Shop Local, For Now: The Temporium

An idea that is fairly old news in cities like LA and New York has found its way to Washington, DC: the short-term artist incubator. The Temporium is a pop-up shop that serves as a temporary home for local designers, and as a way to utilize an otherwise-empty urban space, while injecting life and culture into an up-and-coming neighborhood.

Philippa Hughes, a DC area cultural activist (The Pink Line Project), is the mastermind behind the Temporium, utilizing support from the city’s Office of Planning and the Creative DC Action Agenda. The city’s “temporary urbanism” initiative sought to find ways to transform empty spaces throughout the city, and Philippa saw the potential in establishing a temporary retail space.

Through her efforts on behalf of the DC arts scene, Philippa is very familiar with the struggles of emerging artists and designers. Finding affordable space to showcase one’s work is not easy, so she knew that a temporary storefront would be a great opportunity for young designers without their own space.

The Temporium is also a boon to DC area shoppers and collectors on the lookout for something new, unique, and handmade. The art, clothing, and accessories available at the Temporium aren’t necessarily available at any other retail spaces in the city, and are all from local designers who create small collections and limited runs.

The Temporium is open from July 23 to August 15, with a new set of designers featured every weekend, plus special events featuring local DJs and highlighting local organizations. Philippa hopes that with the right support and sponsorship, the Temporium will pop up in other neighborhoods around the city on a regular basis.

The Temporium is located in the former R.L. Christian Library at 1300 H Street, NE, Washington DC, and is open Thursdays and Fridays 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturdays 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Sundays 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Visit the web site to read more about each weekend’s featured designers and events.

Valerie Williams

Valerie Williams is a designer and sewer who loves fabric, fashion, and handmade things. You can find her on Twitter or Facebook or read her musings on personal style and sewing at her blog, insatiable need.

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