Press Contact: Addie Moore

Rooted in Reflection: Murjoni Merriweather’s latest exhibition S E E D Explores Growth, Identity, and the Power of Self-Care 

CulturalDC, who most recently went viral for its melted Abraham Lincoln wax figure, is now proud to present S E E D, an immersive exhibition by local artist Murjoni Merriweather, opening on Saturday, October 5, at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. A PG County native, Merriweather’s installation takes visitors on a journey through her personal reflections on growth, identity, and the power of self-care. 

S E E D transforms CulturalDC’s Mobile Art Gallery into an earthy, meditative space where Merriweather's clay sculptures rise from mounds of soil, representing themes of patience and transformation. The space also includes an interactive area where visitors can dig in the dirt and uncover hidden items to take with them that are made by the artist, inspiring moments of self-reflection and calm. “Rooted in Reflection,” as Merriweather explains, “this exhibition pushes beyond the traditional busts I’ve created, evolving into a space that encourages self-reflection and calm. My goal is for visitors to literally dig in the dirt and connect with the concept of growth—both physically and spiritually.” 

Melanie Adams, the Roger Ferguson and Annette Nazareth Director of the Anacostia Community Museum, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating: “The Anacostia Community Museum is thrilled to welcome CulturalDC’s Mobile Art Gallery this fall. With the museum’s current exhibition focusing on the legacy of Black arts education and educators, this is an important opportunity to further shine light on the positive impact of arts education on our communities.” 

Kristi Maiselman, Executive Director and Curator of CulturalDC, echoed this sentiment: “We’re so pleased to bring an artist like Murjoni Merriweather east of the river to Anacostia. It’s important for us to continue expanding access to the arts in every part of DC, and SEED will provide a beautiful space for the community to connect and reflect.” 

The free exhibition will run from October 5 to December 22 at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, located at 1901 Fort Pl SE, Washington, DC, 20020. The opening celebration, sponsored in part by the Anacostia BID, will take place on Saturday, October 5th, from 12-5 PM, featuring live DJs, games, and other surprises. The gallery will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with a brief closure for lunch from 1-1:30 PM. Alongside the exhibition, a series of programs will be offered, including an artist talk on Saturday, November 23, from 12-2 PM, and a hands-on clay workshop led by Merriweather on December 14, from 12-2 PM. 

For more information, please visit www.culturaldc.org or anacostia.si.edu. 

About Murjoni Merriweather 

As a black woman artist from Maryland, Murjoni Merriweather has found that the best way to create and talk about black culture is through art, especially clay work. Murjoni creates sculpted beings that are based around real people and real experiences.  

Her work addresses and eliminates stereotypes through clay portraits and video work. With this, she enjoys going against the European standards of “beauty” that are placed upon people of color. (light skin, petite figure,etc.), and normalizing what is natural about black bodies; loving and accepting them as they come.  

Through the artwork, connections and reflections with herself and others based on shared experiences. Continuing her craft, she plans to continue eliminating stereotypes and prejudices while uplifting the black community. 

About CulturalDC  

CulturalDC supports innovative artists across all disciplines and makes their work accessible to diverse audiences, providing space for relevant and challenging work essential to nurturing vibrant urban communities. CulturalDC has made a name for itself in providing a platform for bold contemporary artists to interact with audiences in thought-provoking ways. Current and most recent programs include February James’ Homecoming: I’m Coming Home, Anthony Akinbola’s Monty Hall and John Jarboe’s dual presentation of Rose: You Are Who You Eat and The Rose Garden: Green Room. In addition to presenting, CulturalDC has brokered more than 350,000 square feet of artist space since 1998. CulturalDC owns Source on 14th Street and the Mobile Art Gallery, a 40-ft shipping container transformed into a gallery that has been shown in all eight wards of the city and has seen over 100,000 visitors.  

About Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum 

Founded in 1967, the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum shares the untold and often overlooked stories of communities furthest from justice in the greater Washington, D.C., region. In celebrating stories of resiliency, joy and strength, the museum inspires those who visit to translate their ideas into action. For more information about the museum, visit anacostia.si.edu.