Are you familiar with Eastern Market Art Series & Teachings (EAST) at the Hill Center? It’s a program Adrian Gianforti started in January of 2017, dedicated to giving children ages 7-12 free arts instruction. The instruction is provided and generously donated by local artists– which we are lucky to have in abundance in the neighborhood. The workshops take place every first Sunday of the month at the Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Click here for more information.
EAST invites the community to a fundraiser this coming Sunday, June 3rd. There will be a hip hop creation workshop led by One Common Unity. Afterward, there will be a performance by the Fly By Light Performance Troupe, as well as a silent auction to benefit EAST. You can find out more details by clicking here.
When I asked Adrian what drove her to start a program like this one, she tells me, “My inspiration to reach out to different artists was originally due to working with artists when I was freelancing… I was fortunate enough to have some very talented people who believed in EAST and what I was trying to do early on–despite low turn outs at first! Working with creative people allows me to think about things differently – in work, my relationships, other projects, etc.”
Since it started, the program has grown by leaps and bounds. Currently, there is a roster of over 10 different artists and adding more each passing season.
EAST is possible in part thanks to a donation from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation and the CSX Mitigation Fund.
WHAT: EAST workshop and fundraiser
WHEN: Sunday, June 3, from 3-5 p.m.
WHERE: Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
WHY: Supporting the arts is pretty much the best thing ever.