Launching a new partnership with the Friendship Heights Alliance, Transformer presents A Distinct Terroir, an exhibition showcasing a bounty of artists and creative styles from the DC area through the lens of our FlatFile collection. Launched in spring 2007, Transformer’s FlatFile is a dynamic and continually evolving collection of more than 400+ 2D artworks by over 40 artists. Each work measures 16" x 20" or smaller and is priced at $500 or below, making original local art accessible to a wide audience of collectors and community members.

‘Terroir’ refers to the set of factors that influence the unique character growth of a subject, including all the environmental factors that morph its characteristics and quality. It’s a holistic concept that considers not just the environment and climate, but also the topography, biodiversity, and human impact on a region. The DMV’s terroir, from its political importance to its Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian landscape, to its rich immigrant community, inspires each artist in a different way, making our local artists’ work distinctly topical.

A Distinct Terroir presents works both on the gallery walls and through innovative, artist-designed installation displays at The Heights Pop-Up Pavillion that invite visitors to browse selections from more than 300 FlatFile artworks. All artworks in the exhibition will be available for purchase. Throughout the run of the A Distinct Terroir, Transformer will present artist-led community programming, engaging audiences with Wednesday evening artist conversations, and through hands-on, interactive workshops presented monthly on Saturdays. These will include workshops on printmaking, mixed-media collage, and more to engage audiences of all ages in the creation of their own artworks. All workshops will be presented for free with materials provided.

The Pavilion Pop-Up, formerly a T-Mobile store, offers 2,113 square feet in the Chevy Chase Pavilion retail center. In fall 2025, the Friendship Heights Alliance transformed the space into a “third place” with a gallery, reading room, and lounge areas for creative and interactive programming. Open to the public multiple days a week, it provides a free, indoor gathering spot for the neighborhood. The Pavilion Pop-Up is at 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, next to the office lobby; enter just to the right of Trader Joe's.

Exhibition Hours: Wednesdays & Thursdays 11 AM – 2 PM; Saturday’s 12 – 6 PM. Pavilion Pop-Up at The Heights Lobby 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, DC 20015

About the Friendship Heights Alliance
The Friendship Heights Alliance envisions a more vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive future for Friendship Heights, with diversity in housing opportunities and retail experiences, and a people-friendly public realm. This place-focused nonprofit coordinates the community building needed to reinvigorate the entirety of Friendship Heights, focusing on the commercial corridor along Wisconsin Avenue from Oliver Street in Montgomery County, Maryland, to Fessenden Street NW in Washington, DC. The Alliance is a 501(c)6 nonprofit created in 2021 to focus on public space management and coordination; increase collaboration amongst property owners in both Maryland and Washington, DC, as development continues; promote the neighborhood; and engage with residents and businesses. The Alliance has organized nearly a dozen pop-ups throughout the neighborhood. Thanks to Clarion Partners for providing the space for this partnership with Transformer. To learn more, visit friendshipheights.com or follow @FriendshipHeightsAlliance.

Image Credits: Kaitlin Jencso, Untitled (August), 2020 ; Katana Lippart, Plant Study, 2021; Aphra Adkins, Useless Quilt, 2024 ; Katherine Tzu-Lan Mann, Water Lettuce Cloud Ribbon 2, 2024