I had the pleasure of chatting with owner/artist Ajani Hobson yesterday afteroon. Ajani, 40, moved to DC five years ago from Richmond, VA. His vision for the space is “a multi-purpose space with workshops, art classes, open mics, and some live music”. On Mondays there will be open mic nights and on Sundays there will be a DJ (and free Wifi). The other nights of the week the space will be available for artists to rent out to show their work.

He is currently waiting on a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO). I saw the architectural plans of the space and it looks like it’s gonna be pretty sweet. There will be a bar towards the back and a small stage towards the front. When he gets the CofO construction will begin immediately. He anticipates the space opening in Mid-April. While he ultimately hopes to add a bar it will only serve wine and beer (no liquor). While food will not be served here you’ll be able to go to the nearby Moroni & Bros, Fusion and the soon to open Ethiopian spot directly next door.

This sounds like it’s going to be a great addition to upper Georgia Ave. I’ll be sure to update as the permits come through and construction progresses.

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Photo by PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love

From an email:

“The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) is seeking members of the Columbia Heights community to submit proposals for 17 streetscape mosaic medallions along 14th Street NW between Park Road and Irving Street. The medallions are expected to be installed by the end of summer 2010. The goal of this project is to integrate public space with private and public development and to capture the unique qualities of Columbia Heights. For more information please see attached call to artist or go to http://dcarts.dc.gov/dcarts/cwp/view,a,3,q,527999,dcartsNav,|31591|.asp.

Deadline: MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2010 at 6:30pm Design Assistant Workshops: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24TH from 6:30pm-8pm and SATURDAY, MARCH 27TH from 12:00noon-1:

Honorarium: $500″

More info here as well CALL FOR COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ARTISTS FINAL

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The one above is hilarious. It’s got a serious Napoleon Dynamite vibe going on. You can see previous chalk art here, from Bourbon on 18th Street, NW in Adams Morgan.

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Thanks to Sean for sharing the news. He tells me it is being opened by a woman named Jodi Walsh. The first exhibit is in May and will be of Fine Craft wooden bowls. The gallery itself will be called 555 Gallery.

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These were found right near yesterday’s featured Art Museum of the Americas. The lawn was just filled with sculptures. Some traditional and some less so:

Lots more photos after the jump including a few phantom ones. Read Full Post

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The museum is located at 201 18th Street, NW (near Constitution Ave). Their Web site says:

“The building housing the museum was originally designed by noted architect Paul Cret in 1912 as the residence for the Secretaries General of the Organization of American States. Today as a museum, the building offers a warm and intimate atmosphere to enjoy art. The Art Museum of the Americas is located just off the National Mall at 201 18th Street, N.W., and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM (We are closed on federal holidays and on Good Friday). In the meantime, we invite you to explore these pages to learn about our collections, our current and past exhibitions, and the various services we offer. Join us in celebrating the rich visual traditions of the American continent. Most of all, enjoy your visit and come back often.”

Anyone ever check them out? Leo?

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I promised to post photos when the scaffolding was taken down. Here it is – thumbs up or down?

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With the new yellow sculpture at the corner of 5th and K Streets, NW (see post above) this smaller piece really gets overshadowed. Literally. It’s pretty neat though. How’s that for a sophisticated critique…

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This one is on Connecticut Ave between Van Ness and Cleveland Park.

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Some folks didn’t like the last painted garage door I saw in Mt. Pleasant. What do you think about the one above from Adams Morgan?

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From a WMATA Press release:

“Metro works with community groups to select art

The Metro Board of Directors today, Feb. 18, approved two Washington-based artists’ proposals for public art that will be installed at the Farragut West and Takoma Metrorail stations in 2011.

The artwork approved for the Takoma Metrorail station is by Washington-based artist, Sam Gilliam, who is best known nationally and internationally for his color field and abstract expressionist painting and sculpture. A large abstract mosaic tile mural designed by Gilliam will be installed in the underpass of the station entrance.

For his first public art commission, artist Michael Sirvet will create a series of low-relief, botanically-inspired aluminum and light sculptures that will be installed at the east Farragut West Metrorail station entrance at 17th and I Streets, NW. His work is currently included in numerous private collections both locally and nationally.”

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Ojo Latino is a series by Néstor Sánchez Cordero. Nestor writes, “I went to the National Gallery of Art Sunday and saw this great exhibit called “Multiverse” by Leo Villareal and it blew my mind…I felt like I was on Battlestar Galactica or close to Heaven.”

Three more photos after the jump. Read Full Post

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I’ve seen a couple of these around town. The one above is near the Petworth metro on New Hampshire Ave. The bottom got cut off but says ’satisfied?’.

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I think everyone should paint their garage doors.

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I’ve never asked folks what they think of the piece of public art commisioned back in 1994 in Mt. Pleasant. I wonder what the debate was like before it was selected. Anyone from Mt. Pleasant remember the process? What’s the general feel – thumbs up or down?

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