South Silver Spring has a new name. The portion of the Silver Spring Central Business District, defined as the area south of the rail road tracks gets a cooler name along with the signage to promote the area. South Point (as the area is now known) has changed enormously since the beginning of the revitalization, in fact it has claimed the bulk of the current and planned residential development in Silver Spring. To compliment the positive growth an Arts Alley was created pedestrian use by the county between the existing retail and office at the intersection of Georgia Ave and East-West Highway.

This weekend you see what it’s all about visit www.mojoatsopo.com and view the information below

When: April 22nd and 23rd from 12 – 6pm

Where: Blair Mill Arts Alley, Georgia and E/W Highway

What:

All weekend:

+ Artist Market: Featuring over 25 artists and vendors selling wares crafted from as close by as Silver Spring to as far away as Egypt. Come tantalize your senses – smell handmade soaps made from goat milk and soy with scents to appease every palette (yes, there’s soaps for guys too), try on gorgeous belly dancing belts and take one home to wear over your jeans! There will be lots of handmade pottery, fiber art, jewelry of all styles, photography, paintings, and much more. Mingle with the artists, sign up for classes and workshops taught by Alchemy’s artists, and enjoy! www.artandalchemy.com

+ Coffee Roasting: Have you ever seen Mayorga’s roaster in action? Smelled it? If not, now’s your chance to watch, listen, smell and learn about the coffee roasting process as professional roasters ply their trade! www.mayorgacoffee.com

+ Ice Cream Tasting: Do you like your ice cream to be 100% organic, hand made with a French custard base? You probably haven’t had any, unless you’ve been to Moorenkos which will be offering tastings all weekend long. Did I mention they also have dairy free smoothies and lactose free doggie ice cream! It doesn’t get more unique than Moorenkos. www.moorenkos.com

+ Gallery Fare: The Gallery restaurant and lounge is by far the hottest thing happening in Silver Spring right now and is rated number one on www.b4-u-eat.com. Come see, taste and feel why everyone is raving about this special place: www.gallerysilverspring.com

Special Events!

Saturday:

+ DC Sketch Crew: Assembly line sketch crew with three artists!

+ 1-3pm: Red-Hot Rockabilly with JP McDermott and Western Bop: http://www.westernbop.com/

+ 2:30 – 4pm: Water Color Demonstration with Local artist/Gallery owner Steve Hanks

+ 4 – 6pm: Music on the Patio at the Gallery!

+ 9:30 – 12:30am: Loide Jorge and Jazz Trio at Mayorga

Sunday:

+ Silver Spring Historical Society, selling copies of “Historic Silver Spring” and talking about the area’s rich history.

+ 12-1:30pm Water Color Demonstration with Local artist/Gallery owner Steve Hanks

+ 1- 2pm: Miss Belle, Belle Paige, performs original and popular childrens’ songs and is beloved by audiences on both sides of the Potomac.

+ 2 – 4pm: The Kiltics, an emerging local Celtic band!

Sponsors:

Alchemy, Blair Mill LLC, Division One Architects, Gallery Restaurant, Gateway Georgia Avenue, Mayorga Coffee Roasters, Montgomery County, Moorenko’s Ice Cream Café, Nasuti and Hinkle Creative Thinking, Photogroup, Silver Spring Regional Center, Swim Design Consultants, The JBG Companies.

For Parking, Directions and other bits and bobs: www.mojoatsopo.com