Theater non-profit that brings community dance and theater performances to Poolesville through Essence Studios . Talented dancers performed beautifully choreographed ballet pieces on the newly constructed outdoor stage with removable sprung floor , custom built for dancers to prevent injury . Emcee and Riverworks performing arts program and events director , Tara Wise ( aka singersongwriter Adalia Tara ) kept the acts moving , even taking her own spot with a solo song . The performances closed out with headliner Elikeh , the Afropop band based in DC , who rocked the audience with resounding high-energy dance party complete with quick lessons in African dance that got young and old gyrating wildly in full abandon .
Locals provided delicious fare with their crowd pleasing ratatouille and chicken and waffles , rounded out with lemonade , ice cream cones from Brusters , local beer by Landmade Brewery and wine from Windridge Vineyards . By all accounts it was a homerun kind of day for Riverworks .
“ Almost every painting we put up sold … and that fundraiser that
Top : Kids of all ages bust a few moves with Afropop band , Elikeh at Taste of River works . Above : Chef Jason from Locals dishes out his popular ratatouille dish , along with chicken and waffles , another crowd favorite .
was supposed to be just part of the community gathering ended up raising $ 30,000 ,” remarks David . “ The Become-a-Riverworks Neighbor fundraiser that board member Val Dickerson put together raised $ 10,000 in two days on Facebook .” Sandy adds , “ When tallied up , 20 % of Poolesville households kicked in $ 100 for the campaign .” That tells you , both agree , that “ this town is hungry for arts activities .” Sandy continues , “ It felt like a party , almost like a family reunion and that ’ s how people expressed it to me .” Artist James Vissari a Riverworks art instructor and plein air participant , said it “ was the greatest art event he had ever been to because it was so different … it was come and go , just chill out see your neighbors and enjoy yourself ,” reports David .
Riverworks classes and Artist-in-the-House Gallery at Locals
The Taste of Riverworks event was the culmination of a very ambitious 2022 and half of 2023 . Folks got a true sampling of many art center ’ s activities . Dozens of classes took place in the art studios at Sandy and David ’ s Alden Farms just up the road from Poolesville . Outdoor performances happened at the intimate outdoor covered stage on the same property . Sydney Therriault ’ s stunning and masterful art graced the walls of Locals , kicking off a rotating gallery space with a number of her pieces installed permanently . Other shows included curated works by Taina Litwak , Ann Nelsen , Kim Yourick , Sarah Matthews , Susan Due Percy , Marcie Wolf-Hubbard , and Alan W . Gramley . People were coming to Locals in droves and they were surrounded by beautiful art throughout as they dined .
Top : Riverworks artist / art instructor James Vissari teaches classes in the studio at Alden Farms . Above : Art piece by Sarah Matthews featured at the Locals gallery .