Bars

2106-08 Vermont Avenue, NW

Last month we heard VeraCruz Art Gallery and Bar was going to open up above Duffy’s near the 9:30 Club. Their grand opening party is tonight. From an email:

About VeraCruz

VeraCruz is DC’s only and one of the world’s very few galleries dedicated exclusively to interior murals. The entire interior space is muralized every 6-8 weeks by local, regional, national, and foreign artists, creating a radically transformed space regularly throughout the year. But this is not uncurated graffiti. Rather we exhibit work created exclusively by highly skilled mural artists, featuring a juxtaposition of on wall and 2D work, the latter of which is for sale.

The gallery is also an art bar with a food program, both influenced by the diversity of Latin America as seen right here in the DC area. The beverage and food programs are centered on the best beers, spirits and affordable food from countries ranging from Mexico to El Salvador to Peru and well beyond within Latin America. The food program is executed via a joint venture with existing and excellent nearby pan-Latino restaurants.

About the current (first) exhibit & the artist

VeraCruz’s first mural installation will be by Brandon Hill, a.k.a “The BabyChicken,” a mural and street artist who has previously exhibited at the G-40, the Lamont Bishop Gallery, and a number of pop-ups.

“Tough Guys & Dames,” the debut exhibition, is a collection of work that exudes a 1950’s / 60’s “MadMen” view of the world with themes of macho and sexy. From depictions of Mexican Luchadors to the saucy women of Golden Era burlesque such Betty Paige and Tempest Storm, this show is a jubilant mixture of “vintage fringe.” “Tough Guys & Dames” contains all new works from the artist with a mural piece, 2D and sculpture.

Brandon Hill is a DC-based, Charm City-raised artist/designer. He says, “If art were the movies, I’m definitely the ‘Spaghetti Western,’ a cohesive mix trying to be both throwback and avant-garde.” He is a University of Maryland College Park graduate whose focus has become wood sculpture and painting. He is a multi-media artist often using repurposed steel and wood items. He has work in the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland, and various private collections.

Photo courtesy of VeraCruz