The Fridge

Unbelievable that such a nice venue has a SHADY owner!!!
I was referred to have an event at the Fridge on Sept 13^th by an event planner because their space was too small. I called Alex up on Sunday while in DC to look at the venue so I could secure it before my return to Dallas on Tuesday. I went by to see the venue and thru my vision knew that I could make it work, I called him several times on Monday to take my friend by to see it and to leave a deposit to secure it. With no luck I never got a return call, WARNING sign!!!
I managed to contact his helpful assistant that drove all the way from Maryland to accommodate me and my friends viewing and to give him the check for deposit just to show that I was serious about the venue and wanted to secure the date, even without a contract.
Alex and I have not been in touch since that day back in June… When I decided to postpone the event due to low ticket sells I’ve unsuccessfully been able to reach or get a response from Alex although I’ve left several voicemail messages, sent text messages and emails. I’m assuming he has NO INTENTIONS of refunding partial or all of my deposit. I was hoping to reschedule the event until next April, but with his unprofessional and CONSISTENT behavior I’ve decided against it and wanted to warn those before they make the same mistake I have…

This review is for the Capital Beltway Poetry Slam group. They are fantastic. Only $ 5 for hours of spoken word that is touching, gritty, and often funny. Check them out on facebook!

I went here this past Saturday for the opening reception for Davis McLane Connelly’s Individuation. The space itself is somewhat small but it had a cozy vibe to it that I could definitely appreciate. The pieces that were up were interesting and I enjoyed my stop in to check them.
Actually met Alex, the owner/​operator, and he was pleasant and friendly. Asked him a few questions about the space, exhibits, and the like, all of which he was more than willing to answer even though he had his hands full. I guess you could say he was patient as well as he took the time to listen to thoughts of an outspoken nerd.
I signed up for their mailing list and definitely plan on checking out more exhibits/​events there in the future.

Finally! An awesome ART! space in D.C. that *felt* like San Francisco, New York, or LA. It had the right vibe — creatives with a compassion for the struggle and the intellect of Washington. Brilliant energy.
Popped in Saturday night for this event, and enjoyed meeting the owner/​founder Alex, as well as the artists:
* Laura Elkins: Packin’ Heat Talkin’ Dirty
* Asad ‘Ultra’ Walker: Quiet Walks in Dangerous Places

A cool little space that hosts art shows and the occasional music show or event. It’s hidden off of 8^th street and I had no idea it existed for a long time. The room is not much more than a white box, but they have edgy and interesting stuff come through. One of those hidden gems that most people in DC probably have never seen or heard about… and all a mile from the capital.

Tucked behind Belga Café you would have some trouble finding the gallery. The graffiti sprayed walls outside might draw a clue that it was a gallery. In a way it was nice because of the mysteriousness. 100 people showed up for a private New Year’s reception it was quite a space for such a party. Basically it was a room with concrete and four walls, there was no décor at all. There was a small kitchen space where the catered food from Belga was dispensed from. In the front there was a small stage, music was played through Ipod — what would we do without that? Also it was where announcements and updates were made. Overall it was good space for this event.

This is a wonderful small art gallery that always brings a smile to my heart. The events are fun and span everything from women’s drumming shows to spoken word and art classes. Well worth joining their Facebook page and getting updates on their events.

Really like this space. Surrounded by art, with enough room to actually breathe, that’s a winner in my book. I’ve gone to the Beltway Slam here and it’s always been a good time. I also love that it’s tucked away in an alley. You feel like you’re one of the cool kids when you walk in.

I went to see Babylon Central here last night. I love this location so much I will be back tomorrow. I like that it’s actually in the alley and there is graffiti art all over the building. I like the owner, he was nice and friendly, which says a lot since I am not. He’s one of those people that pulls you into conversation and it’s interesting and when you walk away your like «I’m glad I stopped and talked». I know the gallery has movie showings like the one I went to, music nights and art shows. It’s worth stopping in. Oh if you do not buy your tickets in advance its cash only.

Support your Local Art Galleries and go see the Shows at the Fridge!
You can catch everything from David Londons Magic shows to Decoy Awesome work.
Albus Cavus also works closely with the Fridge and brings awesome art classes.
Keep up the good work Alex!

This is a neat little art space! It’s not too big but it has decent lighting, a dj booth, and some sky lights up top that let in some lovely natural light. The building has some whoopass mural work on the outside too.
Pro-​tip: It isn’t located directly on 8^th street, it’s in the alley behind Belga.

I was here for the opening night of Capturing Fire, a. poetry slam fest. Another reason for my first appearance here was the promised performance by the Good Asian Drivers. They did not disappoint. When I heard the directions about going into an alley for the entrance I was a bit skeptical. However I didn’t come alone.
The venue had good sound, which was a good thing since it was more about sound than anything else.
The interior looks like a converted basement. I was surprised to learn this space was actually a gallery. Although there were paintings, it didn’t say gallery to me.
There is a DJ booth constructed so the DJ has almost a bird’s eye view of the room.

In a city synonymous with politics, it’s always refreshing to find that DC has no dearth of artists, musicians, and art-​appreciators. The Fridge DC exists to serve this latter group and, in a word, it’s awesome.
Located just off 8^th street (you’ll use an alley just past the Capitol Video Sales store), the Fridge is a square building adorned with commissioned graffiti work and, currently, a large wheatpaste poster by local street artist Decoy.
The space inside the Fridge has been transformed from cinderblock to arts space by owner Alex Goldstein. There’s a DJ booth, a custom-​built merchandise fixture, mini-​stage, bar, and — behind closed doors — even an apartment. The walls are perfect for gallery exhibits and the first exhibition up now is by friend-​of-​Fridge and the aforementioned Decoy. I’m a big fan and it’s great to see her work in a more formal art setting in addition to on the sides of buildings around DC.
Besides gallery space, the Fridge also hosts shows (this past weekend was magician David London, and a DJ from Iceland), and will soon host art classes geared at younger age groups from the community.
I’m not doing the Fridge justice for the space that it provides and potential that it has. I am psyched to have the Fridge open in DC and you can bet that you’ll see me at shows and exhibits on a regular basis.