Save this date

October 31, 2006.

That's when the new City Hall Art Collection at the John A. Wilson Building in Washington, DC will make its debut with a reception for the artists and the artwork from 5-7PM.

This huge new public art collection (around 175 works by approximately 100 artists) is now the key collection of Washington, DC area based artists, from the big names like Gilliam, Winslow, Tate, Christenberry, Kainen, Chao, Yamaguchi, MacKenzie, Stout and others, to the emerging artists and perhaps even a "barely emerging" artist or two.

Some nitty-gritty info:

- You must RSVP to Carolyn Parker or call 202-724-2042.

- All persons must show photo ID to enter this building.

- There are a number of parking garages nearby, but they highly recommend public transportation.

- Enter through the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance.

- Artists in the collection should enter through the D Street entrance (around back) and sign in at the VIP Center.

- Remarks begin at 6:00 — you may arrive as early as 4:30 for sign-in and looking at the artwork.

There will be "maps" of the collection at the Opening Reception and at the Security Desk in the future to help visitors find where the art is hung. Art will be on the Ground floor through the 5th Floors in public hallways.

There will be a commemorative book published to mark the occasion. Every adult visitor to the Opening Reception will be receiving one copy (as supplies last). An image of at least one work from each of the artists in this inaugural phase is included. There were five essays written (including one by yours truly) on the different topics/clusters of the collection, and many of the artists are mentioned in the text.

They are looking for volunteers to help out with the reception. To volunteer, please email Ebony Blanks at Ebony.Blanks@dc.gov.

See ya there!