INSIDE-LOOK-AT#PAINTTHESTOREFRONTS
Founder of Busboys and Poets Andy Shallal and local artists will discuss the role of art in activism and building community.
When it comes to activism, Busboys and Poets has always supported the DMV’s diverse communities. So it comes as no surprise that the restaurant group hired local artists to paint their storefronts – instead of boarding up – after an act of vandalism. This initiative, now known as #PaintTheStorefronts, has been adopted by other local businesses, including the National Landing BID and Jose Andres’ restaurants. This is a model on how to respond in moments of crisis — by amplifying the skills and creativity of the community. Now more than ever, this is an important lesson to learn.
Carol Rhodes Dyson will facilitate a conversation with some of the artists who have participated in the initiative — Mia DuVall, Luther Wright, and Luis Peralta Del Valle, and Andy Shallal — about how this effort came about, as well as the power that art has in supporting and healing communities. And don’t worry — we’ll have time to answer audience questions too!
This event will be streamed via Zoom. In order to participate fully, attendees should plan to join on the Zoom app via their computer, tablet, or mobile device with enough bandwidth to support viewing video.
May 14, 2026 6:00 pm
