Potomac Vallery Watercolorists

A little while ago I had the pleasure of selecting the prizewinners for the Potomac Vallery Watercolorists at the beautiful Green Spring Gardens, and although over the years I’ve had the honor and pleasure (and luck) of judging my fellow artists many, many times (by my last count almost 300 times now!), one fact is always a constant and solid, never-changing, ever-present, add some more metaphors for “you can count on this” fact: It is never easy!

A second constant is that I am always refreshed and surprised by the spectacular diversity and pluralism of visual ideas that artists can deliver. This is the main reason that I really, really like putting together, organizing and jurying art shows.

And even after all these years and all these shows, I was still astounded by the quality and wide ranging of sources used by the artists who gave me the honor to review their work for this beautiful show at Green Spring Gardens. And in case you don't already know this: the most difficult (technically) of all visual arts media is watercolor. The difference between a great watercolor painter and the rest of us is that a great watercolor painter knows how to incorporate their mistakes into the final painting.

And I can honestly say that this was not only one of the most difficult (and most fun) shows to whittle down to a select few prizewinners, but also one which truly puts together a remarkable sampling of the evolving capacity of the artistic mind to educate, entertain, baffle, lead, record, interpret, upset, delight and make us proud to be part of the visual arts component of the human race. 

The exhibition also underscores a mostly overlooked fact in this age of post-modernism: the wondrous ability of the visual arts to be both beautiful and yet remain contemporary.

This show also surprised me by how far the artists went to explore contemporary issues of all flavors as they related to the focus of the subject matter (generally speaking... flowers) and driven by the gorgeous garden settings – in some cases by delighting the viewer with a fresh and delightful take on traditional subjects such as Toni Bragg's "Bulb of a Different Sort" which delivered the visual beauty of one of my all-time favorite things on this planet (garlic) and in others by cheering the gargantuan power of color married to enviable technical skill as in Kate Niner's "Pasta for Dinner" (which won the Best of Show)... memo to Kate: You need a website!

When you come and see this show, you will walk away (as with any group show) with a variety of thoughts all fighting to control your private reaction to it. You may have come with a pre-conceived idea of seeing "flower" art and trying to understand what people mean by adding that adjective in front of the word "art." 

But you will walk away also with multiple new reactions, hopefully including a realization that art, regardless of the label, should and must always stand as art, first and foremost. And you will also walk away with the refreshing and never-ending breath of fresh air that good art injects into our daily lives.

Come see this show and join me in applauding the always-evolving skill and intelligence of contemporary artists who wield brushes, pencils, charcoal sticks, palette knives, computers, metal, stone, found objects and ideas to punch the solar plexus of our minds with ideas and reactions.

 Green Spring Gardens
4603 Green Spring Road
Alexandria, VA
April 29 - June 24, 2013

Reception: Sunday, May 5
1 - 3 p.m., Horticulture Center

Freya Grand at Plan B

The Doc gets good news...

Congrats to my amazing wife, Dr. Alida Anderson, who just got tenured at American University!

Art Fair dynamics

From a post almost a decade ago:

One of the more eye-opening things in attending an art fair is seeing the dynamics that go onto the decision to buy a piece of art.

Put together a few thousand people, paying an entry fee to enter the fair, an assortment of dealers, and a huge diverse variety of offerings and it's an education in people watching.

The married couple:
"Do you like it?"
"Yeah, I like it- it's just what we've been looking for."
"Where would we put it?"
"We have a couple of spots that it'd fit."
"Do you really like it."
"Yeah, how about you?"
"Yeah, I kinda of like it."
"Should we get it?"
"If you want it."
(five minutes later)
"Let's think about it."
"OK" [To me] "Do you have a business card?"

The couple (not married):
Her: "Do you like it?"
Him: "Sssoright"
Her: "Where would we put it?"
Him: "Dunno."
Her: "Do you really like it."
Him: "So'OK.. Yeah, how about you?"
Her: "Yeah, I kinda, sorta, really like it."
Him: "Dunno though"
Her: "What? You don't like it?"
Him: "If you want it."
(five minutes later)
Him: "Let's think about it."
Her or Him: "OK" [To me] "Do you have a business card?"

The Single Woman (SW) with a Woman Friend:
SW: "WOW! Now, I really like this!"
Friend: "Yeah... it's nice"
SW: "It's exactly what I've been looking for!"
Friend: "I have a friend who does work just like this..."
SW: "I am really drawn to it!"
Friend: "Are you really sure you like it?"
SW: "Uh - yeah!... why? Don't you like it?"
Friend: "Yeah... it's OK"
SW: "I think it's really good... I think it's the first piece in this whole show that I really like."
Friend: "There's a few more booths we haven't seen."
SW: "I think I'm going to buy this."
Friend: "Are you sure?"
SW: "Uh - yeah!... It's a good price too.... why? Don't you like it?"
(five minutes later)
SW: "Do you have a business card?"

The Single Woman (SW) with a Man Friend:
SW: "WOW! Now, I really like this!"
Friend: "Yeah... Cool"
SW: "It's exactly what I've been looking for!"
Friend: "I think it's a lithograph" [it's actually a charcoal]
SW: "I am really drawn to it!"
Friend: "Are you really sure you like it?"
SW: "Uh - yeah!... why? Don't you like it?"
Friend: "I have something like it... I got it cheaper though..."
SW: "I think it's really good... I think it's the first piece in this whole show that I really like."
Friend: "You like lithographs?"
SW: "I think I'm going to buy this."
Friend: "Are you sure?"
SW: "Uh - yeah!... It's a good price too.... why? Don't you like it?"
(five minutes later)
SW: "Do you have a business card?"

The Single Focus Dream Buyer:
[Walks straight up to one piece, never looks at the rest of the work in your booth]
"I'll take this"
[Me] "Thank you... it's a very striking charcoal drawing - will be that be a check or charge?"
"Charge"
[Me] "I can send you more information on this artist..."
"That will be great - I love this work - it's exactly what I'm interested in!"
[Me] "I have a few more pieces here, would you like to see them?"
"No, thanks..."

The "I'm glad you're here guy (IGYHG)":
IGYHG: "Hey! I've been looking for you!"
[Me]: "Hi, how are you?"
IGYHG: "... been walking this whole fair looking for you!"
[Me]: "Yeah... lots of dealers this year... glad you found us!"
IGYHG: "Howsa been goin'?"
[Me]: "Yes... quite good actually..."
IGYHG: "Well, let me look at what you've got!"
[three minutes later]
IGYHG: "Well... I'm glad you're here... see ya next year!"


The "I Shudda Bought It Last Year Guy (Shudda)":
Shudda: "Hey! You're here again!"
[Me]: "Hi, how are you? Yeah... It's our 7th year here..."
Shudda: "... been walking this whole fair looking for you!"
[Me]: "Yeah... lots of dealers this year... glad you found us!"
Shudda: "Howsa been goin'?"
[Me]: "Yes... quite good actually..."
Shudda: "Well, let me look at what you've got!"
[three minutes later]
Shudda: "Where's that really good watercolor of the fill-in-the-blank?"
[Me]: "Uh... I sold it last year - but I have a few more pieces by that artist."
Shudda: "Ah! - I really wanted that one! Do you have another one?"
[Me]: "Well, no... it was an original watercolor, and I sold it; but I have ---"
Shudda: "I really wanted that piece; and it was a good price too..."
[Me]: "Maybe you'd like some of his new work..."
Shudda: "I shudda bought it last year"
[Walks away]
Shudda: "You gonna be here next year?"

The "Where's That Piece Guy (WTP)":
WTP: "Hey! You're here again!"
[Me]: "Hi, how are you? Yeah... It's our 7th year here..."
WTP: "... been walking this whole fair specifically looking for you!"
[Me]: "Yeah... lots of dealers this year... glad you found us!"
WTP: "Howsa been goin'?"
[Me]: "Yes... quite good actually..."
WTP: "OK... last year I saw this piece... it was a fill-in-the-bank and I should have bought it then! "
[Me]: "Yeah... that is a nice piece."
WTP: "I've been thinking about it for a whole year"
[Looks around the booth and doesn't see it]
WTP: "Do you still have it?"
[From here there are two paths...]
Path One -
[Me]: "Uh... I sold it last year - but I have a few more pieces by that artist."
WTP: "Ah! - I really wanted that one! Do you have another one?"
[Me]: "Well, no... it was an original watercolor, and I sold it; but I have ---"
WTP: "I really wanted that piece; and it was a good price too..."
[Me]: "Maybe you'd like some of his new work..."
WTP: "I shudda bought it last year"
[Walks away]
WTP: "You gonna be here next year?"
Path Two
[Me]: "Let me get it for you... I have it in the back!"
WTP: "Great"
[I bring it out and give to WTP]
WTP: "Yeah this is it! It's great!"
[Me]: "This artist has done really well this last year and ---"
WTP: [Handing it back] "Excellent! I'm glad you still have it... until what time are you going to be here?"

SF morning

Little Junes having his morning constitutional at Cafe Bellini in San Francisco while mom was presenting two papers at a conference.

Want free artwork for your non profit agency?

The Art Connection in the Capital Region (ACCR) is currently accepting applications from nonprofit community service organizations within the Greater Metropolitan Washington, DC area interested in receiving a permanent collection of artwork for their agencies.

ACCR is a nonprofit organization that enriches lives by expanding access to original works of visual at within under served communities throughout Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.

By bringing art to more members of our community, we are contributing to the creation of nurturing environments and providing individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity, to experience the beauty, inspiration and hope that art enables.

The types of organizations with which ACCR partners serve their clients directly and include: homeless and battered women's shelters, children's centers, mental health facilities, and low-income senior housing agencies, amongst several others.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

* Be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization

* Provide direct services to the residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland or Northern Virginia

* Have space to place artwork in public areas of the agency that is safe and accessible (administrative offices are generally not considered unless regularly used for public programming)

* Have no funds for in-house art purchases

To learn more about ACCR, to view recent placements, or to download an application, please visit: www.artconnection-cr.org

Please direct questions to: jcavnor@artconnection-cr.org

Airborne

Heading to San Francisco for the weekend as the Professor has two papers to present at a conference there and I am hand-delivering a major video piece to one of the top video collectors in the world.

Alchemical Vessels Opens Tonight!

Join me for this exclusive benefit event at the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery and add one of the 125 Alchemical Vessels works to your own collection! Opening is tonight - Friday from 7-9 PM.

This unique exhibition will feature the work of 125 artists, hand-selected by 16 invited curators (including yours truly) , to engage in a community dialogue on healing and transformation through the arts. Each artist will transform the ceramic bowl by means of his or her own personal aesthetic and medium, drawing inspiration from the bowl as a place of holding, open community, a circle of care, sacred space, nourishment, and even the alchemical vessel.  

100% of the ticket sale proceeds will go to support Smith Center’s life-enhancing work and programs for people living with and recovering from cancer.

Ticket information:

- Benefit tickets $125: 125 Benefit tickets will be sold, and each ticket holder at this level will be given the opportunity to select a piece of art. Priority will be given by the order in which the tickets were purchased—so the first to buy a ticket will be awarded first pick of the 125 works, and so on. All 125 works will remain in the show until after the closing of the exhibition on June 7, at which time the new owners can pick them up.

- Supporter ticket: $50: This price level is good for entrance to the Benefit only. Ticket holders at this level do not get to keep a piece of art.

If you have trouble purchasing tickets, please call 202.483.8600 or email them at outreach@smithcenter.org. 

See the Facebook Event for more photos from the Artists!

Benefit attendees will also be invited to the Artists' Closing Reception for Alchemical Vessels on June 7, 2013!

My donation to this event is below. I debated what to create, and in the end, I gessoed the bowl and once again delivered the visage of the most transformative artist that I know: Frida Kahlo.

The Secret Substance of Frida Kahlo
Charcoal, conte and graphite on gessoed ceramic

Seldom has human history seen an artist so transformed by destiny, events and the agony of constant pain as Frida Kahlo. When Kahlo's young body was nearly destroyed and re-arranged by a horrible accident in her youth, where the young art student was impaled on a handrail that pierced her vagina and emerged through her chest, her agony transformed her into another being who then proceeded to gift onto the world some of the most spectacular portraits of pain that we've ever seen.

The intense brutality of pain transformed Kahlo with the same intensity that a thermonuclear reaction transforms its surroundings. She became a being submerged in constant pain for the rest of her life, both physical (she underwent dozens of surgeries) and mental (she experienced many miscarriages and was never able to have a child). And that transformation was the catalyst the propelled her to paint her own image as a mirror of the pain in her life, and in the process to become one of history’s great artists.

In the process, Kahlo transformed all of us, as a little bit of her artistic alchemic powers infect all of us who become hypnotized by her portraits; the power of her gaze, the eloquence of her eye brows and the intensity of her face, all leave a little bit of the secret substance that changes artistic matter from the mundane to an aspiration to the sublime.

Next month...

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival - May 11 & 12

Saturday, May 11, 10am - 6pm

Sunday, May 12,  10am - 5pm

130 artists from throughout the United States and Canada will converge in Bethesda's  Woodmont Triangle for the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival. Along with booths of fine art and fine craft, the festival will feature live musical, great eats from Bethesda restaurants and a children's activity area. 

Join them for a unique shopping experience in downtown Bethesda. Browse jewelry, furniture, painting, photography, sculpture and more. 

Admission to the festival is free and free parking is available in the public parking garage on Auburn Avenue. This event is held rain or shine.

More info.

Give a kid a camera and...

The below are Little June's first photographic experiments, which are generally focused (cough, cough) on his beloved Cars characters...

These are all available in a limited signed and numbered edition of five. All circa 2013... cough, cough.

One of sixteen vestal virgins who were leaving for the coast

We skipped the light fandango
Turned cartwheels 'cross the floor
I was feeling kinda seasick
But the crowd called out for more
The room was humming harder
As the ceiling flew away
When we called out for another drink
And the waiter brought a tray

And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly,
Turned a whiter shade of pale

She said, "There is no reason
And the truth is plain to see."
But I wandered through my playing cards
And they would not let her be
One of sixteen vestal virgins
Who were leaving for the coast
And although my eyes were open wide
They might have just as well been closed

And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly,
Turned a whiter shade of pale

She said, "I'm here on a shore leave,"
Though we were miles at sea.
I pointed out this detail
And forced her to agree,
Saying, "You must be the mermaid
Who took King Neptune for a ride."
And she smiled at me so sweetly
That my anger straightway died.

And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly,
Turned a whiter shade of pale

If music be the food of love
Then laughter is it's queen
And likewise if behind is in front
Then dirt in truth is clean
My mouth by then like cardboard
Seemed to slip straight through my head
So we crash-dived straightway quickly
And attacked the ocean bed

And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly,
Turned a whiter shade of pale

-- Keith Reid & Gary Brooker

Landlord orders gallery to partially cover nude photo

"A nude model who used a topless tour to convince cops not to shut down a racy photo exhibit at a Lower East Side gallery has been forced to cover up after the landlord threatened to terminate the gallery’s lease.

On the owner’s orders, the operators of the ROX Gallery have put a caution sign over a lurid picture hanging in their Delancey Street window that shows model Natalie White masturbating...

... None of the other two dozen works inside the gallery has been censored, and White has not been banned from performing the live masturbation shows that are an occasional part of her act."

Initial details here and a really good report by the HuffPost's very fair Priscilla Frank (who studied Rhetoric of Narrative and Image at UC Berkeley and has written for art galleries in California and New York, as well as being the editor of the Berkeley Poetry Review and a sex columnist for the Daily Californian) is here... (Prissie call me!).

Brilliant publicity stunt on the part of the gallery or by the even more publicity-brilliant Natalie White (channeling Vito Acconci or maybe Andrea Fraser)... whatever works!

I'd like to see her invited to perform at (e)merge and see how the DMV reacts to it! They might shut down the whole fair!

Natalie!!! You're performing in the wrong place! If you want to really get arrested for simply showing your body... DO (e)merge!!!!  ......  (and the pun is sooooooo intended!).

Like mother, like son

We did a 5K race this weekend... cough, cough... 

I actually did the "One Mile Fun Run" before the actual race... together with Anderson, who in spite of a 3-5 minute all stop protest in the middle of the race about being ordered to take his hands out of his pockets while he ran, managed to finish the one mile in less than 20 minutes.

It's all about genetics folks... not mine!

His mom, Doctor Alida The A, came in second overall, while still noting that she had a "slow race because it was so freaking cold!"

Technical Workshop: 3D Printing

Date: May 2, 2013, 6:00pm - 8:00pm 

 

Location: ABC Imaging, 1155 21st Street, NW

Washington, DC 20036

 

To Attend: The workshop is free for WPA members, with a $5.00 reservation fee for non-members. To RSVP, contact Membership Manager Christopher Cunetto by e-mail at ccunetto@wpadc.org or by phone at 202.234.7103 x 2.

 

Seating is limited.

 

Join Washington Project for the Arts and ABC Imaging for a technical workshop covering the basics of current 3D printing technologies and techniques, discussion on the different models and types of materials used in the process, as well as a tour of the 3D printing facilities at ABC imaging. ABC team members Tom Ashley, Major Account Sales Manager, John Lee, 3D Manger, and Chris Cole, Director of Graphics, will present.

Opportunity for Artists

Call for Artists to Exhibit in the Gallery @ BloomBars: "Emigration: In Honor of Cultures"

As a participant in the “Passport DC,” an annual celebration organized by Cultural Tourism DC coinciding with the Mayor of the District of Columbia's proclamation of May as International Cultural Awareness Month, BloomBars is hosting an exhibition exploring the concept of emigration, migration, immigration and community that honors the human story. The purpose of the exhibition is to explore human stories of the emigration process, allowing viewers to engage in dialogue, a shared understanding and meaningful conversations on critical issues and public policies.

 

OPEN TO ALL MEDIA

Dates of Exhibition: May 10th thru 31st, 2013
Submission Deadline: April 29, 2013
Exhibition Description:
Notification of Selected Artists: Friday, May 3, 2013

Submission Guidelines:
Artists may submit up to 10 digital JPEG images at 200 DPI. For sculptural or three-dimensional pieces, 2 images may be submitted for each work. The images must be submitted via email to carol@bloombars.com.

Legal and Financial Education for Artists

Mind your Business!

Click here for the flyer. 

Monday, May 6, 2013

In beautiful Easton, MD 

12:30 pm - 4:30 pm (with breaks and refreshments) 

Avalon Theatre, 40 E. Dover St., Easton MD, 21601

View map HERE

Get the scoop on Copyright Law, Liability Insurance, Business Entities (LLC v. Nonprofit v. Fiscal Sponsorship), and Merchant Services. 

Free! But reservations required.  

Space is limited! Please RSVP to Erin @ 410.467.6700. 

Glass, glass, glass...

Three highly anticipated Springtime cultural events in the DC area will soon be underway and you are invited! Each event will feature the art glass of Robert Weiner - in case you have missed it (as most DMV area curators seem to have), the DMV has become one of the art glass epicenters on the planet.

At Art17, the Mid City Artists are kicking off the season with a special Open Studio Tour Preview. Thirteen MCA members are represented in the exhibit, including select pieces from his Colorbar Murrine Series. Stop by the opening reception Thu, May 2 to meet the artists and get the first look. This exhibit runs through June 20.

Starting May 1, Gallery B in Bethesda presents an exhibit entitled "Seven Variations" where seven artists offer their individual interpretations of "variations on a theme". On display will be mWeiner's most recent work inspired by astronomical bodies, primarily lunar phenomena. The seven vessels strive to capture the composition, energy and evolution of these natural, complex and ancient objects. Throughout the exhibit a collaborative piece, donated by the artists, will be auctioned to benefit the Edgemoor Children's Center of Bethesda. A perfect time to place your bid will be at the May 10 reception.

And certainly not to be missed is the Spring Mid City Artists Open Studio Tour. Twenty-five plus private art studios in the Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U Street and Shaw neighborhoods will be open to explore and purchase artwork. This bi-annual event, now in its 10th year, offers visitors a rare glimpse into the artists' working space with unique locations. Participating artists represent a great diversity of work, including drawings, sculptures, paintings, photography, mixed media and, of course, art glass. 

 

Mark your calendars to attend Sat, May 18 and/or Sun, May 19. Tour Tip: DC Art Glass is within a block of several new trendy restaurants including La Diplomate and Pearl Dive. Stop for lunch, brunch or a snack and then head on over to the studio for some exceptional art glass!

MCA Exhibit Art17 Gallery 1606 17th St, NW Washington, DC 20009 Exhibit Runs Thu, Apr 23 - Thu, Jun 20 Reception Thu, May 2 Hours: 6-8pm Helpful Links: MCA Website MCA Facebook DC Art Glass Website

Seven Variations Gallery B 7700 Wisconsin Ave, Suite E Bethesda, MD 20814  Wed, May 1 - Sat, May 25 Hours: Wed-Sat 12-6pm Sun 11am - 3pm Reception Fri, May 10 Hours: 6-9pm Helpful Links: Gallery B Website DC Art Glass Facebook

Open Studio Tour DC Art Glass Studio 1322 Corcoran Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 Sat, May 18, 12-5pm Sun, May 19, 12-5pm

American University Senior Thesis Exhibition

Crossing the Bifrost: MFA Thesis Exhibition
 American University Senior Thesis Exhibition
April 26th - May 11th, 2013
Opening Reception: Friday, April 26, 69 p.m.

American University presents a Senior Thesis group exhibition with works by seven artists displayed throughout the AU Katzen Arts Center from the Rotunda to the foyer in front of the gallery. Works exhibited include painting, timebased media, collage, drawing and sculpture. Each work addresses issues surrounding personal habits, routines, and/or contradictions.

Artists represented: Carolyn Becker, Kristen Ennis, Marc Ginsberg, Michelle Lee, Jara Montez, Alexandra Porta, and Kris Stith.
 
The opening reception for “Habits & Contradictions” is on April 26, 2013 from 69 p.m. Refreshments will be served. This show is concurrent with the 2nd year MFA exhibition in the AU Katzen Arts Museum.

Opportunities for artists

From CAMP Rehobot:

June: PRIDE Show (June 1 - June 28)

We celebrate PRIDE showcasing artwork by LGBT artists in the community. Due to some specials projects being showcased this year - We have a limited amount of space. Highlight your artistic talent with an LGBT PRIDE theme. Artwork submitted MUST contain an element of LGBT pride. Artists can submit up to two pieces for consideration.
 
Deadline: JPGs need to be submitted to CAMP Rehoboth by May 15th and artists will be notified by May 16th.

Artwork is due at CAMP by May 22.

Basic guidelines:

• Please email JPGs or other questions to: SalvatoreSeeley@aol.com 
• Sculptures, photographs and other three dimensional artwork can be submitted for consideration. However, due to limited space - we can only accept a certain amount of these pieces.   
• All pieces submitted must be ready for display. Three dimensional pieces must have stands and framed pieces must have a wire hanging system in the back of the piece.
• Work needs to be dropped off at CAMP Rehoboth.
• Images of seagulls, WWII towers, and beach scenes will be limited. 
• A JPG of the email must be sent by the appropriate deadlines.  
• In the body of your email, you must include the following information: name, address, email address, phone, file names, title of work, medium, framed size, and price.  
• All work will be offered for sale with CAMP Rehoboth receiving a 25% commission on work sold
• The gallery reserves the right to not display any works that are not finished in a professional manner with regard to framing, or do not accurately replicate the submitted work.

CAMP Rehoboth

37 Baltimore Avenue

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971

302-227-5620

Sen. Dick Durbin on the side of large corporate retailers

 "If you take a walk...
I'll tax your feet...
   - Lennon & McCartney

For many years, large national corporate retailers, big business and many hungry state tax collectors have hoped for new Internet sales tax collection policy. They want Congress to pass a federal law that would allow tax agents from one state to enforce their sales tax laws on retailers based in other states, even when a business is based thousands of miles away. Nearly everyone that I know opposes this misguided idea that goes against everything that the Internet stands for, and I (like millions of others worldwide) believe that small businesses selling via the Internet should only be subject to the tax laws of the states in which they operate.

The news from Capitol Hill is clear and just like the economy... it's grim.

Internet sales tax supporters are convinced that 2013 is their year, and they are determined to pass a new Internet sales tax bill when our out of control "tax everything" Congress (that refuses to face real financial austerity) tackles "corporate tax reform" in spite of the fact that "corporate" and the millions of small American businesses that operate on the Internet seldom share the same anything.

In December, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), the misguided idiot who smells more and more sources to suck money out of the economy and is the sponsor of Internet sales tax legislation, publicly announced that he had a commitment from the Senate Finance Committee to "take it up early next year and move it to the floor."  Why Durbin wants to lead an effort to bleed more and more taxes is something between himself and his big money donors...

Your opinion matters. If you oppose giving state tax collectors new powers to impose and enforce out-of-state sales tax burdens on small businesses that sell via the Internet, now is the time to make your voice heard.

This is not a Republican or Democrat issue - but an issue that deals with the freedom of the worldwide web and the never-ending appetite for some Democrats in Congress to try to tax any and everything that moves.

Take the time to email, call or write to your two Senators and your Congress person... feel free to use, edit and adapt the letter below, but DO SOMETHING!

 

Dear Member of Congress,

As your constituent and one of the millions of Americans concerned with this issue, I'm asking you not to impose any new sales tax laws on small businesses operating on the Internet.

In the 1992 Quill Decision, the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to allow state tax enforcement authorities to impose their sales tax laws on small businesses located in other states.  However, an effort backed by giant retailers and a group of state legislators is trying to push Congress to overturn the Quill Decision and establish an unfair tax regime that would force small online businesses to be subject to sales tax laws all across the country, regardless of where the small business is actually located.

Millions of American small business retailers, would be directly impacted by any new Internet sales tax system. It would increase the cost of doing business and shopping on-line, which would hurt sellers and buyers alike. I believe that small businesses selling via the Internet should only be subject to the tax laws of the states in which they operate. Instead of imposing new tax burdens on small businesses, I would encourage Congress to do EXACTLY the opposite and look at new policies that encourage small business growth and development on the Internet, which in turn will spur job growth and increase consumer choice.

As your constituent, I would ask that you please oppose any efforts to impose new tax burdens on small businesses operating on the Internet.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
YOUR NAME

Wilmer Wilson IV: The FOREVER Aftermath Opens Tonight

Wilmer Wilson IV: The FOREVER Aftermath (Wilmer's first solo show) is open now at Artisphere in Rosslyn, VA. 

The exhibition features photographs, sculpture, and video from the DCCAH/5x5-commissioned performance Henry "Box" Brown: FOREVER.  

Works from each part of the three part performances are rotating in the gallery on a monthly basis until June 30th. 

There will be an opening this evening, April 18th, from 5-7p. Coinciding with the exhibition is be a series of programming entitled PERFORMANCE: AFTERMATH, featuring local performance artists in dialogue. 

These programs will be taking place on April 18 from 7-9p, May 16 from 7-9p, and June 8 from 7-9p. A full schedule of programming can be found here.

F.E.A.S.T at VisArts 2013

Proposals Accepted From	Friday, February 15  to  Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Proposal Deadline	April 24, 2013 before midnight
Proposal Fee	FREE

F.E.A.S.T at VisArts 2013

F.E.A.S.T at VisArts 2013 (Funding Emerging Art with Sustainable Tactics) is a bridge between artists and the community.  F.E.A.S.T is a public dinner designed to use community-driven financial support to democratically fund new and emerging art makers. F.E.A.S.T at VisArts 2013 will take place on May 4th on The Rooftop at VisArts in Rockville, Maryland. Patrons will give a $30 donation for which they receive supper and a ballot. Diners spend the evening reviewing a series of project proposals and conversing with the artists behind each idea. Attendees cast a vote for their favorite proposal, and by the end of the night, the artist who garners the most votes is awarded a grant comprised of that evening’s door money.

F.E.A.S.T at VisArts invites artists, thinkers, and organizations to submit proposals for funding up to $1,000. Project proposals will address the theme of Invisible Communities.  The deadline for applications is midnight on Friday, April 24, 2013.

F.E.A.S.T at VisArts is based on F.E.A.S.T Brooklyn’s  (www.feastinbklyn.org) model for sustaining artist projects directly through community participation. If you are not familiar with F.E.A.S.T — please read F.E.A.S.T Brooklyn’s about page. Another great resource: sundaysoup.org

Plan now to participate in F.E.A.S.T at VisArts.  We look forward to reviewing your proposals!

Application Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2013 before Midnight

How to Submit a Proposal

• Apply by e-mail ONLY: Email proposal materials to: smain@visartscenter.org
  

Theme: INVISIBLE COMMUNITIES

This year’s Call for Proposals: Invisible Communities brings to light some of the most influential yet invisible parts of our community. Project proposals reveal the hidden micro communities that affect our ecological, social, cultural and political sense of place, specifically the Washington/Baltimore metropolitan area. For F.E.A.S.T, we are seeking projects that directly or indirectly speak to the idea of invisible communities whether literally or figuratively.

Projects that may receive funding represent a diverse cross section of contemporary artistic and social practices. Performance, community events, soundscapes… No project or medium is incongruous with F.E.A.S.T. Projects can address any issues tied to the essence of our community, possibly including but not limited to: bugs, botany, water, underground cultures, people and places, well-beaten paths, smells…We encourage artists to think outside their everyday practice and produce work that speaks to all parts of the community. Make the invisible visible.

Application content must include answers to all of the following questions:

Title: What is your project’s name?

Summary: Describe your project in 250 words or less. Include statements on:

• What will the F.E.A.S.T funds be used for?
• How will this project be implemented?
• How does the project address the theme of Invisible Communities?
• What is the community you are addressing? What is the community significance of your project?

One sentence each:

• F.E.A.S.T Funding Request: How much will you need to do this (up to $1000)?
• Project Budget: If your project costs are greater than what you have requested, please briefly state how you will be able to implement your project.
• Timeframe: How long is this project going to take?
• Location: Where will this take place?
• Attach one image (300 dpi, no larger than 2 MB) and any relevant URLs. Please include a description of the image.

Proposals are evaluated on these terms:

• Artistic Innovation
• Community Impact
• Feasibility
• Proposal clarity and content

Please note:

• Only complete proposals will be reviewed.
• Only finalists will be invited to the F.E.A.S.T.
• All applicants will be notified if they are finalists.
• Artists who submit proposals must be present at the May 4TH F.E.A.S.T to be eligible to appear on the ballot.
• Should you win a F.E.A.S.T grant, you must attend the next F.E.A.S.T at VisArts (2014) to discuss the progress of your project.

Questions or advice: Feel free to contact smain@visartscenter.org

Terri Le | Marketing/Communications Coordinator
t: 301-315-8200 x105 | f: 301-315-8296
VisArts at Rockville
155 Gibbs Street, Rockville, MD 20850
www.visartscenter.org

Alchemical Vessels Sneak Preview

This week's top opening... is tomorrow!

Opening: Jessica van Brakle - "Industrial Paradise"

Thursday, April 18, 7 - 9 pm at McLean Project for the Arts
Show Dates: April 18 – June 1

'Industrial Paradise' features work that combines painting and drawing, depicting far-off or obstructed voyeuristic perspectives of landscapes comprised of tropical foliage and man-made structures. The work presents conflicting, contrasting, and yet coexisting notions of harmony, permanence, strength and ecology as it examines the complex relationship between man and nature.

 More info: http://www.mpaart.org/exhibitions.php

Georgetown openings on the 19th

Critical Exposure

Critical Exposure is a non-profit organization that empowers low-income D.C. youth to use photography as a tool to create social change in their schools and communities and their 8th Annual Spring Exhibit is Zoom In: National Lens, Local Focus.

This exhibit is Critical Exposure's annual opportunity to showcase the best student photography, writing, and social change initiative from this year. This event will take place on May 22, 2013 at the PEPCO Edison Place Gallery. They are asking for a $35 suggested donation.