Give a kid a camera and...

The below are Little June's first photographic experiments, which are generally focused (cough, cough) on his beloved Cars characters...

These are all available in a limited signed and numbered edition of five. All circa 2013... cough, cough.

One of sixteen vestal virgins who were leaving for the coast

We skipped the light fandango
Turned cartwheels 'cross the floor
I was feeling kinda seasick
But the crowd called out for more
The room was humming harder
As the ceiling flew away
When we called out for another drink
And the waiter brought a tray

And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly,
Turned a whiter shade of pale

She said, "There is no reason
And the truth is plain to see."
But I wandered through my playing cards
And they would not let her be
One of sixteen vestal virgins
Who were leaving for the coast
And although my eyes were open wide
They might have just as well been closed

And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly,
Turned a whiter shade of pale

She said, "I'm here on a shore leave,"
Though we were miles at sea.
I pointed out this detail
And forced her to agree,
Saying, "You must be the mermaid
Who took King Neptune for a ride."
And she smiled at me so sweetly
That my anger straightway died.

And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly,
Turned a whiter shade of pale

If music be the food of love
Then laughter is it's queen
And likewise if behind is in front
Then dirt in truth is clean
My mouth by then like cardboard
Seemed to slip straight through my head
So we crash-dived straightway quickly
And attacked the ocean bed

And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly,
Turned a whiter shade of pale

-- Keith Reid & Gary Brooker

Landlord orders gallery to partially cover nude photo

"A nude model who used a topless tour to convince cops not to shut down a racy photo exhibit at a Lower East Side gallery has been forced to cover up after the landlord threatened to terminate the gallery’s lease.

On the owner’s orders, the operators of the ROX Gallery have put a caution sign over a lurid picture hanging in their Delancey Street window that shows model Natalie White masturbating...

... None of the other two dozen works inside the gallery has been censored, and White has not been banned from performing the live masturbation shows that are an occasional part of her act."

Initial details here and a really good report by the HuffPost's very fair Priscilla Frank (who studied Rhetoric of Narrative and Image at UC Berkeley and has written for art galleries in California and New York, as well as being the editor of the Berkeley Poetry Review and a sex columnist for the Daily Californian) is here... (Prissie call me!).

Brilliant publicity stunt on the part of the gallery or by the even more publicity-brilliant Natalie White (channeling Vito Acconci or maybe Andrea Fraser)... whatever works!

I'd like to see her invited to perform at (e)merge and see how the DMV reacts to it! They might shut down the whole fair!

Natalie!!! You're performing in the wrong place! If you want to really get arrested for simply showing your body... DO (e)merge!!!!  ......  (and the pun is sooooooo intended!).

Like mother, like son

We did a 5K race this weekend... cough, cough... 

I actually did the "One Mile Fun Run" before the actual race... together with Anderson, who in spite of a 3-5 minute all stop protest in the middle of the race about being ordered to take his hands out of his pockets while he ran, managed to finish the one mile in less than 20 minutes.

It's all about genetics folks... not mine!

His mom, Doctor Alida The A, came in second overall, while still noting that she had a "slow race because it was so freaking cold!"

Technical Workshop: 3D Printing

Date: May 2, 2013, 6:00pm - 8:00pm 

 

Location: ABC Imaging, 1155 21st Street, NW

Washington, DC 20036

 

To Attend: The workshop is free for WPA members, with a $5.00 reservation fee for non-members. To RSVP, contact Membership Manager Christopher Cunetto by e-mail at ccunetto@wpadc.org or by phone at 202.234.7103 x 2.

 

Seating is limited.

 

Join Washington Project for the Arts and ABC Imaging for a technical workshop covering the basics of current 3D printing technologies and techniques, discussion on the different models and types of materials used in the process, as well as a tour of the 3D printing facilities at ABC imaging. ABC team members Tom Ashley, Major Account Sales Manager, John Lee, 3D Manger, and Chris Cole, Director of Graphics, will present.

Opportunity for Artists

Call for Artists to Exhibit in the Gallery @ BloomBars: "Emigration: In Honor of Cultures"

As a participant in the “Passport DC,” an annual celebration organized by Cultural Tourism DC coinciding with the Mayor of the District of Columbia's proclamation of May as International Cultural Awareness Month, BloomBars is hosting an exhibition exploring the concept of emigration, migration, immigration and community that honors the human story. The purpose of the exhibition is to explore human stories of the emigration process, allowing viewers to engage in dialogue, a shared understanding and meaningful conversations on critical issues and public policies.

 

OPEN TO ALL MEDIA

Dates of Exhibition: May 10th thru 31st, 2013
Submission Deadline: April 29, 2013
Exhibition Description:
Notification of Selected Artists: Friday, May 3, 2013

Submission Guidelines:
Artists may submit up to 10 digital JPEG images at 200 DPI. For sculptural or three-dimensional pieces, 2 images may be submitted for each work. The images must be submitted via email to carol@bloombars.com.

Legal and Financial Education for Artists

Mind your Business!

Click here for the flyer. 

Monday, May 6, 2013

In beautiful Easton, MD 

12:30 pm - 4:30 pm (with breaks and refreshments) 

Avalon Theatre, 40 E. Dover St., Easton MD, 21601

View map HERE

Get the scoop on Copyright Law, Liability Insurance, Business Entities (LLC v. Nonprofit v. Fiscal Sponsorship), and Merchant Services. 

Free! But reservations required.  

Space is limited! Please RSVP to Erin @ 410.467.6700. 

Glass, glass, glass...

Three highly anticipated Springtime cultural events in the DC area will soon be underway and you are invited! Each event will feature the art glass of Robert Weiner - in case you have missed it (as most DMV area curators seem to have), the DMV has become one of the art glass epicenters on the planet.

At Art17, the Mid City Artists are kicking off the season with a special Open Studio Tour Preview. Thirteen MCA members are represented in the exhibit, including select pieces from his Colorbar Murrine Series. Stop by the opening reception Thu, May 2 to meet the artists and get the first look. This exhibit runs through June 20.

Starting May 1, Gallery B in Bethesda presents an exhibit entitled "Seven Variations" where seven artists offer their individual interpretations of "variations on a theme". On display will be mWeiner's most recent work inspired by astronomical bodies, primarily lunar phenomena. The seven vessels strive to capture the composition, energy and evolution of these natural, complex and ancient objects. Throughout the exhibit a collaborative piece, donated by the artists, will be auctioned to benefit the Edgemoor Children's Center of Bethesda. A perfect time to place your bid will be at the May 10 reception.

And certainly not to be missed is the Spring Mid City Artists Open Studio Tour. Twenty-five plus private art studios in the Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U Street and Shaw neighborhoods will be open to explore and purchase artwork. This bi-annual event, now in its 10th year, offers visitors a rare glimpse into the artists' working space with unique locations. Participating artists represent a great diversity of work, including drawings, sculptures, paintings, photography, mixed media and, of course, art glass. 

 

Mark your calendars to attend Sat, May 18 and/or Sun, May 19. Tour Tip: DC Art Glass is within a block of several new trendy restaurants including La Diplomate and Pearl Dive. Stop for lunch, brunch or a snack and then head on over to the studio for some exceptional art glass!

MCA Exhibit Art17 Gallery 1606 17th St, NW Washington, DC 20009 Exhibit Runs Thu, Apr 23 - Thu, Jun 20 Reception Thu, May 2 Hours: 6-8pm Helpful Links: MCA Website MCA Facebook DC Art Glass Website

Seven Variations Gallery B 7700 Wisconsin Ave, Suite E Bethesda, MD 20814  Wed, May 1 - Sat, May 25 Hours: Wed-Sat 12-6pm Sun 11am - 3pm Reception Fri, May 10 Hours: 6-9pm Helpful Links: Gallery B Website DC Art Glass Facebook

Open Studio Tour DC Art Glass Studio 1322 Corcoran Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 Sat, May 18, 12-5pm Sun, May 19, 12-5pm

American University Senior Thesis Exhibition

Crossing the Bifrost: MFA Thesis Exhibition
 American University Senior Thesis Exhibition
April 26th - May 11th, 2013
Opening Reception: Friday, April 26, 69 p.m.

American University presents a Senior Thesis group exhibition with works by seven artists displayed throughout the AU Katzen Arts Center from the Rotunda to the foyer in front of the gallery. Works exhibited include painting, timebased media, collage, drawing and sculpture. Each work addresses issues surrounding personal habits, routines, and/or contradictions.

Artists represented: Carolyn Becker, Kristen Ennis, Marc Ginsberg, Michelle Lee, Jara Montez, Alexandra Porta, and Kris Stith.
 
The opening reception for “Habits & Contradictions” is on April 26, 2013 from 69 p.m. Refreshments will be served. This show is concurrent with the 2nd year MFA exhibition in the AU Katzen Arts Museum.

Opportunities for artists

From CAMP Rehobot:

June: PRIDE Show (June 1 - June 28)

We celebrate PRIDE showcasing artwork by LGBT artists in the community. Due to some specials projects being showcased this year - We have a limited amount of space. Highlight your artistic talent with an LGBT PRIDE theme. Artwork submitted MUST contain an element of LGBT pride. Artists can submit up to two pieces for consideration.
 
Deadline: JPGs need to be submitted to CAMP Rehoboth by May 15th and artists will be notified by May 16th.

Artwork is due at CAMP by May 22.

Basic guidelines:

• Please email JPGs or other questions to: SalvatoreSeeley@aol.com 
• Sculptures, photographs and other three dimensional artwork can be submitted for consideration. However, due to limited space - we can only accept a certain amount of these pieces.   
• All pieces submitted must be ready for display. Three dimensional pieces must have stands and framed pieces must have a wire hanging system in the back of the piece.
• Work needs to be dropped off at CAMP Rehoboth.
• Images of seagulls, WWII towers, and beach scenes will be limited. 
• A JPG of the email must be sent by the appropriate deadlines.  
• In the body of your email, you must include the following information: name, address, email address, phone, file names, title of work, medium, framed size, and price.  
• All work will be offered for sale with CAMP Rehoboth receiving a 25% commission on work sold
• The gallery reserves the right to not display any works that are not finished in a professional manner with regard to framing, or do not accurately replicate the submitted work.

CAMP Rehoboth

37 Baltimore Avenue

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971

302-227-5620

Sen. Dick Durbin on the side of large corporate retailers

 "If you take a walk...
I'll tax your feet...
   - Lennon & McCartney

For many years, large national corporate retailers, big business and many hungry state tax collectors have hoped for new Internet sales tax collection policy. They want Congress to pass a federal law that would allow tax agents from one state to enforce their sales tax laws on retailers based in other states, even when a business is based thousands of miles away. Nearly everyone that I know opposes this misguided idea that goes against everything that the Internet stands for, and I (like millions of others worldwide) believe that small businesses selling via the Internet should only be subject to the tax laws of the states in which they operate.

The news from Capitol Hill is clear and just like the economy... it's grim.

Internet sales tax supporters are convinced that 2013 is their year, and they are determined to pass a new Internet sales tax bill when our out of control "tax everything" Congress (that refuses to face real financial austerity) tackles "corporate tax reform" in spite of the fact that "corporate" and the millions of small American businesses that operate on the Internet seldom share the same anything.

In December, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), the misguided idiot who smells more and more sources to suck money out of the economy and is the sponsor of Internet sales tax legislation, publicly announced that he had a commitment from the Senate Finance Committee to "take it up early next year and move it to the floor."  Why Durbin wants to lead an effort to bleed more and more taxes is something between himself and his big money donors...

Your opinion matters. If you oppose giving state tax collectors new powers to impose and enforce out-of-state sales tax burdens on small businesses that sell via the Internet, now is the time to make your voice heard.

This is not a Republican or Democrat issue - but an issue that deals with the freedom of the worldwide web and the never-ending appetite for some Democrats in Congress to try to tax any and everything that moves.

Take the time to email, call or write to your two Senators and your Congress person... feel free to use, edit and adapt the letter below, but DO SOMETHING!

 

Dear Member of Congress,

As your constituent and one of the millions of Americans concerned with this issue, I'm asking you not to impose any new sales tax laws on small businesses operating on the Internet.

In the 1992 Quill Decision, the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to allow state tax enforcement authorities to impose their sales tax laws on small businesses located in other states.  However, an effort backed by giant retailers and a group of state legislators is trying to push Congress to overturn the Quill Decision and establish an unfair tax regime that would force small online businesses to be subject to sales tax laws all across the country, regardless of where the small business is actually located.

Millions of American small business retailers, would be directly impacted by any new Internet sales tax system. It would increase the cost of doing business and shopping on-line, which would hurt sellers and buyers alike. I believe that small businesses selling via the Internet should only be subject to the tax laws of the states in which they operate. Instead of imposing new tax burdens on small businesses, I would encourage Congress to do EXACTLY the opposite and look at new policies that encourage small business growth and development on the Internet, which in turn will spur job growth and increase consumer choice.

As your constituent, I would ask that you please oppose any efforts to impose new tax burdens on small businesses operating on the Internet.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
YOUR NAME

Wilmer Wilson IV: The FOREVER Aftermath Opens Tonight

Wilmer Wilson IV: The FOREVER Aftermath (Wilmer's first solo show) is open now at Artisphere in Rosslyn, VA. 

The exhibition features photographs, sculpture, and video from the DCCAH/5x5-commissioned performance Henry "Box" Brown: FOREVER.  

Works from each part of the three part performances are rotating in the gallery on a monthly basis until June 30th. 

There will be an opening this evening, April 18th, from 5-7p. Coinciding with the exhibition is be a series of programming entitled PERFORMANCE: AFTERMATH, featuring local performance artists in dialogue. 

These programs will be taking place on April 18 from 7-9p, May 16 from 7-9p, and June 8 from 7-9p. A full schedule of programming can be found here.

F.E.A.S.T at VisArts 2013

Proposals Accepted From	Friday, February 15  to  Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Proposal Deadline	April 24, 2013 before midnight
Proposal Fee	FREE

F.E.A.S.T at VisArts 2013

F.E.A.S.T at VisArts 2013 (Funding Emerging Art with Sustainable Tactics) is a bridge between artists and the community.  F.E.A.S.T is a public dinner designed to use community-driven financial support to democratically fund new and emerging art makers. F.E.A.S.T at VisArts 2013 will take place on May 4th on The Rooftop at VisArts in Rockville, Maryland. Patrons will give a $30 donation for which they receive supper and a ballot. Diners spend the evening reviewing a series of project proposals and conversing with the artists behind each idea. Attendees cast a vote for their favorite proposal, and by the end of the night, the artist who garners the most votes is awarded a grant comprised of that evening’s door money.

F.E.A.S.T at VisArts invites artists, thinkers, and organizations to submit proposals for funding up to $1,000. Project proposals will address the theme of Invisible Communities.  The deadline for applications is midnight on Friday, April 24, 2013.

F.E.A.S.T at VisArts is based on F.E.A.S.T Brooklyn’s  (www.feastinbklyn.org) model for sustaining artist projects directly through community participation. If you are not familiar with F.E.A.S.T — please read F.E.A.S.T Brooklyn’s about page. Another great resource: sundaysoup.org

Plan now to participate in F.E.A.S.T at VisArts.  We look forward to reviewing your proposals!

Application Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2013 before Midnight

How to Submit a Proposal

• Apply by e-mail ONLY: Email proposal materials to: smain@visartscenter.org
  

Theme: INVISIBLE COMMUNITIES

This year’s Call for Proposals: Invisible Communities brings to light some of the most influential yet invisible parts of our community. Project proposals reveal the hidden micro communities that affect our ecological, social, cultural and political sense of place, specifically the Washington/Baltimore metropolitan area. For F.E.A.S.T, we are seeking projects that directly or indirectly speak to the idea of invisible communities whether literally or figuratively.

Projects that may receive funding represent a diverse cross section of contemporary artistic and social practices. Performance, community events, soundscapes… No project or medium is incongruous with F.E.A.S.T. Projects can address any issues tied to the essence of our community, possibly including but not limited to: bugs, botany, water, underground cultures, people and places, well-beaten paths, smells…We encourage artists to think outside their everyday practice and produce work that speaks to all parts of the community. Make the invisible visible.

Application content must include answers to all of the following questions:

Title: What is your project’s name?

Summary: Describe your project in 250 words or less. Include statements on:

• What will the F.E.A.S.T funds be used for?
• How will this project be implemented?
• How does the project address the theme of Invisible Communities?
• What is the community you are addressing? What is the community significance of your project?

One sentence each:

• F.E.A.S.T Funding Request: How much will you need to do this (up to $1000)?
• Project Budget: If your project costs are greater than what you have requested, please briefly state how you will be able to implement your project.
• Timeframe: How long is this project going to take?
• Location: Where will this take place?
• Attach one image (300 dpi, no larger than 2 MB) and any relevant URLs. Please include a description of the image.

Proposals are evaluated on these terms:

• Artistic Innovation
• Community Impact
• Feasibility
• Proposal clarity and content

Please note:

• Only complete proposals will be reviewed.
• Only finalists will be invited to the F.E.A.S.T.
• All applicants will be notified if they are finalists.
• Artists who submit proposals must be present at the May 4TH F.E.A.S.T to be eligible to appear on the ballot.
• Should you win a F.E.A.S.T grant, you must attend the next F.E.A.S.T at VisArts (2014) to discuss the progress of your project.

Questions or advice: Feel free to contact smain@visartscenter.org

Terri Le | Marketing/Communications Coordinator
t: 301-315-8200 x105 | f: 301-315-8296
VisArts at Rockville
155 Gibbs Street, Rockville, MD 20850
www.visartscenter.org

Alchemical Vessels Sneak Preview

This week's top opening... is tomorrow!

Opening: Jessica van Brakle - "Industrial Paradise"

Thursday, April 18, 7 - 9 pm at McLean Project for the Arts
Show Dates: April 18 – June 1

'Industrial Paradise' features work that combines painting and drawing, depicting far-off or obstructed voyeuristic perspectives of landscapes comprised of tropical foliage and man-made structures. The work presents conflicting, contrasting, and yet coexisting notions of harmony, permanence, strength and ecology as it examines the complex relationship between man and nature.

 More info: http://www.mpaart.org/exhibitions.php

Georgetown openings on the 19th

Critical Exposure

Critical Exposure is a non-profit organization that empowers low-income D.C. youth to use photography as a tool to create social change in their schools and communities and their 8th Annual Spring Exhibit is Zoom In: National Lens, Local Focus.

This exhibit is Critical Exposure's annual opportunity to showcase the best student photography, writing, and social change initiative from this year. This event will take place on May 22, 2013 at the PEPCO Edison Place Gallery. They are asking for a $35 suggested donation.

Congrats!

Congrats to the FY13 Artist Fellowship Program award winners from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

This year, the DCCAH received 220 eligible applications for arts funding. The funding rate of 45 percent of these applications shows the District's commitment to sustaining an arts and culture industry which plays a vital role in this city's economic prosperity. These grantees contribute to the District's nonprofit arts and culture industry that provides an economic impact of over $1.1 billion to the city.

It should also tell DC area artists too lazy to apply, that at a 45% funding rate, they need to get off the bitching stool and start applying next year to make the competition a little tougher... just sayin'

$3.2 million was awareded to 100 local artists and nonprofit arts organizations during the Commission's second round of grants in fiscal year 2013. The second round of funding was a result of an increase of $6.8 million to the DCCAH's original budget for this year, so Lionel Thomas is clearly doing a spectacular job during a period of otherwise fiscal austerity everywhere else.

FY13 Artist Fellowship Program Awardees

Name	Official Amount	Ward
Ben Crosbie	$5,000	1
Dana Maier	$5,000	1
Deb Sivigny	$5,000	1
Helanius J Wilkins	$5,000	1
Holly Bass	$5,000	1
Kim Roberts	$5,000	1
Kristen Arant	$5,000	1
Nguyen Nguyen	$5,000	1
Nistha Raj	$5,000	1
Reginald Cabico	$5,000	1
Tim Doud	$5,000	1
William Wytold Lebing	$5,000	1
Ashley Ivey	$5,000	2
Brandel France de Bravo	$5,000	2
Brian Wilbur Grundstrom	$5,000	2
Evangeline J. Montgomery	$5,000	2
Jonathan Gann	$5,000	2
Justin McLaughlin	$5,000	2
Terri Merz	$5,000	2
Willona Sloan	$5,000	2
Alexandra Silverthorne	$5,000	3
Cory Oberndorfer	$5,000	3
Dana Tai Soon Burgess	$5,000	3
Dean Kessmann	$5,000	3
Elizabeth Graeber	$5,000	3
John Anderson	$5,000	3
Martin Irvine	$5,000	3
Miya Hisaka	$5,000	3
William Newman	$5,000	3
Alexis Gillespie	$5,000	4
Anna Ulrika Edholm Davis	$5,000	4
Daniel Phoenix Singh	$5,000	4
Gemal Woods	$5,000	4
Linn Meyers	$5,000	4
Marjuan Canady	$5,000	4
Sarah Browning	$5,000	4
Assane Konte	$5,000	5
Brandon Bray	$5,000	5
Emma Jaster	$5,000	5
Frederic Yonnet	$5,000	5
Jack Gordon	$5,000	5
Kymone Freeman	$5,000	5
Michael Iacovone	$5,000	5
Terry deBardelaben	$5,000	5
Colin Hovde	$5,000	6
Jeffrey Barninger	$5,000	6
Tommy Taylor	$5,000	7
Jason Anderson	$5,000	8
Melani Douglass	$5,000	8
Roderick Turner	$5,000	8

2013 Bethesda Painting Awards Finalists... cough, cough

Below are the finalists for the top painting prize in the region (thank you Carol Trawick!!! and congrats to the final eight!). 

My nepotista side says that the DMV's own Joan Belmar should win it - he's an amazing artist and richly deserves this recognition... my instinct would guess that brilliant Baltimore artist Cara Ober also not only richly deserves the prize, but is also due the recognition afforded by this prize by all the stuff that she does to support and expand the Baltimore art scene. I also really, really like Christine Gray.

And yet... being a pedantic Virgo (and batting about .800 in predicting both this prize and the Trawick Prize winners), I always look at the jurors, and then try to figure out who's the big mouth most persuasive voice in the jury panel and then try to guess who's gonna win based on that juror's own nepotism and ability to strong-arm the other jurors...

Everyone bring nepotism to the table when it comes to this sort of stuff... I've been in dozens and dozens of these panels and seen it surface every time. It's OK though... it is part of being human and a sincere mensch (if you admit that objectivity, when it comes to this sort of process, is only plausible for Vulcans).

These are this year's jurors: Tim Doud, Duane Keiser and Christine Neill.

Both Doud and Keiser are brilliant painters - and great choices for jurors; I don't know the third juror (Christine Neill), but because she's a professor of painting at MICA, and because three of the final eight finalists actually work at MICA (including her boss)... cough, cough... and 50% of the finalists are from Baltimore, I'm just guessing that she was the big mouth most persuasive in the jury panel.

Since I'm usually the big mouth in any art selection or art jury panel that I'm asked to be in, I think that I'm pretty good in figuring out my fellow big mouths persuasives. And yet, it takes some brass balls to keep a straight face while picking three painters who work with one of the jurors (including her boss) to be in the finalists.

Didn't someone in the panel think and then say: "What will the City Paper say once they find out that one of the juror's boss is one of the finalists? ... C'mon people!"

Awright, awright... maybe I'm being too much of a Kriston-Capps-wannabe here... and we're all pretty sure that she would recuse herself from voting, or discussing, or even being present when her co-workers came up for jurying... right?... right?...[Update: I am told that Ms. Neill recused herself from the panel when her boss was selected], but, I'm just sayin' - it just doesn't look good; but maybe it's just me.

And I'm not even touching the issue that three of the other finalists are also grads of American University... cough, cough.

You are asking by now: "Who's gonna win Campello?"

Sooooooo... based on all of the above, and the angry denial emails or cool and collected clarification emails that I am about to get, I suspect that I may have just about hosed the MICA contingent for this year's prize. If that's the case, then I say that either Belmar or Ilchi get the prize.

If no one gives a fuck about potential nepotism or potential conflict of interests (both of which I have been accused of... and both of which are rampant in the world at large)... then pick any of the MICA employees.

Now you are asking: "Nice tap dance... Who's gonna win Campello?"

Let me split: Ober or Gray - and both would be great choices! Although I may have just tipped the scales in the favor of Belmar, who'd also be a terrific choice. 

Here are the finalists:

Joan Belmar, Takoma Park, MD Joan Belmar was born in Santiago, Chile. He came to Washington, D.C. in 1999, and was granted permanent residency in the U.S. based on extraordinary artistic merit in 2003. Belmar's recent work uses a unique technique of 3-D painting, which produces changes in transparency as light and the viewer move in relation to the work.  Joan Belmar's work is in the permanent collections of the DCCAH Art Bank; the District of Columbia's Wilson Building; the Airport Art Collection in Ibiza, Spain and the Union of Concerned Scientists permanent collection in Washington D.C. His work has also been shown in national and international exhibits. Belmar was a Mayor's Award Finalist in 2007 as an outstanding emerging artist in Washington, D.C. The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities awarded him an artist fellowship grant in 2009. In 2010, the Maryland Arts Council awarded Belmar a 2010 Individual Artist grant in Visual Arts: Painting.
Dennis Farber, Lutherville, MD Dennis Farber has been a professor at Maryland Instutute College of Art since 1998. Prior to working at MICA, Farber taught at the University of New Mexico, New York University and Claremont Colleges in Claremont, CA. His work has been exhibited regularly in the United States and abroad. It was included in MoMA's millennial exhibition, OPEN ENDS, 1960- present, Innocence and Experience, and has been included in major museum exhibitions and traveled by both the Museum of Modern Art and the Jewish Museum in New York. Farber's work is in permanent collections of major museums, universities and corporations around the United States.
Christine Gray, Alexandria, VA Christine Gray received a Bachelor of FIne Arts from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Fine Art from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is currently a Visiting Artist at the George Washington University.   Gray has participated in numerous group exhibitions across the United States, most recently at Torrance Art Museum in Torrance, CA and Salisbury University Art Galleries in Salisbury, MD. Gray received Dean's Faculty Research Grant from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011.  She has also received the Jentel Foundation Residency Fellowshop, Golden Foundation Fellowshop, 7 Below Arts Initiative Residency Fellowship, and more.
Hedieh Ilchi, Rockville, MD Hedieh Ilchi was born in Tehran, Iran and draws her artistic intenstions directly from her dual cultural identity as an Iranian/American. Ilchi received her Bachelor of Fine Arts with honors from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in 2006 and her Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art from the American University in 2011.  She has received many awards including Robyn Rafferty Mathias International Research Mellon Grant from the American University and the Sons of the Revolution in the District of Columbia American Art Essay Prize. Ilchi was recently selected as the semifinalist for the eighth annual Janet and Walter Sondheim Artscape Prize. She is an active participant in the local art scene and is currently an artist in residence at the Arlington Arts Center in Arlington, VA. Ilchi has shown her work in numerous group exhibitions in the Washington D.C. area including at the Corcoran Gallery of Art + Design, American University Museum at the Katzen Art Center, Irvine Contemporary gallery and Civilian Arts Project. She had a recent solo exhibition at the Contemporary Wing gallery.  Her work has been reviewed in a number of publications including the Washington Post and Art Papers magazine with a reproduction of her work on the front cover page. She is currently represented by Contemporary Wing gallery in Washington D.C. and Shirin Gallery in Tehran.
Barry Nemett, Stevenson, MD Barry Nemett, Chair of the Painting Department at Maryland Institute College of Art, studied at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, received his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Pratt Institute and his Masters of Fine Arts at Yale University. His awards include The Hugh Fraser Foundation, Ford Foundation Grant, MICA Trustee Grant for Excellence in Teaching, Maryland State Arts Council Individual Fellowship Grant, ITT International Travel Fellowship/Fulbright Hays Grant, Ely Harwood Schless Award for Excellence in Drawing and Painting at Yale University, Faculty Enrichment Grant and the Berkeley T. Rulon Miller Award. Prof. Nemett has curated numerous traveling exhibitions, and has exhibited his own work nationally and internationally. His publications include: Images, Objects, and Ideas: Viewing the Visual Arts and Crooked Tracks. He has published articles in Arts Magazine, Museum & Arts: Washington, New Art Examiner, Washington Review, Baltimore magazine, Forays Review and many artist catalogue essays. Nemett has been a Visiting Artist at numerous colleges and universities in the United States, and has been Artist in Residence at Alfred and Trafford Klots Residency Program, Rochefort-en-Terre, France, Bates College, Glasgow School of Art, Keisho Art Association (Japan), Studio Art Centers International Florence and Summer Scholarship Program, Scotland.
Cara Ober, Baltimore, MD A painter, teacher and writer, Cara Ober layers drawing, painting and printmaking into mixed media works that examine and reinterpret sentimental imagery.  Ober is commercially represented by Civilian Art Projects in Washington, D.C., with solo exhibits in 2012 and 2009. She has participated in numerous international art fairs, including Art Miami, Aqua Wynwood Miami and Bridge Fair in London. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, Washingtonian Magazine, Hamptons Magazine and US News and World Report.  In 2009, Cara received a “Best Of Baltimore” award from Baltimore Magazine, calling her “practically an art scene unto herself.” In 2007, Cara took second prize in the Bethesda Painting Awards, after being a finalist in 2006. She is a 2006 Maryland Individual Artist Grant recipient for painting and received a Warhol Grant for Emerging Curators in 2006.  Cara Ober earned an Master of Fine Arts in painting from the Maryland Institute College of Art and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from American University. Cara writes art reviews for The Urbanite Magazine and ArtNews Magazine, and publishes her own award-winning art blog, BmoreArt.
Erin Raedeke, Gaithersburg, MD Erin Raedeke earned a Bachelor of Fine Art from Indiana University and a Master of Fine Art from American University. She has participated in exhibitions at many galleries in the United States and London. Raedeke is a 2013 winner of the Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award. Past honors and awards include a Carnegie Melon research grant, William H. Calfee Foundation Painting Award, Merit Scholarship at American University, First Prize in Particular Places and a Creative Arts Research Grant at Indiana University.
Bill Schmidt, Baltimore, MD Bill Schmidt studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Skowhegan, ME before moving to Baltimore in 1969. He received an Master of Fine Art from the Hoffberger School of Painting at Maryland Institute College of Art in 1971.  He has exhibited his painting, drawing and sculpture extensively in the Mid-Atlantic region. Schmidt has received numerous grants and awards including two Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Awards, one in Sculpture (1990) and one in Painting (2008). In 2004 he attended the Alfred and Trafford Klots Residency Program in Rochefort-en-Terre, France. After teaching for a decade following graduate school, Schmidt began working in the field of restoration, first on gilded objects and then on furniture finishes. In 2001 he became the Interim Director of the Post-Baccalaureate Program at the Maryland Institute College of Art after being its Resident Artist since 1996. In 2007 he was appointed Director, a position he continues to hold.