The Evolve Urban Arts Project enriches the lives of residents, neighbors in the H Street Community, and Washington DC at large by providing free exhibition space to artists based in the metropolitan area.

The Project draws inspiration from the loft conversion movement – started by artists -- that transformed downtown New York City warehouses and industrial spaces into functional live/work studios. Decades later, the process of gentrification has promoted the loft lifestyle across America, but few reflect upon or celebrate the artistic roots of this movement. The Pierce School Lofts, home to Evolve Urban Arts Project, was itself an abandoned elementary school before being adaptively re-used as rental loft apartments. Evolve has chosen to honor the buildings’ history and the artistic heritage of the greater loft movement by creating the Urban Arts Project and giving artists center stage in the building’s public spaces.

The Project sponsors approximately five exhibitions a year in a variety of formats and mediums and is entirely philanthropic, taking no payment for use of the space. Artists may make their work available for purchase, or they simply may choose to share their work with the community. By acting as an incubator for artistic talent, the Project aims to make Washington, DC a more dynamic, creative and fascinating place to live.

Evolve Urban Arts Project is located in the Pierce School Lofts at 1375 Maryland, Ave.NE, in the H Street Arts and Entertainment District. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday from 1pm – 4pm; other times are readily available by appointment. In addition, artist receptions are generally scheduled with each new exhibition. To be notified of upcoming receptions, please click here. For further information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Eric Hope, the Project’s curator, at (202) 489-8160 or by email at eric@evolvedc.com To join our exhibitions mailing list, please click here to enter your email address.