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