Trawick Prize 2019 Opens

The Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards produced by the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District will honor the top artists from Maryland, Washington, D.C. & Virginia for the 17th annual year.

The exhibit will be held from September 4-28 with a public reception on Friday, Sept. 13 from 6-8pm.  This year it is a tough one to pick a winner... but I'm betting on Muriel Hasbun.

2019 Finalists:

Stephanie Benassi, Linden, VA

Monroe Isenberg, Washington, D.C.

Hoesy Corona, Baltimore, MD

Renee Rendine, Towson, MD

Oletha DeVane, Ellicott City, MD

Mojdeh Rezaiepour, Vienna, VA

Muriel Hasbun, Silver Spring, MD

Anne Rogers, Baltimore, MD

Gallery B, 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E
Gallery hours: Wed. - Sat, 12-6pm

Lecture: On Identity in the Arts: What Does It Mean to be Latinx?

Lecture: On Identity in the Arts: What Does It Mean to be Latinx?

Montpelier Art Center

9652 Muirkirk Rd

Laurel, MD 20708

Saturday, September 21, 2pm.

I will be delving deep into the history and evolution of the Latino ethnic label and then discussing important questions on the issue while wrapping it around the context of the fine arts in a sometimes funny, but always informative presentation. 

Lecture is free and open to the public.

The Art of Evolution

The Art of Evolution, on view through Sunday September 8, is an offshoot of the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities Sister Cities grant to Paris that was awarded to DMV artist Michele Banks.

With her grant funding, Michele was able to go to Paris and meet Virginie Courtier-Orgogozo, PhD where she collaborated with the research lab to make art about evolutionary biology.

Later Michele invited Virginie to come to DC and participate in an educational and creative workshop featuring Arnaud Martin of George Washington University who is actively using CRISPR technology to edit butterfly genomes.

The workshop was held at the studio of Jessica Beels (Off the Beaten Track) and all of the women in this exhibition (Michele Banks, Jessica Beels, Mei Mei Chang, Pat Goslee and Shelley Loewnstein) participated in the workshop.

There will be a closing reception on Sunday afternoon, September 8 from 1 to 3 pm.

Facebook event link:
https://m.facebook.com/events/373332646592913/

ADDRESS
Takoma Park Community Center – Sam Abbott Citizens’ Center

( directly above the Takoma Park police station )
City of Takoma Park
7500 Maple Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912

HOURS
8:30 AM – 9:30 PM* Monday – Thursday
8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Sunday

PHONE
Main: 301-891-7100
TTY: 1-800-735-2258

Opportunity for artists

Leonardo: When the Arts Reach the Sky

Deadline: August 30, 2019

On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of Leonardo Da Vinci’s death, the Italian Cultural Center of Maryland (ICCM) in collaboration with Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA), and office of First Lady Yumi Hogan is pleased to announce a Call for Entries for two juried art exhibitions celebrating the genius of the Renaissance. The exhibition pieces may include works that reinterpret or reimagine Leonardo’s originals. The exhibition pieces will ultimately reflect Leonardo’s legacy of creating art that rests on a foundation of inquiry and knowledge. 

Entries should visualize or materially reflect on laws of nature and/or the order of the universe, both natural and human-made (including but not limited to current events, historical events, political concepts, and human emotions). The two exhibitions will take place in September, 2019. 

One will take place at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and other will take place at the National Italian American Gallery (NIAG) at the ICCM. 

Full Details here!

Curator for the exhibitions is Gioia Milano, Director of Education, Exhibitions and Programs at the Italian Cultural Center of Maryland. Contact 

Email: Leonardo500@italymd.org. Online applications:https://www.judgify.me/ICCMLEO500    

Art Scam Alert!

Art Scam Alert!!!

From: Roger Gordon rogerphantom090@gmail.com

Date: August 12, 2019 at 7:08:44 AM EDT

Subject: ARTWORK IS NEEDED.

 Hello,  

         I am Gordon from Richmond Indiana. thoughts of the best anniversary gift of the century to my wife has been roaming my mind for a while now. i figured out later that my wife spends noticeable time on viewing artworks from your page on my laptop and i can easily guess she likes your work, which i found quite impressive and intriguing too. I must admit your doing quite an impressive job. You are undoubtedly good at what you do. 

      With that being said, I would like to purchase some of your works as a surprise gift to my wife in honor of our upcoming wedding anniversary. It would be of help if you could send some pictures of your piece of works, with their respective prices and sizes, which are ready for immediate (or close to immediate) sales. My budget for this should be anything that falls under $8000, and if i have to pay more, there should be a reason in terms of worth and value. Your works are impeccable anyways.  .

      I look forward to reading from you in a view to knowing more about your pieces of inventory. As a matter of importance, I would also like to know if you accept check as a means of payment

Regards,

   Gordon.

Opportunity for Artists

Mattawoman Creek Art Center
SOUTHERN MARYLAND ART - 2019
SEPTEMBER 20 – OCTOBER 27, 2019

Open all-media themed juried show with a $1,000 First Prize!

A total of $1,800 is to be awarded.

Show theme: Southern Maryland Art

Southern Maryland is defined as Maryland west of the Chesapeake Bay,
south of Rt. 50 (D.C. to Annapolis), and outside the I-95/I-495 D.C. Beltway.
The challenge to you: Bring Southern Maryland to life as visual ART.
Join the competition to win cash prizes and sell your artwork.

ELIGIBILITY: All artists over 18 years of age, both MCAC members and non-members, may enter.
Entries must relate to Southern Maryland and have been created after Sept. 30, 2018.

ENTRY FEE: $25.00 for MCAC members and $40 for non-members. Fee is non-refundable.

SALES POLICY: MCAC will retain a 25% commission on all artwork sold during the exhibit.
A
t least 2 pieces must be for sale; 1 of 3 may be marked “not for sale” (NFS).
The Call For Entry is posted on the MCAC website: www.MattawomanArt.org.

You may contact MCAC by email at MattawomanArt@aol.com or by phone at 301-743-5159.

Mattawoman Creek Art Center is located in Smallwood State Park, Marbury MD, 20658

35 miles south of Washington, D.C. on Md. Route 224 in Charles County.
Park Entry fee is waived for Art Center visitors.

On Identity in the Arts: What Does It Mean to be Latinx?

Lecture: On Identity in the Arts: What Does It Mean to be Latinx?

Montpelier Art Center
9652 Muirkirk Rd
Laurel, MD 20708

CHANGE OF DATE: Instead of Sept. 14 it is now Saturday, September 21, 2pm.

I will be delving deep into the history and evolution of the Latino ethnic label and then discussing important questions on the issue while wrapping it around the context of the fine arts in a sometimes funny, but always informative presentation. 

Lecture is free and open to the public.

Affordable Art Fair New York

We'll be at the Affordable Art Fair New York this coming September - booths C3 and D20! Our 13th year at this fair!

This year we're showcasing Jodi Walsh, Seth Fairweather, Kathleen Hope in booth D20 and Lori Katz, Matthew Langley and Macyn Bolt in booth C3.

Module 8 by Jodi Walsh

Wann go to three openings in one place this weekend?

Workhouse Arts Foundation | 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA 22079

VMFA: Futures

Group Exhibition

On View through October 6

Reception: Saturday, August 10, 6-8pm

McGuireWoods Gallery, 2nd Floor

Workhouse Arts Center is pleased to present VMFA: Futures showcasing a select group of artists joining the 2019-2020 Fellowship Program at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Virginia. This lucid presentation is comprised of a broad selection of humanizing works of ingenuity which liven the art landscape through sculpture, videography, painting, photography and new media.

VMFA: Futures highlights emerging talent but also explores commonalities amongst the artists’ work each sharing visual, woven poems referencing subjects such as the acceleration of environmental destruction, the grasp of fading moments, the provocation of word play, the resonance of family belongings and the ritual of preservation. Exploring forms of personal documentation, this exhibition examines the artists’ response and dealings with traces of past and present and interacting perspectives.

Featured artists include Soomin Ham, Rebecca Silberman, David Franusich and Sarah Phillips.

Learn More

(Im)Permanence Continued

Solo Exhibition, Cynthia Myron

On View through October 6

Reception: Saturday, August 10, 6-8pm

McGuireWoods Gallery, 2nd Floor

Clay International

Juried Exhibition

On View through October 13

Reception: Saturday, August 10, 6-8pm

Vulcan Gallery, 1st Floor

Clay International represents the depth and breadth of contemporary functional and sculptural ceramic artworks being created throughout the country. Ceramic Artist and Educator – Peter Beasecker juried over 300 images to select 52 pieces of art which incorporate a contemporary spirit as well as a technical mastery of the material. The show is a rare opportunity to see a variety of styles and techniques which encompass the field of contemporary ceramic arts.

Juror’s Statement – It was an honor to be asked this year to jury the 2019 Workhouse Clay International. With over a few hundred entries, it was exhilarating as it was exhausting. As a juror, I found myself exercising my imaginative abilities to envision the three-dimensionality of the objects, filling the absence of intimacy experienced only by close inspection and touch. I was most drawn to the pieces that ignited my curiosity and left me wanting more: works that both challenged and reaffirmed my own sensibilities. Though I was impressed with the range of entries, I did not select pieces for diversity’s sake. Rather, I chose objects that expressed a sense of confidence in what they were or the conviction of their message. While some pieces clearly embraced risks and were a part of a more contemporary conversation, that did not dim the light of those pieces quietly celebrating the rich history of the functional vessel.

Learn More

Guess who's on the cover

Yep - those smiley folks on the cover of Potomac Living magazine are none other than The Campellos!

The photo is by an uber talented photographer - the spectacularly talented Ksenia Pro - see more of her work at her website here.

And more about Potomac Living magazine here!

Two new exhibits, opening on August 30, 2019: Transformations and Fragments.

Transformations features mixed media and installation works created by Rachel Borgman, Artemis Herber, Chris Hornsby, and Sunyoung Lee. 

While these artists focus on a variety of concepts, they each describe the process of art-making as integral to their work. Rachel Borgman uses art historical documentation and biographical sources to weave together a complex web of possible narratives that marry fact with fiction, creating painting copies and immersive painting spaces inspired by her investigations. Artemis Herber’s large-scale artworks on corrugated cardboard raise questions about urban culture and sustainability while exploring geo-economic landscapes expressing local issues or global concerns. Chris Hornsby utilizes dark and light fractured imagery to create paintings that explore the complex yet surprising interaction between control, contradiction, and humanity’s violent struggle to succeed. Sunyoung Lee’s work stems from the similarities between painting and writing. Using thick and rapid calligraphy-like brushstrokes, she creates abstract letter paintings intended to be read emotionally rather than literally.

Fragments showcases photography by local artists Willy Conley and Don James. 

In Willy Conley’s self-titled “watergraphs,” he captures water reflections which are then turned upside-down. Depending on environmental factors such as wind, debris in the water, and the color of the sky, each inverted reflection creates a painting in its own right. Don James’ photographs appear to be abstract creations but are actually a faithful representation of the shape and near-monochrome appearance of his subjects. Drawn to subjects rarely noticed by others, he photographs man-made structures, details of common objects, and short-lived fragments of nature.

Transformations and Fragments will be on display from August 30 – October 11, 2019. A reception for both exhibits will be held on Friday, September 13 from 6–8 pm, in conjunction with the Arts Council’s Annual Meeting and Grant Awards Ceremony. Resident artists will also host Open Studios from 7-8pm. This reception is part of the Arts Council’s annual Road to the Arts weekend, featuring special exhibits and receptions hosted by Howard County galleries and art spaces from September 12-15. 

HCAC Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, and Sunday 12-4pm. The Galleries are closed for Labor Day on Monday, September 2, 2019. To learn more about HCAC programs and exhibits, call 410-313-ARTS (2787) or visit hocoarts.org.

Homage to the Ice Pirate

As I noted earlier, my best friend from the Navy, and one of the US Navy's most legendary figures... simply known to the world of Navy submariners as the "Ice Pirate" died unexpectedly a few weeks ago.

As an homage to William Randall (Randy) Ray, I've done these four pieces which I will be gifting to his family.

"The Ice Pirate"
Pen and ink on toned paper, 20x24 inches

Study for "The Ice Pirate"
Charcoal on paper, 8x10 inches

Study for "The Ice Pirate"
Graphite on paper, 8x10 inches

"Randy Ray in the Arctic"
Ink on paper, 10x8 inches

Randy Ray, RIP

My best friend from when I was in the Navy, Randy Ray died unexpectedly on the 28th doing what he did best: serving his country in a submarine somewhere in the planet underwater.

From his obit:

William Randall Ray (AKA Randy), 63, of Santee, CA, passed away at sea on June 27th, 2019, doing what he loved. Randy is survived by his wife, Karen, of 44 years, mother Shirley Ray, daughters Misty (Jesse) Rubinol, Rachael (Valentine) Chavez, Amy (Matt) Knippel, grandchildren Riley Rubinol, Cecily Rubinol, Mateo Rubinol, Amelia Chavez, Gabriella Chavez, Owen Knippel, Wyatt Knippel, Joaquin Chavez, 5 siblings, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Randy served his country faithfully, 20 years active duty and 25 as a Department of the Navy civil servant. He enlisted in the US Navy in June of 1973. While his latest role as an Ice Pilot working with the Arctic Submarine Laboratory was his most fulfilling, he held several enlisted and officer positions during his career in the US Navy and was respected by men & women up and down the chain of command; seamen, airmen, captains and admirals alike.

When he wasn’t navigating glaciers & reefs to guide submarines safely to their destinations, he enjoyed music, sports, spending time with family & catering to his wife’s & daughters’ every want & need. He had dreams to retire from civil service in September of 2020 and to move to Tennessee with wife, Karen. Randy aspired to spend his retirement fishing Tennessee rivers, coaching little league and possibly even dabbling in community theater. Randy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to every person he met – his passing is felt deeply by many near and far. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for your support in memorial contributions to Autism Speaks as Randy was a fierce advocate for all of his grandchildren.

I remember when we were stationed together in San Diego, and then in Newport, and then at the University of Washington, and we were commissioned together... but my strongest memory of Randy, is when we were in the San Diego Navy softball finals, and Youngblood was at bat, and all we needed was one out to win the championship, and we were up by one, bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, two outs... 

And I was the pitcher and the count was 3 -2, and for some reason I always seemed to walk her, and Randy called time out, ran to the pitcher's mound from the outfield, and said to me, "If you walk her again, I will kick your ass." He then ran back to the outfield, and I thought about it, and pitched her a perfect strike... 

Fair winds and following seas my dear friend.

Opportunity for Artists

 Artist Opportunities 

Click links below for more information.

 Open Call for Art Lab (MFA Students) 

 Open Call for General Exhibits 

 Open Call for Warrior Way Gallery (Military Service Members) 

Four artists demanded their works be removed from the Whitney Biennial

The four artists’ letter comes just two days after Artforum published an essay by Hannah Black, Ciarán Finlayson, and Tobi Haslett titled “The Tear Gas Biennial,” in which they called out the artists in the biennial for not boycotting the exhibition over Kanders’s presence on the museum’s board.

What this really means: We (anyone) can now start going throught the boards of all museums, and universities, and 503(c) and whatever, and if we don't like what one of the trustees or board members does for a living, of where his/her samolians are invested in, we can now demand that artist do not show in those museums or organizations!*

Read the whole puzzling article here.

* This of course, does not apply if the person in question is also a major donor to the right causes... cough, cough... 

Hamiltonian Artists has announced their five new Fellows! Introducing:

• Amber Eve Anderson (MFA, Maryland Institute College of Art)
• Tommy Bobo (MFA, Maryland Institute College of Art)
• Akea Brionne Brown (BFA, Maryland Institute College of Art)
• Madeline Stratton (MFA, Maryland Institute College of Art)
• Yacine Fall (BFA, The George Washington University Corcoran School of Arts)

The 2019 Hamiltonian Fellows were selected from a competitive pool of 95 high quality of applicants nationwide. The External Review Panel, comprised of five art professionals, evaluated every application and gathered to discuss each artist based on criteria regarding "artistic merit and relevance to today's art world."

The jurors were:

Colette Veasey-Cullors - an Associate Dean for Design and Media at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)

Ryan Dattilo - a lawyer, art collector, and is also on the board of the Washington Project for the Arts

Nara Park - a sculptor and installation artist based in Washington, D.C.

Springsteen - a contemporary art gallery founded by Hunter Bradley and Amelia Szpiech in Baltimore, MD

Review of my current solo show

He has examined insular communities from the Galician Massif to the Hasid in Brooklyn, incorporated the Mexican artist Frieda Kahlo into his work (just before a movie about her life took the world by storm) and depicted Che Guevera, the controversial, and revolutionary, physician, author, activist, guerrilla leader and diplomat who, Campello labeled somewhat dismissively in his show as “T-shirt man” because of his unlikely pop-icon status. Fantasy, reality, romanticism and realism — Campello centers his art deeply in context, whether it’s special lighting, revealing code or multimedia interactive experience. 

“The main piece in this show is, at least for me, my up-to-date culmination of the incorporation of technology,” he said. “What you see is the back of a woman in a museum, looking at two pieces of artwork on the wall — every five seconds a new portrait pops up — famous artists, politicians— and hidden in the middle of the piece is a spy camera, so as you approach the work, you staring at it becomes part of that portrait gallery. You now are the artwork.”

Read the whole cool piece by Chris Slattery here. 

Call to Maryland artists!

This September, Maryland Art Place (MAP) in partnership with the Maryland State Art Council (MSAC) will host a statewide juried exhibition curated by a panel of jurors to highlight the wide range of artists and artwork featured on the Maryland State Arts Council Artist Registry. The exhibition will take place at Maryland Art Place located at 218 West Saratoga St. from September 19 – November 10th. All Maryland artists who reside within the state are eligible and encouraged to apply. To be considered for the exhibition you must reside in Maryland, have a Maryland State Arts Council Artist Registry profile, and have created or updated your registry profile on or between the dates of June 26, 2019 – July 20, 2019. Please note: In order for an artist profile to be visible on the registry at least one image must be uploaded; otherwise your profile will be invisible and unsuitable for review/consideration. 

To join the registry please visit : https://www.msac.org/user/register.

 How It Works:
Create or update an artist profile on the Maryland Artist Registry between the dates of June 26 – July 20, 2019. Artists may add up to 6 images, sound or video files (3 minutes max of sound or video will be viewed per artist). All media (including literary arts) will be considered with a heavy emphasis placed on visual and performing arts. When adding artwork users are required to include size, dimensions, and titles. It is advantageous to upload artwork that is recent and currently available. If selected for the exhibition the work must be available throughout the duration of the show from September 19 - November 10th. For questions or help creating your Registry Profile please contact Caitlin Gill:    caitlin@mdartplace.org

MEET THE JURORS! 

Visual: 
Dr. Susan J. Isaacs 
Jeremy Stern

Performance:
Ada Pinkston
Hoesy Corona
Laure Drogoul


Timeline:

Dates For Open Call: 
Wednesday, June 26 – Saturday, July 20
AMENDED: Notification of Selection Sent Out:
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Performance artists will be contacted before September 1st with an invitation to participate.
Artwork Drop Off:
Tuesday, September 3rd– Saturday, September 7th
Exhibition Dates: 
Thursday, September 19th – Sunday, November 10th
Artwork Pick Up:
Tuesday, September 12th – Saturday, November 16th

Call for Black Female Artists

Deadline: August 19, 2019. 

Sweetwater Center for the Arts in Sewickley, PA is seeking works created by Black female artists that explore ideas, experiences, triumphs and struggles specific to being a Black woman in America. LISTEN seeks to illuminate intersectionality, give voice to Black women, and encourage all to hear their realities. LISTEN is part of the 23rd Annual MAVUNO Festival of African American Art & Culture. 

Exhibition dates: September 19 – October 26, 2019. 

For details and to apply - click HERE.

Lecture: On Identity in the Arts: What Does It Mean to be Latinx?

Lecture: On Identity in the Arts: What Does It Mean to be Latinx?

Montpelier Art Center

9652 Muirkirk Rd

Laurel, MD 20708

Saturday, September 14, 2pm.

I will be delving deep into the history and evolution of the Latino ethnic label and then discussing important questions on the issue while wrapping it around the context of the fine arts in a sometimes funny, but always informative presentation. 

Lecture is free and open to the public.

You learn something every day!

The Meaning behind One of the Most Oddly Erotic Paintings in Western Art by Hannah Williams

Portrait présumé de Gabrielle d'Estrées et de sa sur la duchesse de Villars (Gabrielle d'Estrées and One of Her Sisters), 16th century, Musée du Louvre

Despite what it might look like to the contemporary viewer, a purely queer reading of the work would be misguided. Rather than a depiction of lesbian foreplay, most art historians interpret the painting as an announcement that Gabrielle is pregnant with the King’s illegitimate son. It’s her sister who is signaling this to the audience, not her lover. The fingers wrapped around Gabrielle’s nipple symbolizes the latter’s fertility, an allusion emphasized by the presence of the figure sewing baby’s clothes in the back of the painting.

Read the whole fascinating article here.