As I've noted many times before, Michele Banks is one of the hardest working and most talented DMV area artists that I know.  And she goes Terminator on art scams, which are one of my fave subjects - click here if you want to read the vast collection of them that I've accumulated over the years!

Here's Michele on the subject:

The Subtle Scam

Artists, beware of these "opportunities"

This week I got a message on LinkedIn from a gallery offering to project my artwork on a dome at a major art fair. Sure, sounds cool! But my Spidey scam senses were tingling, because the message said nothing about my work or where the gallerist had seen it, which meant this invitation had likely been sent blind to thousands of artists. So I started digging through the gallery’s website, eventually unearthing the expected nugget of dung. The “invitation” was for me to submit jpegs of 30 of my paintings to be projected for five minutes total, for which I would pay $5,000. Want ten minutes? They’ll give you a deal, only $9,500.  BRB, gotta retrieve my eyeballs from where they rolled across the floor. “Artist opportunities” like this one abound. They’re not full-on scams like the ones where thieves try to get you to share your bank details or sell you a booth in a festival that doesn’t exist. Instead, they’re what I call scam-adjacent: models that are set up to extract value from artists while giving very little in return. Here are a few to look out for.   Contests Art contests can be appealing for several reasons – they’re usually free to enter and they offer the possibility of winning prizes and getting your work seen by big brands. But most of them are a bad deal for artists, for several reasons: a) because artists must often create new work to fit the contest theme, b) because the odds of being chosen are terrible, and c) because in many cases, artists sign away the rights to their artwork when they enter.   My friend Maki Naro brilliantly summed up the hazards of art contests and other types of “spec work” in this comic. Click through and read the whole thing, it’s worth your time. A caveat: although contests sponsored by big brands are worthless for most artists, smaller contests for specific types of art, where the organizers give cash awards and prominently feature many of the entries, can be great.  And some major contests, like Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Nikon Small World, are truly prestigious. My advice for artists:  read the contest terms carefully, think hard before producing new work just for a contest entry, and check online to see if previous winners have been properly credited and promoted. Feature Articles There’s a well-known company that produces free feature articles about artists and other creative people. Sounds great, right?  The catch: You do the whole thing yourself. They send you a standard set of questions and publish your answers verbatim, along with some images of your work. Besides the lack of editing, the real problem here is that they don’t distribute or promote the articles at all - they expect artists to send them to their email lists and post them on social media. In other words, the model relies entirely on artists to create both the content and the audience for it, while the publisher collects the clicks and sells the email addresses. And that, my friends, is a pretty lousy deal. The “Prestigious Collector” Grift Playing on the fantasy that an esteemed collector will see your artwork and be bowled over by it, this little scamlet is breathtaking in its audacity. Artists are invited to apply for the opportunity to have their work collected by a famous art collector. One example: artists pay $50 to enter three pieces, creating a pool of entries from which the collector will purchase a piece with a value of up to $10,000 for his collection. In other words, 200 poor people pitch in to buy a painting for a rich guy. this works out for exactly two people out of 201 – the collector, who gets a free painting, and one artist who essentially wins a lottery. Just say no. Pay-to-Play Galleries and Art Fairs It’s tough to generalize about these types of opportunities, because there’s a huge spectrum here, from perfectly legit to deeply shady. The legitimate ones offer artists a chance to display and sell their work in exchange for upfront payment, as opposed to the traditional gallery model of commission on art sales. This can be a practical alternative for artists who are good at selling their own work, or who just want to get their art on a wall somewhere without running the gauntlet of rejections. Where it gets murky: the many “galleries” with fancy names that invite unknown artists to exhibit with them, sometimes at a fair, often in another country. This is, of course, flattering to artists who don’t often get these kinds of opportunities. Several emails later, the artist accepts the invitation, at which point the gallery sends a bill for thousands of dollars in exhibition fees. Beware, beware, of any invitation where they won’t tell you the costs upfront. When in doubt, ask explicitly what expenses the artist is expected to cover.  A legitimate organization will have no problem telling you. One that avoids giving you a direct answer is a big red flag.  And now a word about Michele - when I told you that she's a super hard-working artist, I was not kidding! You can find her art at the following venues coming up! Glen Echo Holiday Show and Sale - She’ll have a small selection of watercolors, scarves and ties for sale at this show, which runs from November 23 - January 5 Dupont Circle Holiday Pop-up - She’ll be there Saturday, December 7 only District Bridges Holly Jolly Holiday Market - December 14, Logan Circle And as always, if you can’t make it in person, you can shop online

Jack Boul - RIP

 Jack Boul  | 1927-2024

Veterans Day 2024

Thank you!


To all US veterans, both those who have served and those who are serving in all corners of the planet while we're home with our families. A well-deserved thank you to all the soldiers, sailors, airmen/women, Marines and Coasties. And to all the American sailors at sea - we've got your back!

Below is Petty Officer Third Class Lenny Campello back in 1975 while stationed aboard USS Saratoga (CV-60) in Mayport, Florida. 

And then Lieutenant Commander Lenny Campello back in 1992 while assigned as the Executive Officer (XO) of NSGA Skaggs Island, California.

Adah Rose has a new location!

New Location:

Art Seen/Tri Graphics

12115 Parklawn Drive

Rockville Md 20852

​301-922-0162

and

Project Space

3766 Howard Ave

Kensington MD 20895

Next opening:

Night Shift

Screenprint by Anne Smith

Nathan Loda and Anne Smith - Two Solo Shows

Vernissage/Opening at the new location!

Nov 16, 2024 5-7 pm

Artist Talk 4:30-5:00

UNDER $2500 Exibition at Maryland Art Place

ABOUT UNDER $2500 

UNDER $500 and FIRST EVER UNDER $2500 affordable art sale where artwork is sold on a first-come-first-served basis right off MAP's gallery walls! Newly rebranded as UNDER $2500, this event promotes the purchase of artwork by artists in the Maryland region. Guests can expect to mingle with other artists, collectors, patrons, and general art enthusiasts at the event. Take your purchases home with you the night of the event. Gift wrapping will be available on-site! 

The opening night sale (physical) will take place Friday, November 22 from 6 pm to 10 pm (ticketed) and then again on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from noon - 4pm (free). Saturday is a ‘last chance’ opportunity to snag any artworks that remain on MAP’s walls. Tickets are $30 for opening night and can be purchased at the door or in advance  HERE.

This year’s theme is Black and White! MAP will have holiday trees on display. Enjoy a cheerful atmosphere with an open bar, light fare, and some holly jolly tunes.

A virtual sale and exhibition will also take place and will be featured online HERE from Saturday, November 23 at 10 am – BLACK FRIDAY, November 29 at MIDNIGHT. Artwork will NOT be available to view online until November 23 at 10 am. Be sure to register in advance in the interim! Registration is free.

EVENT TIMELINE: 

UNDER $2500 Benefit Exhibition and Sale:  Friday, November 22 | 6 to 10 pm  | Tickets $30

Purchase UNDER $2500 Tickets HERE

Last Chance (physical): Saturday, November 23 | 12 to 4 pm

Virtual Exhibition & Sale: Saturday, November 23, 10 am – Black Friday, November 29, 12 am

To view the virtual exhibition click HERE | Live on Saturday, November 23 @ 10 am | REGISTER HERE

I have three pieces in the show - two in the gallery walls and one at the virtual sale.

Suddenly, She Wasn't Afraid Any More at Maryland Art Place, Baltimore

The Lilith Consoling Eve (After the Explusion) at Maryland Art Place, Baltimore

Syreni Caledonii (Northern Atlantic Mermaid) will be at MAP's virtual sale

East City Art’s 2024 DC Risoprint Fair

The inaugural DC Risoprint Fair arrives this fall, cementing its place as a must-attend event in DC’s arts calendar. Presented by East City Art, the region’s go-to source for visual art news, the fair will take place at Eastern Market’s North Hall on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24. The print fair celebrates the vibrant world of Risography, a quirky printing technique that blends the convenience of digital duplication with the wonderfully unexpected results that come from screen printing.

More than two dozen artists, graphic designers, presses and printers from DC, Baltimore, Brooklyn, Richmond, and Philadelphia will display hundreds of original prints, books, and cards—offering an accessible entry point for new collectors, with many works priced affordably. 

Attendees will explore the charm of RISO prints, known for their vibrant colors, subtle misregistrations, and textured, retro aesthetic, qualities that make every piece truly one of a kind.

Exhibitors include the following individuals and organizations:

Blurred Circle [Brooklyn, NY]   

Ivy Zheyu Chen / UPON [New York, NY] 

Clown Kisses Press [Richmond,VA]   

Capital RISO  [Washington, DC]

inner loop press [Philadelphia, PA]   

ipsy bipsy studio [Washington, DC] 

StitchPrism [Philadelphia, PA]   

Stoop Shop Comics & Baltimore Print Studios [Baltimore, MD]

xanderjakeq [Hyattsville, MD]    

East City Art’s 2024 DC Risoprint Fair

• Saturday & Sunday, November 23 & 24, 2024 | Saturday:  10 a.m.–5 p.m. & Sunday: 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
• Eastern Market’s North Hall at 225 7^th Street SE, Washington DC, 20003
• risoprintfair.eastcityart.com

Loriann Signori at Gallery B opens tomorrow

 "Light is a Kind of Generosity" at Gallery B - Loriann Signori Exhibition Opens Tomorrow

"Light is a Kind of Generosity" by Loriann Signori opens tomorrow! Loriann's paintings, situated between abstraction and recognizable form, are explorations of the color of air and beauty. Loriann is recognized as an Eminent Pastelist with the International Pastel Society, and a winner of the President’s Award in 2024.

"Light is a Kind of Generosity" will run from November 8 - December 1, 2024. Gallery hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-2pm. There will be an opening reception Friday, November 8 from 5:30-8:30pm, and an artist talk on Saturday, November 23 from 12-1pm.

Gallery B

The curious case of Eyder Peralta's Spanish translations on NPR

You constant readers know that I am a pedantic Virgo who often pokes fun at the Googletranslatization of America - this 2004 example is perhaps one of the funniest ones.

However, every once in a while one comes at what can best be described as an intellectually dishonest translation - that is, when the translator purposefully "slides" the translations around to drive home a point or position or opinion.

And thus my most recent case submitted for your evaluation.

This morning, as I've done for the past 20-30 years, I listened to NPR from about 7AM - 8AM.

At around 7:28AM, on WAMU I listened to NPR's Mexico City correspondent Eyder Peralta deliver a report on NPR's Morning Edition with the subject of "Mexico's leader says don't fret Trump's win, but Mexicans say they are worried."

You can listen to it here.

At the point in the report where Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum speaks in Spanish for the second time in the clip, Peralta translates it as:

"To our brothers and sisters who live in the United States, to the businesspeople, there is no reason to worry."

Is this translation is purposefully mistranslated?, I note that because Sheinbaum did NOT say "hermanos y hermanas" which is Spanish for "brothers and sisters", but "paisanos y paisanas" which means "countrymen and countrywomen", and there's a HUGE familial and political footprint on the meaning of those words.

Error? Intellectual dishonesty? A stretch of the translation?

No tengo idea... cough... cough...

Eccentric Exhibition at Alliance Gallery juried by Rosemary Feit Covey

My good friend Rosemary Feit Covey has put together what I hear is a great show in Arlington at the Arlington Artists Alliance gallery!

The exhibition explores the artists’ interpretation of the show’s title: Altered States. Themes  include but are not limited to: transformation and change, alternate realities, inner or personal growth, and shifting perspectives. 

From the innards of a giant fuzzy earthworm to the dark history of gynecology to the melting of the Alps, this show is unique and thought-provoking. 

All artists are from the DMV area. Almost all mediums are represented: video art, soft sculpture, hard sculpture, paintings, embroidery, photography, ceramics, and 3D printed objects. 

The show is up until November 24 and gallery hours are Thursday-Sunday, 12-6PM.

Address: Alliance Gallery at The Crossing, 2700 Clarendon Blvd Suite 330 in the breezeway between SoulCycle and Chip City in Arlington VA.

The curious case of the mystery artist and the poop sculpture

On NPR Rachel Treisman told us about how Poop on Pelosi's desk, a neo-Nazi tiki torch: Mysterious statues are popping up in D.C. and we learned that:

An unusual bronze sculpture appeared on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., last week: a replica of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's desk, topped with her nameplate, a landline phone, Post-it Notes, file folders and a perfectly swirled pile of feces, a la poop emoji.

Then Sebastian Smee at the WaPo, told us that it was "great public art, actually."

Then Joe Heim, also at the WaPo added that a new sculpture had appeared: "A neo-Nazi tiki torch statue for Trump.

And yesterday Makea Luzader from DC News Now, and today Heim added that the artist is now distributing mini replicas of the poopsculpture (see how I just invented a new word?). 

(Images courtesy of Civic Crafted)

Luzader adds:

The statue’s permit ended on Oct. 31, but its legacy lives on — Civic Crafted, the organization that held the permit from the National Park Service, placed new poop memorabilia out for grabs.

You can't make this shit poop up!

Why Trump is going to win tomorrow

Before you read my prediction for tomorrow's election, read this 2005 post, where I warned the Democratic Party of the reasoning that I am about to use for the prediction.

This is part of what I wrote almost 20 years ago:

Talking about Mexico and Mexicans... it baffles me that the egg heads in the Democrat Party cannot foresee what every contemporary Latino/Hispanic knows in his or her heart: One day, not too far in the future, as the Hispanic population in the US continues to grow,  and because we are so diverse in thought, culture and perspectives, that one day, a decade or two from now, when Latino numbers make Latinos the largest ethnic minority in the US... the DNC will be shocked to "discover" that Latinos will not be obedient voters for the Democrat ticket only, and Latino/a politicians will run and win under the Republican party, and large percentages of the Latino vote will go to the right.

About tomorrow's election - I will predict that Trump will win, and his victory will be in large part due to the Hispanic vote.  If this doesn't make sense to you, then read the 2005 post again!

What are we going to see?

Florida has a HUGE Hispanic population - everyone knows Cuban-Americans vote in the high 90s for Republicans, and yet Miami's Dade County has been reliably Democratic for decades; Hillary Clinton won the county with 63% of the vote in 2016, and President Biden won it with 53% in 2020 -  that was a warning signal to the Dems that they failed to heed.  I predict that Trump will not only win Dade (and Florida), but also win it easily - around 51 - 55% of the vote.

It will be interesting to see what happens in Osceola County in Florida, as that county has a huge Puerto Rican population. If Trump wins that county, it's another nail in the coffin, a really nasty one, in view of comedian Tony Hinchcliffe stupid jokes at the Madison Square Garden rally held by the Trump campaign.

Texas also has a substantial Mexican-American population, and we're told that the pollsters are seeing a substantial move of the usually reliable Democrat voters towards the GOP. If they're right in Texas, then think all those Southwestern states and Harris is cooked.

Biden won Latino males by a 23 points (59%-36%) in the 2020 elections.  I predict that El Trumpo will not only reverse that, but get between 50-55% of the Latino male vote.

Latina women are a different story, but still a problem for Harris. Biden won Latina women votes by 39 points in 2020! Tall order for Harris (in my opinion). She will still win with Latina women, but will most likely underperform Biden, and win Latina women's vote by 20-25%, thus giving El Trumpo 14-19% more votes from Latinas; it adds up!

Bottom line: If you are one of those doomsayers who has been brainwashed by the press about the world ending if Trump wins, blame it on Latinos/Latinas/Hispanics.

Lo que no mata, engorda.

Curtis Woody's Art Reception at Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex

 Meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments on Sunday, November 17, 2024, 2pm - 4pm at a free, public art reception in Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex.

Curtis G. Woody's powerful works enhance the unique, cultural characteristics of African American heritage and history. His intricate collage paintings are research based and draw inspiration from historical connection points that join individuals, families, generations and communities.

This exhibition at The Learning Gallery inside Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex will be open to the public through January 4, 2025.

SPLEX is located at 8001 Sheriff Rd, Landover, MD 20785. It is open to the public through January 4, 2025. Hours of operation are: Monday - Friday, 6am - 9pm, Saturday, 9am - 6pm, Sunday, 12pm - 6pm