New on U

The gallery scene on U Street continues to expand this weekend when Hamiltonian Gallery makes its debut on Saturday with a three-artist exhibition and music by DJ Gavin Holland.

What looks like a typical commercial space actually serves as an educational program. Hamiltonian has chosen ten fellows to complete a two-year program, and the up-and-comers will receive guidance from the more established artists who exhibit in the gallery.

So the three artists chosen for this initial show have to be a good match for the fellows, but were also chosen because they create a "dynamic, progressive, aggressive, poppy show," according to gallery director Jackie Ionita. Those artists -- Nao Matsumoto, Ian MacLean Davis and Bryan Rojsuontikul -- infuse the exhibition with brightly colored duct tape installations, sculpture derived from everyday observations and drawings and paintings inspired by the way culture interacts with technology.

Hamiltonian will also gain an artistic partner and neighbor starting next month, as another U Street gallery, Project 4, will move from its space on 9th and U to the floor above Hamiltonian. Going forward the two galleries will host exhibitions at the same time.

Project 4 co-founder Greg Kearley, who is also a principal at an environmentally-friendly architectural firm, had a hand in the green designs of the building. With rain barrels, energy efficient appliances, decks made from recycled tires and a rooftop that will soon be covered in sedums, Hamiltonian may be the only gallery in D.C. that meets the requirements for green building certification.

-- Stephanie Merry