by Gloria Chan, BloomBars Gallery Director
For the last two weeks, the BloomBars Gallery has been filled with incredible art, warmth, and support, as we ran our first ever silent auction, which raised about $3,500 to support the art programs that help all of us bloom.
On behalf of BloomBars, I want to say a huge THANK YOU! to all those who attended our opening and closing receptions, to our generous creators who donated their beautiful artwork, to our bidders who have given these works a home, and to all the volunteers who helped make this auction happen including: Carol Rhodes Dyson, Maritza Bandera, 
Lauren Meling, Gowri Koneswaran, Jonathan Branch, and Nilanga Jayasinghe.
To get BloomBars through the winter, we’ve received an outpouring of donations from local artists who donated their incredible works. Artist and educator Charles Jean-Pierre attended the opening reception with a few of his art students, including DC high school student Chris “AVION”, who assisted Jean-Pierre in painting “In Stride,” which sold at auction. “AVION” is also a rising hip hop artist who hopes to use the BloomBars space to share his work in the future. You can help support his blooms!
Another established artist J. Coleman made an appearance at our closing reception, after having generously donated several stunning large pieces to the space. Also in attendance were artists who showed their works for the first time, like Neha Misra, who also read her inspiring poems at our reception, and our artists from around the neighborhood Katie Campbell and Andrew Campbell. Jack Gordon, inspired by the community at BloomBars, has donated beautiful silk scarves, products of another community art initiative, the Firaisankina Silk Weavers Cooperative of Madagascar, to benefit BloomBars.
If you missed the auction, it’s not too late to support this bloomin’ space! Donate online to support BloomBars programming.
There is still stunning artwork remaining on our walls unsold, scarves from Madagascar, as well as other items. Please stop by BloomBars to view and purchase these items.
Remember You Bloom, We Bloom! In the spirit of holiday season, it is with a warm heart that I express gratitude for your continued support.
Much love from our Bloomin’ Gallery,
Gloria Chan
BloomBars Gallery Director
