The first weekend of 2026 is shaping up to be a grand one, topped with events rooted in preserving cultures, building connections, and setting the tone for the year in store.
From celebrating women and motherhood, to exploring the depths of artistic liberty, community empowerment, and historic movements, check out some of these can’t-miss opportunities and even more exciting happenings in the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, Jan. 8
Artists & Makers Studios Presents: “Rewoven” with Felicia L. Reed
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free
Artists & Makers Studios, 11810 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD 20852
Artists & Makers Studios is thrilled to host Felicia L. Reed for its “January 2026 in the Galleries with Open Studios.”
Reed is an award-winning D.C.-based fiber artist and advocate whose textile work in wet felting with silk and wool transforms lived experience into visual storytelling.
As a survivor of domestic violence, Reed uses art as a pathway to healing and empowerment. Each fiber and layer represents resilience, identity, and the strength to rebuild. Her work turns pain into beauty and memory into meaning.
Through “Rewoven,” which runs at the Maryland-based studio until Jan. 28, the local artist honors the process of renewal—showing that what is broken can be rebuilt, what is lost can be reimagined, and what is wounded can be healed.
Her mantra remains: “Just heal it.”
Additional highlights include photographer Damien Carter’s mini-solo exhibit in the Lounge Gallery; a “Pop-Up with Naan Pocen,” the sculptural work of Francis Maduka Uduh in studio 11; along with the 19 gallery 209 member artists exhibiting their latest work.
Hip-hop as Mindfulness: Meditation, Music, and Meaning with Born I
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | $15
Planet Word, 925 13th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20005
Experience a one-of-a-kind lyrical journey with meditation teacher, author, and hip-hop artist Ofosu Jones-Quartey (Born I).
This immersive experience weaves together guided meditation, storytelling, sound healing, and musical performance.
Through readings from his new book “Lyrical Dharma: Hip-hop as Mindfulness” (2025) and songs from his acclaimed album “Komorebi,” Born I invites guests into a contemplative journey of presence, compassion, and creative awakening featuring his unique blend of literary expression, music, and mindfulness.
Friday, Jan. 9
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free
Gallaudet University Washburn Arts Center Gallery, 800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, D.C., 20002
From early visual storytelling to contemporary and future visions, experience the powerful evolution of deaf artistic expression with Beyond the Waves: Deaf Art.
The exhibition brings together groundbreaking works by more than 30 deaf artists across generations, including Christine Sun Kim, Chella Man, and Janhavi Khemka, celebrating identity, language, and culture through art that transcends the limitations of sound.
On display through April 3, Gallaudet University News touts the installation as a nod to the rich history of De’VIA (Deaf View/Image Art), Deaf Way festivals, and the evolution of deaf visual culture worldwide.
Whether seeking cultural affirmation or looking to expand your knowledge of deaf artistry, don’t miss out this transformative exhibition!
ASL Open Mic Night | Last Fridays
9 p.m. – 11 p.m. | $5+
Busboys and Poets, 450 K Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
American Sign Language (ASL) users and viewers from all corners of life will come together on Friday, Jan. 9 to recite poems, songs, short skits or jokes at Busboys and Poets in Northwest, D.C.
Hosted by deaf dancer, choreographer and interpretive artist Wade Green, the evening promises a communal environment of light-hearted fun, and will feature opportunities to wine, dine and enjoy socializing with local residents and creatives.
Saturday, Jan. 10
10 a.m. | $21.50
Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
A beautiful, movement-based show that revisits the classic 1956 short film “The Red Balloon,” “Balloonacy” aims to delight audiences of all ages and speakers of all languages with this comedic, family-friendly show.
Nothing can go right for the old man, whose days are gray and dreary, until he is visited by a friendly red balloon. In the playful physical style of 1930’s silent movies, the old man–an adult version of the boy in the film – regains his youthful spirit.
Originally commissioned and produced by Children’s Theatre Company, the performance will be hosted through Feb. 15.
She’s a Whole Mood: The Mom Edition – New Year, New Boundaries
Noon – 4:30 p.m. | $81.88
RendezVenue Studios, 5056 Nicholson Lane #a, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Calling all mothers and mother figures of the DMV: it’s time to pour back into you!
Hosted at RendezVenue Studios, this celebration honors the multifaceted woman behind the title ‘Mom’ – with glam, growth, and good tea.
Join an elevated, feel-good tea party that promises pampering, transparency, inspiration and connection with other women “who actually get it.”
Unfiltered panel talks will include:
- Mom Life Balance: How to navigate motherhood without losing one’s mind, rhythm, or softness.
- The hustle and healing: what moms are leaving behind in the New Year boundaries, Momprenuer burnout, identity, and making space for oneself.
- “I’m Still Her”: Rediscovering – and reclaiming – confidence, joy, and identity beyond the title “Mom.”
- Style that speaks: New Year styling tips for every body type.
- Mom glam in minutes: Quick beauty and glow routines for 2026.
- Faith and fulfillment: A reset rooted in grace, purpose, and emotional wellness.
Plus, enjoy delicious bites by Ade’s Kitchen, sip on signature mocktails and handcrafted teas by SW Juice Bar, and soak in the vibes of a luxe garden-chic tea party with guest speakers: Mosun Rotimi, Fadesola Adetosoyebe, Yemisi Odusanya, Irene Dele-Adejumo, Lola Akingbade, and Ehime Eigbe.
Sunday, Jan. 11
Ruth Forman for “Do I Love You? Yes I Do!”
4 p.m – 5 p.m. | Free
People’s Book, 7014 Westmoreland Avenue, Suite A, Takoma Park, MD 20912
From bestselling author Ruth Forman and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honoree Raissa Figueroa comes a lyrical and vivid picture book celebrating motherhood, daughterhood, and the magic of love.
Love shapes every moment in our lives. From a morning sunrise with colors bold to dandelion wishes carried on the wind to an evening sunset with shades soft and cool, the world is made of love.
“Do I love you? Yes, I do!” is a book that asks and answers the most important question loved ones can ever share and Sunday offers readers a chance to interact with the author in person.
2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Free
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C., 20004
A car accident victim comes to believe she is the target of a conspiracy. A crew member is convinced that a prop gun is actually real. An actor arrives on set demanding an audition.
Iranian filmmaker Shahram Mokri and his inventive imagination are back on full display in this latest cinema.
“Black Rabbit, White Rabbit” highlights Escher-like intertwined storylines unfolding on and around the set of a project being made by an Iranian director in Tajikistan.
Described as a “wildly ambitious, wryly comic puzzle film” by Screen Daily, the film consists of spellbinding tracking shots up to 20 minutes long, building up to a spectacular conclusion in 139 minutes.
This is an in-person event. The seating capacity at People’s Book is 50 patrons. Standing room is an option. All events are first-come, first-served seating. Accessible seating is always available.
A Snapshot of Photography and the Black Arts Movement
2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Free
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street NW and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20565
Join the National Gallery of Art for a 30-minute “snapshot” of Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985.
Guests will be oriented to the themes of the exhibition and look closely at a few images together. With this introduction in mind, explore the rest of the exhibition at one’s own pace.
This program takes place on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays until Jan. 11 at 2 p.m, in the West Building Rotunda. For groups of 15 or more people, please schedule a group experience.