Willow Grove Opening Weekend
September 20, 21 and October 18, 19 from noon - 3 pm
Two weekends of FREE activities and performances to celebrate the grand opening of Willow Grove Cultural Commons, a space designed to meet the needs of the region's traditional artists and cultural heritage practitioners.
We are grateful for the support of the Mid-County Regional Services Office of Montgomery County, Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, and Maryland State Arts Council for making this event and space possible.
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
Mayur Dance Performance and Workshop
Amazing Theater
Traditional Felt Workshop with Milana Borovskaia
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
Open Artist Studios
Dr. Bird Room
10/18
Willow Grove
Program Room
10/18
Exhibit Hall
Beginning Crochet Workshop
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
Yoga with Shaquita Grier (Womash Yoga)
Bluegrass Jam
Gallery
10/18
Community Quilt
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
Origami with Athena Zhang Baker
Artist Studios
10/18
Library
10/19
Exhibit Hall
Gallery
Artist Studios
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
Drum Circle
Community Quilt
Open Artist Studios
Willow Grove
10/19
Peace Mission Korean Dance Group Drum Workshop
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
Chinese Paper Cutting Workshop with Shanye Huang
Dr. Bird Room
10/19
Program Room
Traditional Felt Workshop with Milana Borovskaia
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
Spotlight Samen Dance Workshop
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
Yoga with Shaquita Grier (Womash Yoga)
Bluegrass Jam
Fuad Foty Performance
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
9/20
Willow Grove
Dr. Bird Room
11:00 - 12:00
Traditional Felt Workshop with Milana Borovskaia
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
Open Artist Studios
Program Room
9/20
Exhibit Hall
Chinese Paper Cutting Workshop with Shanye Huang
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
Ink Painting Workshop with Xianghua Liu
Gallery
9/20
Community Quilt
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
Origami with Athena Zhang Baker
Artist Studios
9/20
Library
Chinese Paper Cutting Workshop with Shanye Huang
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
Ink Painting Workshop with Xianghua Liu
Community Quilt
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
Traditional Felt Workshop with Milana Borovskaia
Artist Studios
9/21
Open Artist Studios
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
Exhibit Hall
9/21
Willow Grove
Program Room
9/21
Gallery
September 20
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
September 20, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Remarks from Museum Staff / Ceremonial performance by the Cambodian Buddhist Society
Yoga with Shaquita Grier (Womash Yoga)
September 20, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
at Willow Grove
This session begins with gentle yoga to open the body, paired with mindful breathwork to calm the mind and deepen presence. Once the body and breath are aligned, you'll be guided into a sound meditation featuring crystal singing bowls and a crystal singing harp. The vibrations create a soothing soundscape that encourages deep relaxation, energetic balance, and inner harmony.
Fuad Foty Performance
September 20, 12:30 - 1:00 pm
at Dr. Bird Room
Fuad Foty is a highly accomplished oud instrumentalist, captivating vocalist, and esteemed musical instructor, amassing a wealth of experience spanning over three decades. Foty has dedicated his life to preserving and innovating Arabic music, and he will be sharing a captivating performance that blends traditional Arabic folk with contemporary influences with the Sandy Spring community. This is a performance that you will not want to miss!
Origami with Athena Zhang Baker
September 20, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
at Gallery
Athena Zhang Baker will be teaching everyone how to make an origami crane and discuss the history behind the crane. All are welcome to stop by this table to learn to make this famous craft and enjoy refreshments
Bluegrass Jam
September 20, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
at Willow Grove
Sandy Spring Bluegrass Jam is hosting a lively community jam session in the new Willow Grove space! Open to all ages and skill levels, this event welcomes anyone with a love for bluegrass music. Hosted by dedicated local musicians, it is the perfect opportunity to join in, meet fellow players, and enjoy the energy of a live jam. Bring your instrument or simply come to listen and enjoy the music.
Chinese Paper Cutting Workshop with Shanye Huang
September 20, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Program Room
Shanye Huang will be leading a workshop of paper cutting, a craft that utilizes familiar art materials like paper, turning plain sheets into beautiful and meaningful works of art. This hands-on activity is open to everyone, offering an opportunity for participants to learn basic paper cutting techniques and unleash their creativity by making a variety of shapes and patterns.
Ink Painting Workshop with Xianghua Liu
September 20, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
at Exhibit Hall
Join exhibit artist Xianghua Liu for a workshop to learn about ink painting. Working on canvas of paper towels, this workshop will teach the way to handle ink, create composition and layers, and explore rhythm and rhyme - all of which will come together to create a garden design. All skill levels are welcome to join.
Open Artist Studios
September 20, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Artist Studios
Sandy Spring Museum is home to many artist studios ranging from textiles to fine arts. During the Willow Grove Opening Celebration, make sure to stop by these studios to chat with artists and see their amazing work. Click here to learn more about the Artists
Community Quilt
September 20, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Gallery
To commemorate the opening of the new Willow Grove Cultural Commons, resident artist Geri Smith will be leading a Community Quilt project. At each of the four celebration days, attendees will be able to design their own quilt square which will be sewn together to create a quilt that reflects the community and this celebration.
Traditional Felt Workshop with Milana Borovskaia
September 20, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Library
Traditional artist, Milana Borovskaia will be hosting a free, accessible workshop to foster creativity, well-being, and social connections through traditional felting techniques. Participants will learn to create original works of art using wool fibers, gaining hands-on experience in a historically rich, environmentally harmonious setting at the Sandy Spring Museum. By engaging with traditional and folk art, participants will develop a deeper understanding of both the artistic process and the cultural significance of these traditions.
September 21
Ink Painting Workshop with Xianghua Liu
September 21, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
at Exhibit Hall
Join exhibit artist Xianghua Liu for a workshop to learn about ink painting. Working on canvas of paper towels, this workshop will teach the way to handle ink, create composition and layers, and explore rhythm and rhyme - all of which will come together to create a garden design. All skill levels are welcome to join.
Open Artist Studios
September 21, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Artist Studios
Sandy Spring Museum is home to many artist studios ranging from textiles to fine arts. During the Willow Grove Opening Celebration, make sure to stop by these studios to chat with artists and see their amazing work. Click here to learn more about the Artists
Traditional Felt Workshop with Milana Borovskaia
September 21, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Program Room
Traditional artist, Milana Borovskaia will be hosting a free, accessible workshop to foster creativity, well-being, and social connections through traditional felting techniques. Participants will learn to create original works of art using wool fibers, gaining hands-on experience in a historically rich, environmentally harmonious setting at the Sandy Spring Museum. By engaging with traditional and folk art, participants will develop a deeper understanding of both the artistic process and the cultural significance of these traditions.
Chinese Paper Cutting Workshop with Shanye Huang
September 21, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Willow Grove
Shanye Huang will be leading a workshop of paper cutting, a craft that utilizes familiar art materials like paper, turning plain sheets into beautiful and meaningful works of art. This hands-on activity is open to everyone, offering an opportunity for participants to learn basic paper cutting techniques and unleash their creativity by making a variety of shapes and patterns.
Community Quilt
September 21, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Gallery
To commemorate the opening of the new Willow Grove Cultural Commons, resident artist Geri Smith will be leading a Community Quilt project. At each of the four celebration days, attendees will be able to design their own quilt square which will be sewn together to create a quilt that reflects the community and this celebration.
October 18
Yoga with Shaquita Grier (Womash Yoga)
October 18, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
at Exhibit Hall
This session begins with gentle yoga to open the body, paired with mindful breathwork to calm the mind and deepen presence. Once the body and breath are aligned, you'll be guided into a sound meditation featuring crystal singing bowls and a crystal singing harp. The vibrations create a soothing soundscape that encourages deep relaxation, energetic balance, and inner harmony.
Amazing Theater
October 18, 1:30 - 2:00 pm
at Dr. Bird Room
Amazing Theatre presents, Harriet Tubman: Defender. This 30-minute play is a snapshot of a longer show which depicts how Harriet became the defender of her people, and her selfless desire to help others free themselves from the horrible institution of slavery. Harriet is portrayed by Eunice Seagraves.
Origami with Athena Zhang Baker
October 18, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
at Gallery
Athena Zhang Baker will be teaching everyone how to make an origami crane and discuss the history behind the crane. All are welcome to stop by this table to learn to make this famous craft and enjoy refreshments
Mayur Dance Performance and Workshop
October 18, 12:30 - 2:00 pm
at Willow Grove
Boot Chaturdashi is an ancient South Asian tradition of honoring 14 generations of deceased ancestors that takes place shortly before Kali Puja and Diwali toward the end of the fall season. The Mayur Dance Company will be sharing this fun, lightly educational dance program about Bhoot Chaturdashi and ghosts in Bengali culture, followed by an interactive dance component. Before the program, be sure to stop by early to get your face painted like a skeleton to match what community dancers often wear to perform 'ghost' dances in celebration of this tradition.
Beginning Crochet Workshop
October 18, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Program Room
Hosted by Wheaton Arts Parade Yarn Bomb, this workshop teaches the basic concepts and stitches used in crochet by walking participants through the creation of the traditional “granny square” form. Instruction is provided hands-on in small groups.
Traditional Felt Workshop with Milana Borovskaia
October 18, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Library
Traditional artist, Milana Borovskaia will be hosting a free, accessible workshop to foster creativity, well-being, and social connections through traditional felting techniques. Participants will learn to create original works of art using wool fibers, gaining hands-on experience in a historically rich, environmentally harmonious setting at the Sandy Spring Museum. By engaging with traditional and folk art, participants will develop a deeper understanding of both the artistic process and the cultural significance of these traditions.
Bluegrass Jam
October 18, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
at Exhibit Hall
Sandy Spring Bluegrass Jam is hosting a lively community jam session in the new Willow Grove space! Open to all ages and skill levels, this event welcomes anyone with a love for bluegrass music. Hosted by dedicated local musicians, it is the perfect opportunity to join in, meet fellow players, and enjoy the energy of a live jam. Bring your instrument or simply come to listen and enjoy the music.
Community Quilt
October 18, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Gallery
To commemorate the opening of the new Willow Grove Cultural Commons, resident artist Geri Smith will be leading a Community Quilt project. At each of the four celebration days, attendees will be able to design their own quilt square which will be sewn together to create a quilt that reflects the community and this celebration.
Open Artist Studios
October 18, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Artist Studios
Sandy Spring Museum is home to many artist studios ranging from textiles to fine arts. During the Willow Grove Opening Celebration, make sure to stop by these studios to chat with artists and see their amazing work. Click here to learn more about the Artists
October 19
Spotlight Samen Dance Workshop
October 19, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
at Dr. Bird Room
Spotlight Academy is a dance community dedicated to promoting and preserving Indonesian culture in the USA. This group will be performing the Samen Dance from Aceh, a western province of Indonesia, well-known for its captivating speed, intricate synchronization, and energetic movements. After the performance audience members will be invited to learn how to do some of the central movements.
Traditional Felt Workshop with Milana Borovskaia
October 19, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Program Room
Traditional artist, Milana Borovskaia will be hosting a free, accessible workshop to foster creativity, well-being, and social connections through traditional felting techniques. Participants will learn to create original works of art using wool fibers, gaining hands-on experience in a historically rich, environmentally harmonious setting at the Sandy Spring Museum. By engaging with traditional and folk art, participants will develop a deeper understanding of both the artistic process and the cultural significance of these traditions.
Chinese Paper Cutting Workshop with Shanye Huang
October 19, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Willow Grove
Shanye Huang will be leading a workshop of paper cutting, a craft that utilizes familiar art materials like paper, turning plain sheets into beautiful and meaningful works of art. This hands-on activity is open to everyone, offering an opportunity for participants to learn basic paper cutting techniques and unleash their creativity by making a variety of shapes and patterns.
Drum Circle
October 19, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
at Exhibit Hall
Curious about our monthly Drum Circle program? Jalal Kimia (Kimia Percussion Academy) will be leading a free session of this workshop. In this session, you can learn how to play the Daf Drum and experience the power of rhythm and create connections.
Open Artist Studios
October 19, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Artist Studios
Sandy Spring Museum is home to many artist studios ranging from textiles to fine arts. During the Willow Grove Opening Celebration, make sure to stop by these studios to chat with artists and see their amazing work.
Community Quilt
October 19, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
at Gallery
To commemorate the opening of the new Willow Grove Cultural Commons, resident artist Geri Smith will be leading a Community Quilt project. At each of the four celebration days, attendees will be able to design their own quilt square which will be sewn together to create a quilt that reflects the community and this celebration.