THE LAB MAGAZINE - Vol. 3 Fall 2023

THE LAB MAGAZINE / FALL 2023

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

MICHELLE DARDEN-LEE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MICHELLE DARDEN-LEE

MANAGING EDITOR AYOKA BLANDFORD

WRITER/COPYEDITOR AYOKA BLANDFORD

LAYOUT AND DESIGN AYOKA BLANDFORD DES’REE MCCRAW

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS NICHOLAS LONDON DEMIKO AIKEN/DMV LEAGUE OF ARTISTS

PROGRAM PARTNERS CITY OF MOUNT RAINIER

PRINCE GEORGE'S ARTS & HUMANITIES COUNCIL

CREATIVE EDGE COLLABORATIVE

SPONSORED BY:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT - 4

Change is in the air! Gateway’s new president shares what's new with Gateway Community Development Corporation

BOND BILL SUPPORTS ARTIST OWNERSHIP- 5

Gateway Arts District communities and the state of Maryland pledge operational support to fulfill the vision of the Route 1 corridor.

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - 9

Meet Gateway Community Development Corporation’s new Interim Executive Director

OUR NEW COMMUNITY MANAGER- 10

Meet Des’Ree McCraw, new Community Manager for the Gateway Media Arts Lab

MEMBER PROFILE SERIES - 11

Meet Lab team member, Roan Ross For him, art is about expression, conversation and exploring differences

BRIDGING WATERS AND BORDERS - 14

Team members take artists to Sierra Leone for the AfriCaribbean Festival to share their talents and visit the Motherland

OPEN STUDIOS TOUR - 18

Artists open their doors to the public for the 2023 Open Studios Tour

FILM FESTIVAL IN REVIEW - 21

Take Two! The Prince George’s Film Festival returns for its second year.

WHAT’S NEW WITH MRBA - 22

Check out our interview with Mount Rainier Business Association (MRBA) president, Sherri Lumpkin

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! - 24

The Gateway Media Arts Lab and DPark3311 served as a location site for BET film

RAGBABY RESIDENCY - 25

Artist Sherri Roberts Lumpkin takes the Ragbaby Exchange to Cuba!

Welcome to the latest issue of the Lab Magazine and a renewed Gateway CDC! We're making substantial improvements in our programs, operations and partnerships, and we can't wait to share several exciting announcements with our Gateway community. This issue will give you a glimpse of what's driving these changes, and our dedication to bringing equitable opportunities

Our journey has been propelled by the support of local grassroots advocates in response to the displacement of artists and businesses. Together, we have witnessed an exciting convergence of support from our local and state elected officials For these reasons, our team took a step back to rethink Gateway’s strategy and its contributions to our collective efforts toward arts-driven economic development. We streamlined our offerings, temporarily paused the publication of this magazine, and are gearing up for a fresh start, with a stronger commitment to our mission. This process has required time, energy and heartfelt dedication - all essential for the organization's advancement This new path empowers Gateway to grow the local creative economy, better support the community and foster the growth of our cherished arts district

message from the president

We sincerely hope you'll be part of the excitement and renewed energy as we continue our rollout benefiting the Gateway Arts District, neighboring communities, and, of course, Prince George's County!

Sincerely,

Marcus Monroe, President Gateway Community Development Corporation

Bond Bill Supports Artist Ownership

In May, representatives from Maryland’s Legislative District 47 presented a check for $300,000 to the Gateway CDC team to support the STUDIO Lab initiative.

STUDIO Lab Program Gets boost from 47th District Representatives

Thanks to a bond bill, funding from the state of Maryland, Gateway CDC will be able to provide support for artists and entrepreneurs as they grow and expand. The $300,000 goes toward Gateway CDC’s

STUDIO Lab program and funding will enable Gateway to regrant to artists, enhance properties, and invest in artists who want to stay within the Gateway community. State Senator Malcolm Augustine and Delegates Diana M. Fennell and Julian Ivey led the effort.

STUDIO Lab facilitates artist and small business ownership of properties in the Gateway Arts District and the surrounding area. The program offers financial assistance including money for down payments and professional fees. It also provides mentorship and technical assistance through the existing incubator program at the Gateway Media Arts Lab, leaning on the skills and expertise of resident professionals.

Senator Malcolm Augustine (D, District 47)

Delegate Diana M. Fennell (D, District 47A)

Delegate Julian Ivey (D, District 47A)

“The Gateway CDC has been a key partner to hundreds of local and visiting artists. At this critical moment, when the Route 1 Corridor is prime for redevelopment, it is invaluable to have a strong community development corporation –one that is known, building and growing.”

Valerie Woodall Mount Rainier City Council Ward 2

Towns Collaborate on Support for Gateway CDC

The communities of North Brentwood, Brentwood and Mount Rainier have pledged new operational support for Gateway CDC. All three municipalities have pledged funding for fiscal year 2024 with continued support planned for 2025 and 2026. The resolutions provide Gateway CDC a three-year window in which to build and expand its current operations. The funding will allow Gateway CDC to leverage the dollars to gain other funding and support, as well as build capacity and develop the common vision for the arts district community.

With property and programs in each jurisdiction, the funding provides an opportunity for the towns to unite and pool funds to leverage resources across the Route 1 Community.

The towns’ council representatives to Gateway CDC’s board of directors.

“Our

community is pulling together at a critical time, and moving toward a collective vision. Gateway CDC is key to growing a world class arts district and thriving creative economy.”

Michelle Darden-Lee, Interim Executive Director

Marcus Monroe Council Member

Town of Brentwood

Valerie Woodall Council Member City of Mount Rainier

Evan Dame Council Member Town of North Brentwood

Interim Executive Director New

Michelle Darden-Lee has been named Interim Executive Director of Gateway CDC. She has worked in the arts district for over 15 years and has been an anchor in the Gateway Media Arts Lab since its inception. As Program Director she initiated the membership structure, and has attracted a broad spectrum of talent to the program - film producers, artist collectives and influencers.

Also a resident of the Gateway community, Michelle has worked on numerous projects that have heightened the visibility of the arts district, and Prince George’s County as a whole. She has over 30 years of experience in small business and community development, marketing and communications.

“My passion is working with and elevating creatives. My goal is to bring the rich talent that we have in the community to the forefront and aid in bringing more structure to community platforms.“

Michelle is a graduate of Hampton University and a member of the Recording Academy.

Meet Des’Ree McCraw

The Lab’s New Community Manager

Des’Ree McCraw is an emerging artist and filmmaker from Prince George’s County, MD. Her passion for art began at a young age, and she knew then that creating was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

With this goal in mind, she went on to earn her B.S. in Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts from Bowie State University. Since graduating, Des’Ree has continued to gain experience in the arts.

While working as a production assistant on the set of the upcoming film For What It’s Worth, Des’Ree was introduced to Michelle Darden-Lee, then Program Director for the Gateway Media Arts Lab. After learning more about the Lab and Gateway CDC, she was immediately interested in becoming a part of the team and now serves as the Lab’s Community Manager. Des'Ree is always learning and growing and considers herself to be a forever student. By merging her love for art and community, she is becoming better equipped to serve those around her.

PROFILE SERIES

FILMMAKER ROAN ROSS

As a child, Roan Ross was fascinated with kung fu films… but not like most of us.

He wasn’t kicking the air and making chopping motions with his hands; he was mesmerized by the movements and wanted to know who was filming. His older brother studied television in school but Roan wanted to understand the behind the scenes action. So naturally, he borrowed one of his brother’s cameras and started shooting.

Fast forward - he’s off to Howard University for film school.

“It's amazing to be able to play make believe and make things that you see in your mind real, and to have other people enjoy and experience it.”

When asked to describe his work and aesthetic, Roan laughed. “I like the randomness that’s why I do documentaries. If something isn't working, then I pivot. And, when I can shape it, I reflect the feeling

or thought that’s in my head at that time.”

Roan’s goal for his work is to get to the big screen. He wants to build a career in which he can usher in the new wave of filmmakers who can push conversations about different experiences. A native of St. Croix, he’d like to see the Caribbean experience conveyed more.

A true artist, Roan admits that he sees everything as art, even conversations. As a filmmaker, he wants people, even those critical of his work, to approach him with questions. He explains that art is not about doing things to make everyone comfortable. And he adds that, “conversations should happen… it should be uncomfortable sometimes.”

Any person out therewhether you believe yourself an artist - in any medium, do it. Don’t be afraid to express yourself. You can find your community if you let them hear your voice.

Last parting words to share? “When in doubt, watch old Kung Fu movies!” laughed Roan. “They’re fun and a good way to get away.”

You can find Roan’s work is on YouTube, Instagram and upcoming on Netflix. Check the website, Roanfilm.com

“As artists, we put our hearts out there for people to react and respond to… that’s the point.”

BRIDGINGWATERS ANDBORDERS

Hundreds of people gathered on the white sand beaches of Freetown Peninsula, capital city of Sierra Leone to attend the inaugural AfriCaribbean Festival. Created by Lab member Empress Joyner of Empress J Entertainment, the unique event had a mission to bridge waters and borders through music and culture. Joyner first had the idea four years ago wishing she could bring the energy and spirit of Carnival to Africa. Her neighbor suggested that she consider Sierra Leone, his native country. And she did just that.

Levi Robinson paints an art installation.

December 28, 2022 was the launch of the AfriCaribbean Festival which coincided with 60 years of independence for Sierra Leone. Amid salty breezes from the Atlantic and the insistent percussion of Soca, attendees enjoyed a slate of eight events and two tours. A second annual event is scheduled for December 29, 2023.

The DMV League of Artists (DMVL), a Lab member and partner of Empress J. Entertainment, sent two of its artists: photographer Demiko Aiken and studio artist and muralist, Levi Robinson. The goal of DMVL was to provide a unique and lasting connection to the people of Sierra Leone. Edleen Elba, Joyner’s contact in Freetown, found local artists to work on a one-of-a-kind project, a mural installation.

The unveiling of the installation served as one of the final events, attended by the country's Minister of Tourism who loved it. “It was the added spice,” said Joyner. “It spoke to the coming together of cultures.”

Robinson says before he left Freetown, he gained clarity, finally having a moment to breathe, to take it all in. “I was mesmerized by the colors, the people and the individual expressions of everyonetheir mystery. It was beautiful. And in that moment, it occurred to me that I needed to do a show.”

“When you’re there on that island, you feel the ancestors. That feeling is just…” Robinson exhaled and searched for the right words. “I feel like I have a better sense of who I am.”

“The experience has given me more confidence in what I can share with people,” reflected Aiken.

Gateway CDC supported the project through a series of events in the Gateway Arts District that spotlighted Sierra Leone’s culture and promoted the festival.

BuildingBridges

A highlight of the festival was touring Bunce Island, the last stop for many of the African diaspora that were kidnapped, before they were sent into enslavement Twenty miles off the coast of Freetown, this former British slave-trading post is situated in the Sierra Leone River. From its shores, tens of thousands of Africans were forcibly shipped to South Carolina and Georgia. Two decaying towers recall the existence of the castle that once stood. Aiken of DMVL flew a drone capturing a haunting look at the island.

Robinson’s solo show inspired by his time in Sierra Leone.

Upon returning home, Robinson began to work, creating pieces in three months for an entire show. “Before this, it would’ve taken me three years…It fed me because I am a storyteller. It allowed me to really look at the people. It has changed me.”

“I was able to share my gifts on another continent while teaching some of the local photographers techniques that I have taught myself over the years. I would like to thank Keiona Clark and the DMV League of Artists for trusting me to represent the organization and to tell the story.”

“For me,” reflected Aiken, “the most memorable part of the festival was capturing the moments… as a photographer, I could not just let these moments pass.”

We accomplished what we wanted to do. It wasn’t about partying, it was about reconnecting.”

-- Empress Joyner

Soca music, which Joyner describes as the heartbeat of Carnival, was at the center of the festival Birthed from Calypso music, Soca reflects the happy music of the Caribbean.

Soca is a celebration of life, freedom and a rebellion against slavery Soca is a blend of African and East Indian rhythms with influences of Reggae, Zouk and Latin genres that originated in Trinidad & Tobago in the early 70s.

DMVL artists Aiken and Robinson at Bunce Island.

OpenStudiosTour

The Gateway Arts District is home to hundreds of talented artists with a multitude of disciplines, including sculpture, digital media, fashion and performance.

Artists and businesses opened their doors for the first time since the pandemic. The public was invited to participate in self-guided tours, live musical performances and many more events

The Gateway Media Arts Lab hosted the kickoff party. The afternoon included a miniphotoshoot with artist Nicholas London.

*Photography by Nicholas London

THE PRINCE GEORGE'S FILM IVAL

The Prince George’s Film Office hosted the second annual Prince George’s Film Festival. This four-day event featured film screenings from both up-andcoming and established independent filmmakers. Attendees also got to enjoy networking receptions, workshops, panels, community events and more

The Lab Magazine wanted to provide a glimpse into what’s new on the horizon for the Mount Rainier Business Association (MRBA). We spoke with Sherri Lumpkin, current president of MRBA and local artist/entrepreneur.

MRBA seems to have a new direction. Tell us about it.

Mount Rainier is a jewel that we need to lift up. Therefore, we plan to bring MRBA into the 21st century. It operates in an old school way at times. But we want to keep that small town vibe. I want to strengthen the connection between the businesses and the many, diverse cultures that live here. We are all part of this community and should know one another and, as potential customers, support the local businesses in our neighborhood. One way of achieving this is through promotion. Let’s take a deep dive into the untold stories of businesses and the owners as well as highlight their products and services.

Tell us about Meet Me In Mount Rainier.

Meet Me In Mount Rainier is a podcast that was created to highlight businesses in Mount Rainier, hosted by yours truly. We want to lift up each person and business – to really tell the stories of individuals. So the feel of each episode is “meet us here, shop and see what you’re missing and could be enjoying.”

How did the speaker series come to fruition?

I attended several programs to get some ideas of what other municipalities and towns were doing. When they learned whom I was representing, people offered help and assistance.

"The Mount Rainier community is a collection of cultures and businesses with a small-town feel. I want people to realize that it is not a drive-thru town but a destination! It is inviting and has a lot to offer.”

I decided the best way they could assist was to share their expertise–as a free service. This speaker series benefits local businesses by helping them gain knowledge and, it provides technical assistance. The Series began April 2023 with our inaugural speaker, Nicole Hall, business development manager of retail and restaurants for the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation.

What role does the art community play in the realization of the MRBA mission?

The artist community is in need of business savvy, and I say that as an artist and entrepreneur. MRBA provides business development for artists, thus helping them grow economically. Additionally, artists beautify the community which is a component of our mission. By educating artists, we also broaden the horizon of future businesses for Mount Rainier. The organization and artists uplift each other, that symbiotic relationship again.

What

do you want people to know about the MRBA?

I want people to know that we are here for the businesses. If businesses participate in our programming, especially the monthly meetings, they can voice their needs and we know that we’re providing what they want. We are here to support them.

I have brought a lot of ideas to MRBA to increase the traffic and consumers in our community. One such idea is to create and host signature events. I am hopeful that we are able to do so soon.

In April-May 2023, the Gateway Media Arts Lab and DPark3311 served as a location site for upcoming BET Plus feature film, For What It’s Worth. The film, written by Lajill Hunt and directed by Courtney Arlett Lockett, focuses on the importance of mental health and the power of family and community.

In keeping with the theme of community, the Gateway Media Arts Lab is a gathering space for the talented community of filmmakers in Prince George’s County. The area is home to experienced and emerging filmmakers alike who are eager to connect with one another.

The production of For What It’s Worth served as an excellent networking opportunity for members of the cast and crew who are also local to Prince George’s County. The Gateway Arts District community is pushing to providing more opportunities for filmmakers in the future.

Sherri Roberts Lumpkin, Founder and Executive Director of the Ragbaby Exchange, has been awarded a residency in Cuba. Lumpkin is one of 13 Black doll artists to be featured in the residency, running February 16-25, 2024.

Participants were invited by University of Minnesota professor Cindy Garcia and art historian Yolonda Hester to write individual essays about their work for the university’s journal titled Contours: Arts. Activism. Pathways.

During the editing and peer review process, Garcia and Hester were awarded a grant from the AIDS foundation to support the artists in residence.

As a part of the residency, artists will be sharing stories and doll making techniques that highlight the intersections of Black dolls and AIDS. Residents will have the opportunity to share through public presentations, exhibits, storytelling and doll workshops.

Lumpkin hosts workshops through the Ragbaby Exchange to help people find self-worth and self-love. Participating in this residency is in perfect alignment with the Ragbaby Exchange’s mission to “Inspire, Embrace, Empower, You!”

“It’s really

an

amazing way of not only realizing that we are worthy, but a healing modality.”