our first year.
Thank you Lauren.
- Pam

12/14/2022

Open Portfolio Call for Regional Artists!

Artist in the House Gallery is a collaboration between Riverworks Art Center and Locals Farm Market, in historic downtown Poolesville, MD.

We feature the work of regional artists (MD, DC, PA, VA, WV)

If you are interested in having your work considered for a future group or solo exhibition, please follow the link the bio to check our Artist Opportunities - there is a form you may submit.

12/09/2022

Bringing community together through creativity!

Creation can be certainly be a solo act but it’s more fun when you have people to create with.

Come create with us at Riverworks - we love our community.

12/08/2022

Writing can help you connect & deepen your understanding of yourself through self-expression and sharing with others.

Join esteemed writer, Lisa Couturier for the Writing as a Way of Re-Seeing Workshop for Women - Wednesday evenings Jan 4 - Feb 8 from 6:30 - 8 pm.

This writing workshop will be hosted in the cozy backroom of Locals Farm Market.

No writing experience necessary - Two partial, need based scholarships are available - email Executive Director Pam Heemskerk with a statement of intent and need at [email protected] - all inquiries held in strict confidence.

Pre-registration is required - check out our website (link in the bio) to learn more.

12/07/2022

Join the Jam!

Bring your instruments, voice, or just clap along to some great tunes.

Jam Sessions are hosted at Locals by Brian Jamison every Friday 5-8 pm.

12/06/2022

The gardens that surround Riverworks Art Center’s studios at Alden Farm are beautiful regardless of the season.

Have you been by for a stroll recently the witness the seasonal shifts?

Fridays are usually our most active day around the gardens and studios as community members come for Open Studio Hours - bring a project to work on or just stop in for a chat - we would love to have you.

Winter Open Studio Hours are Fridays 12-4 pm - in honor of the Winter Holidays our studios will closed Dec 20- January 1 - but the gardens are still open.

12/05/2022

Looking for an adorable, handcrafted gift this year?

Join Ann Neslen to learn all about making these mini books.

Great for jewelry, travel sketchbooks, and more.

The date has changed - it is now Thursday, December 15th 10am - 2 pm instead of Dec 10

Pre-registration is required and closes Dec 13th - learn more on our website.

12/04/2022

Witness - Experience - Express - Connect

If you’ve been on the fence about joining Sarah Matthews for the Excursion & Exhibition portion of the Community Roundtable Project: African American History & Culture - we have 2 spots left and reservations close this Thursday, Dec 8.

To learn more and reserve your spot head over to the website - link is in the bio.

Image Credit Sarah Matthews

12/02/2022

Have you had a chance to swing by Artist in the House Gallery, located at Locals Farm Market?

The art work of Riverworks Art Center’s Associate Artists Ann Neslen and Kim Yourick is currently on view through the end of December.

In January, we will be installing the work of Sarah Matthews. She is leading the Community Roundtable Project: African American History & Culture Excursion and Exhibition.

We have two more spots available for participants to join her for the excursion and exhibition - reserve your spot today - learn more on our website about this multifaceted experience.

12/01/2022

Due to a generous contribution from a patron of writing, we now have available two partial needs based scholarships for this workshop.

Please send an email to the executive director at [email protected] with a statement of intent and need.

All inquiries held in strict confidence.

11/30/2022

Artists in the House Gallery is located in historic, downtown Poolesville, MD in the beautifully, renovated Steven’s House (circa 1840s) that is now Locals Farm Market and Restaurant.

Riverworks Art Center is thankful for this collaboration, which allows us to feature regional artists in group and solo exhibitions throughout the year.

If you are an artist working out of MD, DC, PA, WV, or VA head over to our website to submit your portfolio for consideration.

11/29/2022

Todays the day, it’s Giving Tuesday. is a global online movement that inspires millions of people to donate, volunteer, and come together in support of the causes close to their hearts.

In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, Riverworks will be running our end-of-the-year giving campaign to raise necessary general operating funds.

We invite you to make an impact through a tax-deductible gift to Riverworks Art Center. Your generosity ensures that we can create experiences for self-expression through the arts by improving our facilities, supporting our amazing staff, and providing funding to off-set the cost of our community events.

If you would like to get a head-start on supporting our ever growing community, please make your gift by following the link in the comments.

Together, we are strong. Riverworks: Cultivating creativity & connection.

11/28/2022

Mini Books are adorable and a whole lot of fun to make…

Join Riverworks Associate Artist, Ann Neslen on Saturday, Dec 10 from 2 - 6 pm to learn all about binding your very own mini books.

They make great gifts, ornaments, jewlery, and more.

Pre-registration is required - registration closes Dec 8th

Head over to our website to learn more - link is in the bio

11/25/2022

Gift Cards are now available on our website...

They can be used towards workshops or Riverworks' merchandise which will available soon.

11/23/2022

Gratitude.

We invite you to help create a community statement of Gratitude by dropping a comment below. You never know who's heart you will touch by... being grateful and kind!!!

"This Thanksgiving I am grateful for self-expression, because it can leave behind something to cherish. I'm grateful to Riverworks for creating a space that allows us (and reminds us) to self-express, even us TWDCTAs (Those Who Don't Call Themselves Artists)."
- Sandy Wright, Founder

Address

19215 Beallsville Road
Beallsville, MD
20839

Opening Hours

Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	11am - 6pm

Telephone

+13016909337

Website

http://riverworksart.org/links

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Videos

What an amazing way to kick off the Fall season and prepare for Fire Festival… The associate artist gathering was a blast and thanks to Malinda Pierce, we were able to get our hands dirty and have a little fun together. If you would like to get your hands dirty too and learn about handbuilding with ceramics, Malinda will be leading a Raku Workshop on Saturday, October 22 from 10 - 4pm in preparations for Riveworks Fire Festival. Fire Festival will be held Saturday, November 5 from 3 - 6 pm - more information coming soon! Link to our website to learn more about upcoming programming and events here https://www.riverworksart.org/programs Music: Redwood Trail Musician: music by audionautix.com License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

The bees aren’t the only ones that have been busy lately over at Riverworks Art Center… Fall Programming and Events are being added to the website daily! If you haven’t subscribed to the newsletter follow the link in the bio - so you won’t miss a thing. #riverworksartcenter #mocoagreserve #poolesvillemd #aldenfarms #pollinators #honeybees #bumblebees #nonprofitartcenter #retreattotheagreserve

Inspiration • Discovery • Support Riverworks programming fosters the development of creativity and well-being of community members through the process of making and sharing art. This weekend come enjoy this support and the beautifully relaxing Sculpture Gardens at Alden farms with two very special creative mindfulness programs we have scheduled. Join Ian Parsons for a meditative paper folding workshop - Intro to Origami Tessellation from 10 am - 2 pm. Followed by… Walking the Artist’s Path: Meditation as a Doorway to Inspiration with Sam Cooper from 3 pm - 7 pm Whether you decide to attend both classes or individually - you’re sure to leave refreshed and inspired. Individual classes are $90 per person and pre-registration is required. Follow the link https://www.riverworksart.org/programs to learn more about these and other upcoming programing we have available at Riverworks Art Center. Flute playing background and imagery courtesy of Lauren G Koch #nonprofitartsorg #stopbreathefeelcreate #creativemindfulness #meditationpractice #creativitycaringcommunity #arthappenshere #creativityandwellbeing #nonprofitartcenter #riverworksartcenter #mocoarts #mocoagreserve #origamitessellation

Meet Artist Associates Taina and Malinda

Taina Litwak @tainalitwak and Malinda Pierce @malindapierce22 are two of our wonderful artist associates. Here’s just a sneak peak at their work, which is also on display for purchase in the Barn Gallery at Alden Farms. Learn more about these talented artists on our website under Associate Artists, link in the bio. #associateartists #riverworksartcenter #highlight #artistcommunity #artistssupportingartists #inspiredbynature #natureinspiredart #scientificillustration #artisthighlight #marylandartist #dmvartist #midmaryland #mocoarts #creativitycaringcommunity #arthappenshere #comemakeartwithus

Artists Books with Pam and Ann

Located within the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve just outside of Poolesville, Maryland, Riverworks Art Center is a retreat from the demands of everyday life where you’re invited to indulge yourself in slowing down and deepening your creativity. Whether you’re an experienced book artist seeking a supportive community and time to devote to making your next creation… or you’re looking to express your creativity in a new way… the five day workshop focusing on Handmade Artist Books with Pam Heemskerk & Ann Neslen is just what you’re looking for. During the workshop, you’ll be invited to draw inspiration from creative writing, photography, found objects, sculptural forms, and more. Then you’ll be guided from start to finish on how to design and select materials, edit and sequence imagery, and to make a book that furthers the narrative content of your work. You will be introduced to a structure a day, learn how to make a mockup, and have plenty of studio time to work on your own version. This course will set you up to work confidently at your studio in four basic structures that are the foundation of bookbinding. Follow the link in the bio to learn more or register. #bookbinding #bookarts #artistbooks #riverworksartcenter #findinspiration #comemakeartwithus #arthappenshere #artnonprofit #nonprofitartcenter #creativecommunity #artistssupportingartists #mocoarts #marylandarts

When you are here you find… 🍃Belonging 🍃Balance 🍃Inspiration 🍃Discovery 🍃Support Riverworks is a place where creation meets community and caring in a unique way. Our programming fosters both the development of creativity and wellness of the creator by providing a space to create work, hone creative skills, find support in professional development as well as for your emotional and physical wellness, and share your creativity with an ever growing community of creatives and their supporters. Be sure to follow the link in the bio to learn more about educational programs as well as opportunities to become a Riverworks instructor or artists associate. Sketches courtesy of @lace.anvil_lgkart

Plein Air Workshop at Riverworks Art Center

🔊sound on 🔊 Our creative director, Lauren G Koch will be leading a plein air painting workshop, Saturday, June 18th. During this workshop, we will start with a brief overview of what supplies you might need in a plein air go-kit, followed by various techniques you can put to work in the field whether you have 5 mins or several hours to put into a plein air composition. You can expect to create at least 4 small and 2 - 4 larger plein air compositions utilizing pencil, pen and ink, and/or watercolor during our time together in the gardens. At the end of the workshop we will come together in the studio to discuss the experience and share our compositions. Feel free to message us with any questions you have or arrange a time to swing by the studios for a chat. Follow the link in the bio to register or learn more about our other arts programming. #pleinairworkshop #artworkshop #watercolorpainting #sketchingonlocation #getoutandmakeart #arthappenshere #riverworksartcenter #montgomerycountymdartist #marylandartists #marylandartist #artistssupportingartists #cantwaittoseewhatyoucreate #comemakeartwithus #creativecommunity #nonprofitartcenter #artsnonprofit #escapedc #marylandbackroads #getcreative #creativitycaringcommunity

Meet Artist Associates Dani B and Ann Neslen

Dani B and Ann Neslen are two of our wonderful artists associates. They will be guiding guests through “make and take” book and mixed media projects on the grounds of the Riveworks, Alden Farm location, during our Open House, Saturday, May 28 th, 11 am - 5 pm We’re hoping Dani can bring her camper, Olive, along for some fun. Learn more about these talented artists on our website under Associate Artists, link in the bio.

Riverworks Open Studio

Our mission is to create space for artists to connect to their true self, their authentic voice, to gain confidence, and understanding of their unique path. Place, community and belonging starts with a simple offering, opening our studios to our community of makers. Be sure to check back weekly for special offerings. Reserve a spot because space is limited or review our Open Studio Policies on our website. 🍃Join us on Friday, May 13th 2 - 6 pm, Lauren G. Koch, Creative Director, will be available all day for conversation and to provide assistance on projects you might be working on. At 5 pm, she will hold a short sound healing session for those interested. LAURENGKOCH.com 🍃On Saturday, May 14th 12 - 4 pm, Pam Heemskerk, Executive Director, will be on hand with her collage work. Pam is a book artist, photographer and writer, and would love to have you join her for the afternoon. pamelaheemskerk.com

Our Creative Director

Riverworks is excited to introduce our Creative Director, Lauren G. Koch. The last few months she’s been hard at work behind the scenes creating the website and visual vibe for our center. You can learn more about her on our website. Photo credits Igniting Creative Flames - Lauren G. Koch & Steven Welti Photography

Syd’s Exhibition Install

Artists in the House Gallery, located at Locals Farm Market, has experienced a flurry of activity this week as the installation of Sydney Therriault’s work has taken place. This marks the inaugural exhibition collaboration between Riverworks Art Center and Locals. We are very excited to share this very special show with all of you. It will be open to the public May 1 - September during regular business hours.

Staff Introductions

Riverworks Art Center would like to introduce our Executive Director, Pam Heemskerk. To learn more about Pam and her work here at Riverworks head over to the link in the bio. Photo credits - @pam_heemskerk

Find your pack… of artists and sweet doggios at Riverworks Art Center #sculpturegarden #wolfpack #huskies #aldenfarm #stopbreathefeelcreate #poolesvillemd #artnonprofit #riverworksartcenter #bettertogether #findyourpack #artistssupportingartists #creativesupport #marylandarts #montgomerycountymdarts

Here at Riverworks Art Center, we’re all about planting seeds and dreaming dreams. #dreamadream #plantseedsandwatchthemgrow #stopbreathefeelcreate #whatseedsareyouplanting #artnonprofit #artistssupportingartists #creativesupport #healingarts

Our mission at Riverworks Art Center… stay tuned for more information as we roll out the website and programming soon! #marylandartist #artistssupportingartists #creativesupport #montgomerycountymdartist #poolesvillemd #stopbreathefeelcreate

Comments

Come see this banner again at Alden Farms during Riverworks Art Center open house this Saturday . We need your support to bring this nonprofit art center to Poolesville 11-5 pm 19215 beallsville road Beallsville md

Please join me this Saturday from 11am-5pm at Riverworks Art Center for an exciting open house with live music and a gallery exhibition!
https://www.riverworksart.org/home

This is so beautiful. much like your results at Locals. You are an inspiration to all and we stand in awe of you, what you have gone through, and what you have created. I'm proud to be a part of your family. I would love to help out, however I can, in this amazing endeavor......imagine the line up of family beyond the veil who are beaming, cheering and creating with you.🌈🌈🌈🌦💥💙🌷