mini update

greetings and Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope this email finds you well on your way to a lovely weekend eating with family, or just relaxing on your own.

I wanted to send an update to those who have supported this dc mini gallery project over the past few months. I guess I'll start with the bad news, after quietly fighting behind the scenes for months i've decided to no longer continue the effort to re-open the dc mini gallery at its original location in 14th Street Heights. The problems were a combination of meeting city requirements, confusion from gov agencies, time, and funding (or lack there of). I wasn't equipped to handle such adversity so soon, and thus predictably i was unable to continue business as I would like to. I had hoped literally up till very recently to suprise everyone with great news about re-opening, but alas this won't happen. I toyed with the idea of moving the operation to a space ive been renting in eastern market, however more problems with neighbors and sound made this option less than desirable. The last few months have been pretty agonizing, it was my dream to open a venue/art space and have exactly the type of positive feedback and opportunities we had opening up. Some of the shows we had booked that were ultimately canceled would have been epic. I can only imagine what would have happened in months and years to come. Its been quite an ordeal, but it was a worthwhile experience that i feel is akin to spending a year at grad school. I understand the process better and Im thankful for the relationships Ive made. So all in all it's been rewarding.

Okay time for the good news, Im getting a fresh start and opening a new space in the neighborhood of Columbia Heights very close to the metro. It's gonna be a few months before we get going and it will not be called the dc mini gallery any longer, however the spirit, ideas, and artistic direction will be much the same. I will also be curating independent happenings around the city with my new organization. Announcements will come in the ensuing weeks, but I wanted to thank you for your support and extend my hope you will continue to support the thriving art community in DC. Those who have joined the dc mini gallery as members will retain their membership upon the opening of my new space this spring. Similarly those who have donated to keeping the dc mini open should not feel like your donation was made in vain, not only did it keep me going and able to fight for the gallery longer than it was thought possible, your donation will carry over to my new space and there will be a special plaque dedicated to your kindness. Please know i did everything i could and stretched myself as thin as possible to honor my commitment to this endeavor and the effort to establish a permanent residence for the arts in this city.

There will be a party at the kings court warehouse in eastern market this saturday nov 28th, featuring art by Chandi Kelly (project dispatch), performance art directed by james magnum, and music by the Child Ballads. the party is free (suggested donation $5). address is 29 Kings Ct SE #3 starts at 8pm.

again my thanks.

best,
michael andrew harris

Project Dispatch Launch Party

I am pleased to announce the Mini (29 Kings CT SE) is hosting the launch party for an exciting new venture called Project Dispatch. This is exactly the type of organization I love to promote and be involved in. Go to their website and check out what they have cooking, and please email dcmini.gallery@gmail.com to RSVP for this event.

Come out on October 30th for the Project Dispatch Launch Party/Exhibition hosted by The Mini. There will be drinks, music, and small works by Project Dispatch artists. We will be selling art subscriptions and if you sign up that night you can take any piece from the show to start your subscription.


Project Dispatch is an artwork subscription service offered by a group of artists nationwide. Patrons have the opportunity to purchase a 3, 6, or 12 month subscription to receive original works by the artist of their choice among the group. Subscriptions range from $15 to $40 a month. Once a month subscribers will be sent an original artwork. A Sampler Subscription is also available for those interested in receiving works from a variety of Project Dispatch artists.


For more information go to www.projectdispatch.biz

well here we are

It was a tumultuous summer...but with a little defiance and resiliency the DC Mini is still alive. There have been a few changes however to what we are doing.

It should be noted that my goal in establishing DC Mini as an organization was never solely tied to the space we occupy. The larger goal here was to form a creative community that blurred the traditional artistic lines that seem to separate the scenes in DC. To some degree that goal was achieved. For various reasons I was unable to continue things the way I wanted to, and that was disappointing. But it's cool, I'm living in the future.

So DC Mini Gallery LLC has split its neutrons and spreading our seeds around DC. Right now we are occupying an awesome warehouse space located very close to eastern market. I call it "the Mini" Our first art reception at this location is being held in a few weeks to celebrate the launch of Project Dispatch. The space is also currently where Laughing Man and other bands are rehearsing. It's an awesome place..look forward to some pictures and more details very soon.

As for our more notorious location in 14th Street Heights...many of you have seen or heard indicators that the space (or at least our residence there) is dead and done. All I can say right now is don't believe everything your eyes tell you. Sometimes lizards shed their skin and are reborn with a different color (and a different name). That's all I will say about that right now. Stay tuned...