The local illustrator, painter, muralist and animator opens up about why he’s not a rule follower, what being an independent artist means to him and where you might see his work next.
Read Our August 2023 Issue
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D.C.’S CREATIVE PLAYGROUND. The past eight months have been a constant whirlwind of packed print issues, thriving digital content, thoughtfully curated experiences and successful events bringing our community together. We are hungry for connection, eager to hustle and have no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Our August issue combines the themes of “Back to School” and “How We Work + Play” to create a through line: “D.C.’s Creative Playground.” This month, we are focused on how the city with the most hustle is filled with talented locals who’ve found a way to either turn their passion into their profession or balance doing what they love with what pays the bills in the most impressive of ways.
The takeaway? This is the year of the multihyphenate. We are all carving out our own niche and discovering new ways to collaborate, and we’re still having fun while doing it. Our cover concept says it all: Where else would a muralist, runner by day and DJ by night, and digital marketer-meets-foodie all be in their element at the exact same moment?
We hope you enjoy delving into this issue to read about all the ways D.C. is a rapidly growing force to be reckoned with, and home to endless experiences and an insane amount of talent.
Monica Alford
Editor-in-Chief
FEATURES
3 End-of-Summer Virginia Getaways
Scratch your travel itch one last time before fall with our mini-guide to Virginia bed and breakfasts.
10 Creative Spots to Work Remotely in the DMV
Escape the seclusion of your home office with our top coworking and study picks
EAT
Digital Marketer + Foodie Kimberly Kong Helps Brands Reach Their Full Potential
The Juilliard graduate found a love for food which sparked her venture into creating Nom Digital, a marketing agency for food and hospitality.
D.C. is Hard Crushing on Soft-Shell Crab
We looked all over the DMV for great takes on soft-shell crab, and here’s what we found.
Carey Tang of Rooster & Owl Comes Home to Falls Church with New Restaurant Ellie Bird
The co-owner and managing director of the restaurants gets real about life behind the scenes.
DRINK
3 New Spots to Imbibe in the DMV
Cue Florence Welch and drink your way through the dog days of summer.
Kabir Amir + Swati Bose Lead D.C.’s Wine Scene at Flight Wine Bar
The owners and sommeliers talk their multiple positions and responsibilities at their wine bar.
Casa Kantuta Owner Carla Sanchez Shares Fave Local Spots To Caffeinate + Imbibe
Check out Sanchez’s list of eight favorite local spots for on-the-go coffee, happy hour cocktails and delicious Bolivian snacks
CULTURE
Street Artist Dieglo Embraces His Creative Process as a Conduit for Joy
The painter, clothing designer and creative talks making art in D.C.
Adriana Mendoza’s Pop-Up Femme Fatale DC Becomes a Brick-and-Mortar in Cleveland Park
We caught up with Femme Fatale DC’s Adriana Mendoza to talk business transformations, D.C as inspiration and favorite memories at creative events.
LGBTQ+ Changemaker Rayceen Pendarvis Is a Lifelong D.C. Arts Advocate
We chatted with Pendarvis about all that goes into being an event host, social media personality, community advocate and lifelong Washingtonian.
CULTURE
What Films to See in August 2023
Check out our picks for nostalgic and classic movie showings around the DMV.
Tyler Stoe Makes Legacy DC the Cultural Hub of Creatives’ Dreams
At Legacy DC, unconventional creatives are not just welcomed, but celebrated.
D.C.’s Must-See Outdoor Murals in NoMa + Beyond
Our curated outdoor mural guide features local artist picks to visit while in NoMA, along with a few fave spots to refuel along the way.
MUSIC
Indie Icon Regina Spektor Returns to Wolf Trap on Solo Tour
Spektor opens up about sonic exploration, her love affair with audiences and what to expect on her latest tour before heading to Wolf Trap on August 3.
6 D.C. Music Insiders to Know
D.C.’s music world is stacked with some of the best, and we highlighted a few multihyphenates setting the scene.
CD Cellar’s David Schlank Talks Vinyl + D.C.’s Eclectic Music Scene
We are grateful for the people who make District Fray possible, so we’re highlighting them in our Members Only series.
LIFE
Jamie Sabat Manifests Wellness + Community Through High Vibe Women
Sabat created High Vibe Women as a space for DMV women to connect, network and create together.
Relume Co is Cottagecore 2.0
The store specializes in soy wax candles, reworked textiles and jewelry created from vintage and restored materials.
4 Expert Tips for Sustaining Summertime Joy All Year Long
From finding balance to cultivating optimism, we caught up with a local expert about how to stay positive and embrace productivity post-summer in D.C.
LIFE
Podcaster Rob Lee Offers Expert Advice for Growing Your Brand
The host of “The Truth in this Art” has hosted more than 600 members of the Baltimore and D.C. creative community since launching in 2019.
Author and Professor Melissa Scholes Young Uplifts D.C. Women Writers
The prolific writer talks how D.C. has helped her books, which are currently both optioned to be made into films.
Anna Shah’s Thrift Store POP! Is Innovating Sustainable Fashion at GW + Online
We caught up with George Washington University student Anna Shah about her thrift store POP! and how she’s helping provide affordable and sustainable fashion to students nationwide.
LIFE
Founder of MONKO Terrence White Creates a Cannabis Experience That Enhances Your Life
White created a holistic brand to offer the complete experience for D.C. residents.
3 Compelling Podcasts + Social Accounts for All Things Adulting
Consider following these accounts if you’re looking to optimize your understanding of what it means to be human, deep dive into complicated topics and indulge in the best memes around.
Founder of YANA Creatives Ariana Tokes Plays a Part in Cannabis’ Prohibition
Tokes talks how our thinking of cannabis is backwards, and what she’s doing to turn it around.
LIFE
Philanthropist + Architect Terry Bitar Shakes the D.C. Architecture Scene
Bitar’s work at Bitarchitects and Charity Donation Foundation aims to lift people up.
PLAY
Runner + DJ Matt Green Builds Community Through His Many Ventures
The District Running Collective cofounder has an insatiable drive to expend creative energy through running, DJ sets and design work.
Paul Torres’ Next Star Soccer Helps Locals Rise to the Top
The trainer and entrepreneur focuses on helping people become powerful in all his ventures.
How To Make the Most of D.C.’s Flower Season
From visits to vibrant flower farms to creative end-of-summer workshops, we’ve got you covered.
PLAY
10 Experience-Based Classes You Didn’t Know You Needed
This August, get into back-to-school mode and channel your inner lifelong learner with our top picks for eclectic classes and workshops around the DMV.
Players’ Club: Lindsay Nguyen
Nguyen tells us about her history with DC Fray social sports and life in D.C.
