Yesterday evening, (October 3rd), Shaw dedicated the new mural by Byron Peck and Ivo Koytchev of the iconic Liz Taylor at the Dacha Bear Garden on 7th & Q Street's NW.
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| As the sun went down the crowd gathered to admire the mural and remember how much Liz gave to DC |
The mural that rises three-story's and overlooks the outdoor bar and community meeting space, was dedicated by Council Members Jim Graham (Ward 1) and Vincent Orange (At Large) and ANC6E01 Commissioner & Shaw Main Streets Executive Director Alex Padro.
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| Ilya Alter and Dmitri Chekaldin welcomed everyone with a heartfelt speech |
Dacha Beer Garden owners Ilya Alter and Dmitri Chekaldin hosted the event that brought together artists, politicians and members of the GLBT community to honor one of DC's true friends, Elizabeth Taylor.
Taylor
co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (AMFAR), and
became an HIV/AIDS activist and fundraiser. She raised over $270 Million
for AIDS causes, and also founded the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation
(ETAF) in 1993. In 1993, the Whitman Walker Clinic opened the Elizabeth
Taylor Medical Center, offering DC residents a variety of clinical
services. Jim Graham noted in his speech, how through Taylor's generosity, "many lives in DC were saved...and many people where helped through a difficult time for the city".
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| Jim Graham reminisced about Taylor and her dedication to Whitman Walker Clinic |
Even with the speeches there was no doubt that the evening was a celebration, the diverse crowed swelled and eventually, filled the open air space to maximum capacity and with much cheer and applause welcomed Liz to Shaw, and long may she remain, a "White Diamond" in Shaw's crown.
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| Artist's Byron Peck and Ivo Koytchev meet with Alex Padro |
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| The Artists, The Politicians and Dacha Beer Garden Owners Ilya Alter and Dmitri Chekaldin |
All of the event VIP's made themselves available, here Vincent Orange chats with community member
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| Jim Graham greets the team from the Whitman Walker Clinic. A team he led for 15 years before becoming Ward 1 Council Member |
To Ilya Alter and Dmitri Chekaldin: PROST!!
No apologies for yet another photograph of Liz.....the mural is special, and I predict, will be one of the select group of city murals that find its way into all DC residents hearts
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