31 Days in July was launched in 2003 by Washington, DC artists Matt Sesow and Dana Ellyn in response to the U.S. invasion of Iraq. What began as an urgent artistic reaction to war evolved into a decade-long visual project that documented history in real time.

From 2003 to 2013, the duo created 620 unique paintings, each one made daily throughout July and inspired by that morning’s news. With a commitment to create “without fear or favor,” they tackled war, politics, injustice, and cultural shifts—producing work that was raw, emotionally charged, and fiercely honest. Each piece became a bold, unfiltered lens on the world, contributing to a powerful visual time capsule of our collective past.

Now, in 2025, the project returns—renewed and reimagined as a collaborative endeavor. Unlike the earlier years, which featured one painting by each artist per day, this chapter features one painting per day, co-created by Sesow and Ellyn. Drawing on the process used in their “Defiled” series (without using that name), Matt will typically start the painting and Dana will finish it.

Their daily ritual begins with morning walks around Washington, DC, discussing headlines over coffee and deciding on the news story that will guide that day’s piece. This year’s revival is sparked by the escalating tensions of war around the world (Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, Russia, Iran), echoing the same sense of urgency that launched the project during the Iraq war in 2003.

Still created without compromise. Still immediate. Still a reflection of the world’s chaos and resilience—31 Days in July is back.

The paintings of Matt Sesow and Dana Ellyn can be shipped anywhere in the world.  When contacting to inquire about a piece, please indicate if you wish to have the painting shipped outside of the United States so that we can give you an accurate estimate of shipping costs.  

Thank you and we appreciate your support!

-Dana and Matt.

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