We are so happy with the turn out for our first event! It was more successful than we could have asked for. The Gather team worked very hard on this and it will always be a day very close to our hearts. We couldn't have done it without all the amazing creatives who decided to share this experience with us and participate in our Mark Your Mark event. Check out the link below for pictures from the event!
MaKE your
mark
CREATIVES
KAREN PALSDOTTIR
Karen Ösp Pálsdóttir is a Maryland based painter. Born in Reykjavík Iceland, Pálsdóttir received her BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art in 2013. Pálsdóttir is a co-founder of FÍLE, an international organization for Icelandic art students. Her paintings have been exhibited in galleries in Baltimore, Washington DC, and Reykjavík and have been featured in various publications such as New American Paintings, SFMOMA and Hyperallergic. Most recently, Pálsdóttir has been exploring subjects through a Cobalt Blue lens in her monochromatic oil paintings.
TAKE A SWEET
Hello! My name is Kim Rodas, owner & creator of Take a Sweet. Take A Sweet was created a little over two years ago when I decided to quit my full time job to become a stay at home mom. I remember growing up watching my mom bake all sorts of cakes when I was little so with so much free time I decided to give baking a try. What once was a hobby soon became a passion and on its own developed into a small business. Take A Sweet offers cakes, cupcakes, and seasonal sweets that are light, fluffy and never too sweet! We truly appreciate all the love and support and are forever grateful with everyone who allows us to be a part of their special day.
MURJONI
As a black woman artist from Maryland, Murjoni has found that the best way to create and talk about moments of black bodies is through art, especially claywork. As a student from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), Murjoni creates sculpted beings that are based around real people and real experiences. Her work addresses and eliminate stereotypes through clay portraits and video work. With this, she enjoys going against the European standards of “beauty” that are placed upon people of color. (light skin, petite figure,etc.), and normalizing what is natural about black bodies; loving and accepting them as they come.
Through the artwork, connections and reflections with herself and others based on shared experiences. Continuing her craft, she plans to continue eliminating stereotypes and prejudices while uplifting the black community.
ISABEL BEATRIZ
Isabel Beatriz, or BeaaLove (Bey - ya - Love) on Instagram is a proud Latina from El Salvador and Guatemala, currently residing in MD / DC. She is an aspiring fashion designer and overall fashion enthusiast. She is self-taught at sewing and later went to school to get a degree in fashion design at Marymount University. She makes custom garments for herself and for clients and has recently started selling clothing on her website with a few garments right now but is hoping to be releasing more soon.
KELSEY NIETO
My name is Kelsey Nieto and I am a 26 year old artist born and raised in Maryland. I began to draw as a child, and continued learning through college. With the support of my parents, I was able to major in Studio Art at Montgomery College to further my education, and continue to pursue my dreams. I specialize in oil paintings and pencil drawings with a main focus in figure art and still life. As an artist, I want to use my art to portray the beauties of the world, giving my viewers a reminder of why it’s such a beautiful thing to be creative and to feel inspired.
LUCI GUTIERREZ
Luci Gutierrez is a 31 year- old Nicaraguan native who resides in the suburbs of Virginia. Taking influence from Frida Kahlo, David Hockney and Rubén Dario, while. Infatuated with color, she has always wanted to capture the audience attention with color, hues, and textures. Newly introduced to the local art scene in the DMV, Luci, hopes to captivate the audience’s minds, dreams and emotions throughout in her images.
ALEJANDRA SAMAYOA
I have recently been committed to putting my talents out on social media. It’s a bit nerve wrecking but why not. As a creative artist I present you talents from being an artist, a cook, and an entertainer since I’m so called “funny.” I make videos/skits on my YouTube channel. I paint when I want to meditate, and cook when I want to be in my zone. It’s who I’ve been since I can remember. I’m joyful, and take pride in what I’ve became. This is just the beginning for me. With this being said, I would like to take the moment to appreciate every single individual who supports me whether it comes down to my art work, giving me likes, views, and comments, or simply for the support. I spread love to you all!
LUCI GUTIERREZ
Luci Gutierrez is a 31 year-old Nicaraguan native who resides in the suburbs of Virginia. She takes influence from Frida Kahlo, David Hockney and Rubén Dario. Infatuated with color, she has always wanted to capture the audience attention with color, hues, and textures. Newly introduced to the local art scene in the DMV, Luci, hopes to captivate the audience’s minds, dreams and emotions throughout in her images.
ELOTERIA DMV
Eloteria was founded in May of 2019 by Lupe & Vania, two Mexican-American sisters that wanted to bring Mexican street food, antojtos, to the DMV. Growing up in Maryland these antojitos were hard to find. So, they decided to go mobile and bring elotes locos, mangonadas, mango flor, and more to everyone that desires them!
performers
DJ YANI
Yanira Navarrete, 30, has a dream of one day becoming a well known DJ/producer and being able to travel the world to DJ for thousands of people. Her DJ name is DJ Yani originating from her real name. Shes had a passion for all music since a little girl. She specializes in creating a nightlife of dance especially global bass music such as afrobeats, dance pop, house, moombahton, trap music you can get lost in and feel alive. Currently she is building her fan base as a DJ and building her empire as a professional DJ. Stay tuned for more of DJ Yani.
DJ BABYMAMI
Born and raised in the DMV, Sandy Lee is a multifaceted mother/creative. DJs under the name BabyMami, with a few musical projects dropping soon under the same name. Part of a local female creative collective @Mami.Ent who specialize in creating a musical platform for all creatives of color. Currently based in NYC for all your creative needs. Catch her in DC this summer for some of her live sets this year!
VALERIE
A 90’s baby from Inglewood California, setting the scene with soft vocals over trap beats. I hope to share who I am with the help of my music which is filled with love, passion and confidence.
VALERIE
SMONGIE
SMONGIE
Hi, I’m Smongie. DMV artist on the rise. Mixing some jazz/r&b with bass/trap beats with words that make you feel. Ride my wave, it’s a good time.
