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In its 30th year, the Montpelier Cultural Arts Center has grown from a crumbling barn with horse stalls to a modern day art gallery and studio complete with 16 resident artists, classrooms, various festivals and live entertainment.

The Montpelier Mansion was built more than 200 years ago, but it wasn't until the 1960s that the property was given to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The Laurel Arts Guild, Laurel Recreation Council, Friends of the Montpelier Mansion, Oakland Citizens Association and the M-NCPPC came together in 1973 to turn the decrepit barn into an arts center, said Assistant Director Ruth Harwood.

"The barn was very old and in need of renovation, but before any renovations could be done to it, two teenagers set fire to it [in 1976] and the only thing that was left was the silo, because it was brick," Harwood said.

But three years later, in 1979, the barn was rebuilt to resemble the original barn externally. Internally, however, it offered modern features such as an open layout with concrete floors, exhibition areas and studios.

The barn has two floors, as well as two lofts. The first floor is dedicated to the welcome desk and artist studios, while the second floor is home to the gallery, a stage area complete with seating and a piano and more artist studios. The lofts have been fashioned into an office for Harwood and a large artist studio, and the silo has become a mini-library with chairs and donated books, as well as an office for Director Richard Zandler.

Throughout its 30-year history, Zandler has been the only director at the center. He said that he has never been worried that the center would fail because they have always had interest from the public.

"There is more competition because there are more studios now, but we've always done just fine," Zandler said. "We really span all the genres and media so we appeal to everyone — the beginner or the more experienced artist."

There has been a wide array of artists at the center since it opened in 1979, including printmakers, glass artists, fiber artists, ceramic artists, furniture makers, jewelry designers and numerous painters and sculptors.

Some artists, such as installation artist Jessica Braiterman, who is currently featured in the 2009 Washington Project for the Arts biennial "Options," are just starting out. Others, such as cut-paper illustrator David Wisniewski, author of the children's book "Golem," have passed on. Both Braiterman and Wisniewski have their artwork on display at the studio's current exhibit, which showcases the work of 65 of the past 96 resident artists. The anniversary reunion exhibition is scheduled to end on Oct. 25.

"Montpelier gave me the opportunity to establish my career as an artist," said sculptor Sam Noto in a press release. Noto was a resident artist from 1995-99. "It was my first studio and the place where I defined my purpose and direction as an artist. It is a special place and I am sure that many other artists launched their careers in that great space."

Every three months, Montpelier Arts Center offers a new variety of classes for all ages. A few of the current classes include painting, bronze casting, ceramics, stained glass, drawing, jewelry making, photography, print making, rug hooking, water color, writing, animation and comic book making.

They also offer one-day workshops on African mud cloth painting, audio recording, collage making, painting, rug hooking, welding sculptures and writing.

"The facility is blessed by the artists," Zandler said. "They exhibit, have studios and take and give classes here."

In addition to the artists giving classes, the Montpelier Arts Center also brings in outside experts from surrounding colleges and arts centers and independent artists.

Besides the outside experts, the center has also expanded to bring in outside entertainment for various jazz festivals. In total, the center has released six CDs from the jazz festivals since 1999.

They include: "Royal Essence: An Evening Of Ellington," "Uh-Huh! Buck Hill Live at Montpelier," "Pinky's Waltz, Keter Betts, Live at Montpelier," "Ron Holloway and Friends, Live at Montpelier," "Ennis Anyone? Ethel Ennis, Live at Montpelier" and "Dick Morgan, Live at Montpelier." The CDs cost $15 and are available by calling 301-377–7800.

If You Go

Montpelier Arts Center's 30th anniversary open house

When: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

Where: Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel

Information: 301-377-7800

E-mail Jordan Attebury at jattebury@gazette.net.