Behind an unassuming row of houses on Washington, D.C.’s H Street, Gallery O on H contains interconnected galleries, courtyards and rooms filled with art and unusual objects. The unconventional space has been part of the neighborhood for more than 15 years, displaying works throughout its buildings rather than in a traditional gallery layout.
Much of the collection celebrates self-taught artists, including several with ties to New Orleans. One notable historical object is a Silver slipper from the original Silver Slipper nightclub, once a gathering place for Capitol Hill insiders. The club drew attention in 1974 after burlesque performer Fanne Foxe, who was having an affair with Congressman Wilbur Mills, jumped into the Tidal Basin following a police stop near the Jefferson Memorial.
The gallery also holds 75 painted folding chairs by New Orleans artist Dr. Bob Shaffer. He began decorating discarded chairs after Hurricane Katrina; the collection at Gallery O on H grew from an initial six. The subjects include New Orleans musicians and traditions, as well as H Street and its residents.
Other artists reshape everyday materials in distinctive ways. Danny Hoskinson, known as “The Bucket Man,” uses a blowtorch to turn discarded plastic paint buckets into creatures, masks and sculptures. Joanathan Bessaci cuts and layers vintage road maps into portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, while Sainte James Boudrot paints on salvaged wooden crate lids using archival obituaries as source material.
The collection also includes carved portraits of New Orleans musicians by Charles Gillam, paintings of Miami’s Overtown neighborhood by Purvis Young and presidential portraits by Ike Morgan. Works by several artists represented at the gallery are held by major museums, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Visitors encounter the art in unexpected places, including the garage and courtyard. Gallery O on H is open by appointment; visits can be arranged by emailing info@GalleryOonH.com.
Sources: Atlas Obscura.