Art Whino facts for kids

Art Whino is an art gallery located in National Harbor, Maryland. It started in 2007. The gallery helps artists who create a style of art called Lowbrow or Pop Surrealism. This art often has a fun, sometimes quirky, look. Art Whino shows art from many artists. These artists come from all over the U.S. and other countries.

The gallery also sells books and special toys related to this art style. Art Whino is very active in the art scene in Washington, D.C.. It also takes part in big art events. These events include Art Basel in Miami and New York Comic Con.

Art Whino's Story

Art Whino Gallery was started by Shane Pomajambo in 2007. It first opened in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Six months later, it moved to its current spot in Maryland. The first art show at Art Whino was on October 19, 2007. It featured art by Derrick Wolbaum.

Shane Pomajambo chose the name "Art Whino" because he loves this type of art. Since it began, Art Whino has worked with over 1200 artists.

Art Shows and Events

Art Whino holds many art shows in its gallery. They usually have 8 to 10 shows each year. Famous artists like Blaine Fontana and Aaron Jasinski have shown their work there.

Art Whino also brings Newbrow art to different communities. It has been part of many events. These include "Art in a Box" and the "Marcātus" art market. The gallery also joined the D.C. (e)merge Art Fair. In 2009, it was at Miami Art Basel. In 2012, it went to New York Comic Con.

In 2012, Art Whino started a new event called "Art without Borders." This project helps raise money and awareness for groups that provide help around the world.

G40 Art Summit

In March 2010, Art Whino held its first G40 art summit. This month-long event took place in Crystal City, Virginia. The goal was to bring together leaders in the Newbrow art style. They explored and discussed how this art movement was growing.

The summit showed art from all over the world. It also had music, live painting, and talks. The first G40 summit was held in an empty office building. It filled four floors with about 2,000 artworks by over 500 artists.

Art Whino held the second G40 summit in May 2011. This event was in a large building near the U Street area of Washington, D.C.. The first summit focused on Newbrow art. The 2011 summit included other art styles too. These included customized toys, skateboard art, and 3D installation art. This show also featured 20 artists who created large 16-foot murals.

In May 2012, Art Whino's third G40 summit focused on "Art of the Mural." That year, the G40 summit moved to Richmond, Virginia. It was the first event for Richmond's new art district. Art Whino invited 12 top mural artists from around the world. They painted 20 large walls across Richmond. There were also art shows in pop-up galleries. A group show featured over 500 artists.

Richmond Mural Project

The Richmond Mural Project started in 2012. It was created with help from R. Anthony Harris and the City of Richmond. This project brings mural artists from around the world to Richmond, Virginia, every year. The goal is to make Richmond a famous place for international murals. It also helps bring attention to the city.

Many of the walls chosen for murals were old or damaged. The project helps to improve the city. The Richmond Mural Project hopes to complete 100 murals in five years. Artists from Italy, California, Spain, Argentina, and other places have taken part.

Shane Pomajambo works with building owners to choose artists. He learns about the building and its history. Then he matches artists who can best show those feelings with paint. This event has become very popular. It has also led to other art events in Richmond. One mural, called "Moonshine," was ranked among the "Best Street Art in the World of 2013" by Buzzfeed.

Blind Whino

The Blind Whino church fully renovated

Blind Whino is a non-profit art center. It is located in a building that used to be an old church. This church, called Friendship Baptist Church, is in southwest Washington D.C. Art Whino Gallery bought the building in October 2012.

The building is very large, about 15,000 square feet. It was renovated to create an art-filled space for the community. People can learn and create art there. Famous artists HENSE and MEGGS designed the colorful outside and inside of the building.

The former church was empty for over 20 years. The transformation began in late 2012. The building changed from peeling white paint to a bright, multi-colored space. Ian Callendar, a co-founder of Blind Whino, said it's a place where "anything can happen." This includes theater, music, and jazz. A non-profit group called Dreaming Out Loud also works on the land outside Blind Whino. They help restore it for community use.

Art Books and Magazines

• Newbrow: 50 Contemporary Artists, published in August 2012.
• Whino Magazine, a magazine published four times a year. It covers all parts of Lowbrow and Newbrow art culture worldwide.