Friday, January 19, 2007

Re-examining the Camel Toe

I'm pretty sure that the above headline will get me some interesting Google referrals, but it's all about performance artist Kathryn Williamson, whose performance "Size Zero: Re-examining the Camel Toe" is done "as a commentary on America's obsession with female body image in popular culture."

Williamson says that she "will try to put on a pair of jeans that are several sizes too small. If Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Richie and the Olsen twins wear a size zero, why can’t I?"

The performance will take place at the Fraser Gallery in Bethesda at 4PM on Saturday, January 20 and it is part of a jam-packed week two of the Bethesda Artomatic events, which in addition to Williamson's performace at Fraser includes many other events for the four days stretching from Friday, January 19th to Monday, January 22nd.

There are talks by artists Matt Sesow and Elizabeth Morisette at Creative Partners Gallery, an open dance rehearsal and lecture-demo at Joy of Motion featuring Crosscurrents Dance Company, a free concert by area favorites Dead Men’s Hollow at the Round House Theatre, a headshot party at the Washington School of Photography (where WSP instructors will provide each attendee/artist with a free headshot on a CD, for use by the artist in promotional materials - bring your own CD), and much more.

To make it easier they’ve put together the day-by-day schedule of Artomatic associated events, as well as a walking map to the venues which can be found at this website.

Wanna go to an art event in DC tonight?

I am told that if you didn't RSVP that you can still show up! See below...


Leftbank

Congratulations

To former DC area artist Jiha Moon (represented locally by Curator's Office), and a past winner of the Trawick Prize, as two of her pieces have been acquired by the Hirshhorn Museum as a generous gift of my good friend Mario Cader-Frech, and Robert Wennett.

Buy Jiha Moon now!

Robin Tierney's Top 10

Robin Tierney writes art criticism and covers art events and issues in the Greater DC area for the Washington Examiner. Below is her list of her Top 10 DC area art shows:

"I'm going from memory. These are in no particular order of preferences, and I would prefer to list 15 or 20 in my top 10 (metaphysically speaking). These don't include big-gallery shows (like dada at NGA, Joseph Cornell at SAAM, Hiroshi Sugimoto at Hirshhorn & Sackler, the smartly focused "women" shows that Jack curated (non-locals) at AU/Katzen, etc.); just local artist-focused showcases.

1. Juke, Jefferson Pinder's video installation at G Fine Arts

2. City Hall "HeART of DC" Art Collection (because it's a fantastic array of local, diverse talents of several generations).

3. Katzen/AU: "Remembering Marc and Komei."

4. Warehouse shows such as Freak House (Dana Ellyn and Russell Richards...I hadn't known of him before; such a combination of imagination and precision/technique). And the Peace show (which may have also been called War).

5. Fraser Gallery: now how can one decide between Interface, Compelled by Content II and Annual Photo Show? Maybe Interface first.

OK, some that other folks may not mention:

6. Sculpture Unbound: like a playpen for the mind.

7. Touchstone's Mud, Earth... I am forgetting the name. But then again, now I'm thinking I was more pleasantly surprised by fiber creativity at Touchstone's Woven Tapestries by the Wednesday Group (a group of local fiber artists).

8. Rebecca Cross Mackenzie's Raku. Actually, CM had two shows that had many standout pieces. Some folks classify ceramics/pottery as 'other than art' but I respect Rebecca's efforts to show the art potential of such works and think her gallery helps build up the DC art scene's foundation.

9. Cupidity at Gallery Neptune. Liked the lively alchemy of this artful experiment (among other shows there).

10. Various rotating displays of member work at Washington Printmaker Gallery. Not necessarily a particular feature artist exhibition, but over a few visits there one can discover treasures along with magic etching tricks.

Jobs in the Arts

Assistant Professor, Arts Management American University, Department of Performing Arts - Washington, DC.

The Department of Performing Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Arts Management, beginning fall 2007. Applicants must have a Master's Degree in Arts Management or in a related field. PhD, preferred.

Three years professional experience in arts management or a related field is required. Applicants should be prepared to teach graduate courses in marketing and public relations, arts programming, and related undergraduate level courses including General Education, advise and mentor both graduate and undergraduate students in arts management and related fields, and have demonstrated excellence in teaching and scholarship in arts management and/or a related field. Send letter of application addressing teaching and research interests and experience, curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation to:

SEARCH COMMITTEE
DEPARTMENT OF PERFORMING ARTS
KATZEN ARTS CENTER
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
4400 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20016-8053

For best consideration, applications should be complete by January 20, 2006 (yikes! that's tomorrow!). Direct inquiries to streeks@american.edu.



Director of Development: Smithsonian Institution, Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden - Washington, DC

The Hirshhorn, one of the nation's leading contemporary art museums, seeks to broaden its base of private sector support to provide a platform for the art and artists of our time, to connect more fully with their regional and local community and to better serve the 750,000 visitors they welcome annually.

Building on the strength of an existing program, the Director of Development, will expand their capacity in individual and major gift campaigns, corporate and foundation relations and develop strategic alliances and sponsorship programs that will support the museum goals in exhibition, educational programming, and collections development. For a detailed position description and application procedures visit www.si.edu/ohr listing Vacancy announcement #EX-07-02, closing date 1/19/07. The Smithsonian is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Email or fax resume with a cover letter referencing experience and qualifications by closing date to lawrencet@hr.si.edu or fax 202/275-1115.



VSA arts seeks Director of Outcomes and Evaluation - Washington, DC

A position description can be found at the Employment button of the Kennedy Center web site. Applications can be submitted from that web site. Interested individuals can also contact:

James E. Modrick
Vice President, Affiliate & Education Services
VSA arts
818 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 600
Washington DC 20006
202-628-2800

Jazz & Art at the Katzen

The Katzen at American University in having a free Jazz & Art night this coming Saturday at the museum from 7-9PM. See details here.

Bloomberg looks at DC art

Roger Atwood of Bloomberg.com checks in with a piece on some DC area art shows. Read it here.

Congratulations

Contemporary Art Gallery magazine has a nice article by Tia Marks on our own Rosetta DeBerardinis. Read it here.