The beachKraft StudioGallery of Olney is proud to showcase a group exhibition of artists in the DC-Metro and surrounding area celebrating the theme of animation, anime, comic books and video games. The exhibition and associated events will be happening throughout the months of October and November 2025.

Artists across the DMV area and beyond have submitted their artwork and creations inspired by popular culture to be displayed in this special exhibition. We are excited to bring a taste of the energy, artistry and creativity of the culture of anime and comic conventions to Olney!

Join us for an artists’ opening reception on October 12^th, 2025 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. We will be celebrating the exhibiting artists to kick off our annual exhibit and event series inspired by all things pop-culture!

Other associated events include:

* Live “cos-play” models will be featured at our Friday figure drawing sessions in October and November, with a special 3 character trio session on Wednesday, October 15^th.

Special Costumed Figure Drawing Sessions:

• Oct. 3 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Deku from “My Hero Academia”

• Oct. 15 – Wednesday 7:30pm – 9:30pm – Special Trio! – Geralt, Triss, and Yennifer from “Witcher”

• Oct. 17 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Genos from “One Punch Man”

• Nov. 7 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Esdeath from “Akame ga Kill”

• Nov. 21 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Alice from “American McGee’s Alice”

*November 22^rd, 1:00pm – 8:00pm ….. “Artist’s Alley” event. The Gallery and studio will be filled with local vendors of comic book, anime and other pop-culture art prints, stickers, sculptures, ceramics, merchandise and more! The Artists’ Alley is free to attend and will feature a live DJ, raffle, sushi by Jiang Court Asian Cuisine, presentation of art exhibition awards and more. Attend in costume or cos-play and be entered in the raffle for free! Vendors include:

• Artist, Frank Yang presents art prints.

• Butta Customs – Artist, Tone Butta presents artwork and figurines inspired by hip-hop and growing up in the city.

• Turnip Ghost Studio – Artist, Andrea Hawn presents stickers and associated artwork inspired by anime and more.

• Kiwi.Kanna – Artist, Kira Godley presents art prints and posters inspired by anime.

• Creation-Station-Studios – Artist, Tim Myers presents apparel, art prints and original art inspired by comic books, music, and more.

• Lisa Lou Creations – Handmade jewelry, gifts, specialty balms and lotions.

• Cosmic Hime Creations – Artist, Chelsea Roston presents kawaii kpop, anime, and video game goods.

• Marathon Santa – Olney’s own Santa Claus presents chainmail, collectibles and hand crafted merchandise.

• Artist, Chris Brown presents original art, art prints and ceramics inspired by comic books and popular culture.

• Wing Desire – Art and hand crafted jewelry.

We would like to thank the generosity of our sponsors that have made Highly Animated 2.0 possible this year:

Legendary Sponsors:

Jiang Court Asian Cuisine

Kang’s Black Belt Academy

“Marathon Santa” Schreurs

Hero Sponsors:

Jamie Schad State Farm

GameOn bar+arcade

IXON

We expect to bring together artists, anime and comic book fans, cosplayers and the local community for these special events celebrating the creativity of local artists and “fandom”. Free to attend, see us at the Highly Animated artists’ reception on October 12 and Artists’ Alley vendor showcase on November 22. Don’t miss it!

More information can be found at https://www.thebeachkraft.com/

Visit us at 18200 Georgia Ave. Units O+N – upstairs in the Hillcrest Center building.

The beachKraft Art Gallery is an eclectic, modern gallery that represents the original creations of over 20 local and nationally based artists in a 2500 square ft. open space. The gallery promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion for all guests, artists, and employees. Our mission is to promote art locally as a working studio and classroom in tandem with the gallery in ways that benefit the environment and promote eco-friendly practice.

For more information, visit https://www.thebeachkraft.com/