“The program has had a tremendous impact on my professional practice by bringing together artists from diverse perspectives. The opportunity to exchange knowledge, gain insights, and receive valuable suggestions has been invaluable.”
—Mentwab Easwaran
Sparkplug Artists’ Collective, 2024
The
Workshop Series
A monthly cadence of workshops focused on advancing your artistic and professional practice.
The
Workshop
Series
A monthly cadence of workshops focused on advancing your artistic and professional practice.
“By offering resources, space, and community engagement, The DC Arts Center plays an essential role in uplifting local artists. It’s a place where artists can not only share their work but also find the encouragement needed to grow and evolve.”
—
Ahmad Al Khadi
Artist Member, 2024
At The DC Arts Center, we believe that greater access empowers every artist to reach their full potential. That’s why we’re offering more opportunities to learn from and connect with industry leaders—and if you’re an Artist Member, it’s free.
Next Workshop
Professional Development
Saturday, March 7, 2026 @ 3:00 PM
Unlocking the Art World: A Networking Guide
With Adrian Loving
Join DJ, producer, art educator, and author Adrian Loving for an inspiring and practical deep dive into what it takes to build lasting connections and a meaningful artistic presence. With over 20 years of experience navigating Washington, DC’s dynamic art scene—and beyond—Adrian will share insider tips, personal success stories, and the challenges he’s overcome to establish himself as a respected creative professional.
Whether you’re an emerging artist looking to expand your network or a seasoned creative seeking fresh strategies, this workshop offers real-world advice, actionable tools, and the chance to engage with a thriving community of artists. Learn how to strategically navigate the art world, foster relationships with key industry players, and create an artistic footprint that stands out.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from an artist who has successfully blended music, education, and visual storytelling into a multifaceted career.
Free for Artist Members.
$10 all others.
Registration required.
Facilitator Bio: Adrian Loving
Adrian Loving is a multifaceted arts professional with over 25+ years of experience in the global creative scene. He has curated exhibitions, music festivals, and public programming at renowned venues such as the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art (DC), The Andy Warhol Museum (PA), and Miami Art Week (FL). His global participation and leadership at cultural festivals have enriched his insights into contemporary art and dance music culture, informing his creative service to the community.
Loving’s recent book, Fade to Grey: Androgny, Style & Art in 80s Dance Music examines the intersection of gender, art, and fashion, focusing on iconic 1980s musicians including David Bowie, Grace Jones, and Prince. He has presented at notable conferences, including the Disco Conference at the University of Sussex and the Harvard/NYU Black Portraitures Conference in Johannesburg. His research into club culture has led to panel discussions such as Shoot to Thrill: Picturing Identity In Underground Dance Music and Walk The Night: Nightlife and Club Culture 1977-1990, further solidifying his expertise in this field. Additionally, he has appeared in the Henry Louis Gates PBS documentary Making Black America.
As a DJ & Producer, Adrian has performed domestically and internationally, including in Brazil, Spain, Malta and South Africa. His debut album, Inner Temples: Travelscapes Vol. 1, marks his first foray into producing a global music imprint on his label Field2Factory Music. His keen eye for talent in Jazz, Funk, Soul, and Afro-Diasporic music has been instrumental in curating events including the 3rd Annual Rock The Park DC: Weekender, featuring artists Jazzy Jeff, Moodymann, Just Blaze, Trouble Funk, and Lisa Shaw. Loving recently transitioned from an 11-year art faculty position at Georgetown Day High School to dedicate himself fully to art, events, and music production — furthering his positive impact on the cultural landscape.
Website: www.design-diversity.org
Instagram: @summerloving71
Our Design
The DC Arts Center is proud to offer a monthly series of workshops, conversations, and events designed to support artists in both their creative and professional growth. Led by established artists and industry leaders, these sessions provide practical, artist-to-artist insights that empower creatives of all backgrounds and experience levels. The Workshop Series features three dynamic tracks: Artistic Process, focusing on techniques, methods, and creative practices; Collector Conversations, offering insights into the art market and strategies for connecting with collectors; and Professional Development, covering essential skills like branding, networking, and the business of being an artist. Each session lasts approximately one hour, is interactive, and takes place in person at The DC Arts Center in Washington, D.C. Admission is free for Artist Members and just $10 for non-members. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow!
Artistic
Process
Whether you are looking to advance your own artistic process in a medium you love, or you’re looking to explore a new medium altogether, our Artistic Process workshops will provide you with new ways of creating. Join fellow artists in an interactive “doing” workshop as they walk you through their unique artistic process.
Next Up
Adrian Loving, Unlocking the Art World: A Networking Guide
March 7, 2026 @ 3:00 PM
Previous
Thu Anh Nguyen,Poetry as Verbal Painting
September 6, 2025
Lucas J. Rougeux,Professional Art Installer
The Art of Installation
March 22, 2025
Monica Jahan Bose, Storytelling With Saris
Swimming: Art & Poetry Workshop for Public Art Project
April 10, 2024
Pixie Alexander, The DC Arts Center Sparkplug Member
Exploring the Intersection of Movement and Art
July 16, 2023
Collector
Conversations
Meet and build relationships with some of DC’s most prominent collectors in our Collector Conversations workshops. These interactive dialogues offer artists the rare chance to meet and socialize with collectors of all kinds! These workshops are all about relationships and access.
Previous
Museum Walkthrough with Philip Barlow, Prominent DC Collector
May 7, 2023
Philip Barlow & Lisa Gilotty, Prominent DC Collectors
February 25, 2023
Profesional
Development
The Professional Development track offers artists the chance to advance their professional practice. Previous workshops have covered topics such as improving your artist statement and marketing yourself as an arts professional.
Previous
Jerry Truong, Documenting Your Art: Techniques for Artists
June 14, 2025
Briget Heidmous, What You've Done + What You're Doing: A Bio & Artist Statement Writing Workshop
April 19, 2025
Adrian Loving, Curator, Art Educator, DJ, Producer
Unlocking the Art World: A Networking Guide
February 21, 2025
Jerry Truong, Former Program Manager, The DC Arts Center
Documenting Your Artwork
April 21, 2024
Benedetta Castrioto, Curator, The DC Arts Center’s The Curatorial Initiative
Curating Labor and the Labor of Curation
March 2, 2024
Learn how you can join The Curatorial Initiative here.
Eric Celarier, Artist, Washington Sculptors Group
Elevating Your Elevator Speech
June 17, 2023
Danielle Glosser, Artist Advisor, Client Raiser
Top Ten Business Strategies for Artists
March 12, 2023
Jerry Truong, Former Program Manager, The DC Arts Center
Effective ARTiculation
December 4, 2022
Danielle Glosser, Artist Advisor, Client Raiser
Business of the Arts Q&A
November 6, 2022