WASHINGTON, DC (August 15, 2017) – Events DC, the official convention and sports authority, will host the RFK Campus Block Party, in partnership with Blind Whino and visual artist, Naturel. The free, family-friendly community celebration kicks off the school year and shows appreciation for our neighbors. Backpacks donated by Trusted Health Plan will be given to Total Family Care Coalition during the pre-event backpack drive.
The Block Party will also unveil the remodeled Skate Park at RFK Stadium (formerly Maloof Skate Park), with a full-surface mural designed by Naturel, and showcase an interactive art wall, provided by Blind Whino, for attendees to express their creativity. Additional event features include open skate sessions, music with live performances by Black Alley and Alison Carney, food trucks and a variety of activities for all ages.
Watch the behind-the-scenes art installation trailer here. The full 10-minute video on the beautification project will be released to the Events DC YouTube channel after the RFK Campus Block Party.
Full-surface mural design (12,000 feet)
Attendees are encouraged to bring their skates, skateboards, etc., and RSVP for the RFK Campus Block Party at http://RFKBlockParty.EventBrite.com.
WHEN: Sunday, August 20, 2017, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Skate Park at RFK Stadium (Lot 3) | 2400 East Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC 20034
SPECIAL GUESTS:
- Naturel, visual artist
- Mountain Dew Skate Team’s Chris Colbourn and Jordan Maxham
- Darren Harper, professional skateboarder
- Black Alley, “soul garage” band
- Alison Carney, singer
- DJ Flava, WKYS
VISUALS:
- Open skate and skate/skateboard demonstrations
- B-Boy dance battle
- Pole vault demonstrations and lessons by DC Vault
- Kids Zone activities
- Backpack drive distribution by Ballou High School football team volunteers
About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy that generates over $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the Stadium-Armory campus, which includes Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and surrounding Festival Grounds, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and Maloof Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and now serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. The most recent addition is Gateway DC, an innovative and versatile space featuring a covered and open-air pavilion in the center of a 1-acre park, conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com and find us on social media – Facebook (Events DC), Twitter (@TheEventsDC and @TheEventsDC_SED for the Sports, Entertainment and Special Events Division), and Instagram (@EventsDC).
About Naturel
Lawrence “Naturel” Atoigue is a Maryland-native whose futuristic work—a blend of pop and cubism with a surrealist twist—quickly emerged in today’s contemporary art scene. With a massive social media following, Naturel’s talents have also attracted the eyes and ears of celebrity clients such as Jay-Z, Spike Lee, Paul Rosenberg, and LeBron James, among many others. He has also served as a Creative Collaborator for global campaigns like Fiat and Puma, as well as multi-national brands like Pepsi and the National Basketball Association.
About Blind Whino
With over 15,000+ square feet of space dedicated to community-based arts programming alongside notable art institutions and organizations, multiple rooms to host cultural and corporate events and activities, and an organic, urban farm that grows and serves local food markets throughout the region, SW Arts Club will continue its mission to be an accessible arts environment with multiple experiential opportunities to enhance your cultural palette. Housed in the historic Friendship Baptist Church, built in 1886, the facade showcases an eclectic use of Victorian and Romanesque architectural styles combined with Gothic Revival and Queen Anne elements. The facility was re-imagined in October 2012 by artist HENSE and later re-purposed in August 2013 as Blind Whino. In 2017, we will continue to serve as the city's most hidden gem in the arts and cultural community and truly provide our gallery space for all.
