DC's renowned black-owned art gallery showcases acclaimed artists, including Shy Glizzy
The Chela Mitchell Gallery, a Black-owned art gallery located in Union Market, Washington D.C., opened its doors in 2021, marking a significant milestone in the city's artistic landscape. The gallery is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art with a focus on local Black artists[1][4].
The inaugural exhibit, titled **"You See Where I'm Coming From?"**, was curated by notable DC rapper and southeast D.C. native Shy Glizzy (Marquis King). This exhibit reflects Shy Glizzy’s personal experiences and life journey through vibrant art pieces[1][4].
Exhibits and Artists:
The first major exhibit featured works by various artists representing different perspectives, textures, and colours, with the overall aim of engaging diverse interpretations and expressions[1]. Shy Glizzy curated and invested his creativity into this program, blending hip-hop culture with visual art[1][4]. Other recognised DC artists, such as Lex Marie and Stefon Diggs, have also been associated with the gallery and its exhibits, reflecting a close relationship with the local creative community[1][5].
One of Marie's notable art pieces is a machine gun made from her son's pencils, which has gone viral. This work, and others like it, address her experiences as a black mother raising a boy in America[2].
Gallery Mission and Operations:
Founded and independently funded by Chela Mitchell, the gallery emphasises support for local Black artists and business ownership. Mitchell manages it without investors, aiming to create opportunities and representation for underfunded Black-owned businesses[1]. The gallery strives to refresh its exhibits approximately every two months to provide emerging artists recurring opportunities to showcase their work[1].
Future Plans:
Continued rotation of new shows and art pieces every two months, promoting fresh talent and perspectives regularly[1]. Chela Mitchell hopes the art collection and legacy of the gallery will sustain across generations, with a long-term vision tied to community impact and artistic heritage[1].
In summary, the Chela Mitchell Gallery in Union Market serves as a vital cultural hub for Black artists in D.C., featuring exhibits curated by local creatives like Shy Glizzy and continually renewing its offerings to highlight diverse artistic voices. Its future revolves around sustaining this community-driven platform with fresh exhibits every two months and a commitment to independent, Black-owned business principles[1][4].
[1] Chela Mitchell Gallery Website [2] Lex Marie's Personal Website [3] Shy Glizzy's Official Website [4] Union Market Website [5] Stefon Diggs' Official Website
The Chela Mitchell Gallery, in its continuous endeavor to showcase diverse artistic voices, expands its exhibits to include home-and-garden themes and entertainment-focused works, blending various aspects of lifestyle alongside contemporary art. To complement this, they plan to introduce music-inspired art pieces in upcoming exhibits, further enriching the gallery's offerings and reflecting the city's vibrant cultural landscape.
