Art Spark Teen Arts Summit

Get ready for Art Spark: Teen Arts Summit 2023 

At this exciting annual event, teens in Prince George’s County and beyond are invited to ignite their creativity at a weekend celebration for the arts! Teens will come together for a day of artistic exploration and expression, where they will enjoy performances from leading industry professionals, engage in workshops and masterclasses that help build their resumes and portfolios, and collaborate in ways that will shape the artistic voice of their generation.

The 2023 Summit happens on Saturday, March 18 at Harmony Hall Art Center and will feature a headlining performance by Grammy-nominated progressive Hip Hop artist Christylez Bacon & Electric Cellist Wytold - coming together for a classical Hip Hop performance that's sure to leave you mesmerized - as well as an inspirational teen performance from the FAME Jazz Band and Taratibu Youth Association. 

From a panel presentation with the Strathmore Artists in Residence to a live Jam Session with FAME, summit participants will have many opportunities to engage with young professionals from across the greater Washington area, and each participant will receive a professional headshot captured by M3 Mitchell Media and Marketing. 

Event Info: 

Who: Ages 12-18 
What: Art Spark: Teen Arts Summit 2023 
When: Saturday, March 18, 2023, 9:30 am-5 pm 
Where: Harmony Hall Arts Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744 
Cost: FREE! 

Spaces are limited. Register for Art Spark 2023 today! 

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to meet new collaborators and shape the arts in your generation!

Get to Know Art Spark 2023's Featured Performers, Speakers, and Honored Guests!

Multi-dimensional progressive Hip Hop artist, Christylez Bacon will headline our event as a featured performer and speaker.

Electric Cellist, Wytold will join Christylez on the stage as our co-headliner, demonstrating the power of collaboration and creativity.

Strathmore Artists in Residence, led by Christylez will present a panel discussion sharing insights and pro tips on the power of following your unique path as an artist. Panel participants include Latin Singer/Songwriter, Taisha Estrada; Pianist, Joshua Jenkins; Tap Dancer, Gerson Lanza; Flutist, Ceylon Mitchell; and Saxaphonist, Langston Hughes.

FAME Jazz Band will open the day with their upbeat jazz and big band grooves.

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Taratibu Youth Association will perform traditional South African dance and song, interwoven with step routines and spoken word.

M3 Mitchell Media and Marketing will capture professional headshots for each participant to add to their artist portfolios.

Edge of Yesterday series author, Robin Stevens Payes will offer a Creative Journaling Workshop, “The Story of Your Life: Journaling for Creative Release and Reflection.”

The musicians of FAME will host a live Jam Session--bring your instrument to join in on the music making.

Taratibu will lead a dance workshop, teaching participants basic South African Gumboot Steps and calls in Zulu.

Teaching artist and Theater Maker, H M Carter will lead an improv-focused workshop all about teamwork and creativity titled, “Think on Your Feet!”

Arts on a Roll Teaching Artists will offer a reflective drawing session called “Neurographic Art” that combines psychology and art and helps participants access an overall sense of well-being.  

For more information or for any questions about Art Spark, please contact Arts Specialist Sofia Hailu at Sofia.Hailu@pgparks.com.

Frequently Asked Questions 


This looks amazing! How can it be free to attend? 
We are lucky to have public funding as well as a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council to support this event. Registration is limited so claim your spot today!

Is the 2023 Art Spark Summit just for performing arts? Not at all! Our lineup of presenters and workshops features music, theatre and acting, creative writing, dance and visual art. This is a platform for all types of teen artists to come together to have their talent nurtured and to learn about other art forms from their peers.

Do I have to play an instrument to join the Jam Session? No, but you are encouraged to bring your instrument if you play one! FAME Jazz band will welcome instrumentalists and vocalists to their jam sessions, and also provide some instruments such as keyboard and hand drums for folks who want to participate.

I’m a parent, is there a place for me to hang out at the venue during the day? Yes! There will be a small seating area for parents.

I might have to leave early. Can I still attend? As long as spots are still open, you are still welcome to register and attend! Just keep in mind that we want you to get the full experience from the summit and leaving early means you will miss out on some of the amazing programming and networking opportunities.

The Story Behind Art Spark

In 2017, a group of 12 teens came together at Prince George’s Plaza Community Center to discuss how the arts influence their community. While eating pizza and making artworks, the teens expressed an interest in more career building and networking opportunities focused on teens in the arts.

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This discussion led to the creation of the first teen art summit, hosted in March 2018 at Harmony Hall Art Center. The summit continues to grow each year, inviting more teen artists and arts advocates together to develop their future in the arts through advanced workshops. Collaborations for Art Spark have included artists and organizations such as Americans for the Arts, Maryland Citizens for the Arts, Prince George’s Shakespeare in the Parks, Words, Beats, and Life INC, CultureShock DC, and many more.