Arts on the Block (AOB) is the only organization in the Washington, DC, area offering youth of diverse backgrounds the opportunity to learn first-hand about the intersection of art, design, and business by engaging in real-world projects. Today, more than 150 AOB apprentice-created projects — from park benches to large-scale murals — grace public and private spaces throughout the area. Hundreds of youth around the region are learning the value of self-expression, the importance of dedication and collaboration, and the benefits to themselves and their communities of Arts on the Block programs.
Mission Statement
Since its founding in 2003, Arts on the Block’s mission has been to empower creative youth to imagine and shape fulfilling futures and contribute to the quality of life in their communities. AOB achieves its mission by providing real-world experiences in the arts, educational guidance and entrepreneurial training geared to their unique capabilities.
Activities and Programs
Pour Your ART Out (PYAO) transforms talented teens into Apprentice Artists to learn about art and develop job skills that can be used in any career. Apprentices work in teams on artwork for commissioned by an array of clients, as well as individual projects. In the process, they practice teamwork, professionalism, entrepreneurship, and countless other transferable skills. Community pARTnerships is a program in which AOB partners over several years with strong Montgomery County communities to engage middle and high school youth in creating works of art and design that address their communities’ needs. Explore-Create-Connect (ECC) is a CpART-East County program specifically funded by the Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation. This TeamUp endeavor partners AOB with Briggs Chaney Middle School, ClancyWorks Dance Company and IMPACT Silver Spring to help increase the level of academic, cultural and civic engagement for participating youth and their families in the middle school and broader East County communities.
Population
Age Groups Served: Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24) Population(s) Served: All; Students; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members Schools Served: Montgomery Blair High School; Hubert Blake High School; John F. Kennedy High School; Northwood High School; Springbrook High School; Wheaton High School; Richard Montgomery High School; Rockville High School; Roberto Clemente Middle School; Neelsville Middle School
Reviews
Great kids doing great things. Was very impressed by what I saw at the Open House.
– I.J. Hudson, Media Consultant and Former Anchor NBC4, I.J. Hudson LLC
What a vital creative outlet for teens in the community.
– Adjoa Burrowes, Fine Artist/Arts Educator, AdjoaBurrowes.com
Great artists come from Arts on the Block! Wonderful program for young artists.
– Suzanne Gartner, Glass Studio Manager, The Gary Rosenthal Collection