The idea for forming Art Outlet started in 2005. Our goal is to create local contemporary art events, be a resource for artists and to offer a venue for artists to communicate both with each other and the public. Founded in 2006, Our mission is to amplify the artist's voice, educate, and engage the public in contemporary art through exhibitions and events.

Art Outlet aims to reach this goal by partnering with art organizations, businesses, civic associations, counties, and individuals. The Arlington Virginia based non-profit will function as an amplifier for the artist. It will be a portal for young and old, from different cultures and every spectrum in the community. Our efforts will nourish analytical and critical reflection of ideas and expose the public to contemporary art.

In May of 2009, Art Outlet partnered with the Washington Film Institute, to present a video and installation art and film exhibition. This is Art Outlet’s third video/interactive media show. We featured 10 interactive and new media artists in the heartr of the U Street District, at 1939 12th Street NW. The comedy feature film, The Boss Of It All, by Danish director Lars Von Trier, was selected by John Hanshaw of the Washington Film Institute. Art Outlet crossed a contemporary art exhibition with a film feature and was able to create a unique visitor experience. The ten selected artists were Aaron Quinn Brophy, Andrea Collins, Rosemary Feit Covey, Phil Davis, Patricia Goslee, David London, Carolina Mayorga, Joseph Reinsel, Duy Tran, and Lloyd Wolf. Yoko K. with special guest Kolai (Asahra Music) performed in front of the art projections.

---

In April of 2009, Art Outlet presented two art exhibitions – Neo-Graffiti by Kevin Irvin aka Jazirock and Flux: An Art Sensory Overload – on Columbia Pike at Jazirock Studio. We worked with the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization to market both events to the local community in South Arlington. Jazirock hit the Charm City graffiti scene at 12 and made the transition from street graffiti to canvas in the mid-1990s. AT jazirock studio, Kevin Irvin takes what he learned growing up in the streets of southwest Baltimore and from the Baltimore graffiti artists that mentored him, and applies it to the world of fine arts, creating volume and texture that give life to abstract, socio political and pop culture images and scenes. Art Outlet featured over 40 paintings and objects by this artist during his solo exhibition.

---

At the second installment of Flux, Art Outlet presented over 30 artists and performers.  Arlington itself, one of the country’s most ethnically-diverse communities, was being represented at the show by four artists from the Columbia Pike Documentary Project,  featuring Lloyd Wolf, Paula Endo, Duy Tran, and Mimi Xang Ho, a multi-disciplinary group, that uses photography and oral history to document life along the Pike.

 

 

---

In October of 2008, Art Outlet presented it's second annual Ofrenda - Art for the Dead exhibition. The event was held at at Almaz Ethiopian Restaurant and featured 35 artists and 7 performers. Ofrenda features an art exhibition of local aritsts' shrines, altars, paintings, photography, music, dancing, magic and spoken word based on the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) tradition. Two public altars by artists Andrea Collins and Robert Lindsay and a sugar skull workshop held by Heather Schmaedeke, gave the audience the opportunity to participate in the exhibition by bringing ofrendas. Please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , if you want to partner with us or have a location to suggest for the 2009 Ofrenda exhibition.

---

In July of 2008, Art Outlet partnered with Art Whino to present our second exhibition of FLIK 2008. The FLIK International Movie Festival was curated by Joshua Barlow and the art exhibition FLIK interactive was curated by Andrea Collins. The Movie Festival featured over 25 national and international filmmakers. The coinciding art exhibition showcased 19 local and national artists working in any media, reflecting on technology such as computers, virtual worlds, robots, online social networking, and cell phones.

 

 

---

In October of 2007, Art Outlet partnered with Mexicali Blues to host an El Dia de los Muertos event titled Ofrenda - Art for the Dead, where we featured 25 contemporary artists, a sugar skull workshop for kids and adults and we diplayed two artist built altars to which the community was invited to bring offerings to. The printed materials were bilingual (English/Spanish) and we incorporated a Mariachi band as well as other local performers. The Mexican artist and film maker Zulma Aguiar screened her film about Mexican-American border issues.

 

---

In June of 2007, Art Outlet premiered it’s first international flash movie festival titled FLIK at the Warehouse Next Door in Washington, DC.  We featured 16 flash artists from around the world, including Sundance Award winning Jason Rayles and author and former Disney animator Adam Phillips. The winner for Best in Show was 17 year old Alan Becker of Dublin, Ohio. Thanks to Jack Whitsitt, Art Outlet was able to transport the international artists to the theatre via the online 3d environment 'Second Life' -- thus allowing the international moviemakers to not only view the screening, but for the local audience to interact with them as well.

---

In January of  2007, Art Outlet organized Flux - An Art Sensory Overload at the Danville Body Shop in Arlington, VA. More than 50 artists and 30 performers took the stage this time. We partnered with Walnut Street Development, Arlington Independant Media (AIM), ArtDC.Org, and Clarendon Radio. The exhibition featured an art salon and art raffle. The one day art happening functioned both as a fundraiser to help raise money for programming expenses and it contained a strong performance side. Crossing visual art with interactive multimedia art, performance art, aerial and fire dance, music and theatre to an exiting mix, Art Outlet was able to trance the crowds which came close to 1000 guests.

 

---

In October of 2006, Art Outlet premiered its first art exhibition titled Life & Death at the Danville Body Shop in Arlington, VA. 30 artists and designers and more than 15 performers were part of the one month long event. Art Outlet partnered with Walnut Street Development, Arlington Agency on Aging, Clarendon Alliance and the Washington Print Foundation. We also made special outreach to the senior homes in Arlington. The one month long event drew hundreds of visitors and included artists, designers and music performers. In addition we held two free printmaking work shops, hosted by Nancy McIntyre and Margaret Adams Parker, which were open to the public.