July 27th: 6:00 pm Opening Reception and Artist Talk A New Show: #myDeanwood Honoring The Past to Create A Future

Hello all! I am in a new exhibition called #myDeanwood Honoring The Past to Create A Future curated by Kimberly Gaines of DeanwoodxDesign Deanwood is not Maryland, Deanwood is very much in the District of Columbia. A historically African American community in Northeast Washington, DC with a rich history, valued neighbors and beautiful green spaces. But it is so much more. The “more” however is overshadowed by the negative realities of unemployment and crime. The intent of this exhibition is to give honor and praise to history for we know it shapes our future. Highlighting a community with all of its facets not just its negative dimensions. The work displayed looks at process, connections, emotions, perspective and the sweetness of persistance. There is amazing talent woven through these works. It shows that tradition is present even when flipped into new meaning. The future is bright because our foundation is strong. #myDeanwood is wealthy when it comes to tradition and history. The next challenge is giving a new generation wings steeped in tradition and infused with their truth. Kimberly C. Gaines Curator/Creative Director DeanwoodxDesign

The # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keywords or topics in a Tweet. It was created organically by Twitter users as a way to categorize messages. The curator and the DxD team use the #myDeanwood hashtag to note positive happenings within Deanwood in social media to counter some of the negative media this neighborhood receives. Come meet the artists on Friday, July 27th at 6:00 pm and see their work Zandra Chestnut, Esther Iverem, Amber Robles Gordon, Sherry Burton Ways, Benita Elliot and Aaron Brown Exhibition Location Center for Green Urbanism – Tubman-Mahan Gallery 3938 Benning Road NE Washington DC 20019 Music and Light fare and a whole lot of art!!