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Creative District Wilmington announces the 7th Street Arts Bridge kickoff event of the Inspire Lot Series on May 6, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the new Creative District venue Inspire Lot at 215-219 W. Seventh Street (between Orange and Tatnall streets).
This First Friday event will feature fun, food and fabulous creativity, with music provided by Gable Music Ventures, featuring Nalani & Sarina, and a special art activity provided by Smashed Label. The quick rise of 22-year-old sisters Nalani & Sarina—from a small town in west-central New Jersey to national notoriety and recognition—is an astounding story. The two audacious young artists have developed a distinctive blend of traditionalist soul-rock and modern pop, and their stylistic alchemy is likely to keep their faces in the spotlight for years to come. Legendary music critic and Sirius radio host Dave Marsh recently called their latest EP, “Scattered World,” “some of the best music being made in 2016.” Fans, critics and tastemakers have echoed his praise. The pop marketplace can be fickle and fractious, but Nalani & Sarina have all the necessary elements in place for success and stardom.
Brothers Corei and Crae Washington founded Smashed Label in 2011. The duo was recently selected as one of the 7th Street Arts Bridge artists to create one of the Creative District’s first mural projects. They use graphic design, painting, murals and screen-printing in various projects and collaborations to promote individuality, question stereotypes and smash social labels. Smashed Label has exhibited and participated in Wilmington Fringe Festival, “Wilmington Trap Stars: A Street Art Exhibition” at the DCCA and at Wilmington Jazz Fest, as well as several exhibitions organized by Atypical Society. Smashed Label’s work can be seen in various Wilmington locations, including Theatre N, Harvest Christian Academy, and the 600 block of North Union Street, a mural project organized by the community group West Side Grows Together and University of Delaware students.
The Inspire Lot location is an exciting addition to the Art on the Town Art Loop. The Inspire Lot Series runs May 6, June 3, Aug. 5, Sept. 2 and Oct 7. Wilmington’s Creative District is a part of a national wave of creative placemaking initiatives that seek to transform urban areas. The Creative District, encompassing the area bounded by Fourth, Ninth, Market and Washington streets, is focused on creative production and consumption. It’s a place where creative entrepreneurs—artists, musicians, designers, tech innovators, makers and manufacturers—and neighborhood residents thrive, and where locally designed goods and original works are made and consumed. Admission for this event is free. Rain date is May 13.