BLCKSMTH Amplifies Community Voices at MCC
The McLean Community Center has engaged social media icon BLCKSMTH X for a Spring 2023 Artist Residency from Monday, March 27 through Saturday, April 1. BLCKSMTH X is the invention of Michael James Schneider, a writer and artist living in Portland, Oregon. During his residency at MCC, Schneider will engage diverse groups in conversations about their community, which will culminate in the creation of a statement or other expression of the group’s findings. These will be posted at MCC and shared on social media. The workshops are free and open to the public and registration is not required. MCC is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave.
This community engagement project will amplify the voices of the MCC community through BLCKSMTH’s unique artistic and design style. Residents can follow #MCCXBLCKSMTH on social media as quotes generated by community members are installed throughout MCC facilities. These quotes will express what brings the community together, how we lift each other up and how we express ourselves creatively. Alden Youth Theatre Programs Director Danielle Van Hook says, “This residency will expose the funny, the clever and the off-the-wall thoughts of our combined efforts while leaving the things that divide us—politics, belief and “Does pineapple really belong on pizza?” at the door,”
Schedule (Subject to change)
Monday, March 27, 7-8:30 p.m. at MCC
BLCKSMTH X COMMUNITY LEADERS Workshop.
Hosted by the MCC Governing Board.
Tuesday, March 28, 6:30-8 p.m. at MCC
BLCKSMTH X FAMILIES Workshop.
Hosted by the Safe Community Coalition.
Wednesday, March 29, 8-9:30 a.m. at MCC
BLCKSMTH X MILLENNIALS (& YOUNG PROFESSIONALS) Workshop.
Thursday, March 30, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at OFC
BLCKSMTH X TEENS Workshop.
Hosted by Old Firehouse After School Program.
Thursday, March 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at MCC
BLCKSMTH X McLEAN COMMUNITY CENTER
Gallery Pop Up
Friday, March 31, 10-11:30 a.m. at MCC
BLCKSMTH X RETIREES
Hosted by MCC Seniors in Action
Friday, March 31, 4-5:30 p.m. at MCC
BLCKSMTH X VETERANS
Patrons can track the progress of this project on MCC’s website, mcleancenter.org, and Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media channels. For more information, call the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711.
