'Black on the Block' presents: CREATIVE SATURDAY - Meet the Vendors

Joe’s Movement Emporium and Creative Suitland have collaborated to produce Black on the Block. This hybrid expo will take place from April 23rd to April 25th with a virtual roundtable discussion on Friday, an in-person vendor's market on Saturday at Creative Suitland, and an in-person retreat on Sunday at Joe's Movement Emporium.

Black on the Block features a variety of conversations with Black business owners and mental health counselors, a “Black Market” featuring vendors in the DMV area, compelling performances, and wellness classes.

CREATIVE SATURDAY — April 24th | 12:00 pm- 5:00 pm

This socially distanced in-person “Black Market” will take place in our parking lot and showcase black business owners, providing them a space for them to promote and sell their products (fashion, cosmetics, jewelry, music, etc.) Live music by DJ SlyTy and dynamic performing artists will be featured during this event. A limited number of tickets will be sold via Eventbrite and will be required for attendance.

Click Image to Register

Meet the Vendors!

BAH BAH’S NATURALS

Natural homemade hair products.

“It’s not just hair. It’s a Lifestyle”

www.bahsnaturals.com

“Hair health has been the passion I didn't know I had. It all started when I finally decided to go natural and transition my hair. After 6 months of transitioning, I was fed up with my damaged, relaxed hair. I finally took the scissors and chopped my hair. It was great, overwhelming feeling at the moment, but I would say my insecurities did get the best of me at times. Since wearing my hair in its natural form wasn't something I was use to. No turning back now, I vowed to myself to maintain healthy hair. I made my own recipes and was particular about the products I added to my hair. I want you too, to experience my nourishing recipes..”

DON’T TRIP

Necklaces, led cloud lights, grinders, moss butterfly and butterfly cloud mirrors

donttripp.bigcartel.com/

“Hello! I’m an artist and art teacher in the DMV. I’ve been teaching art in DC for twelve years. I recently started my personal business JN Studio Art in 2020 while being home during the global pandemic. I specialize in funky portraits, abstract paintings, and statement earrings.”

YWLA!: You Will Live Again

T-shirts, sweatpants, polos, hats, lapel pins etc.

www.ywlaflag.com

Star’s Creations

Handmade, mask set, bling mugs, and tumblers, water bottles, handbags, gift baskets, custom gift cards and much more.

www.StarsCreationShop.Etsy.com

“I love to create customized gifts. I make hand crafted with care and precision. Sewing and crafts is not just a hobby, it is a passion! To create is something beautiful!”

The Throne LLC

Offering growth solutions for our men and women through natural products

www.thethronegrowthsolutions.com

“We are a premium brand that offers growth solutions for men and women through natural handcrafted hair and beard products.”

M.A.S.K Kitchen

Lunch/dinners by M.A.S.K Kitchen, sea food and sides

m.a.s.k kitchen

Terminal 8-31

Apparel, Fashion

www.terminal831.com

Studio Narcisse Noir

Hand-dyed silk scarves and fiber-related one-of-a-kind jewelry accessories

studionarcissenoir.com/

Khadija Jahmila Fine Art

A variety of collage print options for sale, framed and unframed. All art is offered at sliding scale.

KhadijaJahmila.com

“Using salvaged paper, Maryland-based collage artist Khadija Jahmila splices disparate iconography into composites depicting Black women as otherworldly. Jahmila was selected for the NextGen award (2020) at VisArts in Rockville, MD. Her artwork has been exhibited in Washington, DC and Maryland— including at Anacostia Arts Center, Howard Theatre, and VisArts.”

Majenye.Co

wild-crafted, certified cruelty free/vegan, plant magic products

🔮 crystal infused

💫 grounded in high vibrations

www.majenye.com/

We Adorn Wood

Unique one-of-a-kind hand-crafted wood tables by husband and wife team, Warren and Wendy

www.weadornwood.com

Meet The Vendors from our 'Virtual THRIVE Market', in Celebration on our One-Year Anniversary

From March 12th - 13th we celebrated our One-Year SURVIVAL with a weekend of fun, interactive events. From a Virtual Art Exhibit Opening, Paint & Sip lead by one of our Creative Placemaking team leaders, and Concert Fundraiser, we were happy to also include 'THRIVE Market’, our quarterly marketplace experience that boosts and highlights local businesses. Check out the amazing artists who contributed and take a few moments to shop and support!

DYP & Flow

DYP & Flow is fluid art using acrylic paints on canvas. The main materials used in my pours are acrylic paints, water, pouring medium, and silicone. The techniques used are called dutch pours, ring pours, dirty pours, or swipes.

www.nisieredsbrand.com

“My name is Denise Silas and I and a former preschool teacher, fashion designer turned fashion merchandiser that loves creating! Independent artist that enjoys visual arts. I recently began my painting journey after taking on a new part-time Paint Party Consulting business in 2019. I have participated in local events like CB Creates reCREATE and Raw Artist Showcase at The Fillmore Silver Spring. Paint consulting also landed me a teambuilding gig with the staff of Fannie Mae following my art showcase with RAW. I have added a t-shirt store to my personal brand and also offer brand creative marketing solutions to individuals and small businesses in the DMV.”

JN Studio Art

Professionally hand painted earrings. Vibrant abstract, mixed media paintings. Creative portrait commissions.

www.jnstudioart.com

“Hello! I’m an artist and art teacher in the DMV. I’ve been teaching art in DC for twelve years. I recently started my personal business JN Studio Art in 2020 while being home during the global pandemic. I specialize in funky portraits, abstract paintings, and statement earrings.”

Qi Essential Oils, LLC

Handmade custom scented body oils, whipped shea butters, whipped sugar scrubs, and burning oils

Qiessentialoils.com

“Small business owner dedicated to creating clean, lasting products for all genres of life. I got tired of commercial products that were not for all, so I created clean products that won't irritate the skin but give it the aroma, love, and moisture it needs year round.”

Mona Delano

Women's streetwear brand - selling items such as joggers, hoodies, t-shirts, etc.

www.monadelano.com

“With professional experience in marketing and contracting, in 2016, I decided to start Mona Delano as a creative outlet. I didn't see a lot of women's streetwear brands at the time, so I decided to create one. I also have an interest in exploring music, photography, and videography.”

Star’s Creations

Handmade, mask set, bling mugs, and tumblers, water bottles, handbags, gift baskets, custom gift cards and much more.

www.StarsCreationShop.Etsy.com

“I love to create customized gifts. I make hand crafted with care and precision. Sewing and crafts is not just a hobby, it is a passion! To create is something beautiful!”

The Throne LLC

Offering growth solutions for our men and women through natural products

www.thethronegrowthsolutions.com

“We are a premium brand that offers growth solutions for men and women through natural handcrafted hair and beard products.”

Emporium of Madness

Original illustrated zines, prints, pins, and up-cycled hand painted denim jackets! These works are generally revolving around a femme theme with works in subjects like women in film and history as well as female monsters and mythological creature tales.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/emporiumofmadness?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

“Hello! My name is Becca Connor, I am an illustrator and crafter based in Glasgow. My work is very bright and bold, generally focusing on badass ladies from fiction, mythology and history.”

WyreFull

WyreFull is a handmade Jewelry business which features Handmade jewelry as well as unique Boutique items. Free Virtual Design consultations are provided in cases where customers desire customization of color etc. WyreFull is recognized by his customers and peers as force in handmade market. WyreFull has recently increased its offerings of original designs using both raw and polished gemstones .

www.WyreFull.com

“Lorenzo is a dynamic talent who creates beautiful beaded and wire jewelry. He has been making and selling jewelry since 2012. One of Lorenzo’s Core Values is “Continuous Improvement” as evidenced in the ever evolving designs in his original works.”

Propel Productions Center, Inc.

Pocket Pause is a portable, pocket-sized aromatherapy product that promotes mood management. Inhaling the distinct aromas of our therapeutic grade essential oils and other items will create an emotional response and support the decrease stress and irritability/anger. Pocket Pause is an on-the-go wellness tool and coping strategy for home, school, and work.

www.propelproductionscenter.org

“My name is Lauren Jones. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Executive Director of Propel Productions Center, Inc. I'm dedicated to engaging, educating and empowering communities of color about stress and anger. I developed arts-based mental health programs, products and services that promote emotional wellness.”

Khadija Jahmila Fine Art

A variety of collage print options for sale, framed and unframed. All art is offered at sliding scale.

KhadijaJahmila.com

“Using salvaged paper, Maryland-based collage artist Khadija Jahmila splices disparate iconography into composites depicting Black women as otherworldly. Jahmila was selected for the NextGen award (2020) at VisArts in Rockville, MD. Her artwork has been exhibited in Washington, DC and Maryland— including at Anacostia Arts Center, Howard Theatre, and VisArts.”

THRIVE Market Returns for our 1-Year Anniversary Weekend!

'THRIVE' MARKET RETURNS

as part of our One-Year Anniversary Weekend Celebration

(March 12th -13th, 2021)

This is our first market of 2021 and our first time using the digital platform, Hopin. The purpose of this marketplace experience is to boost local business, provide a safe place for presentation and networking, and celebrate our SURVIVAL through the global pandemic 💪🌏

We are looking for:

• Artists with Original Work

• Natural Beauty Products and Home Goods

• Handmade Merchandise

• Recycled/Upcycled/Sustainable Products (i.e. clothing, jewelry, sportswear, etc.)

• Books and Media

• Food/Beverages (*food must be pre-packaged)

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28TH

Meet Our Artist Partners

Artist Partners are artists who use our space consistently for classes, events, and workshops.

Resident Artists

Resident artists share our space for their creative business and organizations.

Substantial arts and music, llc

Substantial Art & Music, LLC (SAM) is an organization focused on providing consulting services to the art and music community.  SAM was founded in 2017, by husband and wife duo, Stan “Substantial” Robinson and Rachelle Etienne-Robinson.  Together they provide design and consulting services to emerging and established artists. Additionally, they provide art and music programming and advocacy.

www.subartandmusic.com

Pictured: Sharon Anderson, Martina Parker, Dick Richards, and Ladel Lewis

Girl speak, Inc.

Girl Speak, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization designed to unite, educate, empower, and celebrate young ladies with and without disabilities through uniquely cultivated training, maximization of one’s potential, enrichment of various skills and transformation of the mind which will create a legacy, and a higher quality of life for themselves, their communities and worldwideAs a channel for young ladies, ages 11 to 24, Girl Speak promotes self-enrichment while facilitating life lessons that will enable them to discover and appreciate themselves, permitting them to build with other young ladies as they strive to live “out loud”.  Girl Speak offers young women an opportunity to develop their “voice” using traditional and non-traditional designed activities.

https://girlspeakinc.org/

HipNott records

HiPNOTT RECORDS is an independent record label founded in 2009 by Joseph Myles and Kevin Nottingham. In an effort to release good music by artists that deserve to be heard. It supports such artists as Jenna Camille, Donwill, Rob Cave, and Tanya Morgan as well as production duo The Other Guys.

www.hipnottrecords.com

Teaching Artists

Teaching artists lead ongoing classes and workshops at Creative Suitland. Discover our classes here.

Kermit banks & novella campbell, hand Dance Instructors

Kermit and Novella are graduates of Smooth and EZ Dance Institute and have been teaching in the DMV area for over 10 years. Their class is packed with energy and support from two additional instructors, giving participants a chance to graduate in Hand Dance, now officially recognized by the Smithsonian Institute as the Official Dance of Washington DC!

Mondays 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Advanced)

Tuesdays 6:30pm - 7:45pm (Beginners), 8:00pm - 9:30pm (Intermediate)

ANTON HOOPER, Salsa Dance Instructor

A native of the Washington DC Metro Area, Anton Hooper was born in Washington, DC and has lived in Prince George's County, Maryland since he could safely leave the hospital. He treats the area, rightfully, as his home, and works diligently to make certain that all who comes across is made to feel welcome in that home.

Anton’s dancing journey began in a chance encounter at a bar called The Clarendon Grill in Arlington in 2002. While he’s had a bit of a rough time starting, over the years he has grown and matured as a dance and was always willing to show other’s what he knew.

Salsa & Bachata, Thursdays 7:15pm - 9:15pm

NI DEMBAYA AFRICAN DRUM & DANCE ENSEMBLE

Ni Dembaya African Drum & Dance Ensemble is an African-centered educational and performance group started in Washington, DC, originally started by Yuma "Dr. Yew" Bellomee and “Bobo” Earl Rahjae Bellomee circa 2013, that has grown to include many members both local and abroad. Ni Dembaya's directors and lead choreographer, Shaleena Capers, have devoted much time to the study of music, dance, artistry and traditions from various areas throughout the African diaspora, to share for cultural, social, & historical awareness. Ni Dembaya's mission is to present traditional & modern rhythms, songs, and dances from African people worldwide as a tool to educate, inspire, uplift, promote wellness, empower, and connect people all over, especially those of African descent.

Drum Class, Sundays 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Dance Class, Sundays 3:30pm - 4:45pm

KATHERINE SMITH CONTEMPORARY DANCE ENSEMBLE (KSCDE)

KSCDE is committed to representing a high-level standard of excellence and artistry, traditionally preparing ALL dancers of today in the dedication and discipline to become future professional dance artists.

KSDCE represents two teaching artists at Creative Suitland:

Zahra Carpenter, Company Manager is a graduate of Duke Ellington School of the Arts and received her BFA in Modern Dance from University of the Arts. As the Founder of Dancing Soulz, LLC Zahra has multiple projects going including D.C.H.U.G.S. (Dance Create Healthier Urbanites Grow Stronger) with a central thesis on address wellness & health concerns for minority dancers

Body Conditioning, Saturdays 9:00am - 10:00am

Nicole “Nikki’ Childress, Resident Traditional Choreographer, has performed with Alvin Ailey, Afro 1 Dance & Drum Theater, African Heritage, Kankouran West African Dance and Soul in Motion Players. Nikki is formerly a dance instructor and choreographer of BodyMoves in Fort Washington and SIMPINC’s Artistic Choreographer.

African Dance, Saturdays 12:15pm - 1:30pm

Jaime Sutton (Center)

Jaime sutton, tap Dance Instructor

Jaime began her dance journey at the age of 3, where she was enrolled at the Temple Hills Community Center. She later worked with several local institution including The Arlington Center for Dance, The Joyce Laverne Studio, The St. Thomas Moore Dance Studio, and Visual and Performing Arts Program at Suitland High School. After graduating from Suitland High school, she attended Marymount University to pursue a career in Interior Design and Architecture. While attending school full time, she still found time to teach children and adults of varying ages Ballet, Jazz, and Tap. In the winter of 2020, she decided to follow her lifelong dream of having a Tap Company Soles in Rhythm, located in Suitland, MD. 

Adult Tap (Beginners), Sundays 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Adult Tap (Intermediate), Sundays 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Kevin Tisdale, hand Dance Instructor

Kevin L. Tisdale/Owner and Senior Lead Instructor trained in gained his Instructor Certification through the prestigious  Instructor Certification Program (ICP) generated by Mr. Lawrence Bradford founder of Smooth & EZ Dance Institute. Kevin has been instructing for 12 years along with accruing 8 first place competitions 6 seconds and 3 third-place awards. Kevin is also a performer and choreographer of hand dancing.

Thursdays 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Saturdays 10:30pm - 12:00pm

Kenney ‘rollo’ davis, skating instructor

Kenneth Davis is a professional entertainer and producer with over thirty years of entertainment, performing, and producing experience in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. He is the co-founder of Rolloway Productions, LLC, a entertainment production company incorporated in the District of Columbia in 2014 and located in Oxon Hill, Maryland. A professional roller skating performer and instructor, Mr. Davis has been at the forefront of skate-dancing for more than twenty years. Known as “Rollo”, he has presented and performed at numerous festivals, parades and other live events throughout the metropolitan DC area; is a two-time winner, Best Skate Couple (Adrenalin Awards; 2008 & 2010); a four-time winner of the renowned Apollo Theater Show Dog (televised amateur night) competition; and two-time “Third Place” winner of the Apollo’s annual Top Show Dog event (finals).  

Sundays 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Grand Opening Re-Cap!

What an exciting weekend at Creative Suitland! With the help of our community, artist partners, sponsors, and more, our Grand Opening weekend was a huge success! Check out some of the photos below. You just might see yourself :)

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

What a better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than showing love to your community! Our Ribbon Cutting ceremony had over 200 guests and featured remarks from David Harrington of the Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce, Carl Brown and Peter Shapiro of the Revenue Authority, Council Member-At-Large Calvin Hawkins, and Board Members Kyle Reeder and Michael Herman.

We also enjoyed performances by Tamara Wellons, Suitland High School Jazz Band and 2019 Prince George’s Youth Poet Laureate Mi’Jan Credle.

Special Shout Out to Chef Jamie and Penny Brew DC for sponsoring this event!

THRIVE MARKET

THRIVE Market returned for our Grand Opening weekend, this time with more vendors and more sample classes from our Artist Partners! Visitors were able to #shoplocal with some of the area’s finest vendors and take classes in Tap Dance, Yoga, Hand Dance, African Dance, Acting, Salsa, and more!

Be sure to check out our Calendar for updates on our classes, events, and workshops!

PERFORMANCE SHOWCASE & FUNDRAISER

We closed our Grand Opening Weekend with a showcase featuring some AMAZING local talent, including Jenna Camille, Deborah Bond, Carolyn Malachi , performance skating with Rolloway Productions, and the Ni Dembaya African Drum and Dance Ensemble who start classes here at Suitland THIS SUNDAY!

CROWD-FUNDING CAMPAIGN

One of the highlights of our weekend was the launch of our IndieGoGo campaign! We are looking to raise $15,000 to improve our thaater space, enhance our two dance studios, and fund for additional staff!

As of today Feb. 18, our goal is at $655. Show some love this holiday season and support our arts center!

THRIVE Market Returns for our GRAND OPENING!

Our Grand Opening is finally happening!. February 14-15, Creative Suitland will have a weekend packed full of events, including our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Performance Arts Showcase

On February 15th, from 1pm - 5pm we will host our 2nd THRIVE Market experience in collaboration with The Capital Market at 20743. The purpose of the market is to provide a fun, safe activity for all ages, boost and connect local business, and promote health and well-being in the Greater Suitland area. THRIVE Market will feature:

• Dance Workshops in Salsa, Tap, and Hand Dance

• Live Poetry

• Theater Demos

• Yoga for Kids and Adults

We are currently seeking Vendors to set up shop in our space. Criteria includes

• Artists with Original Work

• Natural Beauty Products and Home Goods

• Handmade Merchandise

• Recycled/Upcycled/Sustainable Products (i.e. clothing, jewelry, sportsware, etc.)

• Books and Media

• Food/Beverages (*food must be pre-packaged)

An Application Fee of $30 will apply if approved.

Click the link below to apply!

For more links to other Soft Opening Events, please visit our Events page

Call for Vendors!

Creative Suitland is hosting a ‘Soft Opening’, a series of events leading up to our Grand Opening in 2020. Throughout November and December, our audience will have a chance to preview some of the events, classes, and workshops we plan to coordinate in the future.

On November 23rd, from 2pm - 6pm we will host THRIVE, a marketplace experience in collaboration with The Capital Market at 20743. The purpose of the market is to provide a fun, safe activity for all ages, boost and connect local business, and promote health and well-being in the Greater Suitland area. THRIVE Market will feature:

• GyroKinesis Workshop with Kayla of BeeBodi Fitness

• Performance and Demonstration by Katherine Smith Contemporary Dance Ensemble

• Voices of Woodlawn: A Poetic Conversation with featured poet Lady Di

• Poetry performances via Poetry X Hunger

We are currently seeking Vendors to set up shop in our space. Criteria includes

• Artists with Original Work

• Natural Beauty Products and Home Goods

• Handmade Merchandise

• Recycled/Upcycled/Sustainable Products (i.e. clothing, jewelry, sportsware, etc.)

• Books and Media

• Food/Beverages (*food must be pre-packaged)

An Application Fee of $30 will apply if approved.

Click the link below to apply!

For more links to other Soft Opening Events, please visit our Events page

Renovation Updates (via Huji Cam)

These digital disposable camera shots via Huji Cam may look vintage, but our renovations to the Creative Suitland Art Center are modern indeed! Our new hardwood floors have turned our former Banquet Hall into a promising dance studio and performance rehearsal space. The second dance studio space has also received a fresh update from its former vinyl wood paneling. We cannot wait to fill these spaces up with hundreds of pairs of dancing feet!

Front View of Studio 1, formerly the Banquet Hall

Back View of Studio 1, formerly the Banquet Hall

Studio 2, a Smaller Space

Studio 2, a Smaller Space

Our theater also received a huge update with freshly buffed floors and new paint to our semi Black Box theater. The stage is perfect for musical theater and live performance. Be sure to check out our Events Page for upcoming shows!

Before

After

In addition, the our lobby, hallways, gallery, and classrooms received a fresh splash of color to activate and brighten up the space. We envision private studio rentals for artists, meeting space for organizations, exhibits in our galleries, workshops in our classrooms and a plethora of other opportunities for the community to engage and collaborate. Be sure to stay up to date with our Rentals page for quotes and availability once we open to the public in 2020!

Main Lobby, Left

Main Lobby, Right

Main Lobby & Bathroom Hallway

Ladies Bathroom

Gallery, from Entrance

Gallery, from Exit

Staff Office

Writer's Workshop

Entrance Sign on Silver Hill Road