Planets aligning


Gorgeous imagery being reflected on the back of the airplane seat as we landed at O'Hare Airport in Chicago on September 11, 2011.

Old Fraser space to host new show(s)

The first exhibit will feature architect and sculptor Mark Kramer, who will present, “A Retrospective of Figurative Bronzes” from Oct. 12 to Nov. 5. Read it in the WCP here and in the Bethesda Patch here.

Anne Marchand at King Street Gallery

Lest We Forget

"Studio View, 9/11"
Oil on Canvas c. 9/11/2001 by David FeBland
I'm sitting on a strangely quiet Reagan National Airport waiting to catch American Flight 467 to Chicago and then 779 to San Diego.

This is a tough week to be away from the DMV, as it is the last week before the (e)merge art fair and I still have loads of things to do before the fair.

Below is the little guy scarfing up the finger sandwiches and veggie sticks at the Marymount University show opening; curator Judy Bass did a great job of assembling this show and I am honored to be included in the company of photography by Jo Ann Tooley, woodcuts by Kristin Reiber Harris, and mixed-media work by Ann Marie Williams

Heading out tomorrow

I'm not too psyched by the fact that I need to be airborne tomorrow, the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and I'm flying to the Left Coast via Chicago.

Join me tonight

In Black and White is a four person show opening at Marymount University tonight, Friday.

The exhibition features photography by Jo Ann Tooley, woodcuts by Kristin Reiber Harris, mixed-media work by Ann Marie Williams, and drawings by yours truly.

Pleased join me at the opening reception tonight Friday, September 9, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

The show will run from September 9 through October 13 at Marymount University’s Barry Art Gallery.

Directions here.

Book review

My local newspaper (The Potomac Almanac) pops in with a nice article by Maya Horowitz on the 100 Artists of Washington, DC book.

Read the review here.

Come to this opening Friday

In Black and White is a four person show opening at Marymount University this coming Friday.

The exhibition features photography by Jo Ann Tooley, woodcuts by Kristin Reiber Harris, mixed-media work by Ann Marie Williams, and drawings by yours truly.

Pleased join me at the opening reception on Friday, September 9, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

The show will run from September 9 through October 13 at Marymount University’s Barry Art Gallery.

Directions here.

New gallery to open in Bethesda

The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District and Bethesda Urban Partnership are opening Gallery B in downtown Bethesda!

This gallery, located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E in downtown Bethesda (the beautiful and bright, former airy space of the now closed Fraser Gallery) is available to interested artists and arts organizations for one-month rentals. All media including, but not limited to, painting, photography and sculpture is eligible to use the space. Gallery B does not take a commission on any artwork sold during the exhibition.

They are seeking applications from local artists and arts organizations for month-long exhibitions from November 2011 - May 2012. There is approximately 1,500 sq. feet of available exhibition space.

To be considered for a solo or group exhibition, and to review the gallery requirements, please complete this application.

Questions? Please send them an email to artist@bethesda.org.

Natural Selection Opens Tomorrow

Natural Selection - Paintings by Amy Lin and Sculpture by Paul Wolff. Amy
Lin appears courtesy of Addison/Ripley Fine Art.

Opening Reception and Artist Talk: Wednesday, September 7, 2011
5:30 – 7:00pm
Artist Talk: 6:00pm

September 7- December 7, 2011

The Heurich Gallery
505 Ninth Street, NW
Building located at 9th and E Streets, NW
Gallery Hours: Mon – Fri 8am – 7pm; Sat 9am – 4pm

New gallery in the DMV

The Mysteries of Place and Space is the inaugural show of the Adah Rose Gallery, which is a new art gallery located in Kensington's Antique Row. The gallery showcases contemporary art in a variety of mediums.

The inaugural show at Adah Rose Gallery features the work of artists Lori Anne Boocks and Elizabeth Grusin-Howe.

Ms Boocks, a painter, is the keeper of stories. The act of remembering and sharing stories is a powerful influence on her work. Just as the passage of time creates layers of experiencing -- the remembering of an event, the misremembering of it, the distancing, the forgetting -- are all important pieces in her process and thinking. In her paintings, text serves as both subject matter and the basis for mark-making. Texture for each piece comes from her hands, brushwork, and a subtractive process where layers of poured washes are added to the surface, then partially removed with cloth. Ms Grusin-Howe, a printmaker, also uses layering in her one of a kind prints that revel in the splendor, decay and serenity of Venice. In layers of paint, metallic pigments and waxes, she builds layer upon layer reflecting the experiences of the city itself and the intrigue and stories implicit in such a mysterious place.

Opening Reception with the Artists: Saturday, September 10, 6-9pm. Music by Walker Road and catering by "Cookies".

See ya there!

Amnesty International Demands Release of Cuban Dissidents

Eleven members of a dissident organization and three of their relatives have been detained, without being told of any charges against them, since their arrest on 28 August in Cuba. They have not been allowed access to their families.

Eleven members of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (Unión Patriótica de Cuba, UNPACU), an umbrella group of dissident organizations from the east of Cuba have been detained without charge since 28 August. Three other men, who are relatives of the detainees, are also in detention. According to relatives they are being held at a State Security facility on the outskirts of the city of Santiago de Cuba.

Twenty-seven members of UNPACU met at the house of Marino Antomarchit in the town of Palma Soriano, in the south-eastern province of Santiago de Cuba, to discuss the current crackdown against dissidents in the province.

Witnesses state that around 140 members of the security forces, including the National Revolutionary Police (Policía Nacional Revolucionaria), State Security and members of the prison service surrounded the house at 1pm.

Shortly afterwards, tear gas canisters were launched into the house, where Marino Antomarchit's two-year old daughter and 76-year-old mother were also present, causing nausea and coughing of those who were there. At 5:40pm, between 30 to 40 members of the security forces entered the house and reportedly beat the men and caused damage to the house. The 27 UNPACU members were arrested as were three relatives who had come to the house after the arrival of security forces. Sixteen of the men were released on 31 August, all without charge. Eleven of them remain incarcerated in overcrowded conditions and have not been allowed family visits.

Please Take Action here.

Also, more Ladies in White were arrested today in Cuba.

At least 10 Ladies in White, including one of their leaders, Laura Pollan, were arrested today in the central province of Matanzas.

Also re-arrested was Sara Marta Fonseca, who led a courageous protest on the steps of the Capitol building in Havana early last week. Fonseca is part of the Movimiento Feminista por los Derechos Civiles Rosa Parks (The Rosa Parks Civil Rights Feminist Movement).

Some of the others were Yaneris Perez Rey, Caridad Brunate, Mercedes Evelin, Teresa Castellanos, Rosario Morales, Mayra Morejon and Ivonne Mayesa.

Their crimes? Peaceful marching together, dressed all in white, as a form of civil protest, on their way to Mass.

Sooner or later the criminal Castro Brothers will be held accountable for their crimes against humanity.

Triathlon of the Muses

Performance artists Kathryn Cornelius and Jeffry Cudlin are getting physical. On Saturday, September 24 (12-2pm), the two DC-based artists will stage their own battle of the sexes, competing head-to-head in a two-person sprint triathlon during the (e)merge art fair.

At the Capitol Skyline Hotel, Cornelius and Cudlin will engage in three very real tests of physical and mental stamina: They'll both swim 750m in the hotel pool, pedal 20k on stationary bikes, and run a 5k on treadmills. Immediately after the competition, in a pomp-filled ceremony held poolside, a champion will be declared; a loser will be shamed; and gold and silver medals will be awarded.

About the Athletes (that's them to the left, photo courtesy of Max Cook):

The competitors could not be more physically different: Nearly a foot in height and 50 pounds in weight separates them.

Cornelius is, of course, a woman; stands 5' 6 3/4" tall; and weighs somewhere between 118 and 121 lbs--depending on whether or not she's had her daily constitutional.

Cudlin, meanwhile, we think is a male (usually); stands 6' 4 1/2" tall; and weighs between 171 and 180--depending on his cupcake intake.

The two also sit on opposite ends of the food chain: For the past 14 years, Cudlin, in line with his insect-like (stick insect) appearance, has eaten a strict vegan diet, eschewing meat, dairy, eggs, and all other animal products in favor of grains, legumes, and vegetables. Cornelius, meanwhile, eats a strict Paleo diet, avoiding grains, legumes, and dairy in favor of meat, nuts, seeds, some fruit and little sugar.

In addition to totally dominating one another, Cornelius and Cudlin aim to counter the stereotype of artists as weak, non-athletic sensitives who are notoriously bad at sports.

About the Competition:

The "Triathlon of the Muses" attempts to insert the conventions of popular sporting spectacle into the structure of the art fair—replacing one form of competition, costume-wearing, and role-playing with another. In this way the piece provides a more clearly legible analog for transactions both prior to and within the fair. It also presents a symbolic battle between artists of opposing genders for the same limited resources of audience, patronage, and cultural capital.

The performance's title is a nod to Pierre de Coubertin's "Pentathlon of the Muses," a series of art competitions typically held at the Olympic games during the first half of the 20th century. In the Pentathlon, the sport-inspired work of amateur artists would be judged by arts professionals and other dignitaries. Gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded.

Watch the pre-competition drama unfold:

Team Cornelius (Twitter training log) - http://twitter.com/TeamCornelius
Team Cudlin (Twitter training log) - http://twitter.com/TeamCudlin

For more details...
Triathlon of the Muses (Performance info) - http://www.facebook.com/groups/229067177144345/
Triathlon of the Muses (RSVP) - http://www.facebook.com/groups/229067177144345/#!/event.php?eid=231500870235589

(e)merge art fair - http://www.emergeartfair.com/

Opportunity for Artists

Deadline: Saturday, October 1, 2011

Internationally known Projects Galleryannounces a call to artists for “Square Foot Art Basel Miami.” During this year’s world-acclaimed Art Basel Miami, Projects Gallery will create a mosaic-style wall in its trendy Wynwood Lofts gallery in the Wynwood Arts District of Miami.

A minimum of 100 artists will be selected on a first-come basis. Creating a grid comprised of 12”x12” individual spaces with works of all styles and media, Projects Gallery will provide artists an opportunity to be part of the Art Basel Miami art fairs events. This remarkable gathering of international art fairs and renown emerging venues, such as Aqua, Art Miami, Art Now, NADA, Pulse, Red Dot, Scope and numerous others, creates an arts-conscious concentration uniquely found in Miami every year in early December. It attracts collectors, curators and artists worldwide in a variety of settings with a level of enthusiasm and energy that is fitting for this international destination.

Eligibility: Open to all artists. All works must conform to a dimension of 12”H x 12”W, inclusive of any framing. Works may be smaller in size, but framing must bring the measurement to 12”x12”. For example, a painting measuring 5x7 must have framing that increases the edges to meet the 12”x12” requirement. A video must be shown on a hanging apparatus that makes the player 12”x12”. Sculpture must be wall mounted either by a hanging device or a shelf measuring 12”W. There is no limitation on depth dimension.

Jurors: Projects Gallery Director, Helen Meyrick, and international artist, Frank Hyder. The first 100 artists to apply are guaranteed at least one space on the grid. Once the first 100 entries are received, any subsequent submissions will be considered according to space availability. As entries are submitted, each artist will be notified immediately of their entry placement number. Selected artists will receive photographic proof of their placement on the grid.

Works for consideration may be of any media and any style, including painting, drawing, mixed media, print, photography, video, sculpture, etc. Weight may not exceed 50 lbs. All works must be original, for sale and available for the duration of the exhibition. Gallery commission on net sales is 50%, and gallery reserves the right to discount 10% off retail. Artist is responsible for transportation of work to and from the Miami gallery. Projects Gallery will not be responsible for loss or damage of any work while on the premises or during transit to or from the gallery. All works must be exhibition ready, including wire, hooks, etc. Video artists must supply viewing equipment. Selected artists must permit use of their work images for publicity purposes, including but not limited to print and web.

To Enter: Entries may be submitted via email, snail mail or hand delivery to the Philadelphia gallery. There is a non-refundable entry fee of $60.00 (U.S.) per artist for up to two artwork entries with two additional detail images. Multiple entries are permissible. Each entry is guaranteed a space until the first 100 entries are received, i.e. make one entry application receive at least one space; make two applications received at least two spaces.

Documents required:

Artist contact information: Including name as it should appear in print, email address, mailing address, phone number(s).
List of entries: Include the following information - artist name, titles of images, media, date and retail price of work submitted (Smith, Joe / Image 1 – Untitled / mixed media / 2011 / $xxx).
Resume or bio
Artist statement

Image submissions: Must be digital 300 dpi and at least 600 pixels but no greater than 1200 pixels in either direction. Jpg, gif or tif format. Each image file should be labeled as follows: LastName_FirstName_TheEntryNumber.jpg (Smith_Joe_1.jpg). Do not send original artwork. No slides.

All documents should be in .doc or .pdf format. Entry material will not be returned unless a self-addressed, stamped envelope is provided. All entries for this exhibition must be received no later than Saturday, October 1st. Entry fee may be made by credit card or check/money order payable to: Projects Gallery and mailed to the Philadelphia gallery (address below). Entry fee may also be paid via PayPal. If any of the above requirements are not met, the submission will be deemed ineligible.

Mail or drop off submissions and entry fee to:
ProjectsGallery Attn: Square Foot Art Basel Miami
629 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123

PayPal payments to either: info@projectsgallery.com or 267-303-9652
Indicate payment for Square Foot ABM

Calendar for Square Foot Art Basel Miami

Entry deadline: Saturday, October 1, 2011
Final notification: Saturday, October 15, 2011
Selected work(s) to Miami gallery: November 14-19, 2011 – no works accepted after November 19th
Exhibition opens: Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Exhibition closes: Saturday, December 10, 2011
Reception: Second Saturday, December 10, 2011 7 – 11 PM
Work pick up or return shipping: December 11-12, 2011 pick-up work or prepaid shipping returned

All shipped works must arrive in reusable packaging (with complete installation instructions where applicable) and include a prepaid, return-shipping label. An appointment must be made for hand-delivered works to the Miami gallery. DO NOT send works to the Philadelphia gallery. Any works not picked up by December 12, 2011 will be charged a $5 per day storage fee.

In addition to the exhibition, postcards and e-announcements will be produced, press releases and images will be sent out and the exhibition will be highlighted on the gallery’s website.

Questions? Contact info@projectsgallery.com or call 267-303-9652.

Chilean artists at AMA

Opening this Friday

Touchstone Gallery is opening a show of new works by Lou Gagnon with an opening reception this coming Friday, September 9, 6-8:30pm.

Gagnon is not only a superbly talented artist, but also one of the area's hardest working ones; from the press release:

Believing Joy is always there for the making, this exhibition of recent pastels by Lou Gagnon, offers the joy that comes from Seeing, Working and Sharing. Bridging the methods of the ancient, old and modern masters with 21st century cognitive and visual science, Lou creates simple yet sophisticated color arrangements, inspired by his families’ farm, that move both visually and emotionally. The joy of seeing, working and sharing comes from focusing our attention beyond ourselves and connecting to nature. So much of our time is wrapped in thought… in navigating complexity. These pictures are a small space of peace.

Lou lives and works, with his wife and children, on their eighth generation family farm in Gainesville, Virginia. He studied art at Mary Washington College and has a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech. He practiced architecture, urban planning and environmental design for fifteen years in Washington, D.C., Portland, Oregon and Glendale, California. He has received regional, national and international awards for fine art and design including the 2004 IDEA Gold Medal for Environmental Design for Mission: Space at EPCOT, Walt Disney World. Lou was the Concept Architect at Walt Disney Imagineering for Mission: Space and the lead designer for Hotel MiraCosta at Tokyo DisneySea in Tokyo, Japan. While at Imagineering, Lou mentored with Disney Legend John Hench on color and design. He has also studied with Wolf Kahn.

In 2002, Lou and his wife Andrea, founded LynnVale Studios llc in an effort to preserve the family farm. LynnVale Studios llc is dedicated to cultivating creativity and the human spirit though alternative agriculture and fine art. There, they grow over 200 varieties of specialty cut flowers that they sell at farmers markets in they Washington metro area and offer floral design services for events. In addition to making art, Lou teaches art to home school children and through summer camps, coaches professional artists of color and design, facilitates corporate creative workshops and collaborates with Virginia Tech’s Masters of Architecture program.

This is his first solo show at Touchstone Gallery. He has shown at the the Lee Arts Center in Arlington, VA, Caton Merchant Center for the Arts in Manassas, VA, The Delaplaine Arts Education Center in Frederick, MD, Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel, MD. Architectural and urban design illustrations were exhibited at Portland State University in Portland, OR and The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

Go see this show.

Arts on Foot next weekend

DC's Arts on Foot is next weekend and it has all kinds of great activities including 115 exhibitors; details here.

Congrats to Trawick Prize winners

The Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards, a juried art competition produced by the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District, announced the top four prize winners on Wednesday evening during the exhibition’s opening. Mia Feuer from Washington, D.C. was awarded “Best in Show” with $10,000; Caryl Burtner from Richmond, VA was named second place and given $2,000; Ryan Browning from Frederick, MD was bestowed third place and received $1,000 and the “Young Artist” award of $1,000 was given to Lu Zhang of Baltimore, MD.

Mia Feuer and Carol Trawick
The work of the finalists will be on exhibit at the Artery Plaza Gallery, 7200 Wisconsin Avenue September 1-30, 2011. The public opening reception will be held Friday, September 9 from 6-9pm in conjunction with the Bethesda Art Walk. Gallery hours for the duration of the exhibit are Wednesday through Saturday, 12 – 6pm.

The Trawick Prize is one of the first regional competitions and largest prizes to annually honor visual artists. To date, The Trawick Prize has awarded over $126,000 in prize monies and has exhibited the work of over 100 regional artists.

Visual Voices at Zenith

Zenith Gallery hosts "Visual Voices" - an exhibition of DC area artists profiled in the new book "100 Artists of the Mid-Atlantic" by E. Ashley Rooney. The show at Zenith Gallery will open with a Book-signing Party with the author and artists, on Wednesday, September 21, 6:00 – 8:30pm, and remain on display through October 29, 2011.

Visual Voices - featuring works by: Alan Binstock, Joan Danziger, Julie Girardini, Margery Goldberg, Robert Jackson, Michael Janis, Joan Konkel, Ann Marchand, Donna McCollough, Davis Morton, Carol Newmyer, Marc Rubin, Barton Rubenstein, Sica, Ellen Sinel, Betsy Stewart, Cassie Taggert, Tim Tate, Erwin Timmers, Paul Martin Wolf, Joyce Zipperer and yours truly.

Book Party, Meet the Author and Artists

Wednesday September 21, 6 - 9 PM
Exhibition: September 21 - October 29, 2011

Zenith Gallery at Chevy Chase Pavilion, second level next to Embassy Suites Chevy Chase Pavilion, 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC 20015

Trawick Prizewinner

Congrats to Mia Feuer, winner of the 2011 Trawick Prize!