In October 2012, Lisa Greene-Clarke, affectionately known as Mona Lee, founded SWAG Works DC with a vision to provide art education and support for the Southeast Washington, D.C. community and beyond. A former student of Duke Ellington School of the Arts and a graduate of the Catholic University of America with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, Mona Lee's passion for the arts inspired her to create a space where creativity and wellness flourish hand in hand.

The Vision Behind SWAG Works DC: SWAG Works DC, short for Southeast Washington Arts Group, was founded on Mona Lee’s dream of making a difference in the community through art education. The mission is clear: provide high-quality art education to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, while offering therapeutic programs that encourage self-expression, well-being, and personal growth. SWAG stands out by bridging the gap between artists and the community, creating a space where professional artists and students come together to learn, grow, and create.

Empowering Through Art Education: SWAG Works offers a variety of art classes, workshops, and events, serving everyone from young students to senior citizens. With a team of professional artists from diverse backgrounds, SWAG provides lessons in sketching, painting, mixed media, clay work, still life, figure drawing, and more. Their popular Sip & Paint events have become a community favorite, offering a fun, interactive art experience in homes, businesses, and the SWAG Studio Gallery.

Through its partnership with DC public and private schools, as well as senior wellness centers, SWAG extends its reach to the entire DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) region. The program is committed to ensuring art is accessible to all, even offering art therapy for the blind and vision-impaired.

A Thriving Hub for Local Artists: Now open in the heart of Eastern Market on Capitol Hill, the SWAG Works DC gallery is more than just a studio; it’s a vibrant arts destination. The gallery serves as a home for professional artists to showcase their work, share their stories, and mentor aspiring creatives. It offers a range of exhibits featuring both local and nationally recognized artists, further establishing SWAG as a cultural cornerstone in the community.

Making Art Accessible: What makes SWAG Works truly unique is its ability to connect students with world-class artists and instructors, offering opportunities that are often out of reach for many in the community. Mona Lee’s vision has blossomed into a space where artists and students alike can explore their creative potential, forming meaningful connections that go beyond the canvas.

A Dream Realized: From its humble beginnings, Mona Lee’s dream of forming a full art studio gallery has flourished into a dynamic space for creativity, expression, and connection. Now officially open, SWAG Works DC continues to inspire, offering regular classes and workshops that cater to artists of all levels. As a hub for creativity and wellness, SWAG provides a space where the transformative power of art is felt by all who step through its doors.

SWAG Works Studio Gallery

701 E Street SE Washington DC 20003