Visit the Studio — Matt Sesow & Dana Ellyn

Dana Ellyn in her studio at Mather Studios, painting on her easel, surrounded by canvases, paints, and art supplies

Dana's studio

01 — The Studio

Two studios,
one roof

Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow live and paint in 850 square feet in downtown Washington, DC, around the clock. It is home, and it is split into two separate studios, divided by budget bookcases stacked ceiling-high with paint, supplies, and art books. Each painter works in their own space.

Matt and Dana both arrived in Washington, DC in 1989 but didn't meet until 2001. They married in 2010. Today they both live and paint at Mather Studios, each in their own studio, every day, five blocks from the White House.

Both sell their paintings directly to collectors. Together they've sold more than 21,500 original paintings to collectors in more than 40 countries.

Their building — Mather Studios — has been here since 1919, steps from the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and the Gallery Place Metro. It's tiny, it's chaotic, and it's where it all happens.

03 — The Neighborhood

Make a day of it

Our building sits in the cultural center of the city. A studio visit pairs perfectly with a day exploring downtown DC — museums, theaters, history, and great food, all within a few blocks.

🏛

Smithsonian American Art Museum

1 block · 2 min walk

A major collection of American art. Free admission. Shares its historic building with the National Portrait Gallery and the stunning Kogod Courtyard.

🎭

Ford's Theatre

1 block · 3 min walk

The site where Lincoln was assassinated — now a working theater with acclaimed productions, museum, and the Petersen House.

🏟

Capital One Arena

3 blocks · 5 min walk

Home of the Wizards and Capitals. Concerts, events, and the energy of Chinatown's Friendship Archway right outside.

🏛

The National Mall

5 blocks · 10 min walk

The Washington Monument, Smithsonian museums, the Lincoln Memorial, and America's front yard — all an easy walk.

🏠

The White House

5 blocks · 8 min walk

Just five blocks west. Walk past on your way to the Renwick Gallery or the Ellipse.

Penn Quarter dining and restaurants in Washington DC

🍜

Dining & Drinks

Steps away

Penn Quarter is a food lover's destination — from José Andrés' restaurants to Chinatown noodle shops, plus coffee and cocktails.

04 — Getting Here

916 G Street NW
Downtown Washington, DC

🚇 Metro

Gallery Place–Chinatown — 1 block east. Take the 9th Street exit.

Metro Center — 2 blocks west. Use the 11th & G Street exit.

🚌 Bus

Several Metrobus lines stop on or near G Street NW. The closest stops are at 11th & G Street NW and 12th & G Street NW, right outside our door.

Check wmata.com for real-time arrivals.

🚗 Driving & Parking

Street parking: Metered spots on G Street and surrounding blocks. Meters accept credit cards and the ParkMobile app. Sunday meters are free.

Garages nearby: Multiple parking garages within 1–2 blocks. Weekend rates start around $10–15.

05 — Schedule Your Visit

Come see where
it happens

Sundays and weekday mornings work best, but we're happy to find a time that fits your schedule. Just get in touch a few days ahead so we can plan for you.

✉️