“Party like its 1989 with art, vodka tastings, and Cold War – era music in a landmarked DC church”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Erin

From a press release:

“WHAT: As a satellite of Halcyon’s By The People Festival which runs through June 23rd, Culture House is showcasing Mark Kelner’s Solaris: Shelter For The Next Cold War with several curatorial and programmatic events. To commemorate the exhibit and in celebration of the festival’s closing weekend, Culture House will host a Cold War Dance Party on Saturday June 22nd.

Produced by JAB Arts, with financial support from Collection14, a landmark DC project brought to you by Madison Investments, the party will feature a happy hour/exhibit viewing on the first floor (boasting specialty cocktails and vodka tastings) before Culture House’s newly-renovated 2nd floor performance space opens up for a Cold War Dance Party, inviting attendees to “groove like it’s 1989,” says Kelner (“Dressing the part is heavily encouraged!”).

DJ Art and DJ Kondotronic will provide the music, ZYR Vodka will vodka tastings and beyond.

Admission is free and open to the public. RSVP required.

WHEN: Saturday June 22, from 7:00pm-Midnight

WHERE: Culture House, 700 Delaware Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024

WHY: Solaris: Shelter for the Next Cold War comes from the universe of Mark Kelner, the DC artist whose roots in Russian and American cultures form the basis of his artistic creations – from sneakily subversive advertising and corporate branding to symbols of Russian and Soviet visual culture and art history. Solaris has been receiving critical acclaim since opening at Culture House (formerly Blind Whino) last month, and was was conceived, curated and designed by veteran curator Zachary Paul Levine after visiting Kelner’s studio bathroom in early 2017.

This new and expanded version of the exhibition includes newly-made pieces and installations along with several never-exhibited pieces. A crowd-drawing highlight Solaris: Shelter For The Next Cold War features a free-standing bunker complete with entertainment center, dining area, library, and a chapel — all in 96 square feet, with a soundtrack created especially for the installation by Bassist-composer Kondotronics.

Solaris: Shelter For The Next Cold War runs through July 7th with regular gallery hours Wednesdays 5-8pm, and Saturday and Sundays 12-5pm. For more information on Solaris visit solarisshelter.com“