Management Team
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
Director of Programs
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.
Mars Belacheu
Workshops & Events Coordinator
Bio coming soon!
Kern Lee
Studio Crew Manager
Kern Lee is an arts educator and freelance illustrator with multiple years of experience in arts education, working with both Montgomery County Public Schools and local arts nonprofits. Their artwork references and twists popular design tropes to craft fresh, yet vaguely familiar narratives. You can check out some of their work here!
Ace Tebabu
Assistant Studio Manager
Bio coming soon!
Mya Carmichael
Director of Communications
Mya has had an affinity for the arts and creative expression from a very young age. She is traditionally an illustrator, working primarily with graphite to create expressive portraiture and emotionally charged drawings. She also has experience with digital media, having studied graphic design in college. In addition to dabbling in music production, Mya has participated in various small group exhibitions in DC and Maryland. Her illustrations are also published in Doll Hospital Journal, a UK-based digital and print magazine centered on mental health awareness and amplifying marginalized communities. Mya believes that acts of service combined with creative expression is one the most impactful and purposeful ways to uplift her community. She initially began her journey with Arts on the Block as a teaching assistant for the YAM (Youth Arts Movement) program. You can find more of her work and projects on her Instagram, @myazilla.
Monica Gish
Mentoring Coordinator
Monica Gish has had a passion for the arts ever since she was first introduced to it as a preschooler. As a child, she was inspired by the relationship of colors and could by found with a paintbrush and napkin in hand, ready to paint, or so her teachers have said. Now as a young adult, her chosen media in art have been oil painting, fine line ink, and graphite. Her art often explores themes of growth, strength, and peace. Even with artistic expression in the equation, her greater passion lies in helping others, leading her to have several years of experience working for non-profits in different parts of the country. Aside from her Mentoring Coordinator role, Monica is a student at BYUI with a focus on Business Administration and is a Volunteer Art Teacher for homeschool children in Glen Burnie, MD. In her free time, Monica enjoys walks with her husband, writing fantasy novels, and creating art.
Bianca Batar
GWU Graduate Art Therapy Intern
Bianca Batar is a second year student in George Washington University’s Graduate Art Therapy program. Originally from New York State, she has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is well versed in a variety of artistic mediums. She enjoys painting and drawing, and draws inspiration and motivation from the natural world. She spent years as a summer camp counselor in the Hudson Valley working with children and adolescents ranging from ages 7 to 15, as well as being assistant to the arts director. She is excited to be joining AOB and hopes to be able to provide a comforting and prosperous environment within the community.
Peter Tabri
Artwork Installation Master Craftsman
Peter Tabri is a well-renowned mosaic craftsman in the Washington DC are. With over 30 years experience in tile, marble, and mosaic installation, Peter has decided to carry on the family tradition of mosaic craftsmanship that has been part of the Tabri line for well over a century. He has been recognized for his exceptional work by both the DC Commission on the Arts and the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County.
