District: Rockville Town Center

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Terry Thompson: The Intersection of Business & the Arts

Terry Thompson, a self-taught American artist born in Chicago, Illinois, now based in Baltimore, Maryland effortlessly blends creativity with discipline in his roles as a successful banker and a recognized visual artist. Alongside his in corporate America, Thompson is a renowned veteran club DJ, producer, and promoter, with releases on the London-based label Defected. Thompson began his art career with small shows, drawing influence from Romare Bearden, Picasso, and his friend, Spanish painter Salvador Bru. His unique artistic style now reflects inspirations from dance culture, fashion, and dreamscapes.

With a portfolio that spans across various mediums, Thompson’s art is both diverse and captivating. By embracing the spontaneity, exploration, and investigation inherent in his approach to painting. But what is the secret behind Thompson’s innovative thinking? According to him, it lies in the transformative power of the arts. Learning to write, play music, paint, or dance fosters the development of skills crucial for success in any endeavor—skills like seeing the big picture while focusing on execution, internalizing patterns, recognizing nuances, and expressing unique ideas.

Muse #8 by Terry Thompson

As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of our society and economy, one thing remains clear: art and culture are central to our collective journey towards understanding, empathy, and innovation. And in Terry Thompson, we find not just an artist, but a visionary whose creative spirit illuminates the path to a brighter future.

Terry Thompson: The Intersection of Business and the Arts was curated by Julie Ann Cavnor and is on display at Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) office (51 Monroe Street, PE20, Rockville, MD) from May 20 – July 26, 2024. The show is open to the public:

· Wednesdays: 2pm-5pm

· Friday: 1pm-3pm

REDI invites businesses and community members to engage with Thompson’s work, and meet the artist on Tuesday, May 21 at 5:30pm. Visit https://terrythompson-artisttalk.eventbrite.com for more information and RSVP.

Walk In Closet Beauty Bar

Walk In Closet Beauty Bar….A luxury destination with all thing’s beauty. Founded by celebrity hairstylist Ava W. A Kerastase partner salon offering the best in haircare, makeup, and wardrobe styling. Nestled in the heart of Rockville’s Town Center. Prepare for the ultimate beauty experience……….

Dawson’s Market

Bonchon Rockville

“Prefix Menu –
Choose small wings or small combo + House Cocktail or Soda for $20. For $5 more, choose fries or 4 potstickers or edamame”

Bonchon Chicken is cooked-to-order, made with the highest quality ingredients. Come try our handcrafted fried chicken, along with our other amazing dishes and drinks!

BoBaPop Tea Bar

We are a bubble tea shop in the DMV area that sources local fresh ingredients, slowly brews tea leaves to extract their tea essence and aroma, and constantly explores new and sustainable ways to reduce our environmental impact.

VisArts Artist’s Work Featured on Amazon Prime Video Series As We See It

A local artist in a program for young adults with disabilities has just accomplished something few artists have ever achieved. Her work was chosen to promote a new show about young people on the autism spectrum.

7News talked to Sarah Davie about this thrilling honor, her artwork, and her message to others with learning challenges.

You may have seen the bold, brightly colored promotional material for the new show on Amazon Prime about young adults with autism, called As We See It. The rainbow of geometric shapes on the backdrop artwork was created by Rockville artist Sarah Davie.

“Honestly it feels great to show the art and to let others know who is on the spectrum it sends a message that you can do it,” Davie said.

Davie did the piece as an artist in Rockville, Md. at Visarts, an art program for young adults with disabilities. Her message is inclusivity.

The title is called “The vision of pride.”

“The artwork is based on all colors, like skin colors, gender identities, all colors for everybody just to let everybody know everybody is welcome with all colors, different colors.”

Davie said living with disabilities left her struggling to adjust and find purpose and joy. But, when she discovered art, her life changed for the better.

“It feels great it’s like therapy. It calms me down and keeps me busy. I feel so much confidence, like when I do artwork.”

And it’s allowed her to thrive in other areas of her life too. Davie is also the goalie for the Montgomery Cheetahs, a special hockey team for kids with developmental disabilities. Her artwork will show she’s also a huge fan of the Washington Capitals.

Sarah’s mom’s advice to parents out there.

“Find what makes your child shine,” said Lisa Davie. “She [Sarah] does art that helps her through tough situations, to celebrate nature, the eagles and the capitals, she does art to get her through all of that, the good and the bad and it’s really wonderful to see her blossom.”

Like the moment she saw her artwork displayed in the middle of Times Square New York.

“Honestly, at first my reaction, my mom showed me the photo and I said ‘is this real,’ she said ‘yes it’s real,’ I was in shock with happiness!”

Sarah told 7News she has now had several pieces of her art commissioned, so she is proud to report she is a working artist doing what she loves as a career.

Originally published on 7News DC

Saints Valley

Located in Rockville Town Square, visit Saints Valley for unique clothing, authentic cashmere and silk designs, and handmade jewelry.

Giuseppi’s Pizza Plus

Family owned and operated for 33 years, Giuseppi’s award-winning recipes begin with handmade dough made fresh every day to ensure a light and crispy crust. We follow with impressive quantities of the tastiest Wisconsin cheeses, freshest vegetables and finest meats available. We are committed to maintaining the highest quality and consistency because our family believes your family only deserves the best.

The Soulfull Cafe

15% off any Hot or Cold Sandwich

The Soulfull Café, partnered with Main Street Connect, has been building a fruitful community in downtown Rockville since 2020 serving a natural, hearty selection of foods in an inclusive gathering space. Only 17.9% of people with a disability were employed, according to the 2020 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data report. The Soulfull Café was made to change that. With a commitment to diverse and inclusive employment, we celebrate authenticity and passion by providing opportunities for people of ALL abilities to pursue and live their best lives.

The Spot Asian Food Hall

The Spot opened on July 7, 2018 in the Rockville Town Center. The facility has a 150 indoor seats and 50 seats in an outdoor bar area with 6,200 square-foot space in total and features a variety of Asian cuisines.