Join us for a colorful cultural experience! Experience the vibrant fusion of AAPI culture & creativity at this fun and engaging sip & paint.
Celebrate AAPI Month and join us for an enchanting evening of art and culture at the "Heritage Hues: An Asian Pacific Heritage Sip & Paint Celebration" hosted by artist instructor Cary Michael, CEO of Artbae, and co-hosted by Aliya Duran of Mindbolic Studios.
On Wednesday, May 1st, the first day of Asian Pacific Heritage Month, Arts'tination at the National Harbor will be transformed into a haven for creativity and celebration. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Asian culture as Cary Michael guides participants in painting a stunning lotus flower on a circular canvas. For an added a touch of magic, LED lights will be incorporated into the artwork.
This event is FREE and open to the public, inviting individuals of all backgrounds to come together and embrace the rich heritage of the Asian Pacific community.
Complimentary snacks including charcuterie, water, ginger lemonade, and a signature cocktail with an edible flower will also be provided while supplies last (please arrive early to savor the flavors).
All painting supplies will be provided with your RSVP. This event is free for all attendees.
We look forward to seeing you there!
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Cary Michael, CEO, Artbae
Cary Michael is an interdisciplinary and mixed media artist from Mobile, Alabama, and is now based in Washington D.C. He earned his BS in Fine Arts from Florida A&M University and MA in Design Management from Savannah College of Art and Design. While at Florida A&M, Cary served as Founder and President of the FAMU Fine Arts Society while working as a graphic artist for Tallahassee’s Brogan Museum.
In 2018, Cary founded Artbae (“Art Before Anything Else”) – an award-winning arts education, advocacy, and events organization based in Washington D.C. Artbae facilitates “sip and paint” events, group and intimate paint parties, art therapy events, and unique art buying opportunities for professionals, residents and visitors in the Washington D.C. and greater DMV area.
In 2020, Artbae was named Emerging Creative Winner in Washington D.C.’s 35th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. Since then, Cary and Artbae have been recipients of numerous grants and awards, including the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC) Artist Fellowship grant, National Black Arts Project Relief Fund grant, and the D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities (DCCAH) Fellowship grant, as well as DCCAH’s Projects, Event and Festival Grant. Cary became the winner of GAIN Power’s Powerful IDEA award for Transformational Talent and Leaders (artist category)in 2022, and recently became the recipient of the Creative Spirit Award at Creative Suitland’s inaugural Cultural Arts Gala in 2023.
Cary Michael’s artwork has been featured in the 2016 BET Awards, Harlem Fine Arts Show, the African American Civil War Museum, and various other exhibits, including permanent collections, throughout the Washington D.C. metro area, New York, New Jersey, Alabama, and Florida. Cary enjoys planning events and exhibitions that inspire courage – and is passionate about promoting equity and sustainable living, improving the overall quality of life for all through the effective use of creativity in all endeavors.
Aliya Duran, Founder, Mindbolic Studios
Creative Director Aliya Duran is the founder and owner of an innovative company called Mindbolic Studios. She drives to provide the ultimate creative client experience with the intent to service all music, media, beauty, and promotional needs.
She is highly proficient in project management and strategic planning but also specializes in interior designing for restaurants, as well as residential and small businesses.