Announcing Mars Arts D.C.: Virtual—Creator’s Notebook

To find success as an independent artist, there are many roles one must fulfill, including creator, leader, producer, and performer. Starting in July and continuing through the next year, Mars Arts D.C.: Virtual will be exploring each of these roles through several series featuring D.C.-based art and artists who not only survive but thrive and develop their craft along with their careers. Utilizing the breadth of possibilities in virtual programming, Mars Arts D.C.: Virtual aims to inform and enhance the artistic experience, shining a light on all that goes into the art we consume on a daily basis.

Beginning in July 2021, the first of these series, Creator’s Notebook, focuses on the role from which it pulls its name: the creator. The series of four short films profiles singer-songwriter Justin Trawick, visual artist Khalid Thompson, musician and storyteller Be Steadwell, and photographer and DJ Violetta Markelou in multi-faceted origin stories spanning their motivations as artists and inspirations for their work, and defining what it means to bring original art into the world. Join us for a week-long deep dive into the creative process, each culminating in a performance or presentation of the work in the intimate settings of St. Vincent Wine, Art of Noize, Lee’s Flower Shop, and Common Thread @ Union Market, respectively.

Each film will premiere on Washington Performing Arts’s website, YouTube channel, Facebook Page, and Instagram—plus, follow Washington Performing Arts (@washingtonperformingarts) on Instagram for exclusive artist interviews, takeovers, behind-the-scenes content, and more throughout the month of July 2021!

JUSTIN TRAWICK
Filmed at St. Vincent Wine
Premiered Tuesday, July 27 at 8pm ET

Singer-songwriter Justin Trawick uses the power of songwriting in his creative process to preserve memories, motivate action, and inspire hope.

Now Streaming

KHALID THOMPSON
Filmed at Art of Noize
Premiered Wednesday, July 28 at 8pm ET

Abstract painter Khalid Thompson bridges the worlds of jazz music and visual art through his creative practice of intuitive painting.

Now Streaming

BE STEADWELL
Filmed at Lee’s Flower Shop
Premiered Thursday, July 29 at 8pm ET

Singer-songwriter Be Steadwell redefines the typical love song while showcasing her creative approach to music making and storytelling.

Now Streaming

VIOLETTA MARKELOU
Filmed at Common Thread @ Union Market
Premiered Friday, July 30 at 8pm ET

Photographer and DJ Violetta Markelou navigates her multi-medium artistic journey, intertwining sight and sound in her creative process.

Now Streaming

Creator’s Notebook is made possible through the generous support of Gary and Silvia Yacoubian and SVS Home Audio.

Mars Arts D.C. is a partnership of Mars, Incorporated and Washington Performing Arts, with support from Jacqueline Badger Mars.

Thank you to the following lead supporters of Washington Performing Arts’s mission-driven work in 2020/21: Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars, Incorporated; D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities; Betsy and Robert Feinberg; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs Program and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts; Tom Gallagher; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; and the Dallas Morse Coors Foundation for the Performing Arts.