Washington, D.C., May 4, 2015 – The NoMa BID presents a new art exhibit in partnership with District of Columbia Public Schools and the talented students at Coolidge High School. “Identity Corral” opens to the public Wednesday, May 6 with a reception in the Lobby Project at 1200 First Street, NE, which also houses DCPS headquarters. (Details below.)
The project was initiated when Design District, a local apparel design nonprofit, was commissioned by the head coach of Coolidge High School to create innovative off-court apparel for the basketball team. The collaboration has developed over the past year as Design District founder Somos Thompson partnered with Coolidge High School art teacher Courtney Savoy and her class to focus on the branding and designing of students’ personal identity.
The opening reception will feature DJ Kryptk, Orange Cow ice cream, cheerleaders, and lots of school spirit. The event will take place in the Lobby Project at 1200 First Street, NE, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. RSVP here.
“DCPS Arts recognizes the hard work and creative energy that went into the making of this show by Coolidge art students, art teacher Courtney Savoy, and Somos Thompson from Design District,” said Amanda Boggs, DCPS Specialist in Visual Art, Digital Art, and Performing Arts. “We are equally excited to be partnering with the NoMa Business Improvement District, whose support brings the work of these artists and, in turn, the voices of our students, into the central office atmosphere.”
The show is supported by the NoMa Business Improvement District and sponsored by DTLR Inc., Frito Lay and Sigal Family Foundation.
About Identity Corral
“Identity Corral” examines the construction of identity in the context of school pride. The work challenges students to investigate 75 years of school heritage, visual identity and stereotypes, both internal and imposed. Students utilized multiple media including graphic design, digital photography, painting, and found objects to develop a capsule collection of clothing that speaks true to current students and alumni. In the “making” of imagery and in “branding” of oneself, students are empowered and their inner voices are expressed.
The key principle of Design District is SVE: Structure, Vocabulary, and Experience. Design District helps students understand the full process, from conceptual design to manufacturing, while establishing attainable goals and following through on commitments. We use client-based and personal projects to expand the students’ perspective to have stronger business acumen, enhancing their entrepreneurial spirit. Developing a base knowledge of apparel machinery allows the students to have a growing portfolio that instills hope in their future. “Identity Corral” will be displayed through the end of May.
About the Lobby Project
The Lobby Project is an initiative of the NoMa Business Improvement District in partnership with the DC Office of Planning’s Temporary Urbanism program. Together, we created a vibrant destination where people socialize and work in the lobby of 1200 First Street, NE. For two years now, the NoMa BID has hosted art openings through a partnership with Washington Project for the Arts, as well as the popular Nerds in NoMa lecture series. The project would not be possible without the support of building owner Principal Financial Group, building manager Polinger Shannon & Luchs and NoMa design firm Ayers Saint Gross.
About NoMa
NoMa is a vibrant, growing neighborhood nestled among Union Station, the U.S. Capitol, Shaw, and the H Street, NE corridor in Washington, D.C. Already, NoMa contains more than 17.6 million SF of office, hotel, retail and residential space. Each day, 92,000 people are out in the commercial core of NoMa. More than 38 percent of NoMa’s office space is home to private sector tenants, including a concentration of media, tech and think tanks such as NPR, Google and Mathematica. Through a public-private partnership with the District government and a capital investment of $50 million, NoMa will soon have great new parks and public spaces as well. NoMa is home to 3,386 terrific new apartments, and more than 40,000 people work here each day. NoMa is the most connected neighborhood in Washington, D.C. With unparalleled transportation access on Amtrak, VRE, MARC, two Red Line Metro stops, and vehicular access to Interstate 395, visitors, workers and residents can easily travel throughout the region as well as get to New York or anywhere on the East Coast. NoMa has a WalkScore of 92 and offers stellar biking facilities, including the 8-mile Metropolitan Branch Trail. The NoMa BID organizes more than 50 free award-winning community events each year, connecting more than 20,000 friends and neighbors. For more information about NoMa, visit nomabid.wpengine.com and sign up for our bimonthly newsletter. Follow us on Twitter @NoMaBID and like us on Facebook.
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For immediate release
News media contact:
Rachel Davis
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