From an email:

Mark your calendar: On the evening of February 8, 2012, six notable Shaw galleries are staying open late and the Walter E. Washington Convention is opening its doors for a rare evening tour of its extensive art collection.

The Convention Center tour will start from the Mount Vernon Square entrance to the Convention Center and will last approximately one hour. The tour will start promptly at 6:30 p.m., and participants are encouraged to arrive at the Convention Center at 6:15 p.m.

Participating galleries include Civilian Art Projects (1019 7th St., NW), Contemporary Wing (1250 9th St., NW), Lamont Bishop Gallery (1314 9th St., NW), Long View Gallery (1234 9th St., NW), Maruka Gallery and Boutique (1300 9th St., NW), and Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., NW). Galleries will remain open until 9 p.m. for the Shaw Art Walk. Maps and descriptions of the galleries’ shows will be available at each gallery and at the conclusion of the Convention Center tour.

Following the art walk at 9 p.m., participants are encouraged to enjoy the art of the cocktail at The Passenger which is located at 1021 7th St., NW.

For more information and to view the press release, visit the Shaw Main Streets website:http://www.shawmainstreets.org/events/shaw_art_walk

To RSVP to the Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/176021592502645/

Dear PoPville,

I was driving on Florida Ave. on Sunday and noticed this strange art mural of Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum on someone’s garage entrance in their alley between Bates and First Streets.

Photo by PoPville flickr user yostinator

Dear PoPville,

I am hoping you might have some insights about community art facilities in DC. I am looking for a fully equipped ceramics studio to use (and not one that requires taking classes and whatnot).

Do you have any leads??

This has to be among the stranger alley art I’ve ever seen. From Mt. Pleasant.

Photo by PoPville flickr user DC@rt

Frida Kahlo?

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a new (to me) firebox conversion. This one is from Tenleytown on Wisconsin Ave.

On a side note I’m also hearing some wild rumors that DC could be getting new streetcars…

This one’s from Truxton Circle. If you spot any interesting/random objects in a window, snap a photo and send to princeofpetworth(at)gmail.

From a press release:

Artomatic returns to Crystal City in 2012 for its signature free arts event, to be held in the biggest Artomatic building ever, from May 18 – June 24. At its last event in 2009, Artomatic attracted more than 76,000 visitors to see work by more than 2,500 artists and performers. The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is thrilled to announce that Artomatic will take over the Transwestern Presidential Tower, entrance at 2511 S. Clark St. in Crystal City, VA, with a special opening night celebration on May 18.

Artomatic is well-known for transforming empty spaces into vibrant arts communities that celebrate creativity and create a unique and exciting event for tens of thousands of visitors – all free to visit. Anyone can show art at Artomatic – there is no criteria to participate, and art is selected on a first-come, first serve basis – so it’s a great way to discover new art.

Every night of the event, thousands of people visit Artomatic to discover new art, grab a drink, listen to music, go on dates, and mingle with the creative community. Artomatic features dozens of daytime art workshops for kids. (Please know that some art displayed at Artomatic may be inappropriate for children). No matter what kind of creative events you like, you’ll find something to like at Artomatic.

“Crystal City is the perfect partner to take Artomatic to the next level in 2012. With the largest exhibit space we’ve ever had, we’re excited to host the biggest event in Artomatic’s history,” said George Koch, an original founder of Artomatic. “No matter what kind of creative events you like, you’ll find something you like at Artomatic. Come explore new art, listen to music, enjoy a film, or visit our fashion show!”

For the latest information about the event, how to participate, and when to visit, subscribe to Artomatic by email or Facebook, and check the Artomatic website for updates.

Thanks to a reader for sending this in from Calvert St, NW in Adams Morgan. I can’t find it in the archives but we once discussed a similar display found on Adams Mill Road. At that time I believe some folks were concerned that the way it was attached to the tree could damage the tree. Art or Graffiti?

It’s been a while since I spotted some alley art. This is from SE Capitol Hill.

We’ve looked at this wild sculpture off P St, NW in Dupont in the past. This is the first time I actually saw a plaque with the artists name. At first I thought it said American born and I thought hmm that’s odd. Then I saw the comma…

This is one of the cooler fire box conversions I’ve seen in a while. It’s near UDC in Van Ness.

Thanks to a reader for sending from the “alley between the FroYo shop and American apparel shop on f street nw between 10th and 11th.”

So I’m embarrassed to ask – is there a significance to Leeza?

Pretty sweet, yeah?

I thought this design on an overhang from Capitol Hill was pretty phenomenal: