BRIDGE CREATIVE SALON UNITES CREATIVES FROM ACROSS THE DMV
Originally published on The Washington Informer Bridge, article can be found here: https://wibridgedc.com/bridge-creative-salon-unites-creatives-from-across-the-dmv/
Before entering and filling the flora and fauna-covered doors and walls, many guests were excited to discover what the Bridge Creative Salon would be. After entering the lowkey “Alice in Wonderland” inspired Alice on U Street NW, guests did not know their next steps. However, after stepping into the space, attendees were invited to enjoy a discourse about building and supporting creativity in the DMV area.
The February panel featured independent publishers Mahadi Lawal of Big Facts Magazine, Aton Crawley of All Items Considered, Zahreh Barry of Bearings Magazine, and Lyric Amodia of The Movement Street, a youth advocacy organization based at Howard University.
Washington Informer Managing Editor Micha P. Green hosted the panel. Panelists and guests alike had nothing but praise for the first Bridge Salon event.
Addie Moore, 29, is originally from Texas and is now a resident of NorthEast D.C and works as an artist and an arts organizer. She attended The Salon after hearing about it on social media.
“I have been looking for something like this, a creatives meetup, so I was excited to make it out and see that there is an attempt to build community,” said Moore.
“Working in the arts, I get to meet a lot of creative people, it does feel like things are happening in the creative community, but there is a need for more connection so that we all know about it and can connect.”
Lyric Amodia is a graduating Senior from Howard University and appeared on the Salon panel to discuss her work as the founder and CEO of The Movement Street, a non-profit that “uses creativity” often in the form of merchandise. The organization then raises awareness for various causes—the non-profit works in Detroit, Flint, Michigan, and the DMV area.
Amodia said her goal was always to “intersect sustainability, creativity, and social justice to help people directly and to use creative avenues to bring resources to communities.”
As a panelist, she had a great view of the event.
“I loved the panel so much, I loved the idea of the salon, I loved how intimate it was and how everyone came from such unique backgrounds to share some of the same experiences but also bring new ideas,” said Amodia.
Another Panelist, Mahidi Lawal, was pulling double duty as the Managing Editor of the Washington Informer Bridge and the founder and creator of his publication, Big Facts Magazine.
Lawal said on the panel, “I started it because I was interested in exploring deeper thought what truth meant. That’s what Facts meant [to me], and I just wanted to see it, the more absurd and esoteric, as well as highlighting art, music, and things in the culture that I just really appreciate.”
The first event featured support and attendance from Howard University and The University of the District of Columbia. However, Publisher and host Barnes clarified that they want to include other Universities in the area and ultimately opened the event to DMV high schoolers. Eventually, The Salon Team is working toward introducing young creatives and entrepreneurs to digital and arts training opportunities, internships, and jobs.
Kevin “Unkle Scooty” Hallums is a native Washingtonian and serial entrepreneur. Over his decades of experience in the artistic community, he has produced or co-founded events such as Rock Creek Social Club, Diet Starts Monday, Art Whino, and too many others to list. However, many don’t know he has worked in education in various capacities.
“My experience, having an educational background is the road to success is education, experience, and exposure, so events that we [The DC creative community] have like this can catapult the city to a whole new level,” said Hallums.
For information on sponsoring future Creative Salon events, contact: info@wibridgedc.com with the subject: Creative Salon. Also, sign-up for our creative database via www.wibridgedc.com/bridge-creators.
