The Origins of Art on the Avenue.
What began with a handful of artists 30 years ago is now a blockbuster event
City co-chair Joe Pettiford, Congressman Jim Moran, Judge John Kloch, State Senator Bob Calhoun and Civic co-chair Gayle Todsen Reuter at the 1993 On the Avenue Block Party.
In an effort to bring Del Ray out of its economic depression of the 1980s, the City began offering grants to restore properties. Using grant funding, Dennis Reeder restored the property at 2003 Mt. Vernon Avenue. To celebrate its completion in 1991, he threw a block party in front of his building with the help of community leaders like Nancy Dunning and the generosity of local businesses such as Jack Taylor Toyota. The event, which included food and music, proved wildly popular, and the City paired with civic leaders to continue the parties over the next few years, culminating with the Del Ray Centennial Parade in the fall of 1994. When the “On the Avenue Block Party” ended, the community was looking for something to replace it.
Inspiration from Michigan
Local civic leader Pat Miller had recently moved to the neighborhood and inspired by a street art fair in Ann Arbor, Michigan, she launched “Art on the Avenue” in 1996. With only a handful of artists available, she invited various vendors from Eastern Market and other D.C. markets to fill out the event. Initially, Police Chief David Baker minimized charges to the event, and Forum One sponsored children’s activities. The local support allowed the event to thrive and grow. For the second year, Paul Haire and local realtor Patty Miller (not to be confused with civic leader Pat Miller) took over the event. Patty was well connected in the art community and expanded the event, beginning juried entries of artists. Pat Miller stepped back in for the subsequent years to help the event continue.
Now a Magnet for Thousands
The event has grown exponentially since its early days. Originally having only few artists in three blocks managed by two volunteers, it now has more than 600 artists applying for 325 positions in ten blocks and requires 250 volunteers to manage all the activities. The amount of food, music and activities have all expanded. Costs incurred by the organizers have grown ten-fold, including around $30,000 paid in fees paid to the City. Thanks to the continued support of the community, Art on the Avenue remains a thriving annual event which not only brings the community together but also exposes a variety of other people to our wonderful neighborhood.