Arts on the Block is led by a passionate and creative individuals, many of whom participated in AOB’s programming themselves! We pride ourselves in supporting the people in our programs beyond their time with us.
Are you interested in working with us?
Christopher Barclay
Executive Director
Chris 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, and twice as vice president in 2009 and 2012. Barclay’s community leadership roles have included the Montgomery County Council of PTAs, the NAACP Parents’ Council, the Takoma Foundation Board of Directors, and the Takoma Park Department of Recreation Advisory Committee. He is a member of Leadership Montgomery’s Core Class of 2014, a graduate of Columbia College of Chicago and worked in telecommunications prior to public service.
Athena Corbin
Deputy Director
Athena Corbin is originally from Silver Spring, MD. Athena has been a photographer for over 10 years and has dabbled in illustration and other media for over 20 years. In 2019 she was given the opportunity to show work at Pyramid Atlantic’s 10 x 10 show. Athena decided to experiment with a new medium: textile/embroidery. The end result were 2 wonderful pieces that are a conversation about colonization and the imprint/legacy it leaves behind. Athena is currently in the works to further expand upon this work. Athena began her journey with AOB as Online Program Manager and Lead Teaching Artist for Studio Crew.
Mya Carmichael
Communications Director
Mya has been passionate about the arts from a young age. Primarily an illustrator, she works with graphite to create expressive portraits and emotionally charged drawings. With a background in graphic design, Mya also explores digital media and dabbles in music production. Mya’s work has been featured in small group exhibitions in DC and Maryland, as well as in the UK-based Doll Hospital Journal, which focuses on mental health and marginalized communities. Mya believes that combining acts of service with creative expression is a powerful way to uplift her community. She began her journey with Arts on the Block as an Assistant Teaching Artist for the Youth Arts Movement program. More of her work can be found on Instagram, @myazilla.
Mars Belacheu
Events & Workshops Coordinator
Mars Belacheu is a digital artist and graphic designer with a passion for screen printing. Their work is colorful and surrealistic, taking inspiration from anime, video games and science fiction. Mars started out as an apprentice with Arts on the Block, designing and contributing to the fabrication of numerous mosaic commissions in Washington, DC and Montgomery County, MD.
We’re looking for kind and passionate people to join our staff and board. Work alongside likeminded people who are actively making change in our community.
Arts on the Block
900 Wayne Avenue #1A
Silver Spring, MD 20910
240-513-3767
aob@artsontheblock.com
Your support makes Arts on the Block’s programming, public art, and community building possible. Join us in shaping creative futures!
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