Washington, D.C.  (May 12, 2016) -  The Pepco Edison Place Gallery will host a reception Friday, May 13 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. to celebrate the opening of "My Business" an inaugural Senior Arts Series of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. "My Business," on display through June 3, focuses on a process of investigation, growth and discovery.

Senior students of the Ellington Visual Arts Department were encouraged to explore personal, central interests and bring the culminating ideas to fruition in any medium via two or three dimensional designs.

The Visual Arts Department teaches students the importance of art in society and the role that the artists play in shaping human culture. The curriculum consists of drawing, painting, sculpture, computer graphics and printmaking.

Washington, D.C. native, Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, a disciplined and improvisational musician, flourished in a tough world and his accomplishments as a composer and bandleader are seen as a touchstone for Ellington students.                                                                                   

Established in 1974 to honor his legacy, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts remains the sole D.C. public high school to offer a dual curriculum encompassing professional arts training and academic enrichment, in preparation for college and careers in the arts. Students receive a full academic course of study and arts including Dance, Literary Media and Communications, Museum Studies, Instrumental or Vocal Music, Theatre, Technical Design and Production, or Visual Arts.             

The Pepco Edison Place Gallery which is Pepco's dedicated nonprofit space is open with free admission noon to 4 p.m. each Tuesday through Friday and is located at 702 Eighth St., NW, Washington, DC.