Monday, February 27, 2006

Arty Gras

If you haven't heard about Arty Gras on TV, the radio or read about it in the press, then you must be living nowhere near DC!

This exhibition is getting a lot of well-deserved publicity and I hope that I will see you at the surely to-be-packed opening on Feb. 28, 2006 from 7:30-11PM.

Arty Gras is a celebration of Louisiana artists to be hosted at the Warehouse Gallery. This exhibition of New Orleans artists is designed to benefit and showcase the artistic talent of the New Orleans community as well as to raise money for the Habitat for Humanity Gulf Coast recovery efforts.

Opening on Mardi Gras Day (February 28, 2006), the exhibit provides an opportunity to view NOLA artists sharing their diverse styles and unique viewpoints.

The exhibition is being organized by independent curator Beth Baldwin, in cooperation with the Warehouse Gallery, and includes 30 artists including Dr. Bob, James T. Martin, Ryan Ballard, Audra Kohout, Heather Kelly Ryan, Tom Drymon, Emily Hogan and others. The exhibition runs through March 19, 2006.

Meet Hiraki Sawa

Join Hiraki Sawa and associate Hirshhorn curator Kelly Gordon for a presentation of Sawa's latest video and a discussion of his work, Dwelling, 2002, which is currently on view, and was recently acquired for the Museum's collection.

March 2, 2006 at 7 pm at the Hirshhorn's Ring Auditorium. Seating is first-come and admission is free.

Engineers Without Borders

Engineers Without Borders is an University of Maryland student group on campus that works with developing communities around the world to improve people's lives through specific projects.

They're hosting an art auction to be held Saturday April, 8th from 5-8pm and Sunday, April 9th 2-4pm and are currently looking for art donations. The auction will be held at the Leland Community Center, located at 4301 Willow Lane in Chevy Chase, Maryland. All artists are strongly encouraged to come Saturday afternoon during the opening to view the other donated works and enjoy the afternoon of refreshments and music.

25% of the selling price goes to the artist. More details, including the submission form, located here or email here.

I plan to donate and I hope that a lot of you do as well.

Gallery Owners Win Ruling in Kinkade Case

"An arbitration panel on Thursday awarded $860,000 to two former Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery owners who accused the self-proclaimed "Painter of Light" and his company, Media Arts Group Inc., of fraudulently inducing them to invest in the business — and then ruining them financially."
Read the LA Times story here (tks AJ).

Anyone who "invests" in art needs to have his/her head examined.