ART Works NOW - Mindful of the relationship between creative education and the creative development of our community, Art Works Now remains committed to teaching art technique, encouraging each student to “see” in their own way, and providing multiple opportunities to explore, express and demonstrate their vision. We offer a “blank canvas” for every student to develop their individual creativity. We provide the tools, techniques, and a great studio space, along with instruction that encourages creative exploration, and peers for encouragement and collaboration.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a stronger community through the arts. We achieve this with affordable, content rich art classes and projects. Our core value of social justice is activated through the content of our programming, our commitment to reducing economic barriers to art education, and the long-term, accountable relationships we nurture with our community.
Pizzeria Paradiso - We opened Pizzeria Paradiso so we could make the kind of pizza we longed for but couldn’t find in the DC area; the kind of pizza where the crust was the most important part.
To create that crust, we start with a wood-burning, domed, stone oven able to cook at a temperature of 650 degrees and above. Then we placed the oven at the heart of the restaurant so our guests would feel the warmth and comfort of its glow evocative of the warmth felt in a close friend’s home.
Next, we developed a dough that would respond to our oven the way we dreamed. We let our dough rise slowly, work it by hand, lightly grace it with the finest quality toppings, finish it with extra virgin olive oil and cook it in our beloved oven.
As Phyllis Richman wrote about us, “[m]aking great pizza isn’t all that difficult. You need good yeast dough – left to rise long enough to develop the flavor. Then a tomato sauce of quality, cheese that’s delicious and fresh herbs from the garden, honest olive oil and vibrant toppings. Plus a good hot wood-burning oven. In other words, all it takes is a commitment to quality. That’s what makes the difference at Pizzeria Paradiso.”
The original Pizzeria Paradiso, located on the second floor of a small townhouse in Dupont Circle, opened its doors in November 1991. The restaurant received immediate critical acclaim and has since been consistently ranked among the finest restaurants in Washington, DC. This location expanded in 2009, and is now located at 2003 P Street. A second location, in historic Georgetown, opened at 3282 M Street in December 2002. Our third restaurant, located at 124 King St in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, opened in October 2010.
Pizzeria Paradiso menu is supplemented by an extensive beer list at all locations, with an ever-changing draft beer selection and wine list. Our Georgetown location has a private dining room for special events. Our Old Town location can accommodate special functions based upon availability.
All locations are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with continuous service through the afternoon and late-night dining hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Our pizzas and appetizers are available for carryout from all locations.
