Make DC Weird is a project that DC officemates Susannah Wells and Effie Kapsalis recently launched after Kapsalis visited Austin, Texas, home of the Keep Austin Weird movement. Their mission: to call attention to the parts of DC life that thwart its conservative reputation, from burlesque dancers to roller derbies and drag races, as well as local businesses trying to make their mark.

I was an instant fan; after all, Creative DC is also about showcasing parts of DC life that aren’t part of the town’s mainstream image. I reached out to Wells and Kapsalis via email to ask about Make DC Weird’s origins and aims; an edited transcript of our e-conversation follows.

How did you come up with the idea for Make DC Weird?

SW: The concept for Make DC Weird originated one morning at work. Effie had just returned from a conference in Austin, Texas — where the “well of weird” hath runneth over — and she was feeling energized. I grew up in the Southwest, and both my mother and step-mother are Texas Exes, so I am ever-so-familiar with the popular catchphrase, Keep Austin Weird, and yearned for DC to surprise me. I immediately shared her enthusiasm for a movement!

We began concocting grandiose ideas for how we could apply this concept to Washington, DC — already an amazing city that just needs its “weirdness” unearthed.

After bouncing around some ideas, “Make DC Weird” hit us like a ton of bricks.

How did you go from concept to implementation?

SW: Our first step was to make tshirts, to help get the word out…something we could don around town in the hopes that people stop us and ask questions (by the way, it works!).

Our second step was to create the Facebook group, which is open to anyone, not just District residents. The group is meant to inspire and generate a conversation: members posting links, discussions, posting pictures and videos, comments; in essence, spreading the word. It’s an easy, inexpensive way to gather the like-minded (albeit, in a virtual space), build appreciation for the city, and enrich the community of the weird.

You mention that you’re not from the area. What brought you to DC? What were your expectations of the city when you arrived?

SW: I came to DC for a job. I knew only one person here — but you only really need one other person to help rustle up trouble.

EK: I went to grad school in Philly and started doing some freelance exhibition design in DC. I had two good friends living here, so I thought, What the heck? Oh yeah, and there was a boy.

What were your first impressions of DC? Have they changed over the years? If so, how?

SW: First thoughts: what a beautiful, humbling city! Then: suit, suit, suit, pearls, suit, suit… I lived in NYC for a brief stint, and I half hoped DC would be similar — boy, was I wrong. Not bad, just different.

It took approximately a year to establish my “urban family” and settle in. As you well know, DC attracts some amazing people, and once you meet a few you can jive with, you’re off to have adventures. One of the great things about DC is how much you can do for free!

After living here for four years, I have a better idea of where I can go to shake things up and get loose with it.

EK: I moved here the week of former president Reagan’s funeral and walked down to see it on the mall. I was amazed that these kinds of things were going to be part of my daily life. I still am amazed by all of that. I don’t like the amount of security everywhere you go, and I work on the Mall, so I encounter a lot of it daily. It’s more a culture of fear here then most places I’ve been. However, it’s a city full of passionate people, whether they’re passionate about politics, a cause, art…That passion is energizing.

Do you consider yourselves “weird”? How do you think of “weird” versus “creative”?

SW: If I had a nickel for every time someone called me weird…! (As a kid), I purchased a keychain that read, “I’m not weird, I’m gifted.” I began to take (being called weird) as a compliment. I wore “fashionable” polyester suits to school at the age of 15. Being able to laugh at myself helps. It’s quite liberating, really. You should try it! For me, “weird” is a state of mind, a desire for liberation, where boldness is the norm.

I think “creative” is synonymous with “weird”. “Weird” can also be synonymous with (the not so good) “crazy”. Hmm…maybe I’m crazy?

EK: I’ve been weird in different ways since I was born. It all started with the avocado and tomato sandwiches my mom packed me for lunch…I don’t look as weird as I used to. I like to let everyone define weird for themselves. For me, weirdness also has an element of creativity. Susannah is clearly weirder than I am.

SW: Thanks for that, Effie.

If you were giving out “weird awards,” who might some of the winners be?

SW: To be clear, I wouldn’t dare define “weird” for everyone – it can have a very personal meaning and interpretation. What immediately comes to mind is the Palace of Wonders. Aren’t they like the epitome of weird?

Fortunately, I have friends that are involved in the city, who give me the inside scoop… Elements Beta Community has a great mission. Conner Contemporary represents some remarkable young talent. Kostume Karaoke every other Wednesday at Solly’s — we need to encourage people to host more wacky events like this! Hoopla Traders is a boutique with a nice philosophy — fair trade, environmentally conscious, and support of local artisans.

EK: I think Palace of Wonders is weird, not necessarily because of the acts that perform there, but the people that gather there who are are a parade of weirdness themselves. It’s like the weird oasis. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens gets my unexpected weird award with the huge garden of lotus flowers smack dab in the middle of northeast DC.

Weird to me is all the brave, local businesses that are doing their own thing and trying to make a go of it – Captain Levy’s, on the way south end of Barrack’s Row beyond the viaduct, serves North Carolina bbq, sweet tea, and coconut cake and the owner is a sweet guy [editor's note: Captain Levy's is apparently so weird that there's no other information about it online for me to link to]. SOVA DC, a newer coffeehouse on H st. NE that, aside from having great coffee, pastries, and wine, hosts a banjo band and storytelling gatherings.

There’s Yoga House Studio, a Petworth yoga studio which hosts Kundalini yoga meditations and chanting on the full and new moons. Wacky, trippy times there. Or On the Fly DC eco food carts; they partner with local businesses and serve healthy, yummy goodness. They are now at the Hirshhorn Museum!

Weird heroes and mould-breaking champions exist as living proof to those who need it that the tyranny of ”the rat race” is not yet final.
-Hunter S. Thompson

I’m impressed that you took this beyond a brainstorm in your office. Any advice for people who have creative ideas, but have a hard time getting started?

SW: You can expend very little effort to feel a lot accomplished. Sometimes it takes gumption to express a thought aloud, but you may be pleasantly surprised by how many people are thinking the same thing. Be bold. (Come on in, the water’s fine!)

EK: There are so many easy web tools that allow you to get the word out, like Flickr and Facebook. Pick something you’re excited about and start simple!

Ok, start simple… stay simple, too? What’s next for Make DC Weird?

SW: One day, we aspire to organize casual Make DC Weird events around the city — sport our tees and roll out en masse to Screen on the Green or impromptu yoga in the park or neighborhood fundraisers.

We’re excited to see how it evolves. Introducing interested parties to the hidden treasures of DC, while encouraging people be bold, so there’s is never a shortage for the hungry — that’s our pie in the sky.

---

What would you nominate as the weirdest place, group or event in DC? What other websites showcase the weird side of the city? Share your picks and links using the comment feature below.

Tagged as: profiles, thoughts_on_dc, weird