Thursday, July 20, 2017

Wanna go to an opening tomorrow?

1460 Wallmountables 2017 at DC Arts Center


Opening Reception: Friday, July 21 from 7pm to 9pm


DC Arts Center at Adams Morgan Day: September 10, 2017
Installation: July 19th 3-8 pm, July 20th 3-8 pm, and July 21st 3-6 PM
Deinstallation: September 16th – 17th 2-7 pm



The DC Arts Center (DCAC) announces the return of 1460 Wallmountables, DCAC’s annual open exhibition. One of their most popular and inclusive exhibits is also one of their oldest traditions.


Since 1989, 1460 Wallmountables has offered the opportunity for artists of all disciplines and abilities to show in this open hanging. They divide their wall space into 2 foot by 2 foot squares with strings, which creates a floor to ceiling grid on which artists hang their work. The work must fit into the space, and while artists can acquire more than one space, the work may not overlap the squares.


The result is a most remarkable salon-style show that, despite its diversity, has a distinct rhythm. On the last day of hanging, the strings come down, they clean up the gallery, and have one of the busiest openings in town. On Wednesday, July 19th, DCAC will open its doors at 3 pm, beginning a three-day installation process during which artists can purchase up to five 2′ x 2′ spaces to hang their work.


Spaces sell on a first-come, first-served basis for $15 per square, with DCAC members receiving one free space and brand new members receiving four spaces for their membership fee of $30. Work is accepted from a wide range of media created by artists at various stages in their careers. There is no curating; if it fits, it shows. To sweeten the deal, a $100 “Best Use of Space” prize is presented during the opening reception to the artist who makes the most innovative use of their 2’ x 2’ squares. Since the first Wallmountables in 1990, the exhibition has become a celebrated summer tradition at DCAC.


One of the Center’s most important fundraising events, the open exhibition runs from July 21st – September 10th. DCAC is especially excited that Sunday, September 10, the final day of the exhibition, coincides with the annual Adams Morgan Day festival, giving our neighbors and all Adams Morgan day visitors one final chance to see the show.


DCAC is a 28-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting budding artists in the Washington, DC area. Their 800 square foot gallery and 42 seat theater provides a professional venue for both visual and theatre artists. They also provide a structured program through which artists in all media can practice both the craft and the business of art. Today, DCAC is one of the only grassroots organizations available to artists looking to break into the mainstream. Just as artists have come to depend on their support, so too has the community come to associate DCAC with outstanding and original artistic expression.


General Regulations for 1460 Wallmountables:
  • Each 2′ x 2′ space is $15 for non-members (maximum 5)
  • DCAC members receive 1 free space. Additional spaces are available for $10 (maximum 5)
  • Become a DCAC member at the event and receive 3 free spaces for a total of 4 (Regular membership starts at $30)
  • Each artist can purchase up to 5 spaces
  • Each piece must be 2′ x 2′ or smaller. Spaces may not be combined to accommodate larger pieces (if larger pieces can be divided, they can be placed in adjacent squares)
  • All art must be wall mountable
  • No painting or writing directly onto the wall
  • No adhesive materials can be used for hanging (i.e. 3M hooks, spray mount, adhesive Velcro, 2-sided tape or wallpaper glue)
  • Artists must bring their own materials for hanging their work (hammer, nails etc.)
There are no reservations; artists show up with their work on the day(s) of hanging within the listed hours. Spaces are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis as artists enter DCAC’s doors and process their paperwork. There are no age limits or medium constraints so long as the art is wall mountable.


DC Arts Center (DCAC), 2438 18th Street NW, Washington DC. For more information, visit dcartscenter.org.

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