Olney, MD Art Gallery and Studio to present a Pop-Culture themed group Art Exhibit and Artists’ Alley event.
Highly Animated is a 2-month long celebration of the vibrant world of fan art. From classic JRPG nostalgia, to the latest anime obsessions, to amazing original characters, this exhibition will highlight the passion, creativity and talent within fan communities.
For a third year, the beachKraft Studio\Gallery of Olney is proud to showcase a group exhibition of artists in the DC-Metro and surrounding area celebrating the theme of animation, anime, comic books and video games. The exhibition and associated events will be happening throughout the months of October and November 2026.
Artists across the DMV area and beyond have submitted their artwork and creations inspired by popular culture to be displayed in this special exhibition. We are excited to bring a taste of the energy, artistry and creativity of the culture of anime and comic conventions to Olney!
Art exhibit: The juried art exhibit will open on October 3rd, 2026 at the gallery and remain on display through November 29th, 2026.
Jurors, Jason Bergman, Director of Production (Gearbox Entertainment), and Pandy O – Co-founder, artist, writer – Moon Lair Studios will select artwork to be awarded in two categories – Fan Art Expressionism and Original Characters. An additional “People’s Choice” award will be open for visitors to the gallery to vote for their favorite artwork in the exhibit.
A traditional artist’s reception, free and open to the public, will be held on Saturday, October 10th, 5:00pm – 7:00pm.
We would like to thank our jurors and local sponsors, Kang’s Black Belt Academy, Best Friends’ Veterinary Hospital, Jamie Schad of State Farm and Game On Bar+Arcade for contributing to artist prizes for this exhibit.
*November 14th, 3:00pm – 8:00pm ….. “Artist's Alley” event. The Gallery and studio will be filled with local vendors of comic book, anime and other pop-culture art prints, stickers, sculptures, ceramics, merchandise and more! The Artists’ Alley is free to attend and will feature a live DJ, raffle, snacks and sushi by Jiang Court Asian Cuisine, presentation of art exhibition awards and more. Attend in costume or cos-play and be entered in the raffle for free!
We will also feature cos-play models at our Friday night figure drawing sessions during this event.
We are very excited to bring this unique exhibition and event to the Olney community. More information, a vendor and artist showcase and RSVP links to the events can be found on our website at
https://www.thebeachkraft.com/highlyanimated2026
See the Highly Animated III Art Exhibition at the gallery, Tuesday through Sunday, 12:30 PM to 7 PM.
An opening reception will be held for the artists on Saturday October 10, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The reception is free to attend and light refreshments will be available to guests.
The Artists’ Alley Vendor Market and Event will be held on Saturday, November 14, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM and is free to attend.
The beach Kraft Art Gallery is an eclectic, modern gallery that represents the original creations of over 20 local and nationally based artists in a 2500 square ft. open space. The gallery promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion for all guests, artists, and employees. Our mission is to promote art locally as a working studio and classroom in tandem with the gallery in ways that benefit the environment and promote eco-friendly practice.
For more information, visit https://www.thebeachkraft.com/