ARTS ON THE BLOCK
For Immediate Release
January 5th, 2022
Contact: Veronica Sloan, vsloan@artsontheblock.com
Arts on the Block Announces Executive Transition
Chris Barclay and Clayton Evans will lead the organization in the new permanent studio
Silver Spring, MD – Arts on the Block (AOB), a social venture organization that empowers creative youth to imagine and shape fulfilling futures, join the creative workforce, and contribute to their communities, announced an executive transition today. Effective immediately, Chris Barclay has stepped into the role of interim executive director. Together with Clayton Evans on the executive team, they will lead the organization into its newly opened studio and long term presence in downtown Silver Spring. Anne L’Ecuyer has accepted a new role in Arizona.
Christopher Barclay is an education advocate, management professional, and working artist-photographer, with a notable public service record in Montgomery County. He served as the District 4 representative on the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Board of Education, twice as president in 2010 and 2013.
Clayton B. Evans has dedicated most of his 30 professional years working with youth and families in the out-of-school-time field and is the recipient of a PASEsetter Award for exceptional youth work in New York City. Evans has taught art to students of virtually every age, from kindergarteners to retired adults. In addition to teaching the visual arts, Evans has extensive experience in not-for-profit and arts management. He was the founding director of the LeRoy Neiman Art Center in Harlem, NYC and Executive Director of Leave Out Violence-U.S.
“The Board of Directors is deeply grateful for Anne’s commitment to AOB. Her leadership of our organization helped us grow,” said Board President Jason Hofberg. “We persevered through multiple challenges in the last few years and moved into our fantastic new studio space. We are sorry to see her leave, but know that AOB is in excellent hands with Chris and Clayton who have been here every step of the way.”
“I am humbled and grateful to assume the interim leadership of AOB in 2022,” said Interim Executive Director Chris Barclay. “Clayton and I look forward to inviting more young people into the new studio, completing the Artist’s Way mural, and producing beautiful new artworks in the coming years.”
AOB secured a long-term lease on a prominent new space in downtown Silver Spring that doubled the size of the studio and includes a new store and gallery run by creative teens and young adults pursuing art and design careers. The new location is on the first floor of the Silver Spring Library at 900 Wayne Avenue.
“We’re proud and excited to be the latest arts organization to join the Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District, and new neighbors to the Levine School of Music and Gandhi Brigade Youth Media.” said Clayton Evans. “Together, we are ready to launch a cultural hub that attracts more residents and visitors to downtown Silver Spring and has a big ripple effect on the creative pursuits and career opportunities for young people in the region.”
Donations to the nonprofit organization can be made online at www.artsontheblock.com/donate.
Anne L’Ecuyer leaves AOB to become the 7th Executive Director of the Arizona Commission on the Arts. AOB grew significantly in her five years of leadership and service. We know her expertise in policy strategy, creative placemaking, creative industries and cultural tourism will bring innumerable benefits to Arizona.
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About Arts on the Block
Arts on the Block (AOB) is an entrepreneurial nonprofit organization that provides a unique model of youth development and community engagement through public art. 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, hundreds of AOB youth-created projects — from park benches to large-scale murals — grace public and private spaces throughout the area. For more information about AOB, please visit artsontheblock.com, follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
