Art Night 2026 raises a milestone $204,835 for WPA and local arts

Photography by Angi Kim

Hosted in partnership with Washington Project for the Arts (WPA), Art Night has raised more than $2 million over its 26-year history.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2026—This October, Hickok Cole held its 26th annual Art Night, welcoming a full house to its Union Market District headquarters and raising a milestone $204,835 to support Washington Project for the Arts (WPA) and the local artist community. Over 500 artists, collectors, and members of the DC real estate community gathered on the evening of October 15 to mark the launch of the Art Night 2026 gallery.

Art Night’s 25th anniversary last year raised a then-historic $164,960. In 2026, the total surpassed that landmark by 24%, reaching an all-time high of $204,835. This year also set a new record with 79 total sponsors.

“It’s incredible to see Art Night grow more successful each year,” said Principal and Director of Hickok Cole Creative, Sarah Barr. “The record-breaking numbers this year are a true testament to what can be achieved when the commercial real estate industry and our local community come together to support the arts.”

The Art Night 2026 gallery was available both virtually and in-person for one week, enabling Hickok Cole’s network to shop from anywhere. The 2026 collection, curated by art experts at WPA, showcased more than 240 works by over 90 local artists across various media and price points. Resident artists from the neighborhoods surrounding Hickok Cole’s offices, including NoMa, the Union Market District, and Richmond, VA, were highlighted. As always, each sale is split equally between the artist and WPA.

Art Night is made possible through the support of sponsors—Art Devils, Art Angels, and Art Cherubs—who pre-committed to purchase artwork for a collective contribution of $145,500 before the virtual gallery opening.

This year’s campaign took a medieval turn, aimed to inspire others to take up their metaphorical swords for our fellow human creators—to stand and fight for the arts! The collection featured vibrant materials, textured, abstract forms, and verdant, exploratory themes. Hickok Cole Creative designed and developed all promotional materials and event signage, outfitted with chainmail accents, vintage dragons, and regal old-world fonts. A month-long social media campaign with exclusive art previews helped promote the virtual gallery and foster connections with participating artists and their pieces.

Interested in joining the ranks of Very Important Patrons (VIPs) to sponsor Art Night 2027? Reach out to learn more.

About Hickok Cole 
Hickok Cole is a forward-focused design practice connecting bold ideas, diverse expertise, and partners with vision to do work that matters. Informed by research and fueled by creative rigor, Hickok Cole looks beyond today’s trends to help its clients embrace tomorrow’s opportunities.

About Washington Project for the Arts 
Washington Project for the Arts (WPA) is a not-for-profit visual arts organization that supports artist-driven projects, advocacy, and dialogue so that artists can live, work, and flourish.