Every gift creates a story. Every gift impacts a life.
Every gift is an investment in a brighter tomorrow.
At Strathmore, we believe the arts are as primal as nature and as essential as love. They reflect our humanity; through the arts, we understand, connect, empathize, and grow. Everyone needs—and deserves—access to them. Together, we make our community stronger. Join us as we reflect on some of this past year’s defining moments:
You brought a powerful call for change to center stage
As the artistic highlight of our season, the musical stage rendition of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower was a triumphant work that illuminated deep insights into gender, race, and the future of human civilization. Because of your generous support, Parable of the Sower was also the anchor for an array of events and enrichment, including our first annual Arts and Social Justice Fellowship. In fact, ASJF alum Sophia Hall was named a 2023 DC Youth Poet Laureate!
Parable of the Sower by Bernice Johnson Reagon and Toshi Reagon
You encouraged personal exploration
With your gift, internationally acclaimed artist Julio Valdez curated the Recent Works exhibition in The Mansion. Grounded in community engagement and education, his paintings, drawings, and prints explore themes of displacement, identity, belonging, isolation, and togetherness. Valdez shares, “Art helps us find beauty and purpose, helping us all feel hopeful in these challenging times.”
Julio Valdez poses with artist Ezequiel Taveras and Strathmore Director of Mansion and Galleries Lesley Morris at his exhibition opening celebration
You expanded the arts across Montgomery County
Strathmore’s Bloom initiative captures the essence of our role in the community—helping the arts thrive and ensuring everyone can experience them. Artists in Residence (AIR) alums like Christylez Bacon, Cecily, Gerson Lanza, and more brought their musical talents to the Good Hope Recreation Center in Silver Spring. Because of you, neighbors near and far can enjoy a series of diverse, family-friendly concerts free of charge!
AIR alumnus Christylez Bacon speaks with concert attendees after his performance
You carried on a meaningful legacy of learning
In its 77th season, Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras of Strathmore (MCYO), which trains over 500 student musicians each year, was finally able to celebrate 75 years of connecting students with the joy of music-making after a pandemic delay. This past spring, the Music Center was filled with an entire day of concerts, celebratory receptions, and honored guests, including some from the first class of MCYO students of 1946! The organization, recognized as one of the country’s most outstanding youth orchestra programs, is the oldest and most established in the Washington Metro area – an honor only possible through your generosity.
MCYO performs in the Music Hall for its 75th anniversary celebration
INVEST IN THE ARTS
Your generosity brings distinctive programming and renowned artists to Strathmore’s stages and galleries and ensures that everyone in our community can experience the joy and wonder of the arts.
