The Art of Blagden Alley (and Naylor Court)

Tucked between 9th & 10th Street's and bordered by M & O Street's NW are two historic Alley communities. Many people are now aware of Blagden Alley  since R J Cooper opened his now famous Rogue 24. But there is much more going on in Blagden and also in Naylor Court, that almost  mirrors Blagden between N and O Street's. One of the joys of visiting both locale's is the abundance of (Street) art works on display.

Entering from 10th Street, the first piece's you see are two mosaic's on the Rent-a-Wreck building. Both mosaics are of dog's, that emphasizes the dog lovers of the neighborhood.

Both of these wonderful works are by local artist Craig Nelson, and are created using ceramic tiles.  Craig Nelson's studio / workshop is just around the corner, a dead give-away is the Mosaic of a family out for a walk. Which sits opposite his studio.

Family Mosaic, by Craig Nelson

Just added this past week two large mosaics by Craig Nelson - you have to go to see them, the close-ups I took did not do them justice

A new mosaic by artist Craig Nelson premiered today 7/23/2013 in the alley (this may not be a permanent piece)

Continuing straight from the studio you will see a bright advertising Huntress Coal Oil. This is the signage for the Blagden Alley Social Club. Which is exactly what it is, a restaurant & bar where you can actually relax.

The art work (Sign) is only the beginning of what's in stored for you inside

Kitchen and Bar

Sitting Room

Outside of the Social Club is another painting on a garage door which street art masquerading as formal art. This is the first recognizable street art that you encounter.

This is the first recognizable street art you encounter

UPDATE: You never see everything in Blagden unless you go to the end of every dea-end branch. The picture below is actually opposite the Blagden Alley Social Club, but I missed  it. (and I'm guessing if you don't know it, you will to)

Turn right at this point, and you are heading directly towards Rogue 24 and the zany pseudo street art that adorns the building next to the restaurant, and on the restaurant itself.

 


For those who have not seen these two pieces its quite a dramatic experience




This is almost the end of the Blagden Alley art tour. Turn right and follow the alley to 9th Street. Visible from both the Alley and 9th Street is a huge Graffiti Murial titled the Shaw Racing Team (commissioned by DC Gov). Its starting to show its wear and age, and with a new condo slated directly across the alley, it may not be here much longer.

Shaw Racing Team & Blagden Motors

And finally a quick visit to Naylor Court. Naylor is much more residential and doesn't have the bohemian feel of Blagden, but innovative marketing can sometimes lead to street art.
Enter on 9th Street by A & D, and you are immediately hit by 1920's monochrome signs, (re)painted on the side wall of A & D and SUNdeVICH. Ali Bagheri and Daniel O'Brien have done a splendid job of advertising their business's (including Seasonal Pantry) by making the corner visible, informative and a little quirky.

Visible from 9th Street

Quirky road sign to SUNdeVich

Original signage restored

added 6/14/2013; whimsical mosaic door at Craig Nelsons Studio

added 6/14/2013:  Fight Club may be gone, but where there is wall space the spirit lives on. Hard to tell if this is a stencil or paint (maybe a combo of both?)

 So that's Blagden and Naylor. If you are close by, maybe at a convention or show, take the time to wander the alley's and check out the artworks. It changes fairly often. Unfortunately as the neighborhood adds new business some pieces will have to be sacrificed (the door next to Rogue 24 may be lost when a planned coffee shop takes the space). Blagden Alley is resilient though and while it may change, I don't believe the residents will allow it to lose is artsy feel.