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Washington DC’s hub for redefining space to house authentic community, creativity, and art-centered experiences.

Curation & Community

Arena Social Arts Club, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit, redefines spaces, cultivating vibrant communities where art thrives. We're more than just galleries; we're a catalyst for artistic evolution, providing opportunities and resources for emerging talents to flourish.

Featured Upcoming Exhibitions

CARROLL SQUARE GALLERY

PROFILE NOIRE
Solo Exhibition by Rhonisha D. Franklin

Profile Noire is a year-long portraiture project featuring 100 women of color, each photographed in three distinct poses: profile view, straight-ahead, and a final image called the “Seat of Power”. Each participant was asked three introspective questions. The selected portraits are titled using the responses, capturing the complexity of how these women see themselves and are seen in the world. 

On Display: August 2nd - October 4th, 2025

DREW GALLERY

CREATING PURPOSE
An Inaugural Exhibition by Dorian Sobalvarro

A recent high school graduate and Maryland Higher Education Commission Awardee, Dorian Sobalvarro is a young Latino artist with a passion for visual arts. With a desire to bring back the appreciation of emotion and provoking thought, Dorian seeks to leave a mark in the art industry by way of charcoal. Through the journey of his pencil, leads his first ever solo exhibit.

On Display: August 9th - October 4th, 2025


Our Collaborators & Support

THE ARCHIVE

Past Exhibitions

Featured
Art All Night @ MLK Library
Art All Night @ MLK Library

The MLK Block Party of 2024 over 40,000 people for #DCArtAllNight inside the iconic MLK Library and on G Street NW between 9th and 10th Street NW; double the amount of people from last year. Take a look at our recap featuring one of our Artist in Residence Alumnus Brian Baliey who curated the Art Gallery alongside Tabi Boney’s exhibit in the Grand Lobby entitled L’ Amour D’ Afrique: The Love of Africa

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INFINITY & BEYOND
INFINITY & BEYOND

INFINITY & Beyond is a homage to Black Women’s creativity and care. Through the literal and metaphorical lens of Jada Imani M, its avant-garde presentation of Black hair acknowledges the scandalous creativity of Black hair artists in her community and the women who proudly fashion these hairstyles. The Black Hair Show, a cultural tradition within the African American community which often operates outside of the white gaze, is honored through this presentation of images.

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“Might As Well” by Brian Bailey
“Might As Well” by Brian Bailey

"Might As Well” is an inaugural solo exhibit by Brian Bailey (b. 1991), a self-taught multifaceted artist whose journey began at an early age. Drawing inspiration from his professional endeavors as a creative lead at a renowned national park, Brian has seamlessly translated his expertise into the realm of painting, bringing forth a unique abstract style that breathes new life into the DC art scene.

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