In 2020, we expanded the initiative with a focus on mental health.

1) professional performances in storytelling, theater, dance, spoken word and other art forms in a variety of public spaces; 

2) workshops and in-depth training programs to build students of all ages’ ability to use the performing, visual, and literary arts to develop their voices, share their stories and increase their literacy, social-emotional and STEAM skills; and

3) collaborations with other service-providing organizations as a means to spark open community dialogue that promotes social justice and inclusivity and shifts the power dynamic, breaking down the barriers that apparently divide us to connect with our humanity and bring light to our likenesses.

Our vision is to make the arts, in all of its forms, a part of daily life for every person.

The Arts
The Arts are at the core of every Story Tapestries program – be it a live performance, a community conversation, a professional development workshop, a class for children, an artist-in-residency at a school or an exhibition of work. We firmly believe, and have observed, that those who integrate the arts into all aspects of their life live a richer, more fulfilling existence. Our vision is for every individual to understand how to use the arts as a vehicle for change, making a global difference in how we communicate, learn and support one another.

Creating open spaces
Providing people the opportunity, time and place to learn and express themselves is a fundamental component of Story Tapestries. We guide people to recognize the value of their story and to develop their voice. We help them create the space to listen and hear other people. Furthermore, our collaborative process both in planning and executing programs nurtures understanding as well as trust and gives people the opportunity to participate actively in the conversation.

Weaving a tapestry of diversity
Every art form is valuable. Every learning style is important. Every subject matter needs time. Every person has a story and a perspective, and every story is valuable and can benefit others. If you weave all of the art forms, stories, subjects and perspectives together you have a stronger, more resilient community.

Education is key to success
Story Tapestries seeks to activate the minds of every type of learner and help to dissolve barriers to education. Our programs incorporate evidence-based practices that develop literacy, STEAM, social-emotional and 21st century skills. We work with artists, community leaders and educators to design programs that maximize impact.

It takes the whole community to build community
Our hope, in collaboration with our partners, is always to serve children and adults equally. We have seen that in order to effect lasting change, we must engage entire communities regardless of age, race, financial situation, gender, religion and ability. Therefore, we have designed a collaborative planning process that begins with meeting organizations and individuals to listen to their stories and moves forward by collectively creating a custom-designed project that involves and serves everyone.

Week 6: August 2-6, Grades K-2
Week 8: August 16-20, Grades 2-4

Week 9: August 23-27, Grades K-2

We are also looking for teachers for future Fall class programming. Contact programs@hocoarts.org for more info.

hocoarts.org/camp

 

And the last year exposed just how much we truly need community, connection, and creativity in order to survive and thrive.

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For this reason, BlackRock has evolved beyond just a cultural arts center into a central resource for families in and around Upcounty Montgomery County Maryland.  

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This includes feeding over 1,000 families every week, providing essential social and emotional learning to children, sustaining the conversation around racial injustice and inequity, and keeping the arts accessible to all when we all need them the most.

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BlackRock is here for you, our community, and beyond.

We offered full-day, full-week summer camp experiences for students entering Grades K-8.

Now, we are offering summer programs however, we are still working on what exactly that looks like.

We are excited to get to know the Teaching Artists and networking with the other providers.

For more information please visit our website below,
call 443. 776.8580,
or email Education@everymantheatre.org