WASHINGTON, DC – Beginning December 5, ReCreative Spaces, a local arts incubator, will activate a Menkiti Group commercial property at 1613 Rhode Island Avenue, NE with visual, performing, and culinary arts. The programming, which is open to the public, will extend through May 2015.
ReCreative Spaces, headed by dancer Emily Arden Eakland and photographer John Munge Kagia, partnered with the Menkiti Group earlier this year to position ReCreative Spaces as an “arts incubator-in-residence,” utilizing the Menkiti Group’s portfolio of commercial property to incorporate art and creativity into the strategic development of emerging neighborhoods. “Our partnership with ReCreative Spaces is core to our central mission of transforming urban neighborhoods into thriving, diverse communities,” stated Bo Menkiti, CEO of the Menkiti Group.
The Friday December 5 launch party at the commercial property in the heart of the Woodridge main street will include a preview of the inaugural gallery show by DC artist Kanchan Balsé, music by DJ M Dot, performances by the DC Youth Slam Team, pour over coffee bar by Zeke’s Coffee, a sampling of food and beverages from local partners, and art activities. The event will also feature remarks from Bo Menkiti and D.C. Councilmember David Grosso.
Earlier this year ReCreative Spaces successfully partnered with the Menkiti Group to launch its incubator concept in a North Michigan Park commercial space. The team successfully converted an empty storefront into a neighborhood hub of creativity. “Seeing this partnership come to life has exceeded our wildest expectations. We can’t wait to open our ‘new’ doors and offer even more space for arts and community programming,” stated Emily Arden Eakland. The move to the Rhode Island Avenue space will allow ReCreative Spaces to double in size and impact, and to further the revitalization of the Rhode Island Avenue NE corridor.
About the Menkiti Group
The Menkiti Group is a real estate services company dedicated to transforming lives and communities in the Washington, DC area. The Menkiti Group is focused on strengthening neighborhoods through the strategic development, management, and sale of real estate in urban markets. The company has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing private companies in America for the past four years. For more information on the Menkiti Group, visit www.menkitigroup.com
About ReCreative Spaces
ReCreative Spaces is a place for communities to gather and share their passion for art of all kinds. We foster creativity, collaboration, and community by making space for art in underused and unlikely spaces.
Contact:
Stephanie Liotta Atkinson
202.808.8243