Discover how Billy Colbert and Kelly Towles gave Quincy Hall its signature vibe through bold, expressive art
The moment you walk into Quincy Hall, you know it’s not just another bar. You can feel it in the bold murals, the layered textures, and the unexpected details around every corner. That’s the signature impact of artists Kelly Towles and Billy Colbert — two names that keep showing up in Northern Virginia’s most beloved bar spaces.
Quincy Hall in Ballston wasn’t built with the character of a hundred-year-old building. It had to invent its own story. That’s where the art came in. Towles and Colbert didn’t just decorate the space. They gave it soul, identity, and color — turning a blank slate into a bar with personality.
Who are the artists behind Quincy Hall’s design?
Kelly Towles is a longtime collaborator with the Dawson bar group. Known for his graffiti and large-format pop art, Towles brought the foundational energy to Quincy Hall. His work set the base layer for what the space would become: colorful, playful, and rooted in urban style.
Billy Colbert, another trusted Dawson collaborator, took it from there. In the venue’s second design phase, Colbert introduced his iconic mixed-media collage work. Drawing on everything from old newsprint to vintage iconography, he gave the space depth — and a few clever surprises.
Key Artist Contributions That Shape the Vibe
Graffiti murals and line work by Kelly Towles
Eclectic, layered collage pieces by Billy Colbert
Iconic back-wall artwork: “Girl Wakes from 77-Year Coma”
Full-room visual energy that adds character to a new build
Why art was essential to Quincy Hall’s identity
Bars like Franklin Hall have the benefit of old brick and historical bones. Quincy Hall, built into a modern office development, had none of that. Without original architecture to lean on, the team had to create depth, energy, and identity from the inside out.
Towles and Colbert were instrumental in this. They didn’t just fill walls. They set the tone. From the playful colors to the provocative images, the artwork makes Quincy Hall feel like a place with stories, even if the building itself is new.
Design Goals Achieved Through Artistic Vision
Created a lived-in, local vibe despite new construction
Brought humor, weirdness, and storytelling to the interior
Set Quincy Hall apart from generic Northern Virginia bars
Turned art into conversation pieces throughout the space
What guests notice when they walk in
People might not know the artists by name, but they feel the difference immediately. The art at Quincy Hall makes it photo-worthy, but not posed. Authentic, but unpredictable. And for regulars, it offers something new every time — a detail missed last visit, a texture you suddenly notice, a phrase that hits differently.
Even the bathrooms and tucked-away walls get artistic attention. That’s part of what makes Quincy Hall a space people want to return to: it rewards curiosity.
Why this matters for Arlington’s bar scene
In a region where bars often lean on trends or sterile aesthetics, Quincy Hall stands out as a creative, expressive venue that feels personal. It’s not just a place to drink. It’s a place to see, feel, and experience design in action.
That’s the value of local artists like Colbert and Towles — they anchor bars in their community. They make the environment memorable. And they give guests something to talk about beyond the tap list.
Takeaway
The art at Quincy Hall isn’t a backdrop. It’s part of the experience. If you’re looking for a Northern Virginia bar with bold visual energy and character you won’t forget, this is your spot. Credit the vision, the artists, and the team that made creativity a priority.
More Great Spots from the Team Behind QUINCY Hall
Looking for more venues with strong vibes and great design? Check out these other spots from Peter Bayne and Geoff Dawson’s TinShop, Dawson Bars:.
Highline Bar
Located in Virginia, Highline offers bright design, lively energy, and a packed calendar of events. It's ideal for anyone wanting a fun, stylish night out with friends.
Franklin Hall
A U Street favorite in Washington D.C., Franklin Hall blends historic architecture with modern beer hall vibes. Known for its massive communal tables, 50-foot bar, and rotating craft beer list, it’s the go-to spot for trivia nights, sports fans, and group hangouts in the city.
Each bar reflects the same dedication to hospitality and community that makes Quincy Hall an Arlington, VA. favorite.