2011: The Borderstan Year in Photos

Today we take a look back at 2011 through the photography of our own Luis Gomez. As the in-house photographer, Luis brings to life the stories of our great team of contributors, and helps tell the story of our neighborhood throughout the year.

Borderstan Flickr Pool: Next week, look for our shout-out to the members of the Borderstan Flickr pool. These are the local photographers who bring you “Photo of the Day” and help us tell the stories of our writers. Want to join? It’s easy.

In addition to a special album of selected photos from the year, there are a total of 45 online albums on the Borderstan Flickr page, which show some of the events, street fairs, parades, gallery openings and major news stories of 2011. The main theme for 2011 was surely change — new businesses, new buildings and new residents, but also the loss of familiar friends and beloved establishments. Taylor Gourmet replaced Ruff ‘N Ready… Current Boutique replaced go mama go!… Hemphill Fine Arts closed but Arts@1830 opened… and some places such as 1409 Playbill Cafe, Garden District and El Paraiso simply closed. You get the idea.

Editor’s Picks

January: Wig Night Out at Dito’s Bar benefited the Point Foundation, which provides financial support, mentoring, leadership training and hope to meritorious students who are marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. About 100 people showed up late at night in Dupont Circle for the winter’s first snowball fight.

February: Even while it was undergoing major renovations, the Joan Hisaoka Gallery on U Street NW put on “Efflux.”

March: The Shaw Skateboard Park reopened after extensive renovations for the dudes-who-board. ArtJamz DC held a session at Lamont Bishop Gallery on 9th Street NW. The eclectic home goods store, go mama go!, closed with a farewell party; enough said.

May: Saint-Ex Cafe had its their third annual Chili Cook Off, benefiting Garrison Elementary School PTA. Another Memorial Day weekend tradition is the United House of Prayer parade through Shaw-Logan. Mid City Artists held their spring Open Studios in May, showcasing neighborhood artists.

June: “Meridian Hill: Sunday in the Park” looks at the drummers and the people you will find in this gem of a park. Dog lovers that we are, how could we miss Pride of Pets in Dupont Circle? The Capital Pride Parade is always a major event in the Dupont-Logan area (and in 2011 we had drag kickball!).

July: In 15 photos, Gomez tells the story of development along the 14th Street corridor. “Local Color” opens at gallery plan b, featuring the works of local artists. “Volleyball at Stead Park” shows how new (and young) residents of the neighborhood are using the P Street field for league sports.

August: Sponsored by the MidCity Business Association, the annual Dog Days of Summer Sidewalk Sale is always a favorite.

September: The second annual 17th Street Festival was in late September on the 17th Street corridor.

October: The 26th running of the 17th Street High Heel Race. I mean, what else?