Lots of art shows are staid, hushed-tone affairs. Panorama isn't one of the those shows. Instead, the loud, chic, hip exhibition - which happens June 11, 2014, at the 13,000-square-foot Penn Social in Washington, D.C. - doesn't just nudge art onto center stage. It shoves a Bud Light in its hand and spins it around the dance floor until it's blissed-out and sweating.
Art lovers head to Penn Social for a RAW show. — Photo courtesy of RAWartists - Washington, DC
Part of RAW: Natural Born Artists (a global indie-arts community whose mission is to "provide independent artists within the first 10 years of their career with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity"), Panorama promises a night of serious energy, serious creativity and serious fun.
Artists on hand will include Miami-based Eliana Martinez, whose rich works are an explosion of textures and hues; environmental artist BlackBurge, whose vibrant canvases focus on "the relationship between humans and the natural environment, climate change, environmental destruction and science"; Trinidad and Tobago native GyasiO, who calls himself a "young scatterbrained artist that is still in the process of figuring out how to refine my creative vomit"; and cut-out-animation artist Kimberly Barnes, who's planning to do an animated documentary about the Black Dahlia.
One of the coolest thing about RAW events? The chance to hang with the artists. — Photo courtesy of RAWartists - Washington, DC
Panorama is about more than visuals, though. It's about performance, too. And that's where Septimius the Great comes in. A Maryland-based dance artist, Septimius is "a multi-faceted entertainer and creative innovator." Known around the globe for his dance music, he has worked with some of the industry’s biggest names, and his recording “I Am Fashion” was nominated for Best Dance Song by the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
A different kind of performer altogether, international belly dancer Ebony brings her physical artistry to Panorama, offering up her own unique urban fusion-style belly dancing. And jewelry-maker SplendorR will also be on hand, wowing the crowd with colorful, creative pieces that make both a political and a fashion statement.
Enjoy drinks with friends during a RAW event at Penn Social. — Photo courtesy of RAWartist - Washington, DC
And speaking of the crowd? They'll be rocking out to DJ Loudtone while drinking Stellas, Redhooks and Yuenglings; scarfing down half-smokes, burgers and chips and salsa; and generally soaking up the scene.
As for anyone not particularly into the arts, there's always Penn Social's insanely large roster of arcade games, board games, skee-ball and pool to keep the fun coming. Not to mention, there are game shows and sports on the flat-screen tubes and plenty of cold drinks at the bars.
Panorama happens Saturday, June 11, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Penn Social in Washington, D.C. Dress is casual and the vibe is funky. Other RAW shows, including the similar-to-Panorama Spectrum and Revolution artists' showcases, take place year-round in cities from Chicago and St. Louis to Charlotte and Sydney.
