Friday, October 20, 2017

Image Online – What to Do Against Photo Theft

Author: Sophia Höttinger, Copytrack.com


The photo’s online and now at the danger of being used by anyone for free. Nowadays you have to expect that whenever you upload images online you are making yourself victim of photo theft. At Copytrack we work to change this.

It’s about time that we stop this crazy belief that anything online is free to use and finally hammer the law firmly into the heads of online users. Listen up: Photo theft occurs when anyone downloads images found online and uses them for other purposes, without permission of the rightsholder. Frustratingly, this is still unknown to majority of online users, however Copytrack is keen to educate. Thanks to the growing opportunities created by modern technology, which make stealing images just a click away, together with the lack of knowledge surrounding image rights online photo theft is possible.

Copytrack demand creators to know their rights. Before anything you have to understand your rights. You, as the rightsholder, have to know your rights and what you are able to claim. Copyright law, allows authors of work to have the right to claim damages when their rights have been abused.

Take-Down Request

You can start by personally informing the image abuser about their wrong doings, and request them to delete the image. This method is only recommended when your image has been used for private purposes only. Many – especially private users – are completely unaware of their crime when sharing images, and are dumbfounded when they learn that they have broken the law.

If your politely written email, the claim for deletion of the image are ignored, or the image user uses that image commercially you have to be prepared to legally enforce your rights! The job of a photographer is to take photos- not to enforce the law, ensuring that photos are always used legally. Operators of commercial should have no excuse when sharing images. As established online companies they should be completely clued up on online image laws. They ought to know the common requirements such as, making sure that the author is always named and that licenses are always legally purchased.

Cease & Desist

The legal equivalent to a nicely written email is a cease-and-desist letter that informs the user that legal action can be taken if the image continues to be used. This is a quick and easy tactic to state your rights. A cease-and-desist letter does not have to be sent by a lawyer. However, a lawyer might be recommended to ensure that your letter is affective as certain preconditions have to be met and it can quickly become complicated. It could also cost you at the beginning, but if the reminder is affective, the thief must take over any of the costs.

Post-Licensing

There’s also an option for those who don’t have an issue with others using their images, and just want to make sure that they’re paid for each usage of their work. You can sell a license for the use of your image, after they have started using it, allowing a once image rights abusers to become future customers. This is a great opportunity for you to profit from your work and generate new customers- a win-win situation.

Claim of Damages

You can always claim damages when your offer for a post-license is ignored or you have no intention to post license your work in the first place. There are three different grounds that justify claiming damages:
  1. Compensation based on the profit generated the image user gained by the illegal use of the image.
  2. Compensation determined by the profits lost by the rightsowner.
  3. Compensation based on the original cost of purchasing a license or using official price lists that help determine the price of a license based on the image usage.
Copytrack believe that image users should always be informed of photo theft, regardless whether it’s an email, a cease-and-desist letter or even giving them the opportunity to obtain a post-license. In no situation should image theft be ignored. It does not matter if photography is just your hobby. Only when photographers start to stand up for their right, or point out copyright abuse, can future photo theft be prevented. In a situation where your images are used commercially Copytrack strongly suggest that you take legal action and if necessary claim for damages.


About Copytrack:

Copytrack (www.copytrack.com) was founded in 2015 by Marcus Schmitt and currently employs around 25 people from legal, IT, customer service and finance. The service supports photographers, publishers, image agencies and e-commerce providers. It includes a risk-free search of the global Internet for image and graphics data uploaded by users at Copytrack are found with a hit accuracy of 98 per cent. The customers define if images are used without a license and even determine the amount of subsequent fees supported by an automatic license calculator on the portal. Copytrack is fully responsible for an out-of-court solution in over 140 countries as well as a legal solution in the areas relevant to copyright law. If the image has been successfully licensed, the rights holder receives up to 70 percent of the agreed sum. The pure search function is free of charge.

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Call for Proposals

Deadline: November 12, 2017


The Photoworks Gallery 2018 Call For Proposals offers artists locally, nationally, and internationally an opportunity to submit up to 15 images with a proposal for an exhibition.


Solo and group exhibitions considered.  This year they are planning two exhibits, March 2, 2018- April 8, 2018 and July 6- August 12, 2018.


There is no fee for submission, selected artists are responsible for $600 exhibition costs.


Photoworks exhibits have been frequently reviewed by the Washington City Paper and mentioned in the Washington Post.


Glen Echo Park is a vibrant community of artists and attracts a large, eclectic audience.


Please click here for full details.


Photoworks Gallery @ Glen Echo Park
7300 MacArthur Boulevard
Glen Echo, MD
Hours: Saturdays 1-4 PM and Sundays 1-8 PM
www.glenechophotoworks.org
@glenechophotoworks

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

ARTgineering at Otis Street Arts Project


ARTgineering
Beyond the Obvious 

Curated by Gloria Vasquez Chapa

October 21- November 21, 2017
Opening Reception
and Performance by Erin Devine
Saturday, October 21, 5-8 PM


Art, science, math, meta-physics, et. al., think tank generated work. Explorations not considered previously or frequently. The brain’s elasticity can be stimulated by these observations. Present in this exhibition an assortment of explorations generated by the following artists: Alan Binstock, Chris Bohner, Roger Cutler, Erine Devine, Israel Hernandez Fandiño, Adam Hager, Laura Jamroz, Maria Josephy, Liz Lescault, Jassie Rios, Lisa Rosenstein, Barry Schmetter, and Diane Szczepaniak

In exploration of these themes viewers will have a chance to interact and become part of the exhibition. Below are a few examples of what viewers can expect.

Jassie Rio's installation “A Line Becomes a Cone: An Environment for 11 sq. ft.” the artist creates a real-time, interactive light and sound installation that includes software made from scratch.

Barry Schmetter’s “Perturbance” is an installation that addresses the indirectness of perception and action. The viewer uses an electronic frequency probe in conjunction with a modular synthesizer and video synthesizer to explore the theme of memory, perception and human cognitive processes.

Chris Bohner uses recordings in discarded and reclaimed Mortise locks to provide a small window into the radical political debates raging during the Gilded Era and WWII era.

Steven Jones “French Cut Rib” a coin operated kiddy ride allows the viewer to ride a piece of meat.

Performances:
October 21st Saturday - Erin Devine at the reception
November 18th Saturday 6pm – Experimental and Ambient Electronic Music: modular synthesizer performance with TL0741, Dave Vosh, Audio Mace, Geoff Wilt, Tom Davis, and Hovercraft.
 
Facebook Event Page
Hours:
Saturdays, Noon-5:00
and
By Appointment M-F

Otis Street Arts Project
3706 Otis Street
Mount Rainier, MD 20712 
OtisStreetArts.Org

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Top 10 Art Reproductions Sold

Online art distributor overstockArt.com released its 10 top-selling masterpiece artworks for the holiday season, culled from sales data collected by the company over the past 16 years between Black Friday and Christmas Day.


OverstockArt.com provides affordable, hand-painted fine art reproductions of classic and new works of art.

Top 10 Works Sold During Holiday Season:

  1. Vincent Van Gogh, "Café Terrace at Night"
  2. Claude Monet, "Garden Path at Giverny"
  3. Gustav Klimt, "Tree of Life"
  4. Pierre-Auguste Renoir, "Luncheon of the Boating Party"
  5. Gustav Klimt, "The Kiss"
  6. Edgar Degas, "Star Dancer (On Stage)"
  7. Justyna Kopania, "Moon"
  8. Vincent Van Gogh, "Vase with Poppies Cornflowers Peonies and Chrysanthemums"
  9. Vincent Van Gogh, "Branches of an Almond Tree in Blossom"
  10. Claude Monet, "The Road to Bas-Breau, Fontainebleau"

Monday, October 16, 2017

500 Women Artists at the NMWA

Five hundred local women artists are expected to gather on October 25 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) for a historic group photograph to be taken by D.C. photographer Kim Johnson in partnership with Los Angeles-based artist Kim Schoenstadt, and co-organized by D.C.-based artist Linn Meyers.


The photograph will be titled Now Be Here #4DC/MD/VA, and the Now Be Here project website will list each artist in attendance.


Previous Now Be Here gatherings have taken place in Los Angeles, New York City and Miami where, collectively, more than 2,000 women artists participated.    

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Artists commissioned to do the Obama portraits!

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery announced yesterday that it has commissioned the museum’s official portraits of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Artist Kehinde Wiley—best known for his vibrant, large-scale paintings of African Americans—will create the portrait of President Obama. Amy Sherald, first-prize winner of the Portrait Gallery’s 2016 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, has been chosen to paint Mrs. Obama. The two portraits will be unveiled at the museum in early 2018 and will be added to the Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection.

“The Portrait Gallery is absolutely delighted that Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald have agreed to create the official portraits of our former President and First Lady,” said Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery. “Both have achieved enormous success as artists, but even more, they make art that reflects the power and potential of portraiture in the 21st century.”

At the end of each presidency, the museum partners with the White House to commission one official portrait of the President and one of his spouse. There are two sets of official portraits: one for the White House and one for the National Portrait Gallery. The museum began to commission Presidents’ portraits with George H.W. Bush.

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Gallery 209’s Featured Artist for November is Janet Fox

JanetFox Pacific Northwest Potlach Encaustic Mixed Media
Janet Fox's textured encaustic and mixed-media art will be featured in Gallery 209’s November show, November 1 - 28, with an opening reception on Friday, November 3 from 6-8 pm. Her abstract or representational art is often inspired by the curious images in dreams. The show will also display works by the Gallery’s eleven other resident artists.

Gallery 209 is in the Artists & Makers Studios 2 along with three other galleries and 50-plus studios of artists and photographers. Located at 12276 Wilkins Ave., Rockville, Md.



Free parking is in the rear.

Artists & Makers Studios 2 will also host its periodic Open Studio weekend on November 4th and 5th, from 12:00-5:00 pm. with over 100 artists participating.  Regular monthly viewing days are Tuesdays through Sundays, noon to 4pm.

For information 
301-448-2215 or visit the website: Gallery209art.com and www.gallery209art.com/janet-fox.

Friday, October 13, 2017

Heading to Miami

Jumping Through Hoops: let's help each other
2017 by Elissa Farrow-Savos

she is tossed by the waves but never sinks
2017 by Elissa Farrow-Savos

the climb is hard but the view will be worth it
2017 by Elissa Farrow-Savos

we won't keep quiet
2017 by Elissa Farrow-Savos

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Great art shows need great artists!

Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) is now accepting artist applications for the 27th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival (May 19--- 20, 2018), its largest fundraiser.

This competitive, juried event is consistently rated as one of the best outdoor art festivals in the country, both for the high-quality of the artwork presented and for our exceptional artist hospitality. Read more...

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Submission Deadline Approaching


WERE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW A MEMBER OF THE WASHINGTON WOMEN'S ARTS CENTER?

Submit your work to be considered for an exhibition honoring the work of the Washington Women's Arts Center and the female artists who helped shape the art scene in Washington, curated by Francoise Yohalem.

The submission deadline is November 6.

We're accepting work created between 1975-85 by artists from the WWAC. Learn more about the exhibition and how to submit here.


Questions? Call or email: (202) 885-1300 or aiwa@american.edu

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

She Walks in Beauty

"She Walks in Beauty"
(From the Written on the Body series)
Charcoal and Conte on Paper, 15x22 in.
c. 2017 by F. Lennox Campello

She Walks in Beauty

I.

She walks in beauty, like the night 
   Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright 
   Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellowed to that tender light 
   Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

II.

One shade the more, one ray the less, 
   Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress, 
   Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express 
   How pure, how dear their dwelling place.

III.

And on that cheek, and o’er that brow, 
   So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow, 
   But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below, 
   A heart whose love is innocent!

Monday, October 09, 2017

On Columbus Day



Regardless which side of the Columbus issue you find yourself in, here's my advice to both the pro and con side: read Charles Mann's two books (1491 and 1493) and just like it happened to me, prepare not only to be educated, but also to be astonished at what you don't know, and how many of the "facts" that you think you do know, are inaccurate...

Sunday, October 08, 2017

Wanna go to an opening this Wednesday?


Do not miss the spectacular painting by the vastly talented Judith Peck!

Saturday, October 07, 2017

Melissa Ichiuji's Guise and Dolls workshop

The inaugural Guise and Dolls figurative sculpture exhibition is fast approaching!!

Melissa Ichiuji's last Guise and Dolls workshop was so successful, she's decided to have another 2 day class before showtime! (new students are welcome!)

This intensive two-day figurative sculpture workshop will focus on preparation for the first Guise and Dolls Figurative Sculpture exhibition titled PROGENY, opening November 3rd, 2017 at Artists and Makers Studios in Rockville, MD. 

Previous participants will have an opportunity to:
complete works in progress
practice presentation skills
have their work photographed
 New students will learn basic techniques for joining soft materials and meaningful artifacts to create a uniquely charged avatar doll aligned with their innermost fantasies. This is a beautiful way to release negativity, nurture self-compassion and dial in points of power and attraction.
2 Day Workshop: October 28 & 29, 2017
Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 4pm
Location: Town of Somerset Town Hall
4510 Cumberland Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Cost: $250
Materials/Lunch provided.
All levels welcome. 
No prior experience necessary. 
Registration required.
Space is limited. Early registration strongly encouraged.


More information @www.melissaichiuji.com

Friday, October 06, 2017

Thursday, October 05, 2017

Artists, do you need a press list? Tips on how to promote yourself?

Press Outreach Toolkit
Hyattsville CDC + Gateway CDC with the support of the Maryland State Arts Council have developed a Press Outreach Toolkit that offers Gateway Arts District stakeholders the ability to access an online, nationwide press/media contact database called Cision.

RSVP to attend and to learn more: 
Press Outreach Toolkit
Sat, Nov. 4th at 2pm
Free,
RSVP to reserve a seatBrentwood Arts Exchange



Part of BAE's ongoing "Making It As An Artist" Professional Development Workshop Series.  

Wednesday, October 04, 2017

Art Scam Alert!

Beware of this art scammer trying to rip off artists:
From: Monalisa Buckwell 
Subject: Art Order
Date: September 28, 2017 at 3:22:30 PM EDT
Reply-To: m77bu@outlook.com

Hello,
I am Interested in purchasing artwork from your gallery inventory
therefore i will like to know if you are able to ship international
and also if you accept Visa Card/Master Card or Paypal for payment?
You can get back to me with your response along with your recently
updated web page.
Regards
Monalisa

Tuesday, October 03, 2017

Petty died yesterday

I remember when I first heard Petty singing that he wouldn't back down and he'd stand his ground... and that there was no easy way out... it kinda influenced me in college... fair winds and following seas in the afterlife..


 #tompetty

Monday, October 02, 2017

We're going to SA!

We're doing our first international art fair!


Cape Town, South Africa - here we come!






We'll be featuring and showcasing a solo booth for the amazing work of Amy Lin!

Sunday, October 01, 2017

Frida Smoking

Just finished this piece... heading to Chicago where it will be in SOFA.

"Frida Smoking" Charcoal and Conte with Embedded Electronics 24x36 inches by F. Lennox Campello
"Frida Smoking"
Charcoal and Conte with Embedded Electronics
24x36 inches

"Frida Smoking" Charcoal and Conte with Embedded Electronics 24x36 inches by F. Lennox Campello
"Frida Smoking"
Charcoal and Conte with Embedded Electronics
24x36 inches

"Frida Smoking" Charcoal and Conte with Embedded Electronics 24x36 inches by F. Lennox Campello
"Frida Smoking"
Charcoal and Conte with Embedded Electronics
24x36 inches

Saturday, September 30, 2017

Postcards from the Edge

Call to Participate: Postcards from the Edge 2018

Host Gallery & Dates to be Announced Soon! 
 
Postmark Deadline for Artwork: December 4, 2017


 2018 will mark the 20th anniversary of Visual AIDS' benefit art sale and we hope that you will participate.

All of us at Visual AIDS realize how lucky we are to be surrounded by a community of caring and committed artists and activists, and it is clear that our social justice mission has become even more important over the past year. It is also clear that the support of artists like you will be even more vital to the success of our work.

With this in mind, we want to express our gratitude to those who have participated in Postcards from the Edge, and
we hope you will wish to participate again this year. We also would like to express a warm welcome to those who will participate for the first time this year.

The 2018 venue and dates will be announced soon, along with exciting special events and partnerships for the 20th anniversary. To ensure that artists have enough time to create original work, we are sharing the guidelines for submission now so that you can get started. 


GUIDELINES:
Create or attach an original artwork on any 4"x6” heavy weight paper. Drawings, photographs, paintings, printmaking, and mixed media are welcome. ONE ENTRY per artist. If you are in NYC and would like a blank postcard, stop by our office to pick one up.

For complete guidelines, information on mailing artwork, and to download the submission form, visit the Visual AIDS
website.

PFTE is one of our most important fundraisers of the year, and its success will allow us to produce important art activism projects in 2018. By participating, artists support our mission, enabling us to produce AIDS-focused contemporary art programs and provide supplies and assistance to artists living with HIV/AIDS, many of whom are unable to continue producing work without such support.







Friday, September 29, 2017

Seated Nude in Satin

Check out this cool vintage drawing which just showed up for sale in the secondary market:

http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryPiece.asp?Piece=1425013


Wednesday, September 27, 2017

The Final Artworks of 8 Famous Artists

The last artwork of a prominent artist can assume a near-mythic status. Take Frida Kahlo. What artistic concerns defined her twilight years? Did her work come to particular resolution, or reveal a perspective on human mortality? In fact, she painted watermelons—with a poignant nod to the end of her life inscribed into the flesh of the fruit.
Read the whole article by Rachel Lebowitz in Artsy here. 

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Bootcamp

On September 30, from 2-4:30 pm, The Brentwood Arts Exchange and I will be once again hosting my well-known “Bootcamp for Artists” seminar at no cost to the artists.


This seminar is suitable for all visual artists interested in taking their careers to the next level.


Ever wondered how to maximize the attention your work gets from the press, galleries, and museum curators? How to present your work in a professional manner and save money in the process? How to tap into grants, awards and residencies? How to approach a gallery?


Then this is the seminar for you! This program is free, but space is limited to 40 persons, and last year lots of artists were turned away because it filled up so quickly!

This seminar always books up very quickly!


3901 Rhode Island Avenue
Brentwood, MD 20722
301-277-2863


This program will be held in MNCPPC’s Brentwood Arts Exchange on the 1st Floor of the Gateway Arts Center, 3901 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, MD 20722, just over the District line on Rhode Island Avenue.


The seminar, which has been taken by over 6,000 artists and arts professionals from all over the Mid Atlantic is designed to deliver information, data and proven tactics to allow artists to develop and sustain a career in the fine arts.
Sometimes called "Boot Camp for Artists" by the attendees, people as far as Arizona, California, New York and South Carolina have attended, including many, many university level art professionals.
In its seven hour format compressed into 2.5 hours, the seminar covers a wide range of structured issues including:

1. Materials - Buying materials; strategies for lowering your costs, where and how to get it, etc.

2. Presentation – How to properly present your artwork including Conservation issues, Archival Matting and Framing, Longevity of materials, a discussion on Limited editions, signing and numbering, Prints vs. Reproduction, discussion on Iris Prints (Pros and Cons).

3. Creating a resume - Strategy for building your art resume, including how to write one, what should be in it, presentation, etc.

4. Juried Shows – An Insider's view and strategy to get in the competitions.

5. How to take slides and photographs of your artwork

6. Selling your art – A variety of avenues to actually selling your artwork, including fine arts festivals, corporate acquisitions, galleries, public arts, etc.

7. Creating a Body of Works

8. How to write a news release

9. Publicity – How to get in newspapers, magazines, etc. Plus handouts on email and addresses of newspaper critics, writers, etc.

10. Galleries – Discussion on area galleries including Vanity Galleries, Co-Operatives, Commercial Galleries, Non-profit Art spaces, etc.

11. How to approach a gallery – Realities of the business, Contracts, Gallery/Artist Relationship, Agents.

12. Outdoor Art Festivals – Discussion and advice on how to sell outwork at fine arts festivals, which to do, which to avoid, etc.

13. Resources - Display systems and tents, best juried shows and ones to avoid.

14. Accepting Credit cards – How to set up your art business.

15. Grants – Discussion on how to get grants in DC, Regional and National, including handouts on who and where and when.

16. Alternative Marketing - Cable TV, Local media

17. Internet – How to build your website at no cost, how to establish a wide and diverse Internet presence.


18. Art fairs

Wanna go figure drawing tonight?

Hyattsville Figure Drawing Group

Tue, Sep 26, 6-9pm- Figure Drawing @ Pyramid Atlantic
Model: Desi

Join Hyattsville's best, brightest and only figure drawing group! They meet on Tuesday evenings (6-9pm) in Pyramid Atlantic's beautiful gallery space in their fabulous location in the Hyattsville Arts District. Bring along your favorite art materials and draw with us!

Each session begins with 5 5-minute warm-up poses with a live model and a single, sustained pose for the remainder of the session. Please bring your own materials, paper and easel (if needed). Chairs, tables and drawing boards will be provided. Free parking in the rear of the building; please enter through the rear doors. 

All are welcome; please forward this email or pass the word to anyone who might be interested in joining (under 18: legal guardian permission required).

Where: Pyramid Atlantic Art Center*

Free parking in the rear of the building; please enter through the rear doors. 

When: Tuesdays, 6-9pm

Cost: $20/session or $80/5-session punch card
Walk-ins and late arrivals welcome, no experience necessary!

Monday, September 25, 2017

Painting on the Plaza at Lake Anne

Experience the beauty and vibrancy of the Lake Anne Community as the Plaza comes alive with artists painting en plein aire, Saturday September 30th- Sunday, October 1, 2017. 

Join in the fun by painting or watching the artists as they work. Purchase an original artwork to take home.  And while you’re at Lake Anne, don’t forget to vote for your favorite painting and enter the drawings for door prizes.  The event will be held rain or shine.
 
Painting Competition
The Painting on the Plaza at Lake Anne painting competition is designed in the spirit of a "day painting” competition, which challenges artists to create works of art in a short period of time. The event is open to all artists and a variety of mediums.  To be eligible for prizes, artists must meet all painting competition eligibility requirements.  Multiple cash prizes will be awarded. For more information, visit http://lakeanneplaza.com/event/plein-aire-event-lake-anne/.
 
Schedule
Saturday, September 30th 4:00pm-7:00pm – Registration and canvas stamping begins for artists participating in the plein aire painting competition.  Artists begin painting once their canvases are stamped.  The public is invited to join in the fun by painting or watching the artists as they work and enter the drawings for door prizes. Door prize drawing at 7:00pm.   
 
Sunday, October 1st:  10:00am-7:00pm The public is invited to observe artists painting, enter drawings for door prizes, and vote for the People’s Choice Award.  Original wet paint artwork will be available for sale.  Specific times for activities are as follows:
 
            10:00am                      Check-in and canvas stamping begins
            12:00pm                      Registration and canvas stamping ends
  4:00pm                      Deadline for return of completed artwork for judging
              5:00pm                      Voting for People’s Choice Awards ends.
             5:30pm                       Winners of painting competition announced
             7:00pm                      Door prize drawing and display and sale of artwork ends

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Washington White

DMV's cartoonist Adam Griffiths' graphic novel, "Washington White" is going to print! He has been working on it for about 9 years, and it's 600 pages, but the first installment will be printed in newspaper tabloid form (about 70 pages).


It's full color, and it's written in the form of a spy thriller, but is a civil rights science-fiction story!
"Science fiction meets the aftermath of the 1960's civil rights movement in Adam Griffiths' forthcoming graphic novel, Washington White, a pseudo techno-thriller about corporate greed, gentrification, and corruption set inside the District of Columbia.

Drawn in pencil with digital coloring, the mad-cap challenges that the story's range of characters face make for a bombastic, silly, and disturbing experience."
 The paper will be distributed around the city - artfully!

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Mid City Artists Fall Open Studios

Mid City Artists Fall Open Studios
October 14-15, 2017



The open studios are an invitation into the artists’ workplace and into their universe. Get lost among the easels and paints and kilns and other artists materials as you mingle with the artists themselves.


Mayor’s Arts Award nominee Michael Crossett is a member of the MCA who will be showing his work along with Lucinda Friendly Murphy, Jane Cave, Branddave, Indira Marin Dingledin, Charlie Gaynor, Miguel Perez Lam, Chuck Baxter, George H. Smith-Shomari, Betto Ortiz, and Robert Wiener.


Event is free


For more information and to download a map please visit: https://www.midcityartists.com/open-studios/

Friday, September 22, 2017

How to Be an Artist, According to Josef Albers

Albers always relied on his training as an elementary school teacher to guide his lesson plans. He rarely gave lectures—instead, he encouraged his students to learn through hands-on experimentation. This progressive teaching method proved effective. Many of his students—Eva Hesse, Ruth Asawa, Ray Johnson, Cy Twombly, Richard Anuszkiewicz, John Chamberlain, Richard Serra, and Robert Rauschenberg among them—would later become some of the most influential artists of the 21st century.
Read the Artsy article here. 

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Bethesda Studio Space Available

Studio B, located just a short stroll from the Bethesda Metro, features workspace for local artists. The studio includes exhibit space in each individual artist studio, as well as on the main wall. Studio B has retail hours as well as hours by appointment. 

AVAILABLE STUDIO INFORMATION
  • Studio is 185 sq. feet 
  • Rent is $295 per month, inclusive of all utilities.
  • Artists are required to be in the space during retail hours of Tues. – Fri., 1-6pm and during the monthly opening receptions.
  • Artist has 24/7 access to Studio B and their personal studio space.
  • Artist may sell artwork and there is no commission taken on artist sales.

TO APPLY
Complete the application and submit the following:
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Artwork Samples
  • Proof of Income
  • Proof of Identity


Deadline: Friday, October 20, 2017

Application Fee: Free

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Call to Artists and Galleries

Application Deadline:  Sunday, October 1, 2017, before midnight.


The City of Alexandria is purchasing original art to add to the City’s art collection and to display in City-owned buildings.  Artists, art galleries, and art consultants working or residing in Alexandria and the Washington, DC area are encouraged to respond to this call.Project Overview:  The Alexandria Art Purchase Awards call will be held biannually for the next four years, totaling eight calls with each call purchasing up to $4000 in artwork.  For this first call, the concept of “Neighborhoods and Gathering Places” must be conveyed in the artwork submitted.  Each call will be in three phases.
  • Phase one:  Artists submit applications online. The Art Purchase Awards project task force reviews artist applications and selects artwork to be considered for purchase awards.
  • Phase two:  Artwork considered for purchase is displayed at City Hall for three months.  Community engagement will be encouraged throughout the process.
  • Phase three:  The task force makes their purchase recommendations to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.  After approval by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, the purchase award(s) will be announced at a reception at City Hall.  Each artist chosen for the exhibition at City Hall but not given a purchase award will receive an honorarium of $100.
Application Deadline:  Sunday, October 1, 2017, before midnight.
Eligibility:  Applicants must be 18 years or older and reside or work in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, DC.  Artists, galleries, art consultants are eligible to submit original art.
Submissions:  All artwork submitted must be original, available for purchase, and made within the last 5 years.  Artwork must be two-dimensions and ready to hang on a wall.  Artists are allowed to submit up to five (5) works of art for consideration.  Art galleries and art consultants are allowed to submit up to (5) works of art from any combination of two (2) or more represented artists.  The pricing of artwork must include framed and unframed options.  The City reserves the right to negotiate the final price.
Artist Statement:  In one or two paragraphs, give a first person description of the artist’s approach to their art.
Letter of Interest:  In one or two paragraphs, describe how the artwork submitted expresses the concept of neighborhoods and gathering places. 
Resume:  Include a two-page artist resume.
Selection Process:  Appointed by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts (ACA), a five-member project task force made up of two ACA representatives, two community stakeholders, and one project stakeholder will review applications submitted on CaFE and choose the artwork being considered for purchase to be displayed for three months at City Hall.  After three months of community engagement and in coordination with City staff, the project task force will make their purchase award(s) recommendation(s) to the ACA.  The ACA will then vote on the purchase award(s) at their monthly meeting. 

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Bootcamp for Artists Coming later this month!


Early heads up!


On September 30, from 2-4:30 pm, The Brentwood Arts Exchange and I will be once again hosting my well-known “Bootcamp for Artists” seminar at no cost to the artists.



This seminar is suitable for all visual artists interested in taking their careers to the next level.



Ever wondered how to maximize the attention your work gets from the press, galleries, and museum curators? How to present your work in a professional manner and save money in the process? How to tap into grants, awards and residencies? How to approach a gallery?



Then this is the seminar for you! This program is free, but space is limited to 40 persons, and last year lots of artists were turned away because it filled up so quickly!


This seminar always books up very quickly!


3901 Rhode Island Avenue
Brentwood, MD 20722
301-277-2863


This program will be held in MNCPPC’s Brentwood Arts Exchange on the 1st Floor of the Gateway Arts Center, 3901 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, MD 20722, just over the District line on Rhode Island Avenue.



The seminar, which has been taken by over 6,000 artists and arts professionals from all over the Mid Atlantic is designed to deliver information, data and proven tactics to allow artists to develop and sustain a career in the fine arts.

Sometimes called "Boot Camp for Artists" by the attendees, people as far as Arizona, California, New York and South Carolina have attended, including many, many university level art professionals.

In its seven hour format compressed into 2.5 hours, the seminar covers a wide range of structured issues including:

1. Materials - Buying materials; strategies for lowering your costs, where and how to get it, etc.

2. Presentation – How to properly present your artwork including Conservation issues, Archival Matting and Framing, Longevity of materials, a discussion on Limited editions, signing and numbering, Prints vs. Reproduction, discussion on Iris Prints (Pros and Cons).

3. Creating a resume - Strategy for building your art resume, including how to write one, what should be in it, presentation, etc.

4. Juried Shows – An Insider's view and strategy to get in the competitions.

5. How to take slides and photographs of your artwork

6. Selling your art – A variety of avenues to actually selling your artwork, including fine arts festivals, corporate acquisitions, galleries, public arts, etc.

7. Creating a Body of Works

8. How to write a news release

9. Publicity – How to get in newspapers, magazines, etc. Plus handouts on email and addresses of newspaper critics, writers, etc.

10. Galleries – Discussion on area galleries including Vanity Galleries, Co-Operatives, Commercial Galleries, Non-profit Art spaces, etc.

11. How to approach a gallery – Realities of the business, Contracts, Gallery/Artist Relationship, Agents.

12. Outdoor Art Festivals – Discussion and advice on how to sell outwork at fine arts festivals, which to do, which to avoid, etc.

13. Resources - Display systems and tents, best juried shows and ones to avoid.

14. Accepting Credit cards – How to set up your art business.

15. Grants – Discussion on how to get grants in DC, Regional and National, including handouts on who and where and when.

16. Alternative Marketing - Cable TV, Local media

17. Internet – How to build your website at no cost, how to establish a wide and diverse Internet presence.


18. Art fairs

Monday, September 18, 2017

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Last day in NYC

Today is the last day of the 2017 Affordable Art Fair in NYC, which has proven to be highly successful... both Matthew Langley and Lori Katz rocked the house with monster sales, while art fair rookie Amy Marx had some decent sales and placed several small works into multiple collections.


On Thursday, there was a perfect example of why art fairs, with their large number of people, make sense.  All day long NYC artist Matthew Langley worked the crowd, but nothing had sold. Two minutes before the fair was officially closed for the day, a couple approached his work, and $6500 later, Langley had a decent day!


I had a good fair myself, placing multiple drawings and one video piece (The Batman Brooding in the Batcave) in New York state collections.


Next? SOFA Chicago and then Context Art Miami!


@aafnyc