The Mt. Pleasant Temporium is a temporary, pop-up retailer coming to Mt. Pleasant St. NW for 24 consecutive days from February 18 through March 13. The project, located at 3068 Mt. Pleasant St. NW, is part of the District’s new Temporary Urbanism initiative and features handmade goods for sale from 30 local, independent crafters and artists.
The Temporium’s special events schedule includes autobiographical and theatrical storytelling, crafting, book readings, and live music. All events are free and open to the public. Opening weekend includes a reception on Friday, Feb. 18 from 7 to 9 p.m.
“The Temporium is a fantastic opportunity for the public to check out some of the best indie crafters and artists that DC has to offer,” said Kimberly Dorn, executive director of Hello Craft and festival director of Crafty Bastards. “Hello Craft is excited to be part of the Temporium because it promotes the shop local ethic and shares a commitment to local makers.”
The theme of the Mt. Pleasant Temporium is storytelling, which is woven throughout the retail aspect of the shop to give visitors a truly engaging experience with the products for sale and the stories behind the artists who made them. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in the theme by leaving their own handwritten stories in the Temporium’s storefront window installation, created by local artists Sean Hennessey and Rania Hassan.
Visitors are highly encouraged to explore the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood and its businesses. During the 24-day run of the project, several Mt. Pleasant businesses will feature their own stories in storefront displays and offer specials to Temporium customers.
“We’re grateful to Jackie Flanagan, owner of Nana, and Joe Pangelinan for all the hard work they’ve put into preparing the space for us,” said Jessica Scheuerman, Temporium project manager. “They’ve given this project a home and it would not have been possible without them.”
The Mt. Pleasant Temporium is developed by Mount Pleasant Main Street, in partnership with SpeakeasyDC, Hello Craft, Radio CPR, Partners for Livable Communities, and the DC Office of Planning. This project is supported by the DC Office of Planning’s Temporary Urbanism grant, and is sponsored by the Washington City Paper and Old School Hardware.
“MPMS is thankful to the DC Office of Planning, its program partners and dedicated volunteers for the opportunity to implement a Temporium in Mt. Pleasant,” said Adam Hoey, president of MPMS. “This program benefits the community by utilizing vacant commercial space and promoting local artists and businesses.”
The Temporium helps meet several objectives established by the District of Columbia through the Creative DC Action Agenda and the Retail Action Roadmap. They include supporting creative entrepreneurs, activating commercial corridors and highlighting their retail potential, providing residents with unique services and activities, and promoting neighborhoods.
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