Monday, August 13, 2018

How I dodged a giant bullet

As many of you know, since I described it in full agony here, a while back I underwent prostrate surgery after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

In most cases, that solves the issue of that cancer.

However, in about a third of the cases, what is known as the PSA count, which once your prostate is gone should be between 0.0 and 0.1, began to arise in my case recently... a couple of years or so after the surgery.

That meant that the good doctors were very concerned that some cancer cells had been left behind, and thus they ordered a scan.

The scan revealed something very scary when compared to the same area from a 2015 scan.



What you are seeing there is my pelvic region and the white things forming a "V" on the center of the scan are my pelvic bones. The doctors noticed that since 2015 the left pelvic bone had developed that white area (compare to the right pelvic bone), which in many cases indicates that the cancer had jumped to the bones.

Since the pelvic bone is the favorite place for prostrate cancer to migrate to, there was a pretty good chance that I now had bone cancer.

The bullet had been fired.

Next came a bone biopsy, consisting of laying on your back and having a nurse comfort you while a doctor uses a drill to drill into your pelvic bone and extract bone matter... three different times.

It hurt like a motherfucker.

A tense week later the results came in, and the bone was not cancerous.

The bullet was dodged... a giant bullet.

And last Thursday I started radiation treatment for the prostrate bed area, which I will be undergoing for seven and a half weeks... everyday Monday through Friday.

My instructions were to show up with a full bladder, apparently because it helps to "push" the bladder away from the prostate area while you're laying down on the radiation room table, and thus tends to minimize damage to the bladder while they're nuking your ass region.

I overdid it, and my bladder was ready to explode when I showed up to the treatment.

"I think that I overdid the full bladder thing," I explained to the two radiation techs, "I'm about to explode."

"You wanna go to the bathroom and empty some of it," suggested the lady tech.

Both the other male tech and I looked at her. "I know of no man on the planet who can stop peeing in mid pee operations and hold it," I commented wryly while the other guy agreed silently. 

"I'll be OK," I added laying on the table and hoping that I was right.

It wasn't.

It was hell, that's what it was. I recall reading somewhere how the Emperor Caligula used to entertain his guests by having giant parties where one of the "shows" was to have a number of poor bastards who had their dicks sealed with string, and then they were forced fed water with a funnel until their bladders exploded.

"At least my dick is not tied up," I thought to myself while the minutes passed and my private Caligulan torture moved on.

Eventually it was over.

"The doctor wants to show you something," said one of the techs.

"Not before I hit the head," I responded as I ambled to the bathroom holding my crank like a five year old boy and with my hospital robe fully opened on my back and showing my radiated ass to the world... at that moment I didn't care.

As I approached the bathroom, I was hoping that there was no one using it... and the head gods were on the side of this old sailor and I popped in and began to pump bilges.


Half an hour later, fully drained and feeling much better I returned to see what the doctors and techs wanted to show me.

"We believe that you have set a new world's record for the largest expanded bladder ever recorded on film," they told me, showing me what looked like a giant balloon inside me.  "It doesn't have to be this full," they added.

And that's the story of last Thursday, the first of seven and a half weeks of ass nuking.

Sunday, August 12, 2018

VICTOR EKPUK book signing event

Don't miss the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of "Victor Ekpuk : Connecting Lines Across Space and Time", Edited by Toyin Falola. This near 500 page, mid career retrospective of Victor's work includes fascinating writings by 13 scholars and countless images of his brilliant creations.

VICTOR EKPUK
Book Signing of Victor Ekpuk: Connecting Lines Across Space and Time
Saturday, September 1st, 2018 from 2pm-4pm
The artist will be in attendance.
LOCATION
Morton Fine Art (MFA)
1781 Florida Ave NW (at 18th & U Sts)
Washington, DC 20009
HOURS
Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 6pm
Sunday 12pm-5pm
Please RSVP to mortonfineart@gmail.com

Saturday, August 11, 2018

Call for printmakers

2019 Delta National Small Prints Exhibition

Deadline: Sun, October 21st, 2018. 

Founded in 1996, the Delta National Small Prints Exhibition is currently accepting entries for the 2019 exhibition. Artists from around the world have the opportunity to enter this competition, which is chosen by a nationally known expert in the field of printmaking. This year the juror is José Diaz, Chief Curator of The Andy Warhol Museum. 

Eligibility: Open to all artists 18 and older. 

Submissions must be original works on paper, created within the last two years, including but not limited to, digital, intaglio, lithographic, photographic, relief, serigraphic and stencil processes. 

Monotypes are also eligible but reproductions of pre-existing works are not. 

Entry Fee: A $35 (nonrefundable) entry fee permits each artist to submit up to three prints. 

Awards: Purchase Awards and Juror’s Merit Awards will be offered and announced at the opening of the exhibition. Each artist receiving an award will have their artist’s statement of 100 words or less printed in the exhibition catalog. 

Typically half of the show is purchased for the A-State Permanent Collection of Art and by the viewing audience. 

In an attempt to be eco-friendly, the Call for Entry is available Online Only. For details visit: BradburyArtMuseum.org or go directly to this link

Friday, August 10, 2018

Call-For-Entries: Boys Will Be Boys

Deadline: September 4, 2018. 

Call-For-Entries: Boys Will Be Boys.
Whitdel Arts is currently accepting submissions and proposals for Boys Will Be Boys.  This exhibition will explore different archetypes of masculinity, today’s societal pressures on men, and ramifications of institutionalized expectations.  Masculinity has a long and varied history, but with the current climate, the constructs of manhood have come to the forefront of conversation.  With this exhibition, we aim to continue the conversation on the limitations and outcomes of the concept of masculinity. 
This exhibition will be held at Whitdel Arts in the Fall of 2018. Exhibition dates: September 21st - November 3rd, 2018 | Reception: Friday, September 21st, 7-10pm

Details here.

Thursday, August 09, 2018

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam Announces Commission Appointment

From the Virginia Commission for the Arts Chair:
On behalf of the Commissioners, I am pleased to share with you Governor Northam’s appointment of Janet Starke to serve as Executive Director of the Agency. We are very fortunate to continue to have experienced and enthusiastic leadership to support the work of the Commission and our grantee organizations. We look forward to working with Janet and the Commission staff, as well as each of Virginia's arts organizations dedicated to bringing outstanding arts experiences and educational programs to children and adults across the Commonwealth. – John V. Raneiro, Chair, Virginia Commission for the Arts
Prior to her appointment, Janet served as Executive Director of Richmond Performing Arts Alliance since November 2015, having served as the organization’s Director of Education for six years prior. A native of Chesterfield County, Janet has worked in arts education and performing arts institutions for 22 years, in Richmond, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte and Cincinnati. Janet holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Arts Administration from Shenandoah University, and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory. She has served as a grants panelist for Virginia Commission for the Arts, Montalvo Teaching Artist Fellowship, The Kennedy Center and US Department of Education. She has presented nationally at conferences and symposia, including those of Arts Education Partnership, Southeast Center for Education and the Arts, Arts Schools Network, U.S. Department of Education, Americans for the Arts, and National Arts Marketing Project.

The Virginia Commission for the Arts is the state agency that supports the arts through funding from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Commission distributes grants to arts and other not-for-profit arts organizations, educational institutions, educators, artists, and local governments. For more information about the Virginia Commission for the Arts, visit www.arts.virginia.gov or call (804) 225-3132.

Wednesday, August 08, 2018

This Weekend: Last Chance to See AU's Summer Exhibitions

This weekend is your last chance to see: Ralph Steadman: A Retrospective, Figures: Kiley Ames, Janice Nowinski, Kyle Staver, Jo Weiss, Things Unseen: The Fluency of Abstraction, and Latitude: The Washington Women's Arts Center. 

Stop by American University's gorgeus Katzen Museum -- Saturday & Sunday from 11-4PM. 

Tuesday, August 07, 2018

Call for Video, Sound Art, and New Media - MD

Deadline: October 15, 2018

Frame & Frequency 4 Vol. 2 is an ongoing International Video and Sound Art Exchange program presented concurrently at VisArts in our In(Site) Project Gallery in Rockville, MD and at PLECTO Galeria in Medellín, Colombia, opening October 26, 2018. Video, sound art (up to 8 channels), film, and new media work will be accepted: experimental, documentary, animation, narrative, non-narrative, multimedia, virtual reality, augmented reality, net art, interactive media, etc. All foreign language moving image artworks must have English subtitles. 

Submission specifications: Video/Sound Art: You may submit up to 3 works. Videos must be in .mp4 file format. Maximum length of 15 minutes. Sound Art files can be either .mp3 or .wav format. Upload files below through our online platform or provide Vimeo links for video previews. $5 application fee

Submit here.

Monday, August 06, 2018

Best courtroom artist ever

Those of us claiming to be art authorities and holders of the keys to what makes great fine art from illustration art, usually thumb our noses to the rather difficult art of police sketching - which has really delivered some fascinating and disturbing examples of befuddling "portraits" in the past - and courtroom artists.

And yet, Mr. William J. Hennessy, Jr., has stood out to me - clearly the final word on who and what makes great art - as a really, really good courtroom fine artist.

Hennessy has that somewhat rare ability to not only capture the likeness of the subject (in a limited time period in some cases), but also the evr rarer ability to infuse his portraits with a psychological trait of the character of the subject person.

My favorite set of drawings? The Clinton-Lewinsky Scandal!

Check out his work here.

Sunday, August 05, 2018

Can you spot the fake Fridas?

There are lots of copies of Frida Kahlo's works in this pull of sold Ebay items listed under "Frida Kahlo Paintings." There are also several fakes being offered as works by Kahlo in the mix... can you tell which is what?

Click here.

Saturday, August 04, 2018

Can You Tell a Real Artwork from a Fake?

Forgeries can be so convincing they become a form of art. Forgers have become famous in their own rightexhibitions have been devoted to fakes, and auction houses like Sotheby’s even hire in-house fraud experts.
But could you tell the difference between a copy and the real deal? Take our quiz to find out, and discover the history of art forgery along the way.
Take this quiz to find out: Click here.

Friday, August 03, 2018

Call for Howard County Artists

Artists wishing to be considered for an exhibit in the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) galleries are invited to submit a general exhibit application. The HCAC Exhibits Committee meets quarterly to review applications and select artists for the exhibit space. Artists, ages 18 and older, working in all media and styles including time-based and installation artists, are encouraged to apply either individually or as a group. The Committee also welcomes proposals from curators and organizations.

Detailed entry guidelines are available at hocoarts.submittable.com/submit/, for pick-up at the Howard County Center for the Arts, or by mail by calling 410-313-2787 or emailing info@hocoarts.org. The next deadline for submissions is Monday, October 1, 2018.

HCAC manages two galleries at the Howard County Center for the Arts with over 2100 square feet of exhibit space. The HCAC gallery program was established to enhance the public’s appreciation of the visual arts, provide a venue to exhibit the work of local, regional, and national artists in a professional space, and provide leadership in the arts by presenting a broad spectrum of arts in all media from both emerging and established artists.

HCAC presents 11-12 exhibits per year of national, regional, and local artists, including two-person, small and large group, juried, curated, and community shows.

Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 10am- 8pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, and Sunday 12- 4pm.  To learn more about HCAC programs and exhibits, call 410-313-ARTS (2787) or visit hocoarts.org.  

Thursday, August 02, 2018

Naked Girls at DCAC

In the prudish DMV there is almost nothing more subversive than reading banned books. Except maybe reading them naked in public! 

Cherie Sweetbottom, GiGi Holliday, Alice Darling and Sucre a La Creme, of Montreal, are stripping down at the DC Arts Center to show you why these pieces of literary rebellion are important.  

SHOW: Naked Girls Reading Presents Banned Books

DATE: Friday August 24, 2018 Seating at 10 pm, Showtime 10:30 pm

VENUE: DC Arts Center, 2438 18th St NW Washington, DC 20009

TICKETS: $22-$27 at https://nakedgirlsreadingbannedbooks.brownpapertickets.com?utm_source=dcartnews

Wednesday, August 01, 2018

Art Scam Alert!

Beware of this jerk trying to rip off artists:
From: Ross Mattie rossmattie837@gmail.com
Subject: ross
My name is Ross Mattie from Los Angeles. I have been on the lookout for some artworks lately in regards to I and my wife's anniversary which is just around the corner. I stormed on some of your works which i found quite impressive and intriguing. 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 one 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 is within the price range of $500 to $4000.
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.

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Three shows at Artists & Makers Studios

Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive and Wilkins Avenue in Rockville are featuring three exhibits at two locations. These three exhibits will open First Friday festivities between 6-9pm on August 3rd, and will showcase resident artists’ open studios for browsing as well.
Olney Art Association Invitational“Depths of Strength” with Cherie Redlinger & Klaudia Levin“This Place” with Jabari C. Jefferson
Opening Reception6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday, August 3rd, 2018 Artists & Makers Studios 111810 Parklawn Dr., Suite 210 Rockville, MD 20852 
and 
Artists & Makers Studios 212276/12280 Wilkins Avenue Rockville, MD 20852 
Artists & Makers Studios 1 on Parklawn hosts a three gallery invitational exhibit with the Olney Art Association, along with Theremin music by Arthur Harrison as well as resident artists’ open studios. Additionally A&M2 on Wilkins is proud to present the work of Cherie Redlinger & Klaudia Levin, as well as a solo exhibit of the work of Jabari C. Jefferson. Also enjoy a new exhibit by the 21 member artists in Gallery 209, an exhibit with the Montgomery County Camera Club “Architectural Design”, and resident artists’ open studios - all just 9/10’s of a mile from the flagship location on Parklawn with free parking at both locations and the best parties in town. 
These exhibits at both locations open Friday, August 3rd, and continue through Wednesday, August 29th, 2018. Viewing hours coincide with office hours and are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, TuesdaySaturday, and Sundays/Mondays by chance or appointment. 
Artists & Makers Studios on Parklawn Drive in Rockville, established in October 2014 by artist and arts community builder Judith HeartSong, is a 13,000 sq. ft. facility is now home to 66 resident artists. Artists & Makers Studios 2 on Wilkins Avenue in Rockville is a 23,000 sq. ft. facility with 95 resident artists and more to come. A&M Studios is dedicated to providing a supportive and vibrant environment for artists to realize their creative goals - through studio practice, collaboration, education, opportunities, networking and connecting with the community beyond our doors. 

Monday, July 30, 2018

Accepting Exhibition Proposals

Deadline: August 17, 2018. 

1708 Gallery welcomes all artists to submit exhibition proposals. Our Exhibitions Committee reviews proposals annually. This committee includes professional artists from our Board, Curator, and Executive Director. Exhibition proposals are currently being considered for the year 2020. If you are currently a student, you must have graduated by the exhibition year. 1708 Gallery strongly encourages proposals for new or developing projects and bodies of work. In addition to proposals for exhibitions in 1708’s gallery space, public works and other non-gallery based projects will be considered. 

Exhibition periods are approximately six weeks. 

1708 provides a $1000 honorarium, plus shipping, travel, installation and other exhibition support. 

Please contact 1708 Gallery Coordinator Erin Willett with any questions at info@1708gallery.org or 804.643.1708. For more information and to submit a proposal, visit www.1708gallery.org

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Call for Artists

Deadline: September 7, 2018. 

Seasonal Art Installations (Fall 2018). 

Application Exhibition Dates: Friday, October 5th – Monday, November 26th, 2018. 

Application Fee: $25 application fee. $10 for artists with a current lease or sublease at the Torpedo Factory. 

Juror: Elsabé Dixon. 

Request for Proposals (RFP): The Torpedo Factory Art Center (TFAC), presently managed by the City of Alexandria Office of the Arts, invites artists and artist teams (Artists) residing in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, to submit proposals for the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s temporary art installations to activate the building’s main spaces during the fall. 

Artwork is encouraged but not limited to involve themes related to fall/autumn, folklore (such as Dia de los Muertos or All Hallow’s Eve), or Alexandria’s naval history. 

These themes will correspond to different programming that will be happening in the Art Center for the duration of the exhibition. 

Apply here.

Saturday, July 28, 2018

Opportunity for female Baltimore artists

Maryland Art Place (MAP) is working with The CyberWire to offer a unique opportunity to female visual artists of the greater Baltimore metropolitan area to acquire and possibly commission, plus license the image of a work of art. The image of that artwork will be reproduced in a limited edition and presented to the guests of The CyberWire's 5th Annual Women in Cyber Security reception on October 18, 2018.​ 

​Cash award $1,500. 

Deadline August 13, 2018. 

Apply here. Questions? Naomi@mdartplace.org.

Friday, July 27, 2018

Defining the Art of Change in the Age of Trump

Deadline: Mon, September 10th, 2018. 

The Center for Contemporary Political Art. 
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION: The Age of Trump has brought unprecedented uncertainty and crisis to Washington. This Open Call challenges America’s artists to respond with Art as powerful as the times are dangerous, to help Americans understand what’s at stake---and why it’s their duty to vote---in the November 2018 mid-term elections. Because of its scope, timing and institutional backing, The Center is hopeful its first, Defining exhibition will lead to a redefinition of the role artists play in our society; identify the country’s leading practitioners of political art; and demonstrate why political art should be recognized as a valued genre of American art in the 21st Century. 
ENTRY FEE: None. 

CONTACT THE CENTER: Should artists have additional questions, they are invited to contact, Charles Krause by email (charles@politicsartus.org) or by phone (202-638-3612) during business hours, noon to 8 p.m. EST, Mon-Sat. For more information about the center, please visit our website at: http://www.politicsartus.orghttp://www.politicsartus.org/defining?utm_source=dailycampello

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Bad art

Frank prefers to think of these paintings as “badart,” one word, no hyphen. Badart is not the inverse of “good art”; it’s the inverse of “important art.” Some might call these pieces outsider art, and in the past, many of them could have been termed primitive or art brut. I prefer to think of them as ugly. Charming—like the dancing dog wearing a tutu or the nineties eyebrows on one particularly serene Virgin Mary—but ugly nonetheless.
Read the entire and interesting article here. 

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Call for small artwork

September 22 – October 20, 2018 
Middle Tennessee State University Department of Art and Design Todd Art Gallery, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 1:00 p.m. Opening Reception, Sat., September 22, 2018 Todd Hall, Todd Art Gallery, Room 224A Related workshops follow 12 CUBED is juried and composed of works that have not exceeded 12” in any dimension. $1,000 Best of Show Award.

Application Fee. 

Details: 615-898-5532 OR http://tinyurl.com/12x12atMTSU OR gallery@mtsu.edu