EXHIBITS
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Gallery of Self" Exhibition presented by Oyé Palaver Hut
Join us at the Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center (CHACC) for a captivating exhibition titled "Gallery of Self." This unique showcase features a collection of self-portraits by the talented young artists of FAN DC, Eagle Academy Waterfront and the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program.
Opening Reception: August 4, 2024 | 2pm - 4pm
Installation Duration: August 4 - August 31
Location: 3200 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington DC
"Gallery of Self" offers a profound glimpse into the inner worlds of our young artists, expressing their identities and stories through the vibrant and introspective medium of self-portraiture. This exhibition not only highlights the creative potential of our youth but also celebrates the power of art as a tool for self-exploration and personal narrative.
We invite you to immerse yourself in the emotions and perspectives that these artworks convey. Whether you're a lover of art, an advocate for youth programs, or simply curious about the creative expressions of our community's young talents, this exhibition promises to inspire and engage.
Follow us on social media for updates and featured works:
- Instagram: @oyepalaverhut, @chacc_dc, @fiankradc
Mark your calendar, bring your friends and family, and enjoy an afternoon discovering the beauty and depth of self-expression at CHACC.
We look forward to welcoming you to this memorable art experience!
PAINTA 2023 RECAP
We're super excited to invite you to Painta' Day, a vibrant, free art festival that's all about celebrating the incredible journey and artistry of Shawn Lindsay, aka Painta, and shining a spotlight on the amazing talent of local artists who share Painta's passion and energy.
Mark Your Calendars!
When: April 13, 2024
Where: Here at CHACC: 3200 MLK Avenue, SE WDC 20032
Painta Day isn't just an event; it's a movement. Inspired by Painta's mantra of "living with purpose on purpose," we're dedicating a whole day to immerse ourselves in the power of art and its ability to inspire, connect, and transform our lives.
What's in Store?
Prepare to be dazzled by several of Painta's iconic series, including The Wild Style, The Greyscale, The Red Room, and The Mirror Selfie series, among others. But that's not all – we're making this experience interactive! Snap a cool pic with 'The Mirror Selfie Series,' or unleash your inner artist and create your own masterpiece to take home.
The vibes don't stop there. Groove to tunes from DJ Blackhouse who'll be bringing the vibes to keep the energy high and the spirits lifted. And of course, you'll have the chance to snag some original artwork, prints, and exclusive Painta’s Apparel to keep the inspiration flowing long after the day ends.
Can't Make It on the Day?
No worries at all! The exhibition will be open all month long, welcoming walk-ins Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. Want a more personal experience? Schedule a private tour at a time that suits you.
Painta Day is more than an event – it's a testament to the power of community, creativity, and living a life filled with purpose. So, come join us, bring your friends, and let's make it a day to remember!
Can't wait to see you there and celebrate the art of living with purpose, together.
previous exhibitions
Join us Saturday, March 14th from 7pm to 9pm at Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center (CHACC), located at 3200 Martin Luther King Avenue SE, as we open ‘From our Travels,’ an art exhibition featuring art from the motherland!
Original art pieces created by black artists from several countries to include Burkina Faso, and more. This is not just an art exhibition but an art sale offering original work for incredible prices.
Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center has a mission to expose, inspire and educate our Congress Heights community to rich arts + cultural opportunities and this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
AKWAABA returns this February to Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center (CHACC), located at 3200 Martin Luther King Avenue SE. CHACC + NationHouse will host it's 2nd Annual Pan-Afrikan extravaganza + fundraising art exhibit featuring original art created by their students.
Founded by socially conscious visual and performance artists who attended Howard University in the late 1960s, NationHouse Positive Action Center is celebrating its 44th year of educating families in historical and cultural truth.
The name of the exhibit, Akwaaba, means welcome in the Ghanaian language of Twi, and this will be an opportunity to welcome this new partnership with CHACC and the community at large. This month long exhibit with events on February 2nd, 16th and 25th will raise awareness for NationHouse and raise funds for the school's programs and growth. It provides the students and teachers a chance to showcase their art for the wider community.
•February 7th from 7:00pm to 9:30pm - Opening Reception.
•February 9th from 11:30am to 3pm - Founder’s Brunch.
•February 22nd from 6:30pm to 9pm- Founder’s Dinner
•February 28th from 7pm, to 9:30pm- Closing Reception
Feel free to stop by CHACC to view and purchase NationHouse's original art pieces, and please come to our events.
This February, let's not just study Black history, let's make it!
Broken Mirrors Still Reflect
Friday, January 17th from 7pm to 9pm - Opening Reception
Join us for the opening of "Broken Mirrors Still Reflect"
Free entry with light refreshments
About the Artist:
Native Washingtonian multi-faceted artist ,SCO FLAIR, has been embodied term “Artist” since his vow to full time artistry in 2015. After originally taking on the creative journey as a tattoo artist , SCO decided he wanted to not only expand on portraying his passion , but to challenge himself in expressing how he sees things while changing the viewers perspective on modern art. This challene and expressive urge led him to pick up a paintbrush.
Using the artistic knowledge he developed tattooing ,applying it with earlier methods he learned throughout grade school ,SCO took no time adjusting to the canvas . Just a few months after painting SCO entered his first artist showcase in which shockingly to himself he had sold out his tickets . Thrilled with his newfound passion SCO became a RAW artist, an artist network that takes pride in highlighting independent talent .
Since he his first showcase, SCO has presented at over 30 events , painting live and showcasing not only local, but in various cities. His self created brand FLAIRNEVERDIES has since been born and he individually curated his first solo exhibition entitled “Dreams x Chaos” in the Summer of 2018 .
Walk a Mile In Our Shoes..
You Will Understand From Whence We Came
Friday, December 13th from 6pm to 9pm - Opening Reception
Join us for the opening of "Walk a Mile in Our Shoes: You Will Understand from Whence We Came" Friday, December 13th from 6pm to 9pm. Free entry with light refreshments
Artist Statement: What if things weren’t what we knew them to be?
What if the stories of the past were changed by one small detail?
What if the history of slavery was white, slave masters were black and every role of the past were completely reversed?
In these illustrations you will discover that the ethnicities of the oppressors and the oppressed have been reversed. You will see the Caucasian race placed in African-American experiences. This exhibition is meant to be controversial and thought provoking, challenging the viewer’s mind with the question, “What if?”
The exhibit is intended to assist with the understanding of why “Black Lives Matter” and to bring clarity to all who fight against understanding our stance against injustice.
About the Artist: Carlos Walker, 37, a budding artist was born and raised in Halifax. Co., Va. to Hilton and Inell Walker, Carlos being the youngest of 6 children. Carlos has been drawing since the early age of eight. He remembers his high school art teacher, Ms. Ferguson as his earliest supporter. Despite his early discovered talent, Walker did not envision a career in art for himself and chose to put his talent to the side. At the young age of 24, Walker found himself facing a 20-year minimum mandatory prison sentence. After serving 13 years, Walker was released and, in the mist, found his way back to art. While incarcerated, he curated 5 exhibitions, in addition to writing a book based on his personal artwork. His greatest work of art is arguably “Walk a Mile in Our Shoes”, because of its unique portrayal of the black experience. In creating this exhibit, he seeks to show a mirror effect to Caucasians to provide raw insight into what the black experience looks like. Mr. Walker’s pictures have been created with the sole intent to invoke a thought in all who refuse to understand the plight that Blacks have endured in their experience from slavery up until now.
After The Dream; Believe. Rise in Power
Friday, October 18th from 6pm to 9pm - Opening Reception
Join us for the opening of "After the Dream; Believe. Rise in Power" Friday, October 18th from 630pm to 9pm. Free entry with light refreshments
Friday, October 25, 2019 - Fashion Presentation
A live fashion presentation of Lou Dawson's handmade designs. Be present to see her latest Avant Garde collection "Colored People" in-person and in movement.
About the Artist:
Lou Dawson is a self-taught mixed media artist from the NE quadrant of Washington, DC. Her need to create art is inspired by the world she experiences every day, and the spaces that are void of the collective voice of her peers. Her passion lies in the creation of her clothing brand Hueman, and her truth is expressed in her collection of paintings titled, Public Art. To create is to live, and for Lou there is no other option than art, for it is the very fabric of her being. The Hue-man and Public Art collections are the narratives of a story still being developed, a collective renaissance in the making.
“Last Bite of Chocolate City?” a photo exhibit display work by Southeast,
D.C.’s native “Dee Dwyer.” . The photos are a documentation of black humanity in the “Chocolate City” with most of its focus being in “Southeast D.C.” The city used to have a high population of blacks but due to gentrification there has been a huge decline. Southeast, is the “Last Bite of Chocolate City” that hasn’t been affected heavily by gentrification like the other quadrants however it is slowly happening. The raw images in this exhibit are thought provoking and will delight the eyes and soul with their beauty.
Friday, July 12th from 6pm to 9pm - Opening Reception
An opening reception at CHACC featuring Q&A with the Photographer and tour of the exhibition. Merchadise + Prints will be available for purchase.
Light Hor d'oeuvres, wine and champagne will be served.
Sunday, July 14, 2019 2:30pm-‐ "The Chocolate City Experience"
The experience will be a re-‐creation of an average beautiful day in a “Chocolate City” neighborhood. We will have live entertainment by “Black Alley” Gogo band, Photography tours through the exhibit, vendors from the District, food, drinks, giveaways, Beat Your Feet, Chess, Double Dutch, Braiding competitions and much more. The experience will also provide resources for the community needs.
"The Chocolate City Experience"
THE RECAP by Michael A. McCoy Photography
Painta' Day , a free, small art festival, will not only celebrate and provide a retrospective look of Shawn Lindsay’s work and evolution as an artist thus far, but it will also highlight and provide a platform for local thriving artists just like Painta.
The day-long event, scheduled for April 13, 2019, has a purpose to promote the notion of, “living with purpose on purpose,” which Painta strives to live and work by daily.
Several series of work will be incorporated to include: The Wild Style, The Greyscale, The Red Room, The Mirror Selfie series and more. Each series will be accompanied by an interactive activity or installation for guests to enjoy. Snap photos of yourself with ‘The Mirror Selfie Series,’ or create quick art pieces to take as a souvenir.
Enjoy original music produced and performed by local artists, bands and DJs. Of course, original artwork, prints and Painta’s Apparel will be available for purchase.
Join us Friday, March 1st from 7pm to 9pm at Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center (CHACC), located at 3200 Martin Luther King Avenue SE, as we open ‘From our Travels,’ an art exhibition featuring black art from around the world.
Original art pieces created by black artists from several countries to include Rwanda, London, Senegal and more. This is not just an art exhibition but an art sale offering original work for incredible prices.
Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center has a mission to expose, inspire and educate our Congress Heights community to rich arts + cultural opportunities and this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
AKWAABA returns this February to Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center (CHACC), located at 3200 Martin Luther King Avenue SE. CHACC + NationHouse will host it's 2nd Annual Pan-Afrikan extravaganza + fundraising art exhibit featuring original art created by their students.
Founded by socially conscious visual and performance artists who attended Howard University in the late 1960s, NationHouse Positive Action Center is celebrating its 44th year of educating families in historical and cultural truth.
The name of the exhibit, Akwaaba, means welcome in the Ghanaian language of Twi, and this will be an opportunity to welcome this new partnership with CHACC and the community at large. This month long exhibit with events on February 2nd, 16th and 25th will raise awareness for NationHouse and raise funds for the school's programs and growth. It provides the students and teachers a chance to showcase their art for the wider community.
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POSTPONED to February 8th from 7:30pm to 9:30pm is the opening reception.
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February 15th from 7pm to 10pm is the founders' birthday celebration featuring live jazz from Akua Allrich + The Tribe
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February 24th from 11am, to 2:30pm featuring brunch and the children's show
Feel free to stop by CHACC to view and purchase NationHouse's original art pieces, and please come to our events.
This February, let's not just study Black history, let's make it!
The artwork is presented through a cross-cultural perspective that represents past, present, and future. Each piece is inspired in equal parts by American & Nigerian culture, thus representing the artist’s social and cultural upbringing. Nigeria represents his past: his roots, his origin, his biological composition while and the America represents the present: his current location, socialization, and upbringing.
Each piece communicates the cross between both cultures, just as the artist himself communicates a cross between both cultures. The artist chose his own family as the subjects because they each have unique characteristics that have shaped the way the artist thinks.
They have also deposited a piece of themselves in his heart and life. The artist’s parents emigrated from Nigeria decades ago bringing with them a wildly unique way of communicating, connecting, and living. The Nigerian style of parenting juxtaposed with the American style of child rearing left the artist at an intersection, excited to share how both sides of his world has shaped his thinking and artistic expression. Embracing this double-edged journey has helped the artist develop and grow into the man he is today.
The artist used a mix of graphic design and fine arts techniques to produce the pieces. He transferred the process of layering, which is a popular technique in graphic design programs, to his portrait pieces by utilizing cross-hatching. Cross-hatching brings out the layers and creates a sense of movement and life. Fine point pens, markers, paint brushes, and fingers were used to produce the pieces.
The overall experience enabled the artists to bring his two worlds together and better understand himself. This project is the PZay Experience.
Experience.
Join Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center (CHACC) as we celebrate Women's History Month through the eyes of women themselves. "The Red Room" series by Shawn 'Painta' Lindsay is a dynamic exhibition of acrylic portraits that takes the ordinary selfie up a few notches through the artistic enhancement of Painta's brushstrokes.
Saturday, March 10th join us for 'Creative Saturday,' a collaborative event with The Red Room collective featuring 'The Red Room' series, lineup of artists from the RRC, and creatives of all kinds: poets, photographers, graffiti artists, educators, designers, entrepreneurs, activists, you name it!
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A Statement from Painta:
As a figurative and portrait painter, I am inspired by images I see everyday on social media, the selfie in particular. To me, selfies are a fascinating movement to female strength, empowerment, and beauty. They help define pop-culture even in a culture historically steeped in sexism and inequality. As I scroll through Instagram or Tumblr feeds, selfies and different self-love-posts encourage me to add to the adoration women may or may not already have for themselves. I use non local color to describe the flesh realistically, adding to the power and mystery that is the woman. Using non local color allows for people to be more open minded about the imagery. The reference is self composed. I get down the likeness first, from there I make use of the paint to focus on self-adoration they’ve already shown for themselves. The model stays in control of the viewers experience. Staying true to the lighting and composition is important, making sure not to change the distort the figure or any facial features. All in attempt to guide the viewers gaze towards adoration rather than objectification.
This February, Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center (CHACC), located at 3200 Martin Luther King Avenue SE, will host NationHouse's fundraising art exhibit featuring original art created by their students.
Founded by socially conscious visual and performance artists who attended Howard University in the late 1960s, NationHouse Positive Action Center is celebrating its 44th year of educating families in historical and cultural truth.
The name of the exhibit, Akwaaba, means welcome in the Ghanaian language of Twi, and this will be an opportunity to welcome this new partnership with CHACC and the community at large. This month long exhibit with events on February 2nd, 16th and 25th will raise awareness for NationHouse and raise funds for the school's programs and growth. It provides the students and teachers a chance to showcase their art for the wider community.
-
February 2nd from 7:30pm to 9:30pm is the opening reception.
-
February 16th from 6pm to 10pm is the founders' birthday celebration featuring live jazz
-
February 25th from 11am, to 2:30pm featuring brunch and the children's show
Feel free to stop by CHACC to view and purchase NationHouse's original art pieces, and please come to our events.
This February, let's not just study Black history, let's make it!
"A Taste of Ethiopia," a dynamic Ethiopian art exhibit exploring just a pinch of our rich African culture featuring extraordinary pieces by talented artist Nahosenay Negussie.
Artist Statement: “My art considers the object as a social indicator, a “sign bearer”. Considered as instruments of political power, ideological vehicles, demonstrations of ostentatious luxury and economic power, but also as incarnations of emotions and experiences, the historical archetypes of decorative arts consummately provide me with useful material.”
Artist Bio: Nahosenay Negussie is an Ethiopian Artist, born in April, 1987 in Ferensay; district of Addis Ababa. With a great distinction result he took his B.A in Graphic design from Alle School of Fine Arts and Design school in 2012 (Being outstanding student of the year from the department).
Subsequent to that he attended various workshops given by famous foreign and local artists in Addis Ababa. He was also a recipient of the japan Prize scholarship in 2012. Currently he is working as a full time studio artist in multidisciplinary fields dealing with social issues. His work of art is contemporary in style and often abstract and semi-abstract in design; – emphasizing color, texture, contrast and value relationships.