On a brick wall inside Shop Made In D.C., scenes from 18 D.C. neighborhoods are rendered in bold outlines, alive with richly hued primary colors.

The posters are the work of just one of the 24 artisans featured at the Dupont Circle shop, Anthony Dihle, but it’s not a bad metaphor for the entire place: a joyful, stylish celebration of the District and its creative class.

Two dozen D.C.-based makers have their work artfully displayed on wooden tables, racks made of galvanized pipes, and repurposed medicine cabinets, encircling a cafe space that will serve up a menu of food, coffee, and alcohol that were all also made in the District. Even the music playing in the background is local.

Shop Made In D.C. is the brainchild of People Make Place’s Stacey Price in collaboration with the Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s Michael Babin. The District government, the Golden Triangle BID, and a developer are all providing financial and other support to make it happen as part of the official Made in DC program, which the D.C. Council passed last year to promote and certify local businesses.

Previously serving as the director of Think Local First DC, Price has been working to boost the work of local artisans for years, and now has a spacious, modern expanse to showcase their wares. The items in the store will rotate, bringing in a new crop of jewelry makers, designers, artists, and other makers each month (the original plans were to have 24 different artisans at a time, but they expect to be able to fit even more in the shop at once).

While Shop Made In D.C. in the District doesn’t officially open its doors until Thursday, a steady stream of people is already showing up at their doorstep.

Part of the confusion likely stems from a pre-opening ribbon cutting on Monday (Mayor Muriel Bowser wanted to kick off a week of “#ObviouslyDC” events at the store as part of the city’s bid to woo Amazon), but it’s clear that the demand is already there on all sides of the equation.

“People are hungry for this,” Price says, after being asked for weeks by neighbors who wanted to know when the store would open or how they could help. During the event with the mayor, unexpected customers flooded the floor, and a number of the makers quickly realized they’d need to increase their stock. Then there is a list of more than 200 artisans who want to being featured in the shop.

“One of the main reasons why we wanted to do this was not only to create this outlet for really cool things,” Price says, “but also to have a brick and mortar space to support this community that we’ve been building for years.”

For entrepreneurs who are often toiling away alone, it offers up a sense of connection and collaboration.

“To be in a shared space with other people who are dreamers and doers and are really making a positive impact on their community, with both creative ideas as well as empowering and inspiring people and also economically, its just a pleasure,” says District of Clothing founder Dionna Dorsey. “It’s a breath of fresh air.”

Shop Made in D.C. is located at 1333 19th Street NW. It opens on October 19. Hours are a.m. – 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Previously:
Coming To Dupont: A Store And Cafe Stocked Entirely With Goods Made In D.C.
Council Unanimously Passes Made In DC Legislation
D.C. Artisans Support Potential ‘Made In D.C.’ Bill
From Coasters to Posters, 11 Brands Repping D.C. Pride
An Introduction on D.C.’s Burgeoning Prepared Foods Scene