Gateway Media Arts Lab

10/08/2026

We want to share an important update with our community and everyone who has been part of Gateway Media Arts Lab over the years.

As circumstances surrounding the Artist Lofts continue to unfold, we’re taking a temporary step back from the physical space at 3311 Rhode Island Avenue while remaining committed to the artists and creative community that make The Lab what it is.

We’ll continue to share updates as we move forward, so please stay connected.

09/30/2026

Recap Pt. 1 from ’s Brown Sugar & Soul showcase, bringing artists, music, and community together at the Gateway Media Arts Lab

Here’s a look back at some of the energy from the evening, captured by , with on the soundcheck.

Stay tuned for more from Brown Sugar & Soul.

Gateway Media Arts Lab

09/18/2026

A huge part of our work at the Gateway Media Arts Lab is capturing the stories of our creative community.

We’re kicking things off with Artist Spotlight, a series highlighting the artists, creative spaces, history, and services that make up the Gateway Arts District.

For our first Artist Spotlight, meet Ogunlola Olajide, a professional artist and educator from Nigeria and the Creative Director of MIDE African Art Gallery, which has been part of the Gateway Arts District since 2009.

In this interview, Ogunlola shares where his love for art began, what inspires his work, and how his cultural background and experiences influence his artistic practice. He also gives us a look inside his studio, sharing his artwork and the stories and meaning behind the pieces he creates.

Artist interview by Shange Jaara Lilaa
https://youtu.be/w4OB-1y4vCU?si=Br9nCTXxcIF-Gy2M

Experience MIDE African Art Gallery
4303 Rhode Island Avenue, Suite 214
North Brentwood, MD 20722
240-461-5104

Gateway Community Development Corporation

Ogunlola Olajide is the Creative Director of MIDE African Art Galle...

09/12/2026

Brown Sugar & Soul is happening TONIGHT September 12th at 6 pm at the Gateway Media Arts Lab 🎶 🎙️ 🎵

Come experience an intimate R&B showcase featuring live performances, smooth sounds, and some dope DMV artists!! Entry is FREE. See you soon!

09/03/2026

Join us for Brown Sugar & Soul, an intimate evening of live performances, smooth sounds, and soulful energy.

Come hear some dope artists, catch a vibe, and let the music do what it does. This is a FREE experience. RSVP Today: https://tinyurl.com/2f7dycjc

08/14/2026

We’ve been paying attention to the work GrindHardDreamBig has been doing with youth in our community, and when we learned about his Backpack Giveaway happening Saturday, August 15th from 11 am - 1 pm at Glenarden Library, we saw an opportunity to connect additional resources to the work.

Through SEEING BEYOND partnership with JASON Learning STEM books are making their way to the giveaway.

This is what building community looks like: recognizing the work, connecting resources, and creating more opportunities for learning and growth.

08/07/2026

Celebrate body positivity, confidence, and self-expression at Bellies & Bikinis, an interactive custom swimwear experience by Belly The Brand. On Saturday, August 8, from 3:00 - 6:00 pm at Gateway Media Arts Lab.

Participants will design a custom bikini or one piece tailored to their body while enjoying fashion, music, refreshments, creativity, and community.

Each guest will select their fabric and style, receive personalized measurements, and leave with a one-of-a-kind piece designed to celebrate their unique style.

All bodies, identities, and experience levels are welcome. RSVP is required, and space is limited to ensure every participant receives a personalized design and fitting experience: https://www.bellythebrand.com/product-page/bellies-bikinis

07/30/2026

Tonight we honor the life and legacy of Eleanor F. Traynham through a special window projection celebrating her decades of service to North Brentwood and the Gateway Arts District community.

As a founding member of Gateway CDC, Eleanor helped lay the foundation for an organization that continues to support artists, creatives, and the surrounding community today. Her legacy of public service, civic leadership, and community stewardship continues to inspire the work we do.

This tribute was truly a community effort. Special thanks to Shange Jaara Lilaa, Margaret Boozer-Strother, and Michelle Lisa Herman for helping bring this visual tribute to life.

If you’re in the area, we invite you to stop by, experience the projection, and join us in celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of Eleanor F. Traynham.

Gateway Media Arts Lab
3311 Rhode Island Avenue
Mount Rainier, MD 20712
Thursday, July 30 - Monday, August 3, 2026
8:30 pm - 12:00 am nightly

07/14/2026

Today we honor the life and legacy of community elder Eleanor Traynham, a founding member of Gateway Community Development Corporation, whose vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to community helped shape the organization that continues to serve the Gateway Arts District today.

As a program of Gateway CDC, the Gateway Media Arts Lab is honored to celebrate Eleanor's life through a community projection that preserves her story and the memories she shared with so many.

We invite family, friends, neighbors, and community members to contribute photographs of Eleanor to help create this tribute. Together, these images will celebrate her legacy through the power of community storytelling.

Please submit photos to: [email protected]
Submission deadline: Friday, July 17th, 2026

Thank you for helping us honor a remarkable woman whose impact will continue to inspire generations to come.

07/11/2026

Join Gateway Media Arts Lab Resident Artist Maya B Atelier on Thursday, July 23, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Gateway Media Arts Lab for The Foundation: Bodice Block Workshop, a hands-on introduction to one of fashion design's most essential skills.

Participants will draft their own reusable bodice block while gaining a deeper understanding of garment construction, body measurements, seam allowances, and pattern drafting. Whether you're beginning your fashion journey or refining your skills, you'll leave with practical knowledge and a foundation you can build on for years to come.

No sewing experience is required, and all classroom materials are provided. Register today and begin building your creative foundation: https://tinyurl.com/4frr9axn