DC Art Bank

Recently I had the pleasure and honor of sitting down with seven other jurors to help select the Art Bank acquisitions by the DC commission and the arts and humanities.

I think initially there was something in the neighborhood of around 400+ works of art submitted for consideration, which is by far, I think, the largest number of artists who have submitted work whenever the city announces that they are interested in acquiring work for the permanent collection of Washington, DC.

But, I still think it's not enough! Everyone of you dear readers who is an artist, and who lives around the DMV, and who did not submit artwork...well, don't complain about lack of opportunities. There's absolutely no reason why there shouldn't be thousands of submissions from every artist in the region... the process is very simple; it's all done online; it doesn't cost anything... there are no excuses. 

For Gawd sakes! there are artists from Baltimore who submitted art... And who at least take the time and effort to send work in!

And, if we eliminate the usual suspects, whom are already in the loop and who submit work for any and everything, I bet you that it was less than 20% of people who are "new" in the artistic scene... At least, new to me. 

Some of these "usual suspects" already have... in some cases, more than 10 pieces of art in the permanent collection of the city... But, they bust their ass, and they work, and they submit, and that's why they get picked!

I submitted work too, by the way.

It got rejected... cough, cough, but I practice what I preach, and have a tough skin when it comes to this... I will submit again for the next call...

Since there were eight different people jurying and grading and qualifying and talking, I think it was pretty fair process - and it was a lot of fun! Some were artists, some were collectors, some were curators, some were dealers, it was a good mix! 

The final selections will be announced soon, congratulations to all of them!

Major moves

There seem to be all kinds of moves going on around the DMV these days; The Washington Project for the Arts, one of the DMV's leading artist service organizations and contemporary art presenter has announced that the “organization will move to street-level office and gallery space in The JBG Companies' Atlantic Plumbing mixed-use residential and retail development in the U Street Corridor cultural district. As WPA marks its 40-year anniversary milestone in 2015, the new space matches the forward-looking vision for the future of the organization with unprecedented opportunities to expand programming and increase impact within the Greater Washington area.”

WPA will move into 1,500 square feet in the main Atlantic Plumbing building at 8th and V Streets NW - adjacent to the 9:30 Club, DC's renowned music venue - by early fall of 2015, which coincides with the launch of the organization's 40th anniversary celebration.

"We are thrilled to offer our artists and the community a dedicated exhibition space. Combining WPA's administrative offices with new galleries in such a visible, flexible, contemporary space will greatly enhance our programming capabilities," said WPA Executive Director Lisa Gold. "We are imagining exciting new possibilities for our artists, partners, and supporters to experience art and engage in dialogue. And, as we approach this important anniversary milestone, this new space is a transformative step towards an illustrious future for WPA." 

 "WPA is a perfect fit with our vision for Atlantic Plumbing," said Robin Mosle, a JBG Executive Vice President. "We are pleased to partner with this inspiring and longstanding arts organization to bring new access to a wide range of art - not  only to Atlantic Plumbing, but to the immediate community recognized for its rich arts heritage."

The WPA space fronts 8th Street NW and will include a gallery to house exhibitions and events, staff offices, and retail space for original artists' works. The space will operate Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. with occasional evening events.  

 "The U Street corridor is an ideal home for WPA, given its artistic spirit, history, and diversity," said Kim Ward, chair of the WPA Board of Directors. "Since its founding, WPA has programmed and presented exhibitions in a variety of spaces - remaining versatile and responsive to the art of the times, while acting as a leader in creating partnerships with other arts organizations and institutions. We will continue to do that from a location that will provide a strong community hub for the arts with expanded room for programming and exhibitions."

Also moving are art entrepreneurs Leigh Conner and Jamie Smith, who have  announced they are seeking the next DC home for their powerhouse CONNERSMITH gallery and the (e)merge art fair office. Recently, Smith and Conner accepted an offer from the Capital Fringe Festival to purchase their art space in NE Washington, DC.

Smith and Conner moved their business from Dupont Circle NW to the Trinidad neighborhood in NE DC in 2007 when they purchased an auto body shop at 1358 and 1360 Florida Avenue, NE. The art entrepreneurs converted the two-story building and courtyard into an arts space at a time when the area was known for multiple homicides and police checkpoints.

In the renovated space, CONNERSMITH presented, free to the public, 56 solo exhibitions and 10 group shows of art by established, mid-career, and emerging artists, including Leo Villareal, Zoë Charlton, and my former mentoree, the immensely talented Wilmer Wilson IV. A gallery hub formed with the arrival of neighboring galleries, demonstrating the transformative power of art within a resilient community. While based in Trinidad, CONNERSMITH supported its artists’ exhibitions in museums and biennials nationally and abroad and made over 32 presentations at international art fairs. In 2011, Smith and Conner launched (e)merge, DC’s own international contemporary art fair.

“This transition is a natural evolution for us,” said Conner, “We programmed the Dupont Circle space for eight years and our Northeast space for seven years. Now, we are excited to expand our international presence and digital reach while establishing a new exhibition base in DC.”

“Strengthening our international relationships will advance the missions of CONNERSMITH and (e)merge,” explained Smith. “The gallery and the fair are competitive in the global art market and both strive steadily to contribute to DC’s growth into a world destination for contemporary art.”

Smith and Conner are very enthusiastic about Capital Fringe’s acquisition of the property and look forward to the space’s continued arts usage with the realization of Fringe’s vision for their festival’s new permanent home.

CONNERSMITH will celebrate its last exhibition in the Florida Avenue, NE space with the opening of the annual student show, Academy 2014, and pre-fair party for (e)merge, on July 12, 6-9 pm. WaPo story with some misquotes inaccuracies here.

Ai Weiwei The Fake Case

There is a new documentary about the Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei; it is called AI WEIWEI THE FAKE CASE. 

The documentary explores Ai Weiwei’s life under house arrest, where he is restricted by the Chinese Communist authorities in everything he does – but he does it anyway. 

The director Andreas Johnsen gained intimate access to Ai’s environment after the unlawful 81-day detainment, exploring how China’s one-party political system (kinda like the Soviet Socialist Republic of Maryland's) impacts the life and work of an artist who would not stop speaking out. 

Ai Weiwei has always been an outspoken Freedom of Expression advocate, effectively utilizing social media to spread his message and reach the new generation both in China and abroad.  See the trailer video here.

Ai Weiwei’s lawyers were in turn persecuted and arrested, and the ChiComm state never gave his case due process.

The documentary will play in Washington D.C. through July 4-10 at Landmark’s E Street Cinema. 

It will also be at Freedom House, which will be presenting the Tuesday, July 8^th screening with a special introduction by their executive vice president Dr. Daniel Calingaert.

Gallery B Call for Artists

The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District and Bethesda Urban Partnership are accepting applications for Gallery B in downtown Bethesda!

This gallery, located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E in downtown Bethesda, 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.  

We are seeking applications from local artists and arts organizations for month-long exhibitions in 2015. Gallery B has approximately 1,500 sq. feet of available exhibition space. The deadline for submission is July 18, 2014.

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.

List of all superheroes and villains

Check it out here.

Barack Obama as The Batman

Barack Obama as The Batman
2014 F. Lennox Campello
Charcoal and Conte on Paper. Framed to 10x10 inches.

Strathmore Fine Artists in Residence initiative (Fine AIR)

There is not enough that I can say to recommend The Strathmore Fine Artists in Residence initiative (Fine AIR) to all emerging artists.... I have been lucky enough to have been a mentor twice, and can therefore testify what a boost to an artist's career this program is... and it deals and teaches so many diverse areas.... there is nothing even close to it in the DMV, maybe even the nation.

It was established to help cultivate local visual arts talent by connecting established professionals in all aspects of the field with up-and-coming artists.  Emerging artists will be in residence in the Mansion at Strathmore from January – August 2015. During this time, each artist will have the opportunity to develop an audience in the DC metropolitan area, perfect their craft, create and implement an outreach, educational, or special event proposal for Strathmore’s consideration, and premiere a new body of artwork, including a collaborative piece with one’s mentor, commissioned by Strathmore in a culminating exhibition. 

The exhibition of new work will take place in August of 2015 and will reflect the artistic growth of the artist in residence.  Throughout the residency artists meet with a professional artist mentor for career guidance and artistic critique; attend career development workshops; and have the opportunity to teach, lecture, volunteer, exhibit or otherwise participate in Strathmore visual arts programming. Apply here: http://www.strathmore.org/education/series/view.asp?id=10102314

Eligibility:
The Strathmore Fine Artist in Residence Program is open to all emerging visual artists.  All media accepted.
Fine AIR Program Timeline
•             September 8, 2014   Deadline for application
•             September 15 – 18, 2014  Select applicants invited to interview
•             September 29, 2014   Notification of acceptance
•             October 2014   Fine AIR contracts finalized
•             November 2014  Incoming Fine AIR class announced to the public
•             January 2015   Official start of the Fine AIR program
•             August 2015   Exhibition of new work

A Residency at Strathmore includes:
•             An exhibition of new work at the Mansion at Strathmore, Summer 2015
•             Strathmore’s consideration of an outreach, educational, or special event proposal
•             A professional artist mentor throughout the residency
•             Career Development workshops and experiences provided by Strathmore
•             A stipend of $1,000 (Studio space and housing are not available with this residency)

Artist responsibilities include:
•             Mandatory attendance at a Fine AIR welcome event, scheduled meetings with artist mentor, and career development workshops provided by Strathmore.
•             Creation of a new body of saleable work, including a collaborative piece created with one’s mentor, to debut at the 2015 Fine AIR Exhibition at the Mansion at Strathmore.
•             Creation of an outreach, educational, or other visual arts event proposal for Strathmore’s consideration for future seasons.
•             Volunteering at “Discover Strathmore” and “Strathmore Arts Festival” events and by providing an artist demonstration, pop- up of artwork for exhibition and/or sale, or related artistic presence.
•             Volunteer to teach, lecture, and/or demo for the visual art department at least once during residency.  Strathmore charges admission for these programs and all proceeds go toward supporting the Fine AIR program.

We will be at (e)merge this year again...

We got accepted to the (e)merge art fair!

We will be once again showing in the DMV's only world-class fine arts fair.

We will be exhibiting the work of Judith Peck, Tim Vermeulen, Elissa Farrow-Savos and moi of course!

Details later...

Hidden Picasso found in Washington, DC

A hidden portrait has been unearthed beneath Pablo Picasso’s masterpiece “The Blue Room”.

Details here.

Pop Up in DC

Part Cindy Sherman, part Amélie (Audrey Tatou), and a little bit Phoebe Philo, our own "that girl" has just moved flats dans le ville (city) of political movers and shakers, and she's making some moves of her own in the art world. Our chic girl Laila, just got a new pad and is looking to meet some new friends in town and share the best art secrets of a native Washingtonian. But in between her job at International Arts & Artists examining the world of Fakes and Forgeries in the Art World and the Ebony Fashion Fair, Laila along with Adah Rose Gallery is excited to present the works of some our favorite D.C. area artists in her "petite maison."

On Saturday June 21, Laila is partnering with her friends at Adah Rose Gallery for a pop-up at  her new “petite maison” in Woodley Park. They've chosen some fab artists to hang on her walls and invite only the most happening crowd to stop by. Included in our pop-up are super chouette, et brilliante, works on paper, including photography, painting, graphite, prints and mixed media works—only the most daring and brilliant will be allowed.  Laila, along with her entourage from the gallery, will be creating a site specific installation, hanging art and hanging out all night long, so pop by.

The Petite Maison et Adah Rose Pop Up Gallery @ Laila's will be located at:
2401 Calvert Street NW, Apt. 812
Washington, DC 20008

The Opening is Saturday June 21 7:00-9:30..Be There or be L-7!

Mayor's Arts Awards

The Mayor's Arts Awards and Mayor's Awards for Arts Teaching are the most prestigious honors conferred by the city on individual artists, teachers, nonprofit organizations and patrons of the arts. The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities will present the 29th Annual Mayor's Arts Awards in the fall of 2014. In addition to revealing winners in five arts and three teaching categories, the program will celebrate the District's creative industries in the arts and entertainment community.

Artists and organizations will be recognized in five categories: Excellence in an Artistic Discipline; Excellence in Service to the Arts; Innovation in the Arts; Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education and Outstanding Emerging Artist. The awards are limited to individuals and nonprofit organizations that reside in the District of Columbia.

The Mayor's Awards for Arts Teaching are limited to full-time arts teachers who are employed by a District of Columbia elementary, middle or high school. The three categories for arts teaching are Excellence in Teaching Performing Arts, Excellence in Teaching Visual Arts and Excellence in Teaching Language Arts. Teachers in all artistic disciplines (visual arts, music, theatre, dance or humanities-based) are eligible for nomination.

Nominations are submitted only via online entry using the same application portal as its grants programs. The application portal is here.  Individuals and organizations may nominate themselves or another individual or organization.  All nominees must reside or have a street address in the District of Columbia to be considered eligible.  In addition to completing information about the nominee, work samples, support materials and a resume of bio of the nominee is required along with a 750-word support narrative are included with the online application.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, 11 July 2014 at 5:00 p.m.

For questions about the application or application portal, please contact Steven Scott Mazzola at T# 202.724.5613.

And then... I saw this

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art Boardwalk Art Show

Virginia Beach, 4:15 pm

Pacific Ocean 6:40pm

Pacific Ocean at 6pm

Congrats!

Dr. Sylvia L. Yount, Chief Curator and the Louise B. and J. Harwood Cochrane Curator of American Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, will be joining the staff of New York’s The Metropolitan Museum of Art this September as the Lawrence A. Fleischman Curator in Charge of The American Wing.

Want a free sculpture?

My good friend and über talented DMV area artist Joe Barbaccia is offering the below sculpture at no cost to whoever claims it first. Drop him a note...

https://www.facebook.com/joseph.barbaccia?fref=photo

Pan de Guineo y Chocolate con Cascaras de Naranja

Today I needed to come up with a quick new dessert and I decided to invent something new. Yesterday I had planned to make a Cuban dessert called Dulce de Naranja en Almibar (Candied Orange Rinds) but I only had two oranges and needed the dessert to cover more servings.

So I decided to incorporate it into something new and different... I think. In Spanish, the word for banana is banana, but in Cuban dialect, especially in Eastern Cuba, it is called by the Native American word for banana: Guineo.

So I made Banana bread with chocolate and candied orange rinds... Or "Pan de Guineo con Chocolate y Cascaras de Naranja."

You need oranges with a thick rind, as that makes it easier. Then you peel the yellow, acrid outer skin... That makes a great cleaner by the way. Peel it thinly, but make sure to get rid of all of it. Then cut the orange in half and remove the insides, so all that you have left is the orange rind shell.

Put them in water in the fridge overnight, and let it soak.

The next morning, throw away the water, put the rinds in a pot and boil in water for 10-15 minutes and then throw away the water again and repeat this 3-4 times. The rinds will become somewhat transparent.

Once they are somewhat transparent, throw the water away and let them cool off. Then press them between paper towels and remove as much water as you can.

Now to make the "almibar" or syrup.

Boil 4 cups of water and 4 cups of white sugar and 2 cups of brown sugar, a few lemon rind shavings and cinnamon to taste; And yeah, you gonna have to stir constantly.

Once it has boiled for 5 minutes, add the oranges. Keep on a very low fire until the syrup really thickens and sticks to your fingers or the spoon... It will be about two hours.

At the same time make banana bread with chocolate chips... There are a million recipes out there for banana bread... It is the substrate for the candied oranges, so feel free to add any kind of sweetened bread.

Once the rinds are done, let them cool off. Pour some of the syrup over sliced banana bread and then dress it with slides of candied oranges.

Bananas, chocolate and oranges... Yummy!

Nature's Arcade