Fran Abrams - Dinner with an Expert

Wednesday, March 23rd – Dinner with An Expert: Fran Abrams

Fran Abrams is a polymer clay artist whose work has been widely exhibited in the DC metro area. She served for 41 years in government and non-profit agencies and recently retired from her position as Grants Director at the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC). Fran has an undergraduate degree in art and architecture and a graduate degree in urban planning. She is a member of the Foundry Gallery in Washington, DC. As a contractor for AHCMC, she manages the county's public art program and the new Betty Mae Kramer Gallery and Music Room in the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans' Plaza in downtown Silver Spring, MD.

The Incubator's "Dinner with An Expert" series kicked off with Fran Abrams, who spoke about her career and answered questions over dinner.  There were about 15 people there for the night which went very well.  We anticipate making this type of event a regular activity with a variety of guests who are experts in their various fields.  Keep an eye out for upcoming dinners!

If you would like to be a speaker or have an idea for a guest, please contact Joy Parisi.

HAAI's Pre-Opening Party

Last Sunday, December 12, the Howard Avenue Art Incubator held it's invitation-only pre-opening party to show off the newly finished (and gorgeous!) 1200sf gallery space, complete with work from local artists. Both the main gallery and the hallway gallery were lined with works ranging from paintings to photographs to sculpture. It was also a great opportunity for us to snap some great photos of our space.

View from the window side of the gallery

Some of the wonderful sculpture pieces

Gary, founder of HAAI with some gallery patrons

The hallway gallery

To get a better sense of the space of the gallery, check out this short video we took:

Overall, the party was a huge success! We're excited about the space and can't wait to host some public events.