About this Event
Our agenda for tonight's event:
- 4pm: Meet, greet, and enjoy a Mezza buffet. Guests are welcome to order additional items, cocktails, mocktails, and more from
- 5pm: Our 45-minute Art Salon interview with the Mayor, project creator Robin Jordan, and several artists and businesses begins, followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the audience to be produced as a special addition to our popular Our host for the interview is internationally renowned sculptor and author Cynthia Higgins, owner of Elaine's!
- 6pm: Guests talk with the artists, buy their work, and network with all the creative guests in the room!
founder and task force lead of the Art in Every Space initiative
On tonight's panel, you'll meet:
- Mayor of Alexandria Alyia Gaskins, Art in Every Space initiative sponsor
- Anila Angjeli, founder and principal of ALine Architecture, Inc.
- Saya Behnam, Iranian-American artist and biophilic design specialist
- Evan Lacopo, managing broker at Corcoran McEnearney
- Kahana Samms, founder and owner of Good Spirit Cafe
About Elaine’s Art Salon: Following the success of Elaine’s Literary Salon, Cynthia and Jeff Higgins and PR director Hope Katz Gibbs are thrilled to launch a new Salon that shines a light on the work, journey, and accomplishments of artists in the region and beyond. “We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on artists, starting with Ep1 featuring the Mayor’s Art in Every Space initiative,” says the show’s host Cynthia Higgins. Stay tuned for more!
Cynthia is a bestselling author and accomplished sculptor who has been creating art since she was 4. She is the owner of Elaine’s Restaurant with her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, who is the host of Elaine’s Literary Salon.
About Alexandria's Art in Every Space initiative: Since June 2026, Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins and the task force have been pairing local artists with neighborhood businesses, transforming coffee shops, real estate offices, coworking spaces, martial arts studios, and other everyday destinations into places where residents unexpectedly encounter original works of art.
The initiative officially kicked off on July 7 with a celebratory launch reception at Corcoran McEnearney, which welcoming over 75 guests, including city officials, featured artists, and business leaders — and included a recitation of an original poem by Alexandria Poet Laureate Maria Cristina Donoso, and on July 8 with a second opening night at AVActions on the West End of Alexandria. Mayor Gaskins was intentional about hosting two kickoff events—one in the West End and one in the east side of our city—to ensure that Art in Every Space reflects and celebrates artists, businesses, and communities across all of Alexandria.
The pilot project, which ends September 30, has given 42 artists the opportunity to build exposure and share their work and artist journey with the community. More than 60 paintings and photographs have been displayed at 23 businesses throughout Alexandria.
Congratulations to the participating artists — whose creativity, talent, and vision are at the heart of this initiative and bring new energy and expression into Alexandria’s public and commercial spaces. They include: Cindy Wallace, Emily Campos, Trena Raines, Alfa Tate-O'Neill, Yetzia Tonalli Chavez, Jodannah Pereira, Leslie Grizzard, Levita Sylmon, Eva Hartman, Lily G. (age 4), Tiara Safic-Martin, Catherine Rubin, Angela Congleton, Odiea (Shauna Odiea George), Amber Bryson, Jason Guevara Mendez, Katherine Malek, Saya Behnam, Khadija Zafar Sareshwala, Rebecca 'Morgan' Parr, J. Pamela Stills, Nicole Gauvin, McKayla Dixon (age 17), Robin Jordan, Lisa Katic, Don Rubin, Allison Deibler, Brad Fiscus, Kara Macek, Christian A Melgar, Brett Kitchen, Jack Murphy, Jay Ryan, Jeffrey 'Jblend' Brady, Tina Maria Manrique, Anila Angjeli, Ariane D'Souza, Donna M Turnage Spencer, Kelly Snyder, Mackenzie Jones, Ileana Barajas, and Tamika Martin
Thanks to the participating businesses: The Mayor is grateful to the companies that opened their doors to local artists. They have embraced the opportunity to make art a visible and meaningful part of their spaces and the community, including: 1UP Muay Thai Academy • Cameron Cafe • Cherry on Top • Child & Family Network Centers • Corcoran McEnerney • CoWo Creche • Diya Indian Cuisine • Dos Amigos • Elaine's Restaurant • Executive Offices at Crilley Warehouse • Fiscus Glassworks • Good Spirit Cafe • Goodwin Living • Movement in Science • Pawsh Dog Wash • Port City Brewing • River Grove Therapy • RTs Restaurant • Saya Behnam Art • St. Elmo's Coffee Pub Del Ray and Failington • Vesta Settlements • Wine Gallery 108
Thanks to the task force: Art in Every Space was supported by a dedicated volunteer task force, led by Robin Jordan, whose members generously contributed their time, ideas, and expertise to help bring the initiative to life. The task force included Saya Behnam, Ashley R. Wood, Josh Heit, Catherine Radachi Chumley, Amber Bryson, MaryAnn Burstein, Sada Dahouk, Angela Congleton, and Yetzia Chavez
Meet , task force leader, of Art in Every Space: Robin is a visionary multidisciplinary artist whose work transcends traditional boundaries, inviting audiences into a vibrant world of imagination and creativity. With a passion for exploring various mediums, she seamlessly weaves painting, sculpture, and digital art into immersive experiences that resonate deeply with viewers. Robin believes in art's power to connect people and spark conversations, often engaging the community through workshops and collaborative projects. As Robin continues to explore new horizons in her art, she remains committed to creating works that not only captivate the eye but also inspire the imagination. With each brushstroke and sculpted form, she invites you to experience a world where color and creativity know no limits. Learn more:
Please join us on October 20 to celebrate the end of the pilot project, and help us look toward the future!
(including an evening filled with art displayed by the Art in Every Space artists, a seat at the first Art Salon at Elaine's, a Mezza bar, and soft drinks):
A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and reflects a promise she made at age 12 while growing up in Cairo.
"I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her," shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area." Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront.
Event venue & nearby stays
Elaine's, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.