The Lab Magazine-Vol. 2, Fall 2022

THE LAB MAGAZINE / FALL 2022

The Lab is a professional home for creatives from around the DMV and beyond The magazine was created to tell their stories, and shine a light on our community and collective impact For more information, visit GatewayCDC org

PUBLISHER

GATEWAY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

PAT THORNTON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MICHELLE DARDEN-LEE

MANAGING EDITOR AYOKA BLANDFORD

EDITOR-AT-LARGE RHETT BUTLER

WRITER/COPYEDITOR AYOKA BLANDFORD

LAYOUT AND DESIGN AYOKA BLANDFORD

CONTRIBTING PHOTOGRAPHER JASMINE FORBES

PROGRAM PARTNERS CITY OF MOUNT RAINIER

PRINCE GEORGE'S ARTS & HUMANITIES COUNCIL

CREATIVE EDGE COLLABORATIVE

SPONSORED BY:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT'S THE GATEWAY?4

The Creative Incubator of the Gateway Arts District

COVER STORY - 5

Tiffany Kelly and House of Ketubah offer one-of-a-kind designs for brides and an exquisite example of community collaboration.

WEAVING THE FABRIC OF THE ECONOMY - 8

The City of Mt Rainier's Entrepreneurship Scholarship Program is changing the local landscape

MEET THE RESIDENTS10

Ariel Davis is working to change the color of Arts Administration. The LAB speaks with her about the future

NY FASHION WEEK - 13

Designer Maria Fenton partners with Urban Zulu to take on Fashion Week!

An official partner of Gateway's Media Arts Lab, this resource is key for residents and local business owners

FILM FESTIVAL - 18

PG County Film Festival introduces new film works from artists in the County

What's an artist collective? Learn the why behind the DMV League of Artists from its founder, artist Keiona Clark DPARK 3311 - 14

DMVL + MEDIA ARTS LAB - 20

LOVE, HOPE, & ART - 23

DMVL member Luis Peralta Del Valle curated a unique experience for Hispanic Heritage Month

ARTBEAT APP - 27

Where is culture? Where is community? Enter Jeligeo, a platform to connect the two

Message from the President

The creativity, knowhow, technology and financial resources from partners within the Gateway community, Prince George’s County, the state of Maryland and the DMV region is necessary to achieve the goals that the Gateway Media Arts Lab strives to accomplish for the artists participating in the creative industries incubator program. These vital partnerships are key to our growth and sustainability long-term. We are bound together by a common vision, goal and interests to consistently build upon each growth metric and achievement benchmark of participants towards their respective graduation.

We measure the healthof our partnerships through the following:

Commitment – Actively works towards the fulfillment of the common mission.

Transparency and honest communication

If you win then I win. Rewarding for us both Built in is win/win– everyone succeeds, grows, benefits

Respect and celebrate each partners unique gifts, style and resources

Defined clear expectations

Everyone shines; enough to go around

If there is conflict, we focus on common interests, what keeps us from getting them (the problem), not each other

The Gateway Media Arts Lab is a creative industries incubator and artist collaborative located in Mount Rainier, MD. With a focus on culture, community and the greater good, the Lab helps media arts professionals and other creative entrepreneurs expand their businesses and refine their artistic visions. We house over 30 creative enterprises. Their products and services facilitate transformation through storytelling, culture, art and design. The Lab is a lead project of the Gateway Community Development Corporation.

Founded in 1997 Gateway CDC’s mission is to drive economic revitalization within the Prince George’s County Gateway Arts District through the arts. Gateway CDC works within the towns of Brentwood, North Brentwood and Mt. Rainier. Our team works in collaboration with multiple partners to ensure the success of the entire Gateway Arts District and celebrate the diversity of arts and entertainment along a vibrant mixed-use two-mile corridor.

by Rhett Butler

There exists an ethos in Mount Rainier, MD, that is hard to describe. Part charm, a lot of creative, with a dash of small-town flair, defines the area that sits in the gateway at the edge of the District and Prince George's County. However, it is the community that truly embodies the region. One business, in particular, has added a unique flavor to Mount Rainier that it is stamping the city in the niche fashion space. That place is the House of Ketubah Bridal (HOK).

HOK is a wedding dress shop based in Mount Rainier, MD. Owned by Tiffany Kelly, a St. Louis, Missouri native, the boutique respite offers a selection of new and pre-loved gowns and has created a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for soon-to-be newlyweds.

"HOK Bridal is not your ordinary bridal shop," said Kelly. "Brides-to-be and up to five guests will enjoy a curated appointment based on their needs. During these sessions, I personally assist with styling the future bride. With an array of designs to choose from, brides-to-be are sure to find their once-in-a-lifetime gown here. We like to focus on the 'whole' bride, inside and out."

"We offer a more relaxed and personable environment with a variety of high quality, organic, loose tea for the bride and tribe to enjoy in between browsing and trying on as well as vegan confections adding to the luxe experience. I want my brides to have a comfortable, relaxing and memorable time, so the space I chose to operate in had to make my brides feel "at home" and in their comfort zone when selecting a bridal dress for one of the most important days of their lives. We laugh, we cry (tears of joy when she says yes to the dress) and we make special memories. I am a bride's bff, and I love every bit of each experience!"

Passionate about brides since she was a little girl, Kelly has taken her love for perusing her mother's catalogs and circling every little detail to now planning future weddings for other brides-to-be. She also pays attention. Nuanced concerns about the fit to the addition of a lifestyle experience to the sometimes stressful process of "saying yes to the dress."

Kelly has an entire back story that makes her brand of the wedding experience even more unique. "Naming HOK Bridal was very special to me. I take the institution of marriage seriously, and it is dear to my beliefs from a spiritual and Hebraic, biblical perspective. The word "Ketubah" derives from the Hebrew root word "katav" meaning to write. The Ketubah is a marriage contract."

Kelly is a native of the Midwest; however, her journey has taken her to Prince George's County.

"My noticeable accent gives me away every time, lol. After a few minutes into a conversation with anyone from the DMV, they most certainly ask, "Where are you from"? Born and raised in St. Louis, MO., I never thought I would move to the East Coast."

The House of Ketubah Bridal and Tiffany Kelly have made Mount Rainier their home and added a unique infusion of midwestern charm to the business community and beyond.

In the true spirit of the community, she prides herself on not only helping people find their perfect dress but also dropping some sister circleworthy gems about marriage & life.

It is one thing to move to Prince George's County and another to choose the charm of Mount Rainier. For Kelly, the reasoning was simple: familiarity.

"Mount Rainier felt and still feels like home. When I first visited, I was overcome by nostalgia. It had a sense of community, and that warmed my heart. Being near the Historic Route 1 Corridor aided my decision. I remember wanting to sign my daughters up for sewing classes and came across SEW Creative.

After passing by and seeing the fashion-forward frocks in the DPark3311 window, I knew Mt. Rainier was where I wanted to be. And, food is the way to my heart, lol. I found Dodah's Kitchen and had the best vegan wings ever. Something kept telling me I needed to open a shop in this area to give the community an unmatched bridal shopping experience and build relationships with area businesses."

But soon, the pandemic era began to take a toll on Kelly and the business. During a time of financial distress and uncertainty, Kelly found herself in need of business development support. She soon enrolled in the City of Mount Rainier's Economic Development Entrepreneur Scholarship program. There she received technical assistance, counseling and gained access to capital. She attended workshops, received counseling and took advantage of opportunities.

"My experience as an entrepreneur scholarship recipient was nothing less than amazing. Having the opportunity to meet other business owners and work with a dedicated mentor helped me grow my business and mindset tremendously.

"Ron, Michelle and a myriad of others did a phenomenal job of putting together resources for those who were committed to doing the work within the program. I had a reliable team of experts that helped me get to the lighter side of things.”

Ronald A Hopkins, Director Office of Economic Development

City of Mount Rainier

One entrepreneur at a time

The City of Mount Rainier's Economic Development Entrepreneur Scholarship Program supported over a dozen Mount Rainier entrepreneurs. Designed to sharpen technical skills and provide practical business solutions, the program included workshops on Writing a Business Plan, Small Business Marketing, Financial Planning and more By working with business consultants and strategic partners, select participants also received one-on-one consultations and custom website design

Deborah Ragin, BSN, RN Managing Director Honeycomb Nursing and Concierge Services

Jasmine Forbes Founder of Jazz Shot

It captured images of other program participants as well as the Lab community.

"It has been a blessing to participate in the scholarship program So many doors have opened for me since I now have the knowledge and tools I need to be a successful entrepreneur I have become more confident in myself as well as my business because of the ongoing support and guidance I've received from Mr Hopkins and Mrs Lee I am forever grateful for all of the advice and opportunities they've provided."

WeavingtheFabricoftheEconomy

Paul Simms, Founder

P A C S (Personal Awareness & Combative Strategies)

Paul conducts a self defense training session

Amirah Warren, Founder SocialLaxation

Heber Daniel Munoz, AIA, NCARB HDM Architects

MEMBER PROFILE

A PROFILE SERIES

MUSICIAN, FOUNDER AND ADMNISTRATOR, ARIEL DAVIS

A former french horn player who performed with Lizzo on the Grammys, Ariel Davis came to DC after receiving a scholarship to Howard University. She was mentored by Hatian-American horn player, Joseph Lovinsky, who studied at The Juilliard School. Lovinsky gave her insight into orchestration and pursuing the observatory career path. However, Davis became a freelance player.

After a decade, Davis became disenchanted that she was the only woman in the brass section or sometimes the only Black person in an orchestra. She reconnected with Quanice Floyd a former classmate from Howard and realized their separate journeys into the arts world shared similarities.

In 2016, Davis and Floyd founded the Arts Administrators of Color (AAC), a 501c3 organization to increase representation of People of the Global Majority leaders and administrators in the arts.

A grassroots effort, which started as a Facebook Group, evolved from hosting small gatherings (such as dinners and networking events) to national convenings, and activities that support artists and arts leaders of the global majority.

Last year, AAC received a $1 million grant from Mackenzie Scott and underwent strategic planning. This fall, they hired their first executive director, Karla Estela Rivera, and their first, in-person convening in three years on November 5, 2022. Ariel Davis serves as the AAC board co-chair and is a member of the Arts Commission of Mt. Rainier. The LAB sat down with Davis to learn more.

What is an Arts Administrator?

Wow, great question... that answer is evolving. Karla, our executive director, speaks to this point so often, but I agree - so many arts administrators from the the global majority are not only working within existing institutions, but they toggle between their artistic practice and administration. I personally think that administrators can even include online content creators because that requires an immense level of creativity - we are seeing graphic artists, dancers, musicians, and so many other artists using digital media to grow. I look forward to seeing how the term evolves, and how we define ourselves.

Tell us about the recent annual convening.

Held November 5 at the Eaton in DC, this year’s programming was scaled down to provide artists more time to network, engage and meet. We understand that many conversations and deals happen when people are having a conversation or having a drink at the bar.

We were excited to have Kendall Isadore as the keynote speaker! She is a violinist, educator, singer, songwriter and pianist and one-third of The String Queens.

Another highlight was a Fireside Chat with founder Quanice Floyd and the new executive director, Karla Estela Rivera for a discussion about representation in the arts and the future of AAC.

The Convening is like our family reunion. Everyone is a distant cousin who we haven’t seen in years and we catch up; it isn’t like an ordinary convening.

What is your philosophy on partnership?

Partnership is crucial for AAC. We are a volunteer based organization and we’ve bartered in the past and we've grown due to the generosity of people's time and talents as well as the community. Collaborations are key. Speaking of collaborations, the Cousin’s Regime is a group of likeminded organizations that have forged a partnership with AAC. Gateway plans to become a cousin.

What do you want artists to know about AAC?

If there is someone at a point in their career who wants to go “behind the curtain” to shake things up or wants a seat at the table, I want them to see AAC as a resource and a community.

Learn more at aacnetwork.org

Recently, DPark3311 Designerin-Residence and CEO of the House of Emma Effa, Maria Fenton participated in New York fashion week. She was invited to collaborate with South African designers from Urban Zulu.

Fenton was assisted by Lab team members Michelle Lee, Keiona Clark and Alison Carney.

goes to

FASHION WEEK

Recently Operation ARTS Foundation partnered with Gateway CDC to bring the town of Brentwood miniature art galleries. The tiny gallery idea was developed as standard galleries were forced to shut down during the pandemic, and are designed to encourage creative community interaction. Each gallery displays signage instructing viewers to “Make Art, Take Art”. Supplies incorporated offer an opportunity to create exhibit and tell their story. This is the second gallery placed in the town of Brentwood.

Gateway's Darden Lee with Lab member and filmmaker Tseday Aragie and actor Shanisa Dixon.

“Through the Prince George’s Film Festival, the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council and the Prince George’s Film Office is excited to expand the possibilities for film and filmmakers in the County.”

-Rhonda Dallas, CEO/Chief Curator, PGAHC

Festival ambassador Chad L. Coleman with

Michelle Darden Lee with with

The Prince George's Film Festival is the premier event for new film works from up-and-coming and established independent filmmakers with diverse voices in the County. This fourday event included panel discussions, screenings and interactive workshops. Fortysix films were featured at the inaugural event in four categories: Narrative Features, Short Films, Documentaries, and Long and Short Form Animation.

Michelle Darden Lee with with

"There are many reasons why art organizations and the creative community should partner." Keiona Clark believes the Gateway Media Arts Lab and the DMV League of Artists (DMVL) have a shared vision of what they are expected to accomplish and shared values on how to operate. They may not have identical strategies, but there is a mutuality and synergy in their thinking.

The partnership with the Media Arts Lab allows the DMVL to provide additional resources to its members. It also gives DMVL an administrative home base and allows them to provide programming through community events and curation. The physical space is an opportunity for artists in the community to exhibit their work. Members are also mentored regarding business practices by Michelle and they take advantage of the business coaching.

"The League values the ideas, talents and individuality of our artists, but we also value what everyone brings to the table, to ensure that the League continues to grow stronger." Keiona Clark

The partnership between Gateway CDC and Keiona Clark began by her stepping in when needed and it paid off. The next year, Gateway was having its annual Open Studio Tours and Keiona was asked to curate the event… in one week. She successfully showcased 20 artists in four spaces. After the event, the executive director, Pat Thornton, complimented her work and extended an invitation to participate in the Harlem Fine Arts Show. Keiona then extended the offer to eight fellow artists.

Dion Clark, the sponsor of the event, explained that she would be given one 10x10 booth. Again, Keiona had one week to make it happen. She worked her butt off to raise the money for additional booths. The group made it in, but needed a name. The DMV League of Artists was born, at least in name.

At the event, Keiona was repeatedly approached by artists who wanted to join the non-existent organization. That’s when she realized that there was a need in the artist community. She would provide what she'd once needed.

WHO IS THE DMV?

Keiona Clark was a budding artist who dreamed of creating art and establishing a business. But she didn't know how.

After surviving breast cancer, she began to consider her life and legacy. Art had been her guiding light during her darkest hours so she would build her life around it. Now on the other side, she continued to paint seeing inspiration all around her. Keiona took a chance by displaying her work in the art gallery at her workplace and the rest as they say is history… and the future!

After a year of navigating the local art scene alone, she’d met some fellow artists and even found a manager, but she still needed guidance and experience. She hesitantly sent an email asking to volunteer her time for the popular event, “Art Lives Here.” This is how Keiona met Michelle Darden Lee and her partnership with Gateway began.

In 2018, DMV League of Artists (DMVL) was established as an artist collective. DMVL facilitates opportunities, explores possibilities and builds bridges for creatives. DMVL also brings awareness and culture to public facilities as well as the community through curation and community/public art projects.

LOVE, HOPE, & ART LOVE, HOPE, & ART LOVE, HOPE, & ART

Curated by DMV League of Artists member, Luis Peralta Del Valle, and hosted by the Anacostia Arts Center in Southeast, DC, Love, Hope, & Art is a group exhibition in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. It was created to show diversity of the culture and commonality throughout many cultures. The name Woven Thread is based on quilt making, a long tradition: "there are different pieces of fabric. Even when they don’t match, when you look at the whole, there is a beautiful tapestry. America is that tapestry. A single thread, unites us. Artists, entrepreneurs and developers working together can unite to make a tight knit community." The collection was on display from September 10, 2022 through October 14, 2022.

Judge Sotomayor by Luis Peralta Del Valle

LOVE, HOPE, & ART LOVE, HOPE, & ART LOVE, HOPE, & ART

Artists listed clockwise: Katty Huertes, Keiona Clark, David Amoroso, Levi Robinson,

Majo Lares.

Artists listed clockwise from the top: Vicente Dez

and Joel Elmuer.

"We focus too much on the differences. Look at the commonalities and how we can expand and learn about each other." Luis Peralta Del Valle

Zambrano, Carmen T. Quander,

Meet Luis Peralta Del Valle

Don't know Del Valle? Get to know him. His dreams fuel his art as well as world history and politics. Del Valle's work has breathed life into elementary schools, apartment buildings, public murals and private residences in DC. A member of DMV League, his paintings spark conversations and make you think. Born in Nicaragua and raised in DC, his work is a fusion of cultures and is showing the transformative power of art. lovehopeart.com

By Samuel Suraphel

My consulting company, Mansa Colabs, developed a technology solution for the heritage and culture sector, Jeligeo™. Specifically, my vision for the product was to provide a platform for institutions to connect their audience to their respective wealth of information.

Since its launch, I undertook two brand and product strategy changes, from iHeritage Guide to iBlackHeritage, and now our trademarked Jeligeo, “Jeli” as a way of saying griot and “Geo” for location awareness. Pierre Walcott, CEO of Creative Edge Collaborative, saw Jeligeo as a virtual meeting point to facilitate community connections and collaborations to serve defined geographical areas.

The goal was to find institutional partners focused on increasing outreach and engagement to their community stakeholders and building a wider audience to patronize their cultural assets.

In 2016, Pierre introduced me to the Gateway Community Development Corporation (Gateway CDC). Partnering with Pat Thornton and Michelle Darden-Lee of Gateway, we co-designed and launched the “Gateway Open Studio Tours” app in 2017.

"Jeligeo: Jeli is a way of saying griot and Geo for location awareness."

Built on the Jeligeo platform, this first iteration converted a static map of over 100 artist’s studios in the Gateway Arts & Entertainment District, into a mobile application. With the success of this app, the decision was made to produce an evergreen app that would market the area; Gateway Artbeat, powered by Jeligeo, was born.

At each step of the way, a collaboration led by Pat, Michelle and Pierre, continued to present the Jeligeo, and Gateway Artbeat app in particular, to community artists. Upon completion, artists and local businesses were able to promote the wealth of the local arts community. Analytics from the app showed downloads from the DMV as well as international downloads from Asia. More importantly, local artists were able to rally around a common offering that brought increased awareness to this unique destination and laid the groundwork for future economic development.

As an entrepreneur, one of the greatest experiences is to see your vision come to life. With the Gateway CDC and community partners like Pierre Walcott, I have been able to bring to fruition my vision of using technology to explore culture and find community.

Samuel Suraphel is an entrepreneur, global program manager and technology specialist with over 20 years experience designing, managing, and successfully completing complex projects. Since 2014, he has led Mansa Colabs, a company that supports the growth of early-stage companies and non-profit projects. A strong focus is placed on entrepreneurship ecosystem building, particularly for African Diaspora businesses, and the promotion of the creative sector as a source for entrepreneurial and employment opportunities.