No Kings Collective invited more than 100 artists and a slew of independent curators to a three-day art fair, and the group expects more than 12,000 guests to check out the show this weekend in Northwest D.C.
The fair, called “Umbrella,” is being held at Collection 14, a new 25,000-square-feet mixed-use development on W Street.
鈥淲e want art to be accessible to everyone,鈥� said Peter Chang, co-creator of the collective. 鈥淭he event is a second iteration of an event we did two years ago.鈥�
In 2019, Chang and fellow artist, Brandon Hill, launched a previous version of “Umbrella” to bring art to the masses. Change said the response to that pop-up art show was overwhelming.
鈥淲e had a ton of people come out and we realized that the high tide raises all ships,鈥� Chang said.
Chang said he and Hill were compelled to continue “Umbrella” because many unknown artists find it difficult getting their work in front of curators and high-end galleries.
鈥淲hen Brandon and I first started out, we would go to art galleries and they didn鈥檛 seem welcoming,鈥� Chang said. 鈥淲e just wanted to create an environment where people could really explore and support artists without that kind of atmosphere.鈥�
The event is free for everyone 鈥� visitors and vendors. It gives artists a chance to attract more followers and bounce back from the pandemic, Chang said.
鈥淥ne of our big mottos are don鈥檛 tax the people,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f you put in the hard work and you really hustle, you should be able to get where you want to get.鈥�
The art exhibit is , the district鈥檚 convention and sports authority.
“Umbrella” started at 6 p.m. Friday and ends Sunday night. Admission is free, but a ticket is required for entry. For free tickets, .
