1330 V STREET NW

@ HARRISON REC CENTER

Introducing V Street Studio @ Harrison Recreation Center, an 1,100 sq ft. Multidisciplinary Art Studio & Gallery Space in a once vacant and offline DC Department of Parks & Recreation Field House in the Heart of the U Street Corridor. After 3 years of planning, meetings & strategic development along with financial support from ShareFund & Events DC Cultural Institution Grant, Arena Social Arts Club was able to reopen this Field House back to the Community in celebration of Art All Night & more!

  • V Street Studio @ Harrison Recreation Center will showcase the works of local artists and art exhibits curated through a multi year partnership between DC Department of Parks & Recreation and Arena Social Arts Club. Collectively, our goal is to support artist and community development by providing an authentic platform for district residents to come together and experience the beauty of art.

    V Street Studio will provide quarterly residencies for local artists and grant them complimentary studio space to create new works and display upon competition of the program. Each artist in residence will receive a stipend to cover all costs incurred during their tenure. The newly renovated space is also home to a basketball court mural by local artist Cell Spitfire, which pays homage to the DC music scene. Show exhibits will be accessible for viewing during regular operating hours and artist reception events.

    Special thank you to DC Department of Parks and Recreation leaders Tanya Myers & Tommie Jones Jr for their continued support through it all & Director Theenie Freeman for believing in our vision.

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE

Hiba Alyawer

Hiba Alyawer is an Iraqi-American abstract local DC artist known as DC's “Sleepless Artist,” balancing her two passions, Data Science by day, and Art by night.

Creating art is a meditative expression that allows Hiba to express, share and celebrate the colors of her soul with the world. Her work invites the viewer on a journey to interact with her artwork and stimulate their curiosity using her signature palette of vivid pigments harmonized with vibrant, rich tones, playful markings, and dots that are an expression of her own experiences and moments.

Hiba is the inaugural artist-in-residence at V Street Studio @ Harrison Recreation Center. As she enjoys creating art inside the studio, she brought her art outside by creating a hand-painted, full building mural wrap for the whole community can enjoy. “Neighborhood Candy” is a symphony of abstract designs and vibrant colors, a tribute to the dynamic spirit of a city steeped in culture and history. Adorning all sides of the building, this artwork transforms a mundane urban fixture into a vibrant beacon of creativity. A kaleidoscope of pink shades dances with the sophistication of red, intermingling with the tranquility of blues, while speckled dots map the heartbeat of city life. The palette exudes the city's welcoming vibe, celebrating friendship, affection, harmony, and the ceaseless vitality of the streets. " Neighborhood Candy" stands as a colorful landmark where art meets the everyday, a delightful visual interlude in the city's narrative.

Hiba aims to inspire people with her creations and ignite their imagination.

Follow Hiba’s art journey on Instagram at @artbyhibaa