This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Art Enables's Facebook Wall.
Did you miss last weekend's Studio Spotlight opening, and you don't have a boat to visit the gallery today? All of the artwork by Allison Bell, Raymond Lewis, and Vanessa Monroe is now available online, like this piece from Allison!
This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Accokeek Foundation.
What a better way to introduce a new dock and kayak launch at Piscataway Park than to throw a party?! The Accokeek Foundation is very proud to present its newly rebuilt boat dock and renovated fishing pier to the community on Saturday, June 22. This site-wide celebration will be packed with music, games, tours, water activities, food and more. Celebrating the Potomac will be the perfect start to what is sure to be the best summer yet!
I, for one, am extremely excited to be able to drop my kayak in the river at the new launch. Having grown up on the shore of Southern New Jersey, water sports are somewhat of a summer staple. Kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and stand-up paddle boarding are my must have summer activities. There is nothing like a peaceful paddle down the river, watching for birds, and taking in some beautiful scenery – plus, there is usually a breeze on the water to give you a break from the harsh summer humidity. With a packed lunch and plenty of water and sunscreen, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer day.
Let’s face it: the news of the past nine months in our country and all over the world have been particularly hard to stomach. Devastating weather, global conflicts, acts of terrorism – the list is huge. We all need a little break from the harsh realities of the state of our world sometimes. For me, this break often takes shape in a quick jaunt in the woods or a paddle around the river. The healing power of nature and the outdoors is something I often forget about when I become stressed or worried about the state of the world. I believe that it is about time we all took advantage of the outdoor space available in our communities. When you do, don’t forget to give a smile and a “howdy!” to the fellow hikers and boaters. A friendly smile and wave can go a long way these days.
The new kayak/canoe launches at Piscataway Park is one of the few free public water access points on this side of the Potomac River, and that offers facilities like indoor restrooms, picnic grounds, and plenty of parking. Everyone deserves the opportunity to view this unique landscape from the water while relaxing as they take in a little outdoors.
And since June is National Great Outdoors Month there is no better time than now to enjoy the great outdoors to kick off the summer. There is a plethora of affordable outdoor activities that you can do with your family and friends that will help you make the most of this summer. The dock, pier, and kayak launches at Piscataway Park are one of many (free!) ways to make the most of this summer and all that nature has to offer!
Spending most of my days in the office around here, I’m thinking that a kayak on the Potomac is the perfect way to spend my lunch hour. See you on the river.
Celebrating the Potomac: A Detailed Event Description
Pre-event Fishing Contest | 9 am to 11 am | Saylor Grove Fishing Pier | No Cost
Come to the park early and enjoy a friendly fishing and casting contest on the Saylor Grove Fishing Pier. Bait will be provided and prizes awarded to participating fisher folk between 10 and 11 am . Please Note: Fishing on the Saylor Grove Pier will not be permitting between 11 am and 4 pm on Saturday, June 22.
Program and Ribbon Cutting | 11:30 am | Main Stage
A short program to thank the generous support the Foundation has received from the National Park Service (NPS) Chesapeake Bay Office, the State of Maryland, and many individual donors. Among the guests attending the ribbon cutting will be Maryland State Senate President, Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, Prince George’s County Councilman Obie Patterson, and the Director of National Park Service-National Capital Region, Steve Whitesell.
Public Boat Cruise | 1:45 pm and 3 pm | Saylor Grove Fishing Pier | $35
Capital Yacht Charter’s Finished Business will be taking out two groups of guests to cruise on the scenic Potomac River. Soak up the beautiful views of Mount Vernon, Fort Washington, and the various wildlife on this 85 – foot, classic motor yacht. Each cruise can accommodate 45 guests and space is filling up fast so reserve your space today!
Kayak Tours | 12:30 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm | Boat Dock | $30
Atlantic Kayak Company will be leading three guided kayak tours along the Maryland shores of the Potomac. Paddlers will learn about the river’s rich history and culture, while enjoying that natural beauty of the protected shoreline. These tours are the best way to see wildlife. Known to be seen in this area are Bald Eagles and Osprey, beavers, turtles, and the Great Blue Heron. Space is limited (max. capacity per tour is 6 people) so reserve your space now!
Music Performances | All Day | Main Stage | FREE
Enjoy the musical stylings of DC Metro Area’s best musicians! Starting at 12:30 pm Southern Maryland’s own Little Paul and Company will be playing some original tunes as well as some old favorites. Then at 1:45 pm the Foundation welcomes Angie Head, a soulful singer/songwriter from Takoma Park. Angie will grace us with her guitar and strong, sweet voice. Closing out the day is Alexandria’s own Kingstreet Bluegrass starting at 3 pm. The band boasts that their main interests are “charity, the environment, and bluegrass fun!”
Guided walks | 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm | Meet at Visitor Center | FREE
At 1 pm join MaryAlice, Education Manager as she leads a walk down the Pumpkin Ash Trail and talk about the environment, agriculture, and the rich human culture and history of the Chesapeake Bay region. Then at 2 pm explore the complex world of environmentally conscious livestock pasture management (and see some adorable animals!) with Livestock Manager, Polly. Lastly, at 3 pm follow Fort Washington Park Ranger Trey as he leads you down the scenic Potomac Riverview Trail and explains the unique roll the viewshed played during the War of 1812.
Piscataway Connections to the Land | 2 pm | Education Building | FREE
A lively panel discussion will take place among some local members of the Piscataway community. The panel will address the questions: How do tribal people understand the land, water, animals, and plants at Piscataway Park? Why is this place still sacred and so critical to Piscataway identity? In what ways can all people come in closer communion to the land through living, shared knowledge? Join us for an exciting and informative discussion!
Additional Activities:
Foodways demonstrations | Event Kitchen
Colonial Interpretors | National Colonial Farm
Games | National Colonial Farm
Catered Lunch by Bailey’s Catering | Food Tent
River Expo | Cedar Lane
This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Accokeek Foundation.
For Immediate Release
Accokeek, MD—The Accokeek Foundation, an educational non-profit that stewards 200 acres of Piscataway Park, is proud to announce a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for the newly reconstructed public boat dock and kayak launch on Saturday, June 22, at 11:30 am. Among the guests attending the ribbon cutting will be Maryland State Senate President, Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, Prince George’s County Councilman Obie Patterson, and the Director of National Park Service-National Capital Region, Steve Whitesell.
The event schedule includes performances by local musicians, Little Paul and Company, Angie Head, Kingstreet Bluegrass and Bedlam; guided river walks featuring the Potomac River story of the War of 1812; kayak tours presented by Atlantic Kayak Company; river boat cruises by Capital Yacht Charters; a panel discussion on the “Piscataway Connections to the Land” oral history project, and 18th century games and foodways demonstrations.
The boat dock, which was destroyed by Hurricane Isabel in 2003, has been rebuilt to allow visitors to access the park facilities by water. Through this project, the Accokeek Foundation will significantly increase and improve public access to the Potomac River at Piscataway Park for views, kayaking, and other recreational uses. “I am thrilled that we are now able to offer visitors a way to get out on the Potomac River,” shares Lisa Hayes, President and CEO of the Accokeek Foundation. “From the vantage point of the river, they can enjoy a view much admired by George Washington and a landscape that has been such an important part of the history and culture of Maryland’s Piscataway Indians.”
Kayak docks for launching and landing have been placed adjacent to both the fishing pier and the boat dock. “The Foundation is delighted about the possibilities that the improved facilities will present for the community,” states Site Manager, Brandon Burton, who also notes that “public interest has been strong, especially for the new access points for kayakers and other river enthusiasts.” Additional improvements include retrofitting the current fishing pier to accommodate larger tour boats that serve passengers on the Potomac River, installation of a floating dock and gangplank, and a fixed ramp designed to accommodate visitors with mobility issues.
Funding for the project was received through a federal grant from the National Park Service (NPS) Chesapeake Bay Office and a bond bill from the State of Maryland. Corporate and organizational support for the event has come from various partners, including Maryland Milestones and Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, Capital Yacht Charters, SMECO, Charlie’s Family Restaurant, Associated Insurance Management, Inc., Alice Ferguson Foundation, Chesapeake Conservancy, and Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning. in addition to individual donors. Sponsorships for the June 22nd event are available by contacting the development office at development@accokeek.org.
Calendar Listing:
Saturday, June 22, 2013, 11 am – 4 pm. Join the Accokeek Foundation in Celebrating the Potomac, a family-oriented event featuring river and culturally themed festivities, musical performances, catered picnic lunch, guided kayak tours, and river boat cruises at the National Colonial Farm at Piscataway Park, 3400 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD 20607. General admission is free. Tickets for food and water activities should be purchased in advance at www.accokeek.org/leadershipsalute. Call 301-283-2113 for more information.
This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Art Enables's Facebook Wall.
Looking for something fun to do tonight? Miss Pixie's Design Salon is hosting a talk with Art Enables' own Paul Yandura! "The Uncommon Collector" explores a lifetime of collecting and displaying outsider art. 7 pm at Miss Pixies - the $10 donation at the door benefits Art Enables. http://www.dupont-circle.org/calendar?eventId=703129&EventViewMode=EventDetails
This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Art Enables's Facebook Wall.
Art Enables is pleased to welcome a new artist to the studio! Dethaw Cottman will work in the studio twice a week, and is already creating some impressive watercolors. Stay tuned for when his first works become available. Welcome, Dethaw!
This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Art Enables's Facebook Wall.
Art Enables is OPEN today from 1-4 pm! We have our Second Saturday workshop featuring collage with Matt Hollis, and our artist opening reception for Studio Spotlight. Join us!
This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Art Enables's Facebook Wall.
A few pieces from the small group show featuring Raymond Lewis, Allison Bell, and Vanessa Monroe.
This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Art Enables's Facebook Wall.
Artist Vanessa Monroe won an artist challenge that was issued by the staff, so here is our executive director working in a wrestling mask! Vanessa's artwork will be featured in this weekend's Studio Spotlight show, so come out and congratulate her big win.
This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Art Enables's Facebook Wall.
In keeping with our June wedding theme, here's a crystal shoe wedding cake from Shawn Payne! It's even sparklier in person.
