The Compass Atelier and Young Masters Art Program are moving...but it's complicated...
For the past two years, COMPASS ART CENTER has served as home to The Compass Atelier, Young Masters Art Program, as well as numerous art studios and art galleries. If you've been following along, you know that on April 26th we sustained a major flood that caused us to temporarily close our doors. However, due to the extent of that flood we will in fact need to move on from this location.
But fear not...
We have been working hard behind the scenes to find new homes for much of the programming you love:
THE COMPASS ATELIER, home to some of the best art classes in the DMV including the Master Artist Program, will be reopening in a gorgeous new classroom still located within Kensington (location to be revealed next week) with classes beginning in August.
YOUNG MASTERS ART PROGRAM will continue to operate in what had been our temporary classroom at 10410 Kensington Parkway and is expanding to 3 classrooms for their incredible classes for age 5-18. Summer camps and weekend classes are still enrolling and running now.
Sadly, our Studio and Gallery programs will not be coming back, but we hope our artists can find new venues to make and show their work. We are reaching out to the local scene to help--anyone with a knowledge of studios for rent, please email me at TheCompassAtelier@gmail.com
As we downsize, there will be a lot of art furniture, supplies, and even artwork that we will not be able to take with us. We invite everyone to our YARD SALE on Saturday, June 27 10am-1pm at 10335 Kensington Parkway to pick up deeply discounted items. Cash, card, and digital payments accepted. No reasonable offer will be refused. And if you'd like to help us set up for the Sale, please simply arrive any time after 8:30am.
For the past 2 years, Compass Art Center has been shaped by a singular vision: that serious artistic training can change lives. Recent events have challenged us to consider how best to preserve and carry that vision forward. There is no way to share this news without recognizing that many members of our community will feel a sense of loss. We feel it too. However, we are doing the best we can to refocus on what we have always done best: provide the highest level of art learning in the area. We look forward to seeing you soon in our new homes to continue our mission, one artist at a time.
With deep gratitude for the tremendous support from our Compass friends and always with hope,
Glen Kessler
Director, Compass Art Center & The Compass Atelier
** New program alert **
Community artS open studio
FRIDAYs-saturdays 5-9pm & Saturday 9am-1pm
Pop into the Art Center for fun and free (or low cost) art activities led by our amazing staff. Japanese calligraphy, African masks, seasonal crafts, kids projects, and other fun and exciting art activities await.
MASTER ARTIST PROGRAM
OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, FEBruary 7, 2026 12-1pm
Registration for our 2026 Master Artist Programs is NOW OPEN. Join the faculty and alumni of The Compass Atelier to learn about the Master Artist Program.
This is the program that is revolutionizing how painting is taught. Accrue all the knowledge of a BFA and MFA in just 3 short years of part-time study and at a fraction of the cost of a university education. Come meet the instructors, talk to current and former students, and learn all about the program. Find out, like so many others, if this will indeed be the best decision of your artistic life.
COMPASS ATELIER MASTER ARTIST PROGRAM THESIS EXHIBITION
January 24-FEBRUARY 28, 2026
THE CLASS OF 2026 EXHIBITS THEIR THESIS ARTWORK ALL MONTH
ABOUT THE SHOW:
The graduates of The Compass Atelier's Master Artist Program, Class of 2026 will have their Thesis Exhibition at Strathmore Mansion from January 24-February 28, 2026. This exhibition will feature the work of our 25 graduating artists completed during their Thesis Year of the Master Artist Program. The Master Artist Program combines traditional painting methods with contemporary concepts in just 3 years of logical step-by-step artistic study, and has become a viable alternative to more expensive and time-consuming university education and much preferred over the buffet-style learning of typical seasonal courses. It is the brainchild of longtime Maryland Institute College of Art instructor Glen Kessler, an internationally recognized artist in his own right.
An opening reception will be held on THURSDAY, JANUARY 29th from 6:00-10:00pm. Also, on numerous Saturdays during the show, exhibiting artists will hold Artist Talks. All events are free and open to the public.
Saturday, February 7th - Ginger Browning 10:30, Kimberly David 11:00, Lauren McDanell 11:30
Saturday, February 14th - Theodora Fitzsimmons 10:30, Minhchau Nguyen 11:00, Rebecca Ravenal 11:30, Laura Oberbroeckling 12:00, Helen Huriaux 1:00, Daniel Whistock 2:30
Saturday, February 21st - Janet Shatz 10:30, Perry Chapman 1:30
Strathmore Mansion is located at 10701 Rockville Pike in North Bethesda, MD.
Mansion Hours:
Tuesday - Friday 12pm-4pm
Saturday 10am-3pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
Parking
Parking is available onsite
Additional parking is available in the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Garage; the 4th floor offers guests the skybridge for easy access to Strathmore buildings. A fee of $5.20 is required Monday–Friday and may be paid using a credit card or SmarTrip card. Currently, parking on Saturdays and Sundays in the Metro Garage is free.
Limited short-term parking also is available at meters along Tuckerman Lane.Parking for the Opening Reception is very limited
Please park at the Grosvenor-Strathmore metro garage.
