Moneek Pines next to her large Beyoncé piece, which is still a work-in-progress. (Photo: Rasheed Z. Ajamu)
Just eight months after a fire devastated its interior, ARTrageous Brush and Flow studio is ready to rise from the ashes and welcome the community back like it never left – with a grand re-opening to set the tone.
On Sunday, September 14, from 2-4 p.m., owner and founder Moneek Pines will reopen her doors to the public for the first time, inviting the community in for a party to paint a new chapter in the studio’s story.
It’ll be a jam-packed celebration with live music, a showcase of local artists, some vegan eats, a raffle fundraiser, some local vendors, an art supply giveaway, and a community mural where folks can contribute a stroke to a larger piece.
Pines says the celebration will be over-the-top, matching her colorful aura and personality.
“Have you ever been to the club and seen those signs the bottle service girls use?” Pines asked GIH. “We’ll have some of those, too. It’ll be a whole experience!”
“This is our space,” Pines said. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for community, so it’ll be fun for them.”
Since late January, Pines has been leading the effort to reconstruct the space, which was completed in July.
“It was about $40,000 for everything,” Pines said.
Now, with the dust and debris behind her, she’s ready to bring more love and light to the 6300 block of Germantown.
ARTrageous will return with its usual offerings, including paint parties and art classes. The Little Free Art Studio, where neighbors can pick up and/or drop off free art supplies, will also still be a mainstay at the art shop.
The studio will operate daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., adding Pines’ newly retired mother to the mix as an instructor.
Unlike before, though, Pines will now offer part of her walls to local artists, allowing them to display and sell their artwork.
She also hopes to create more space for community needs and foster an atmosphere where people can come in, browse, and relax for a moment.
Germantown native and founder of 5 Shorts Project, Shameka Sawyer, talked about the studio’s return to the neighborhood.
She said, “We need more spaces like ARTrageous and more community champions like Moneek Pines. She brings a value to Germantown that we cannot put a price on. Her space is warm and welcoming. I’m excited for the reopening.”
CEO of Kreative Scribes and longtime supporter of ARTrageous, Kalina Harrison, is just as elated.
“Moneek’s resilience to continue to have ARTrageous as a cornerstone art studio increases the equity, morale, and beauty of Germantown,” the transplant to Germantown said.
”As her friend and business collaborator, I’ve seen firsthand how her business acumen and creativity are an example of how Germantown’s art scene is vital to the community’s success!”
The reopening takes place at the studio on 6345 Germantown Ave. For more updates on ARTrageous, follow the studio’s Instagram page or visit the website.