NoMa Lot to House ‘Largest Public Art Project’ in D.C., Group Says

(Updated at 5:20 p.m. Wednesday) A paved lot used for outdoor movies in NoMa will become the city’s “largest public art project” in the coming weeks, a local nonprofit organization has announced.

The one-acre surface at 1st and L streets NE will transform into a mural designed by more than 100 artists, according to Words Beats & Life, which uses hip-hop as a tool to improve the D.C. area. The lot is currently the home of NoMa’s free outdoor film series and is set to become the Storey Park residential, office and retail complex by 2017.

Naz Farchtchi, a Words Beats & Life representative, said she didn’t know yet what the painting will look like. But she said it will involve “a lot” of paint.

Words Beats & Life is looking for volunteers this weekend to help prepare the lot for the mural. The “GO B!G: NoMa Paint Party,” which includes free food, music and supplies, starts at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Interested locals can RSVP online.

Locals also can listen to live music and watch the artists at work for free June 6, as part of the “Storey Park Junction Paint Jam.” The painting will happen from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“We want to make this a big community thing,” Farchtchi said.