Art advisor and gallerist Chela Mitchell understands the significance of her calling, especially as the owner of one of the few Black-owned galleries in the U.S.
She says, "And as a gallerist, you're a tastemaker." In Washington, who better to set the aesthetic pace than one of its native daughters?
Growing up in the Fort Davis neighborhood of Southeast DC, Mitchell was always fascinated by fine art and fashion. That passion brought her to New York City early in her career, where she worked in luxury e-commerce and fashion styling. But the industry experience left much to be desired. Seeking greater fulfillment, she moved home on a whim during the pandemic and immersed herself in Chocolate City's scene of young creative voices. She discovered that DC’s contemporary arts scene lacked venues for emerging talent to showcase their work. She opened Chela Mitchell Gallery in 2021 to fill that gap: creating an art space and community incubator to amplify unique voices who inspire new perspectives.
Five years later, Mitchell has established her gallery as a rising force in the city's contemporary art scene.
With all the intense creativity and passion in her city, she still never truly feels like she’s “seen it all.” Even now, when she's out doing what she does best – meeting artists, curators, dealers and buyers – she's always discovering new dimensions of her hometown. As a lifetime local, she gets the best of both worlds: constant discovery and heart center, like proximity to her grandmother, her inspiration and an entrepreneur herself.
Follow along with Chela Mitchell on a day exploring Brookland, NoMa and beyond.
Morning
Visitors should start their day in one of the most energetic destinations in the city: Union Market. As one of the city's most bustling and diverse food halls, you can find everything here: from coffee to souvenirs and countless snack options. One of the market's longstanding treasures is A. Litteri, which has been serving cold cuts on fresh Italian bread since 1926. The market also happens to be home to the Chela Mitchell Gallery, Mitchell’s contemporary art space that shouldn't be missed.
Afternoon
In a metropolis boasting high-ticket cocktails, finding inexpensive, tasty options is always refreshing. Brookland Grill, an immigrant-owned, casual restaurant in the heart of Brookland, offers visitors a can't-miss fried whiting sandwich with home fries. It’s one of Chela’s favorite places to grab lunch with her grandmother, Miss Rose, who had her own restaurant in the area back in the day.
Afterwards, travelers should take the Metro to the Renwick, known for spectacular installation exhibits and showcasing 20th and 21st century American craftwork. It's housed in a gorgeous 19th-century historic building down the street from the White House. Or, Metro on to Anacostia, where Mitchell recommends making a stop at Grounded, a calming plant shop, café and wellness space rooted in community. It’s one of her favorite neighborhood gems, and the matcha lemonades are a must.
Evening
Mitchell loves to visit her friends and connections in the city, like Kehmari Norman, who creates fresh arrangements at Black Flower Market.
Next, visitors should head to Manifest 002 in Union Market, a stylish hybrid space blending fashion, grooming, art and nightlife under one roof. Mitchell loves how the concept captures the creative energy of modern DC – a place where tastemakers, artists and entrepreneurs naturally gather throughout the day and into the evening.
Discover more We The People itineraries and explore the real DC.