Creatives

**Vest of Many Colors - the Artistic Artifact Design (2 day class)** Friday, March 6 & Saturday, March 7, 2026 10:30 am – 4:30 pm, ½ hour lunch break each session Artistic Artifacts will host Fit for Art Patterns three times this year: you can end 2026 with amazing custom, perfectly fit garments! In this first class, create an artistic vest using their Tabula Rasa jacket pattern. Vests are a great way to use a special fabric in a terrific way, so let’s get started. Fit for Art’s Rae and Carrie designed a vest using the **[Tabula Rasa Jacket pattern](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/tabula-rasa-jacket-pattern-by-fit-for-art)**, using some of the beautiful Cotton Ikat Artistic Artifacts imports from India, Judy and her team loved it, and now it’s your turn to make your own version! As always, this class will begin with fit, bring a TRJ Mockup and pattern pieces, or have a sizing and stitch up a sample on day one to assure your vest will be just your size! Visit our website for complete details, to view your student supply list and to register for this exciting class: **[https://artisticartifacts.com/products/vest-of-many-colors-with-fit-for-art](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/vest-of-many-colors-with-fit-for-art)**

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

First Fridays Art Walk is a monthly evening dedicated to creativity, connection, and community. Stroll through local galleries and studios, meet artists, enjoy rotating exhibitions, live art, and immersive experiences all while supporting the local arts scene. Come curious, stay inspired. Event details will be in the Ladies Group in WhatsApp. Join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/H533SlZi8h70XjkN6iSEws?mode=gi_t

Let's take advantage of the great weather predicted for Friday evening and take a walk around Dupont Circle for the traditional First Friday Art Walk. (This is ArtHouse's walk led by me.) We'll start at Washington Studio School (WSS) for the exhibition opening of ***Gleaners***, a collaboratively curated exhibition brings together 15 artists from the **Otis Street Arts Project** in Mount Rainier, Maryland. We'll also head to Hillyer in the alley behind the Phillips for Absence of Us, an interdisciplinary, long-term project that transforms used garments into narratives of memory, identity, and resilience by Esha Sadr. Other highlights include Studio Gallery for its upstairs/downstairs shows and the the new Vika Gallery for the closing of Vian Borchert's beautiful show (pictured top). We'll see after that what we have time for and where we head. Will give a couple dinner options for those interested after. Not sure of the exact order yet after WSS so will update Friday. Join any time.

Some questions cannot be answered by Google or AI because Curanderismo has been an oral tradition passed down from generation to generation. What would you ask to an Elder Shaman who is a Recognized Elder in an evening of connection and social gathering over tea and cookies? Join us Friday, March 6th from 6pm-8pm for a special opportunity to meet Maestra Ixtoii Paloma Cervantes and ask questions that you have regarding Shamanism, Energy Healing, Energy Balancing, Curanderismo Rituals such as traditional Energy Cleansings like Limpias, Limpias with herbs, Candles, or Walking the Shaman path in the Curanderismo Tradition. Tea and cookies will be provided. **About Ixtoii Paloma Cervantes: Maestra Ixtoii Paloma** is an elder, instructor, or “Maestra” of the Curanderismo Tradition and also a full-time Curandera and Shaman. She was born and raised in Mexico into the tradition. She started working full-time as a Curandera in the 1980’s. In the late 90’s she moved to the UK and then to California (USA) where she kept her practice and started to teach Mexican Shamanism and Curanderismo and other spiritual modalities. Now not only does she teach in California, but also in other states and countries. It is important to know that she is not an anthropologist or historian. Paloma learned from her teachers in the ancient way, “oral tradition”. \*IMPORTANT NOTE: Paloma is a Mexican Shaman who believes that "medicine plants" are helpful to some people only when used properly in ceremonies. The use of any conscious expanding plant or animal medicines should only be used with the strict and loving guidance of an experienced facilitator. She does not allow the use of any plants, brews, ceremonial tobacco, recreational drugs, alcohol, cannabis, etc. in her workshops or healing ceremonies. Please do not use these before or during her events and services. If you do so you will be asked to leave the event immediately and without a refund. For medicinal plant or animal medicine guidance, please arrange for a private consultation to discuss your particular needs and expectations. **Details** Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit#5 Arlington VA 22205 (We are located on the second floor above trade roots coffee shop. Must enter on the side of the building and go upstairs) Our studio is located in the westover village in Arlignton VA a walkable neighborhood with plenty of street parking.(Please arrive early to set up your spot we will start on time, space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe) Energy Exchange: $17 Time 6pm-8pm (two hour long) Info: healing@curanderasheart.com [www.curanderasheart.com](http://www.curanderasheart.com/) 703\. 531\.7046 call or text \*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds for missed or cancelled reservations.\*\*\*\*

It's that time again! Come on out to meet new and old friends and soak in the nerdery, the excellent cosplay, and the vibes. I'm still in a boot, but my cane and I will be shuffling around to hang out with all of you! We'll do an official gathering on Saturday -- stay tuned for details closer to the event. And we can use this event page to check in and keep each other updated on the good stuff we're seeing all weekend. **Event information including ticket info is here: https://blerdcon.org/** Hope to see you there! \*\*\*SATURDAY MEETUP\*\*\* 12:00 pm 4:00 pm If you want to swing by and say hi to your fellow Nerdizens, these are times to gather -- tentatively in the back of the lobby area on the couches next to the bar. I'll add a note with more identifying details on the day of.

Join us for a calm and cozy afternoon of creating together at Oakton Library. This is a relaxed social art meetup, not a class. No instruction, no pressure. Just time to focus, draw, paint, and connect. We’re keeping this one intentionally small: **Maximum 10 seats** for a more intimate creative space. 🗓 First Saturday of every month 🕐 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM 📍 Oakton Library *** ✨ **What to Expect** This is quiet, focused art time with light conversation. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, you’re welcome. You’re free to come late or leave early. *** 🖌 **What to Bring** Bring any materials you enjoy working with. Keep setups clean and easy for a shared public space. Suggested items: * Sketchbook or loose paper * Pencils, pens, markers, crayons * Small watercolor or gouache setup * iPad or tablet * Crochet, journaling, calligraphy — any quiet creative work is welcome Please avoid messy materials or anything with strong odors. *** 📌 **Important** Seats are limited to 10. Please RSVP to reserve your spot. If you RSVP and can’t make it, let us know so someone else can join.

THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER **PRE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED**. PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER: https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-03-08-art-creativiy-at-renwick-gallery Expand your creativity and vision at the Renwick Gallery. You’ll find unique photographic opportunities as we explore various the styles of art and mediums on display. We’ll focus on capturing details of the artwork in unique, unusual and abstract ways. Learn to see multiple photographic opportunities within an individual piece of art. Our goal is not necessarily to document the artwork but to find creative approaches using perspective, depth of field, focus, and subject isolation. Learn how to: \- Explore unusual angles and perspectives \- Isolate portions of a subject for creative interpretations \- Using depth of field to simplify your compositions \- Use the background to enhance the subject Recommended Gear; A DSLR or mirrorless camera, lenses covering the range 18-200mm. No tripods allowed. Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com. Class Limit: 8 *** • Important to know THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER **Pre-Registration is required.** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-03-08-art-creativiy-at-renwick-gallery

Many popular movies about flying machines bear the title “Drones,” but this isn’t one of them. No, this is a little-known gem about love in the workplace possibly leading to the destruction of planet Earth. Witty writing, solid acting, and slick direction all work together in this movie like bees in a hive, which coincidentally is the point of the title. The cubicle-bound employees of a vast corporation attend to their various tasks, each contributing to the productivity of the whole. But wait – is one of these workers not like the others? And if so, what is this person’s true agenda? When the answers to these questions arrive, the story gets hilariously crazy. The R rating is earned strictly by occasional rude language in this dialogue-driven production, and bluntly your host thinks PG-13 would have been sufficient. ■ Title — *Drones* ■ Director — Amber Benson, Adam Busch ■ Cast — Angela Bettis, Jonathan M. Woodward, Samm Levine ■ Rated R for language ■ ©2010 \| 1h 38m \| Comedy\, Fantasy ■ Distributed by Quiver Entertainment

Storytelling Open Mic at Library. Sign up list goes out at 1:00 p.m Each performer will get 6 minutes to tell their story via Microphone. A true story. If you don't want to tell a story this time around, feel free to come enjoy the storytellers and relax. If you need to cancel, please change your status to "will not attend."

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

DC Code and Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. It's community-led and community-run by devs, for devs. People of all skill levels attend. Whether you’re dev-curious, aspiring, or a professional developer, we’d love to have you! Come chat or learn to code on a Sunday afternoon with coffee and cool-inclusive people. Bring your laptop! We typically meet every month on the weekend. **Join our online community!** For all things Tech in DC and to get latest updates and tech events from the DMV area, join the [DCTech Slack](https://dctech.chat/). All DC Code & Coffee announcements are in the #dccodecoffee channel **How it works** Near the beginning of the event, we do an introduction circle. You say your name, what you can help others with, and what you would like help with. You can also share job opportunities. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized. **Event Host and Directions** We are meeting in the big meeting room at the back of the library.

Expect a fun afternoon of drawing and socializing with like-minded artists! Although each Session is 3 hours, feel free to drop in as your schedule permits. This is a casual gathering, and we know that people might only be able to stay a little while -- drop in, and stay, as long as you are having fun, and as your day allows. **Note: about RSVP's, please respect the RSVP process. If you RSVP YES, you are commited and we are all looking to seeing you. If your plans change however, that's OK, but please be courteous and change your RSVP to NO. We are reaching the headcount limit regularly now and it is rude to take a spot and not relinquish it if your plans change... Respect others; don't be rude. Thank you for your cooperation**. All skill levels are welcome -- this is not a competition. This Group and all its Events are intended to be in equal parts, Drawing/Art AND Socializing. As such, conversation is expected and encouraged. ***However, in all cases, please refrain from discussion of Political topics.*** Our goal is enjoyment, in the form of drawing together while socializing, and political conversation is too polarizing for that to happen. We are looking forward to seeing you there! **Note (in parting): Be aware, and keep in mind that our group, meeting as it does at Starbucks, depends on this business's generosity for the space it allows us. As such, please make a point of purchasing something from the business to express our appreciation as a group using their facility. If you are experiencing hardship and can't afford a modest purchase, get my attention discreetly, and arrangements will be made with no judgment whatsoever. Thank you for your understanding... Michael (your host)**

Let’s hang out and journal together, trade stationary and stickers, and have a good time! Please note, we do not have a reservation, so we will do our best to find some good spots when we get there.

**AI-Supported Creative Exploration** *For Unassuming Intuitives & Practicing Creatives* (Please note that this event has not been organized or endorsed by The Writer's Center.) This meetup is part of AI as Creative Partner — A Practice Group, a set of open, non-sequential creative labs you can join at any point. We use AI as a thinking partner—not to replace your ideas, but to help surface and shape them without overthinking or pressure. You bring fragments—ideas, impulses, unfinished concepts. With AI as a supportive collaborator, we explore how those fragments can become clearer, more coherent, and ready to share if and when you want to. No technical background is required. If you can talk or type, that's enough to work with AI here. This session is intentionally low-commitment and flexible: * Arrive late or leave early * Work quietly or observe * Ask questions, or simply watch the process unfold There's no presentation and no expectation to finish anything. Showing up as you are is enough. **FINDING WHAT HAS ENERGY - CREATIVE DIRECTION LAB** Many people don't struggle with ideas—they struggle with direction. This open lab is loosely oriented around noticing which ideas have energy and which ones don't, using AI as a reflective partner. There's no expectation to finish anything. This session is about sensing, testing, and trusting what responds. **HOW TO FIND US** Look for the room with the door open on the lower level. Look for the guy with the screen projector and ambient light and sound. Feel free to just walk in and settle. **(*This is an independent meetup using rental space at The Writer's Center. The Writer's Center has not organized or endorsed this event.*)**

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – March 11th Business Presentation** **Featuring Q Studio** **Wednesday \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for an engaging and forward-thinking presentation as we welcome **Q Studio** to the 1 Million Cups Loudoun stage. *** ## **About the Business** Q Studio operates on the belief that **peak mental performance** is a state of optimal functioning — where individuals intentionally control their thoughts, understand their emotions, and respond with clarity and wisdom to opportunities and challenges. Through science-backed **Mind Skills**, Q Studio helps individuals strengthen focus, resilience, emotional regulation, and performance. Their digital platform, the **MyQStudio app**, provides unlimited access to micro-learning courses, personalized assessments, practical techniques, habit-building tools, progress tracking, and a supportive member community — all designed to build sustainable mental excellence. Beyond individual development, Q Studio partners with organizations to help teams integrate Mind Skills into everyday work. With customizable tools, reporting, and expert guidance, companies gain insight into how developing Mind Skills as a core competency drives engagement and performance at every level. *** ## **Target Markets** Q Studio serves: * Organizations seeking workforce upskilling * HR and talent development leaders * Corporate teams focused on engagement and performance * Businesses looking to strengthen leadership and team resilience *** ## **Current Business Focus & Barrier** As Q Studio continues to expand, they are seeking feedback around: * Hiring strategic personnel * Expanding market reach * Scaling sustainably * Strengthening positioning in B2B markets Insight from leaders who have scaled teams, grown SaaS or app-based platforms, or expanded into new markets would be especially valuable. *** ## **Why Attend?** * Learn how mental performance directly impacts workforce success * Offer insight to a growing, innovation-driven company * Connect with business leaders focused on growth and development * Be part of a collaborative, solutions-oriented conversation **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us for coffee, connection, and a powerful conversation about unlocking peak performance in individuals and organizations. We look forward to seeing you there.

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 7pm-7:15pm: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 7:15pm-8:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 8:45pm-9pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :)

Let’s Spring Forward! We will be holding our next meetup Sunday, March 8 🎶 Come connect w your fellow creatives , try out your works, and bring a friend! ✨ Accompanist , two pianos, and organ available RSVP by Tuesday 3/3/26

**Looking for a group you can write with *whilst sipping your fave coffee*?** ☕✍️ Then come join **Shut Up & Write!** on **Saturday, March 21st from 1:30pm to 4:00pm** at **Ridgetop Coffee & Tea**! Whether you're cranking out a novel, journaling, looking for new friends, or just trying to get that stubborn paragraph right—we’ve got a cozy seat and a supportive group waiting for you! **No critiques, no peer review, no pressure—just a chill space to get words on the page.** 📝 **What to expect:** 1:30–2:00pm – Grab your coffee or tea, find your seat, and meet your fellow writers. 2:00pm–3:30pm – Silent, focused writing time 3:30–4:00pm – Debrief, celebrate any writing wins, commiserate on any obstacles, and head out feeling accomplished. **RSVP Info:** The room seats only 8 people comfortably! RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot!! If you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation **ASAP** so those on the wait list are able to RSVP and attend!!! **Meeting Room:** Enter the coffee shop, walk straight towards the play area and on your left you will see a meeting room just past the bathrooms. The room has a TV, white board, and walls are painted green. **What to Bring:** Whatever helps you focus, and be productive. There is a wall outlet at each end of the room, so you're able to bring your laptop to write. You're welcome to bring headphones if you enjoy listening to music while working. **Parking & Accessibility:** there is a large parking lot out front and it is free! There are no stair cases when entering the coffee shop or when inside. This coffee shop is incredibly spacious with many seating options. If you have any questions, please message me through MeetUp. I'm happy to help. **Dietary Information:** many GF, Vegan, and SF options. Just ask your barista when ordering for specifics! Can’t wait to see you there! 🎉