While the majority of the art world is on lockdown, the vibrant public artwork around D.C. remains accessible, so if you’re craving some of the color, style, and culture that make up the D.C. art scene, these works are for you. Whether you are exploring virtually or in person, these ten pieces demonstrate the creativity and community present in the city outside of the fine arts world.

We’re excited to present the second edition of Virtual First Friday! Stay inside, open up some wine, and spend some time viewing our new art! 🥂

Although we’re all doing our best to flatten the curve and social distance, we miss the dose of artwork that First Friday provides! Rather than gallery hop, I invite you all to spend some time viewing new art on our website, bring your own wine!

During this tumultuous time, Studio Gallery provides a brief moment of lightheartedness filled with art to comfort the soul. I have compiled a couple of paintings that look oh-so-scrumptious, it will encourage you to indulge in a sweet treat, a spot of tea, or a feast! These artworks can be found in D.C., so once the museums and galleries open back up, add these to your must-see list.

Feeling restless as you look toward Spring? Travel to a new land, culture, and food as we take you on a journey to Italy! Leave metropolitan Washington, D.C. behind and board a virtual plane to visit the birthplace of the famed Classical Civilization and Italian Renaissance. Tour guides, Michele and Kara, are at your service!

During the 1920s-30s, the boundaries that were once placed on art began to diminish. Two artists, Joan Miró and Piet Mondrian, who were both creating during the same time period, have vast differences when it comes to expression through abstractions.

February is Black History Month; a nationwide celebration dedicated to honor the Black and African Americans who made significant, historic contributions to America - and the rest of the world - whether that be in the fields of science, government, laws, sports, and of course the arts. What better way to commemorate this occasion than to highlight some of Studio Gallery’s Black and African American artists!

What do Polykleitos, a Greek sculptor, Raphael, a Renaissance master, Picasso, a controversial Cubist sensation, and Bob Ross, a painter of happy accidents, all have in common? They are all male artists who dominated the arts scene throughout a variety of eras. It is long overdue that women artists be put on the same pedestal as men. This post praises our strong, independent women artists who don’t need a man to make her famous!

While walking into an Italian basilica, aside from the high vaulted ceilings and amazing acoustics, one may notice the astonishing paintings on the wall which were created hundreds of years ago, but appear with the vibrancy of a freshly painted piece. These paintings are not created from tempera, oil, or acrylic, rather they derive from the most sustainable paint there is; fresco.

In our fast-paced, chaotic society, I think it is incredibly important to take a moment and just breathe. The stress of daily life, jobs, school, and extra-curricular activities takes a toll on our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. When life becomes simply too much for you, here are some suggestions for a day full of relaxation, meditation, and an all around artsy day in Washington, D.C. 

On Wednesday, January 29, our lower gallery will open our latest duo show, presenting the works of Jean Kim and Miriam Keeler. Keeler’s work will pay homage to one of her artistic inspirations, Louise Bourgeois. Her paintings are a visual conversation between herself and the prolific artist known as “Spiderwoman,” as she combines her own style with illustrations of Bourgeois’ works. Her expert use of motifs makes for complex artworks that are a treasure hunt of symbols and meaning.

Ever walk into an art gallery or museum and suddenly feel overwhelmed? Between the bright lights, stark white walls, and intimidating security staff, it is easy to feel lost and out-of-place in the seemingly stoic environment. Never fear, here are some tips and tricks to turn yourself into your personal art historian - and no worries, you do not need to have Erwin Panofsky's writings handy!

On an initial glance, martial arts and action paintings seem to exist on the opposite sides of a spectrum: sports versus art. However, when one dives underneath the surface, Judo is a form of martial arts that trains its practitioners stylized body movements while an action painting records the painter’s bodily movement on a canvas.

This week, Studio Gallery staff contributor Sophia Maitino has compiled a must read list of new favorite art books! These books offer insight into varying artists careers and styles. Pick a book off of our recommended list to learn more about art and how it functions within society. Happy reading! 

For Francophiles craving a taste of Paris, lovers of culture and cuisine, and anyone who looks good in a beret, here is a guide to spending a day in D.C. like a Parisian would.