Some of the emails so far...

As of this morning I've received over 1,000 emails from female artists from the DMV who'd like to be considered for the 2025 "Women Artists of the DMV" survey show, which (so far) will open around September 2025 at the American University Katzen Art Museum in DC, the Athenaeum in Alexandria, Artists & Maker Studios in Rockville, and the Strathmore Mansion Galleries also in Rockville, MD.

So far I've extended an invitation to be part of the show to about 40 artists. 

Being the exceptionally gifted person that I am, cough... cough... I expected some responses like the below and in a variation or another; I've received five so far along these lines... cough... cough...

From: ____________________________________

Date: Fri, Nov 29, 2024, 6:11 PM

Subject: RE: Invitation to participate in the 2025 Women Artists of the DMV show

Dear Lenny,

Thank you for inviting me to be part of this historic show and thank you for all your hard work in assembling it.  If not too much to ask, I want to be clear that I expect my work to be in the Katzen Museum for the show, as I believe that my artwork over the years merits being in the Katzen instead of any of the other venues.

Please confirm and let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you, 

My response to the artist:

Thank you for your note.

As of this point I have not assigned exhibition venues to artists and cannot guarantee the Katzen or any other venue to anyone... sorry.

If it's the Katzen or nothing, please let me know soonest.

I am still in the process of trying to add one more DC space to the show, as the overwhelming number of interested women far exceeded what I originally thought, which is a good thing. As such I have approached the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) to see if they can schedule a portion of the show there - fingers crossed!

If I work it out with the NMWA, then that should make it easier to consider the Katzen for more artists, such as you. In that case, I will note that you'd prefer the Katzen.

More later...

Lenny

Less than a minute later:

From: ____________________________________
Date: Sat, Nov 30, 2024, 9:11 AM
Subject: RE: Invitation to participate in the 2025 Women Artists of the DMV show

If the NMWA opens up, I'd rather exhibit there than the Katzen!

Thanks

Sent from my iPhone 

And then there's the below offer of sex!  Not the first time that something like this has happened to me here and there - but usually when I was in the outdoor art show circuit and used to do 20+ shows a year all over the country... 

Maybe 40+ years ago I would have been young enough, and stupid enough, and single enough to take this offer... cough... cough...

From: ____________________________________

Date: Tue, Nov 26, 2024, 10:57 PM

Subject: Your FB post about Women Artists of the DMV - I want to be in it!

I just read about the show that you're curating and organizing for female artists from the DMV.  I want to be in this show.

My website is _______________ and I am 29 years old and if you pick me, there's pussy and/or a blow job as a reward. There are photos of me here at ______________________.

I am serious and I am cute.

My cell is ____________

I am a good artist, and I need this exposure.

Kisses,

My response:

Dear ______________,

Thank you for your note and offer.

With all due respect, I must decline your offer.  All my selections will be based solely on my very subjective approach to curating group art shows, and based solely on the quality of the artwork and the presence and impact (or need for) of the artist.

 Best,

Lenny

PS - Part of me admires your all or nothing attitude, but be careful out there.

And the passive aggressive approach...

From: ___________________________

Date: Wed, Nov 27, 2024, 8:49 PM

Subject: Women Artists show for DC/DMV

Mr. Campbello,

I appreciate your idea for a show focused on DC women artists, it is about time, why hasnt this been done before?

Black women and other BIPOC women should be the majority of this show, considering the area that the show will cover.

My website is _________________ and below are my list of BIPOC women artists that you need to include in your show.  

Please call me when you have a chance 

_________________ (202) ***-****

And my even more passive aggressive response...

Dear ______________

I hope that it's OK if I refer to you by your first name? Please let me know.

And before I forget: my last name is Campello, not Campbello! No worries, not the first time (or five thousandth) time that has happened.

Thank you for your suggestion! I appreciate it when people take the time and effort to help other people refine and retune their ideas!

In response to your suggestion (it was a suggestion... right?), while I appreciate it, ahhh.. no!

I have no idea what the majority - speaking in racial terms, or ethnic terms, or national terms (about 200+ or so) - will be the "majority" in the final selection, as I intend to pick the artists based on their artwork (mostly) rather than any other non-artistic criteria.

I suspect that the show will end up reflecting the immensely rich and diverse visual arts tapestry that is the DMV's art scene!

Best,

Lenny