Art, games, fashion and fun at Nov. 17 Van Ness “Crossing the Street” event

If you’ve been cursing the darkness since the change back to Standard Time, you might appreciate this chance to light up the night.

This Thursday, November 17th, from 6 to 11 p.m., “Crossing the Street Van Ness” will be held at the UDC Student Center (4200 Connecticut Avenue) and at locations up Connecticut Avenue to Veazey Terrace and Windom Place. Events include interactive art, music and social activities for all ages.

This is one of 15 sites around the District holding “Crossing the Street” events sponsored by the DC Office of Planning. OP announced in April that Van Ness would receive a $50,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation for “creative placemaking.”

“Crossing the Street” is curated by the Ward 8 Arts and Culture Council in consultation with UDC and Van Ness Main Street. The Ward 8 Council’s CEO and founder, Tendani Mpulubusi El, is the creative force behind the event. Here’s what’s in store:

The Light Stage

Experience live performances and graphic projections at the architecturally dynamic UDC Student Center, as it transforms into a stage powered by colorful rays of light.

Community Drop Cloth

Paint one of the large canvases set up along Connecticut Avenue.

Play Zone

Play Connect Four, checkers, Scrabble, Phase 10 and other classic games outside Giant.

Fashion Show

Experience the beauty of some of DC’s top designers. Featuring UDC’s very own Firebird Modeling Troupe and hosted by fashion guru Paul Wharton at the UDC Performing Arts Center.

So Much in Common

Meet us in front of the WAMU Radio lobby to mix and mingle with a diverse group of residents, stakeholder and students that frequent Van Ness.