The Art of Change was the sort of anti-ball to all the hoopla at the nearby Washington Convention Center. Trying to gain entry through the barriers, closed roads, volunteers and police was just as convoluted and difficult, but it had little else in common with the other balls. Barack Obama only made appearances in the artwork. Celebrity appearances were nil. And the dress code was the funkier the better… but preferably non-flammable.

The Art of Change made use of three different spaces along half a block: two indoor gallery spaces that also played host to artwork, caterers, DJs and performers, and an adjoining outdoor tent from which partygoers could see choreographed fire spinning performances. The D.C. burner community had a strong organizational presence at the event, and they were one of the main attractions of the night,culminating with a performance from Takoma-based group Dance Afire.

If one happened to be fearful of flame, three separate DJ spaces and a Variety Stage provided alternate forms of entertainment. Performers ranging from burlesque dancers to folk singers to magicians graced the Variety Stage, but comedian Seton Smith stole the show from all of them. Some might argue, however, that Smith himself was overshadowed by the highly celebrated mulled wine.