Art, Wine, and a block Party; how could this not be fun?
The Washington Examiner’s ARTS ON FOOT, centered at 7th and F streets, NW, takes over four blocks with expansive programming.  The event opens with a juried fineArt Market featuring 50 artists and live entertainment from Wednesday, September 8 through Friday, September 10 from 11:00am to 7:00pm daily (on F Street between 7th & 9th).  Artists’ work for sale includes ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture, woodworking, clothing, and more.  Music performances throughout market hours include renowned local artists Flo Anito (jazz-pop), Dave Chappell (guitar), Janine Wilson & Max Evans (acoustic roots), Seth Kibel (instrumental jazz), and The Sweater Set (folk).  This year, Alternative Arts Spaces sponsored by Westwood College are reintroduced to the event’s lineup.  Arts organizations will produce exhibits in unconventional venues, converting vacant space into temporary galleries throughout the four days.

The festival takes place on Saturday, September 11 from 11:00am to 6:00pm, adding two additional blocks (8th Street between E & F, and F Street between 6th & 7th) for more cultural and creative programming.  First, an additional 50 artists join the market to offer an even wider variety of fine art and crafts.  Eclectic lineups of music and dance on the Performance Stage sponsored by Ford and the Museum Stage include Grammy-nominated Christylez Bacon (progressive hip hop), CariTango (tango),Dizzie Miss Lizzie’s Roadside Revue (musical theater), Gina DeSimone & the Moaners (swing), Kid Goat (indie rock), Memphis Gold (classic blues), and many more.

New this year, over 25 area theaters and performance groups participate in a fast-paced showcase of their fall offerings at Harman Center for the Arts.  Exciting, short presentations will come from Arena Stage, City Dance Ensemble, Ford’s Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Signature Theatre, Silk Road Dance Company,Washington Improv Theater, and the Washington National Opera, to name a few.

The Washington Examiner’s ARTS ON FOOT encourages people to find their inner artists via hands-on activities offered by DC museums, galleries and theaters throughout the festival’s Cultural Corridors, supported by The Pink Line Project.  This year, at another new feature, attendees can contribute to a group artwork in thepARTicipate tent.  In the surrounding blocks, the Neighborhood Showcase highlights the diverse cultural venues in Penn Quarter and Downtown DC and their fall programming.  Artists will again open their studios to the public for a glimpse into the artistic process as part of this showcase.

Cuisine and wine complement the day.  The O Organics™ Cooking As Art Pavilion returns, where acclaimed DC chefs demonstrate their culinary and artistic talents.  In addition to the demonstrations, 25 top DC restaurants sell samples of their signature dishes in the Restaurant Sampling Courts, including 701 Restaurant, Bibiana, Café Atlántico, Co Co. Sala, Ping Pong Dim Sum, Poste Moderne Brasserie, Rosa Mexicano, Sei, The Source, and Zaytinya.  For a small entry fee, the Safeway–Cellar No. 8 Wine Area provides international wine tastings and seminars for adults, ages 21 and up.

The Washington Examiner’s ARTS ON FOOT began 18 years ago to unite and showcase the downtown DC artistic community.  Since its inception, the event has connected artists, performance groups, galleries, theaters, restaurants, and more, bringing them quite literally to attendees’ feet.  The event’s commitment to the arts remains stronger than ever, and, each year, continues to provide a one-of-a-kind celebration of DC arts.

WAMU 88.5 and MIX 107.3 WRQX are proud media partners of The Washington Examiner’s ARTS ON FOOT.  Pick up a copy of the event program in The Washington Examiner on Wednesday and Thursday, September 8 & 9, and on site from September 8-11.