2024 LUNAR NEW YEAR
On Saturday, February 4th, over 1600 community members, local non-profits, small business owners, and elected officials came together at the Atrium Building in Old Town Alexandria to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The celebration acknowledged the diversity and cultural significance that Asian Americans bring to the community, and it was a wonderful opportunity for the community at large to participate in the culturally significant holiday. The event incorporated many of the traditions that are celebrated across the US and around the world, including live music and cultural performances, photos with traditional clothing, scroll calligraphy, a variety of Asian cuisines and many other interactive exhibits.
MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION
When it comes to Mardi Gras, most people think of New Orleans or Rio De Janeiro and world-famous celebrations. But organizers went all out this year to celebrate the multi-cultural event at The Wharf in DC, as people from across the region flocked to the waterfront to celebrate in a big way. The free event included live music, kids activities, a high-energy parade, specialty food and drinks, and concluded with an impressive fireworks finale. This dazzling community event brought over 40,000 people to the district for a full day of family fun.
THE FUTURE OF ORCHIDS
The Future of Orchids: Conservation and Collaboration exhibit is on display from January 27 through April 28, 2024 in the Kogod Courtyard of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. The beautifully unique display highlights the world of orchids and invites viewers to imagine a future where we work together for their conservation. The exhibit celebrates the diversity of orchids, with over 4,000 species in the Smithsonian Gardens’ collection, along with bold artwork by Phaan Howng, which helps the audience become inspirated for the future of orchids.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
The National Museum of Women in The Arts celebrated International Women’s Day with a variety of programs that highlight women in the visual and performing arts. The day-long celebration included spotlight conversations about featured artists, flash tattoos, group yoga sessions, and key-note speaker, Ferren Gipson, who discussed her latest book about the accomplishments, contributions, and importance of female artists.
OLD TOWN ART INSTALLATION
Interstellar Influencer (Make An Impact) was installed at Waterfront Park in Old Town, Alexandria on March 23rd. The temporary installation by artists Lesley Chang and Jason Klimoski explores the impact of an asteroid that hit earth 35 million years ago near what is now Alexandria. Interstellar Influencer uses metal, water, and light to create a 1:2000 scale representation of the asteroid that helped shape the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed. Visitors can experience the artwork and consider a new perspective on history, place, and the environment. This is the sixth annual art installation at the location and will be on display until November 2024.
ARTOMATIC RETURNS
After a 15-year hiatus, Artomatic returned to DC for a seven-week event that transformed empty commercial spaces into an art extravaganza. Nearly 1,000 local artists re-imagined the 300,000 square foot West End office building into a creative display of work in every genre and medium imaginable. With a $150 entry fee, Artomatic lowers the barrier for artists who may not be accepted in more traditional art spaces. The exhibition welcomes all forms of art without judgement, and prides itself on representing an expansive and diverse community of DC artists. Artomatic is a unique platform for artists to express themselves authentically and without inhibition, providing an immersive and interactive cultural experience for both creators and viewers.
