Mt Rainier Skate Park to Host Community Art Event

Mt. Rainier, MD skate park at wells and otis street
PG Dept of Parks and Rec wants the community to help ideate the look of the Mt Rainier Skatepark. Photo by Michael Janis.

The Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation is working with the Mt Rainier Arts Commission and together they will host Deck the Skate Park: A Public Art Bash on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Mount Rainier Skate Park (down the street from the Glass School and across from Otis Street Arts Project). This Creative Community Day marks the first step in a beautification project for the newly renovated 6,000-square-foot plaza-style skate park, situated at the corner of Wells Avenue and Otis Street.

Mount Rainier residents are invited to contribute ideas for the park’s artistic redesign, with options including murals, sculptures, or a combination of both. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote on the design’s aesthetic, shaping the park’s future as a community landmark. The skate park, equipped with ramps, rails, steps, picnic tables, and benches, serves as a popular gathering spot for skaters and families.

PG Parks invite for Deck the Park

The event features several activities, including:

  • Free skating lessons for all skill levels
  • Community art projects facilitated by Arts on a Roll
  • Complimentary ice cream
  • Door prizes
  • Activities suitable for all ages

So, on Saturday, June 28th, Noon – 2pm, grab your skateboard, and roll on over to make the Mt Rainier Skate Park a vibrant masterpiece!

For more information, contact the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation (301)446-3232.

Feeling Soch? The Mount Rainier Arts Commission August Social at Washington Glass School Aug 28th!

The Mount Rainier Arts Commission (MRAC) has been networking the area creatives with a monthly “artist’s social” for artists (in all media and forms) that live or work in Mt Rainier- this month’s event is a Social at the Glass School – Wed, 28th Aug, from 6-7:30! 

And a perfect chance to chat up the new commissioners about the representation of the arts in our area. These events are a lot of fun and connect!

MRAC L-R Deanna Noel, Becca Solow, Tessla Thompson at the July event held at Pennyroyal Station.

And a great time to view the new Kelly Towles mural on the side of the Glass school!

Kelly Towles’ mural “I ❤ Glass” on the Washington Glass School, August 2024

National Symphony Orchestra Plays At Artist Studios

This March, the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) will collaborate with different communities in Washington, DC’s Ward 5 and Mount Rainier, MD as a way to build new connections and relationships with the neighborhoods, local schools, museums, and arts organizations.

NSO In Your Neighborhood

The NSO String Quartet performs at Artists by the Tracks Compound, Monday, March 13th, 2023.

“Edge of the City”

March 7–13, 2023

Brentwood | Brookland | Eckington | Fort Lincoln | Woodridge | Trinidad | University Heights | Mount Rainier, MD

Tim Tate’s sculpture is part of the backdrop of the performance.

Events are open to the public with first-come, first-served seating, unless otherwise noted. For more information, times and performance venues- click here: NSO In Your Neighborhood “Edge of the City”

The Mt Rainier performance was packed!

On Monday, March 13th, the NSO String Quartet played at the Arts Compound in Mt Rainier, MD. Some pix from the fun night!

DMV artists celebrate the NSO performance at the reception that followed the intimate performance. L-R Mary Early, David Mordini, Laurel Lukaszewski, Michael Janis.

PBS TV Show “If You Lived Here” @ Washington Glass School

If You Lived Here episode 11

DC’s PBS Station – WETA /via Leapfrog Productions – filmed an episode of their popular TV show “If You Lived Here” in Mount Rainier, MD. The episode, which airs Monday, March 20th at 9 pm, focuses on houses in Mt Rainier, and what makes the area noteworthy, for this area, the art spaces and artists were the focus. Filming took place at Washington Glass School and some additional footage included the James Renwick Alliance Block Party held in September.

Glass artist Michael Janis talks to WETA TV crew at the Washington Glass School.
WGS Co-Director Michael Janis outlines the importance of arts in the community.
Leapfrog Productions video crew finds interesting angles to cover for the show.
WGS Contemporary art gallery
Views of the Washington Glass School (WGS Contemporary) Gallery.


Viewing information:
Season 3 – Episode 11: Mt. Rainier, MD
weta.org/ifyoulivedhere
Monday, March 20th at 9 pm on WETA PBS (Channel 26 in the DMV). Monday, March 20th at 8 pm on WETA Metro: weta.org/watch/metro/livestream
Full episode at weta.org/watch/shows/if-you-lived-here