I don’t know why I was previously afraid to walk into these galleries. Perhaps I thought it was my penchant for Taco Bell, Ping Pong and throwing horseshoes that originally gave me pause. But much like Gallery NevinKelly, Gallery Plan b, located at 1530 Fourteenth Street, is also super nice and welcoming. I spoke with gallery director, David Kalamar, who told me the gallery has been open for three years. Gallery b showcases mostly local artists and generally rotates shows every four to six weeks. I had just caught the tail end of “Taking Sides” by Rod Glover. The press release described his works shown as an “exploration of and experimentation with geometric abstraction.” And indeed it was very cool. Unfortunately the show has just ended. But you are in luck because the next one sounds super cool as well. From April 2 – May 11 the gallery will be showing the works of a 95 year old local Washingtonian, Marilee H. Shapiro. From the press release: “At the age of 95…she continues to create fluid and powerful sculptures (both large and small) as well as narrative, three dimensional dioramas.” The opening reception is Saturday, April 5th from 5pm – 8pm. And the gallery’s regular hours are Wed-Sat 12-7, Sun 1-5. It is well worth checking out, even if you like Taco Bell…


NevinKelly Gallery is one of those places I’ve walked by a thousand times, always intrigued, yet never stopping. Well, I’m glad I finally stopped and headed into the Gallery located at 1517 U Street. I had the chance to chat with owner, Mr. Nevin Kelly. The gallery has been open for five years. Mr. Kelly chose the location because he liked the energy and the rebirth of the U Street neighborhood. Interestingly, Mr. Kelly normally exhibits many artists from Poland, and the rebirth of the U Street neighborhood reminded him a bit of the rebirth going on in Poland.

When I stopped in there was an exhibit called Water Media On Paper which was a traveling exhibit by National Career Award Finalists. Sorry to report that this super cool exhibit closed on Sunday but next week Mr. Kelly will exhibit more of his standard artists who tend to be more contemporary and/or abstract. Don’t be afraid to stop in like I was, Mr. Kelly could not possibly have been nicer. More photos after the jump including another dog in a window. You see it is a trend. (more…)


If I wasn’t so lazy I’d link all the previous ones. This one is located at the corner of 16th and Arkansas. This artist really is prolific. But I kind of like not knowing where they all are and stumbling upon them.


Now, this one really tripped me out. I must of stared at this for like 10 minutes. Then I got really thirsty and left. So I think you can tell this is a photo of a brick wall displayed on that same brick wall. I got to imagine the people who put this up are pretty freaking cool.  After the jump check out a close up and one a bit further away so you can see the whole wall. (more…)


I’ve probably walked by the Black Cat at least 3,782 3,783 times. This is the first time I’ve ever noticed that there actually is a black cat painted on the building. Nice.


The Sitar Arts Center is one of those places that just makes me you smile. You know when you just can’t bear to read the morning newspaper it helps to remember that places like this Center exist. Located at 1700 Kalorama Rd., NW, the Center was founded in 1998 but moved to this location in 2004. Originally an after school music program for inner-city children, the center quickly expanded, after the students asked for more, to include dance, art, painting, and creative writing. The Center is truly state of the art and partners with the Corcoran school of art + design, National Symphony Orchestra, Washington National Opera, Washington Ballet, Arena Stage and many others including a faculty of 120 volunteer teaching artists. I was fortunate to receive a tour from Development Associate, Adrianne Wegner. She told me that 80% of the students come from underprivileged homes in Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights and other parts of the city. Activities the students participate in include dance, art, music, painting, digital media, theater and more. I’m not really doing the place justice you should check out the website above to learn more. For example the students don’t just get music lessons they also take classes in music theory. Awesome. Check out some photos of the amazing interior after the jump. (more…)


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