At Strathmore
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Simultaneous exhibitions in the Mansion at Strathmore represent the largest three dimensional installation pieces ever shown at the arts center in From Forge to Form: Modern Ironwork, alongside some of the smallest, in the legacy exhibition, The 78th Annual International Exhibition of Fine Art in Miniature.

Both exhibitions are on view through December 30, 2011. From Forge to Form will illustrate the evolution of blacksmithing from a utilitarian trade to a growing artistic medium, featuring 32 pieces of ironwork, totaling 3,500 pounds, by Virginia-based artists Frederic Crist and Nol Putnam.

The juried Fine Art in Miniature exhibition features 667 meticulously painted, sculpted, carved and crafted micro-works from 252 artists. Works in the exhibitions are available for purchase. For more information, call (301) 581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.

An opportunity to help

In today's economy, the term "starving artist" has taken on a much more prevalent and literal definition. But if our professional artists are starving, what does that mean for a children's nonprofit trying to improve lives using art?

It is harder than ever to raise money in the nonprofit sector, but that is exactly what M.O.M.I.E's TLC is still fighting to do. Mentors of Minorities in Education's Total Learning Cis-tem is a nonprofit organization focused on giving at-risk children of color the nurturing environment and leadership skills that they need to succeed. One of their most basic tactics is to use art to help children see the world from perspectives other than their own.

On December 17th, M.O.M.I.E's TLC is hosting a charity art auction supporting its Eco-Green Children's Facility building plan. The auction will take place from 6pm to 8pm at Sankofa Video and Books and will feature gallery owners, community leaders, notable DC figures and many more. The initiative is based on the premise that they can auction art to create more opportunities for art. They are seeking art donations to sell at auction from local high school and college students, as well as professional artists from around the country. The money raised will create a new space to expand and continue their mission of using art to teach life lessons.

The economy may be tough, but every artist or art enthusiast can play a part in easing the burden for someone else. Donate a piece for the auction. Donate time to attend and learn. If you're a local business or gallery, take out an ad in their event program. And if you're able, donate a few dollars for this fantastic cause.

To donate or for more information, visit www.momiestlc.com or email TheVisionsOfGreatness@gmail.com