January Newsletter

Wow, we’re more than halfway through January and it’s… uh… Well, 2026 feels like it’s off to a… kinda unpleasant start. I’m fending off the winter blahs and existential dread by throwing myself into my work, spending time with my family, and engaging with my local art community (see below).

I hope you’re doing well and find some peace in these weird times.

Reception this Friday!

Action shot of me setting up the show, photo courtesy of Penny Martin

January: Greenbelt Arts Center

I’m excited to return to the Lobby of the Greenbelt Arts Center! Come and visit when the Greenbelt Arts Center is open for performances, or contact me if you’d like to make a special showing.

The reception is this Friday, January 23rd, 6pm - 8pm. Light refreshments will be served and Penny Martin has graciously volunteered to provide music on her harp.

The GAC can be a little tricky to find, but it’s underneath the Greenbelt Co-op at the Roosevelt Center, down the stairs to the right of the Mother and Child statue.

Upcoming Shows

March 12th - May 2nd

I’ll be displaying my work at the Montpelier Arts Center! More information soon.

Reception: Sunday March 14th, 2pm - 4pm

Wolf family statue outside of the Visitor’s Center for the Patuxent Research Refuge

March: Patuxent Research Refuge

I’ll also be returning to the Patuxent Research Refuge this March! I was supposed to display my work there back in October but it was canceled due to the government shutdown. Fingers crossed that we won’t have a repeat of that nonsense.

Reception: TBD

Past Events

January Artful Afternoon

I led the last two Artful Afternoons at the Greenbelt and Springhill Lake Recreation Centers. Everyone had a blast—including me! It was really special to see folks of all ages come out an experiment with watercolors and to try their hand at embellishing some of my sketches. It’s just such an honor and a privilege to be part of a strong, supportive, and vibrant arts community. I’m incredibly grateful to be here. Hopefully I’ll run more events like this in the future!

Special thanks to Adam, Ana, and Amanda L. for making sure everything ran smoothly and keeping the chaos to a minimum.

Lunchtime Sketching

It’s not too late to join Amanda Larson and I for Lunchtime Sketching! You’re also welcome to “try before you buy,” so to speak, and hang out with us before you commit to the whole season.

Students are invited to join the artist in the studio to sketch along. This is a meet up, not active instructional time, however every session will have a professional art instructor in session, available to answer questions. The session will also be recorded and shared for later free viewing. Participants who are unable to sketch along in person, but want to financially support Lunchtime Sketching can do so by registering for this session. This class includes Visual Arts Open Studio.

153201-2 M 12 - 1:30pm/CC-113 7 mtgs: 1/12-2/23 R: $60 NR: $70 Instructor: Amanda Larsen, Amanda Spaid

Sign up for my classes here or call the Greenbelt Recreation department at (301)397-2200