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Welcome to the Art of Awesome!
Arts on the Block (AOB) empowers creative youth to imagine and shape fulfilling futures, join the creative workforce, and contribute to the quality of life of their communities. We achieve this by providing real-world experiences in the arts and entrepreneurial training geared toward opening new pathways to learning, self-discovery, and achievement.
In short, creative youth and emerging artists make public art, contribute to their communities, join the creative workforce, and design the future!
Help build a thriving creative community
At AOB, we’re not just about creative workforce development—we’re reshaping how the world sees careers in the arts and the amazing people who pursue them. Our community of young creatives access support, training, and community in our innovative programs. Your support helps us create a future where every young person has the opportunity to create, explore, and thrive.
20+ years of impact
For more than 20 years, Arts on the Block has provided a space where young creatives can build their professional skills, build their confidence, and thrive in their community.
Help us continue to sustain the quality and reach our our programming for the next 20 years and beyond!
Upcoming Events
Saturday, February 1st, 2025
2PM – 5 PM
$15 sliding scale
Join our creative community at this fun-filled event featuring awide range of art activities for all ages!
Testimonials
"Working with AOB is always a wonderful experience. Not only do we help these talented young students advance their business and artistic skills, but we end up with an incredible art statement that starts conversations every time someone views it."
Elyse LinowesPrincipal, Linowes Design Associates, Inc. 
"We worked with Arts on the Block on a project during our renovation of the historic Waterfront Tower in Southwest DC. The collaboration helped showcase the work of talented underserved young people and demonstrated our company’s commitment to the local community. The process, the product and the feedback we’ve received have exceeded our expectations."
Greg RooneyThe Bernstein Companies, Vice President for Development 
"Our experience with Arts on the Block (AOB) was wonderful from start to finish. The mural has received many accolades and patrons find something new to appreciate each time they walk into the library."
Susan SchmidtPast President, Friends of Little Falls Library 
“We are so fortunate to have this vehicle for showcasing the gifts of creative young people. When their talents are allowed to shine, everyone benefits."
Catherine LeggettFormer First Lady of Montgomery County, MD 
“Working with Arts on the Block gives us the opportunity to support the arts and arts education in our community and empower youth to pursue creative professions. During the mock interviews, we found the apprentices were all very impressive. We look forward to working with them again next year!”
Laura EwanDirector of Marketing & Communications, Hickok Cole Architects 
“Architectural Ceramics values the relationship we have developed with AOB over the years. The apprentices in the program are so impressive, and it is very rewarding for our team to share what they know about creativity, business and professional skills with the next generation of artists. We strongly support AOB’s approach to equipping the apprentices with skills that will help them to turn their artistic talents in to meaningful, profitable, careers.”
Trey HouseFormer President, Architectural Ceramics 
"AOB gives our clients a rare opportunity to develop meaningful community connections while providing beautiful public art amenities."
Josh SloanRLA, ASLA, AICP, LEED AP ND, SITES AP - Director of Planning & Landscape Architecture, Vice President - VIKA Maryland 
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