DC Arts: Mount Rainier and the Gateway Arts District

No one has heard of Mount Rainier, even though it borders DC on the northeast side (Eastern and Rhode Island) – it’s the traffic circle town as you’re driving out Rhode Island (and incidentally was at one point the only U.S. city with a majority gay city council, as well as majority non-caucasian). But little Mount Rainier is becoming a little arts haven for a variety of unique projects under the auspices of the Gateway Arts District (also see this article “Building a Gateway“)

• Mount Rainier Artists Lofts – 44 affordable new housing units for artists with commercial space and studio space, including energy efficient design considerations
• HIP’s Artist Housing – 12 affordable renovated housing units for artists with studio space, including environmental design considerations
• Artmosphere Cafe – a coffee shop and artist exhibition space within the artist lofts, including regular music and arts on display
• Joe’s Movement Emporium – brand new dance studio space with classes, shows, and events
• Latin American Folk Institute – promotes the arts, music, and folklore of Latin America
• Jackson-Jarvis Studios – a well-known private artist featuring public, nature, and client based art

So, if you’re coming out this way, stop for a couple of hours and see the next up-and-coming artist enclave…