Events

First Fridays

On the first Friday of every month, Hillyer hosts an opening reception for new and ongoing exhibitions. “First Friday” coincides with Dupont Circle’s monthly Art Walk which organized by Dupont Circle BID.

Auction on the Alley-Opening Reception

September 4, 2026

5:00 pm

 – 8:00 pm

International Arts and Artists and the Hillyer contemporary art space invites collectors and art enthusiasts to Auction on the Alley 2026, an annual fundraiser and exhibition on view during the month of September. The auction highlights the best artists in the Washington DC metropolitan area, with a focus on artists who have previously exhibited at Hillyer. Throughout the evening, visitors can register for the auction, bid on works of art, listen to jazz by one of DC’s best performing artists, enjoy wine and refreshments, while mingling with friends and fellow collectors. To participate in the auction, visitors can go to the auction website or download the Givi app. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to provide assistance throughout the evening. 

Includes bar and refreshments (suggested donation of $5)
Auction Website

5 to 6 p.m.
Register for the auction, browse the works of art on view, and mingle with fellow collectors.

6 to 7:30 p.m.
Akua Allrich and the Tribe Trio

Akua Allrich is a jazz vocalist, composer, educator, and cultural curator known for her electrifying stage presence and genre-blending sound. A native of Washington, D.C., she fuses jazz with soul, blues, and Pan-African rhythms—what she calls “Jazz+.” A celebrated force in the D.C. music scene, Allrich is acclaimed for her powerful, soul-stirring live performances that uplift and inspire. Akua will be joined by Kriss Fun on bass, and Tyler Leak on drums.

7:30 – 8 p.m.
Visitors will have their last chance to place starting bids.



Selected Past Events

Tao Ya-Lun | Rashin Keiriyeh | Mona Bozorgi

July 3, 2026

6:00 pm

 – 8:00 pm

First Friday
Opening Reception

Join is for our First Friday reception in July as we celebrate the opening of three new exhibitions that will feature Tao Ya-Lun, Rashin Kheiriyeh, and Mona Bozorgi. Take this opportunity to speak directly with the artists and mingle with friends.

Modern Movements

May 1, 2026

6:00 pm

 – 8:00 pm

Opening Reception and Art Walk

Friday, May 1, 6 to 8 pm (5 to 6 pm for members)

Join us for our First Friday reception in April as we celebrate the opening of our new exhibition Modern Movements organized in partnership with the Art Museum of the Americas. The exhibition will be on view during the months of April and May and will be held in all three galleries.

Esha Sadr | Natasha Sachdeva | Abol Bahadori

March 6, 2026

6:00 pm

 – 8:00 pm

First Friday Opening Reception

Join us for our First Friday opening reception in March, which will feature three solo artists: Esha Sadr, Natasha Sachdeva, and Abol Bahadori. Take this opportunity to meet the artists in person and to mingle with friends. First Friday openings anre organized in collaboration with Dupont Circle BID.

Free to the public (a donation of $10 is suggested)

Jun Lee | Calliandra Hermanson | Prescott Lassman

February 6, 2026

6:00 pm

 – 8:00 pm

Join us for our First Friday opening receptions in February, which will feature three exhibitions: Jun Lee, Unbreakable Elements, Calliandra Marian Hermanson, of permutations and patterns, and Prescott Lassman, “RESIST.” Take these opportunities to meet the artists in person and to mingle with friends. First Friday openings anre organized in collaboration with Dupont Circle BID.

Free to the public (a donation of $10 is suggested)

Adjoa Burrowes, Earth Sanctuary

Adjoa Burrowes “Earth Sanctuary” Opening Reception

December 5, 2025

6:00 pm

 – 8:00 pm

Member and VIP reception, 5 – 6 p.m.

On Friday, October (“First Friday”), from 6 to 8 p.m., Hillyer invites the public to see these three exhibitions: Barbara Liotta, A Gathering, Adjoa Burrowes, Earth Sanctuary, and Taina Litwak, Life in the Anthropocene. Take this opportunity to meet the artists in person and mingle with friends and colleagues. Hillyer’s “First Friday” openings coincide with Dupont Circle BID’s monthly Art Walk.

*You can enhance your experience by becoming a member. Among other perks, each month members are invited to an exclusive preview of the exhibitions, which includes an intimate setting to speak with the artists while enjoying champagne and special treats. Be among the first to meet our talented creators and connect with other fellow art enthusiasts before the doors open to the public at 6 p.m.

Barbara Liotta, A Gathering

Barbara Liotta “A Gathering” Opening Reception

December 5, 2025

6:00 pm

 – 8:00 pm

Member and VIP reception, 5 – 6 p.m.

On Friday, October (“First Friday”), from 6 to 8 p.m., Hillyer invites the public to see these three exhibitions: Barbara Liotta, A Gathering, Adjoa Burrowes, Earth Sanctuary, and Taina Litwak, Life in the Anthropocene. Take this opportunity to meet the artists in person and mingle with friends and colleagues. Hillyer’s “First Friday” openings coincide with Dupont Circle BID’s monthly Art Walk.

*You can enhance your experience by becoming a member. Among other perks, each month members are invited to an exclusive preview of the exhibitions, which includes an intimate setting to speak with the artists while enjoying champagne and special treats. Be among the first to meet our talented creators and connect with other fellow art enthusiasts before the doors open to the public at 6 p.m.

Taina Litwak, Life in the Anthropocene

Taina Litwak “Life in the Anthropocene” Opening Reception

December 5, 2025

6:00 pm

 – 8:00 pm

Member and VIP reception, 5 – 6 p.m.

On Friday, October (“First Friday”), from 6 to 8 p.m., Hillyer invites the public to see these three exhibitions: Barbara Liotta, A Gathering, Adjoa Burrowes, Earth Sanctuary, and Taina Litwak, Life in the Anthropocene. Take this opportunity to meet the artists in person and mingle with friends and colleagues. Hillyer’s “First Friday” openings coincide with Dupont Circle BID’s monthly Art Walk.

*You can enhance your experience by becoming a member. Among other perks, each month members are invited to an exclusive preview of the exhibitions, which includes an intimate setting to speak with the artists while enjoying champagne and special treats. Be among the first to meet our talented creators and connect with other fellow art enthusiasts before the doors open to the public at 6 p.m.

“Écriture (Writing) with the Body,” plus Curator Laila Abdul-Hadi Jadallah and Solo Artist Elizabeth Coffey

October 3, 2025

6:00 pm

 – 8:00 pm

Opening Reception
General Public: 6 – 8 p.m.
Member and VIP reception, 5 – 6 p.m.

On Friday, October (“First Friday”), from 6 to 8 p.m., Hillyer invites the public to see these three exhibitions: Écriture (Writing) with the Body: Contemporary Korean Women’s Art, curated by Trio & Beats | Dr. Jung-Sil Lee and Dr. Koh Dong-Yeon, Traces ( آثار ), curated by Laila Abdul-Hadi Jadallah, and Landed by solo artist Elizabeth Coffey. Take this opportunity to meet the artists in person and mingle with friends and colleagues. Hillyer’s “First Friday” openings coincide with Dupont Circle BID’s monthly Art Walk.

*You can enhance your experience by becoming a member. Among other perks, each month members are invited to an exclusive preview of the exhibitions, which includes an intimate setting to speak with the artists while enjoying champagne and special treats. Be among the first to meet our talented creators and connect with other fellow art enthusiasts before the doors open to the public at 6 p.m.