RSVP Opens Friday!

Although over the years I’ve had the honor and pleasure of judging, organizing, curating, etc. 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 of your own metaphors for “you can count on this” fact: It is never easy!

OK, two facts: the 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 sources used by the artists who gave me the honor to review their work for RSVP, a show that I had the honor to jury for the New Wilmington Art Association in Delaware.

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, but also one which truly puts together a remarkable sampling of the revolving 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.

RSVP surprised me by how far artists went to explore contemporary issues – in some cases by delighting the viewer with a new take on a 70-year-old British slogan; or by a performance that humanizes one of the simplest and most popular of childhood toys; or a painting that manages to inject us with the same lust that it so adeptly visualizes.

If you can, go and see this show; you will walk away (as with any group show) with a variety of reactions all fighting to control your reaction to it. But you will walk away also with multiple reactions, and you will 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 their own bodies to punch the solar plexus of our minds with ideas and reactions.

The opening reception is this Friday, and it includes a performance at 7:30pm titled “Dress Me” by Kara Dunne. 
“As a living paper doll, the audience may dress me however they choose with a wide selection of paper garments adjusted to my size.  Included in the wardrobe are vests, skirts, dresses, lederhosen, bellboy jacket, a tuxedo, hot pants and lingerie.”

A second opening (sans performance) will take place October 5th.

Participating Artists
Terry Anderson
Paul Andreas
Leslie Boyd
Nancy Breslin
Breck Omar Brunson
Tibi Chelcea
Hunter Clarke
Suzanne Comer
Kathryn Cook
Christina Day
Elyssa Duckett
Kara Dunne
Alicia Eggert
Francine Fox
Patricia Goslee
Kevin Gross
Atom Gunn
Stacey Gruver
Jeannette Herrera
Daniel Johnson
Kim Knauer
Patrick Koziol
Larry Lairson
April Loveday
Meagan Mika
Bert Pasquale
John Reef
Dan Rios
Chuck Schultz
Alexandra Silverthorne
Fierce Sonia

Page 4 of the Daniel Smith 11th Annual Customer Contest... is it me or is this agreement asking a wee bit too much?

Each entrant irrevocably grants Sponsor and its affiliates, legal representatives, assigns, agents and licensees, the unconditional and perpetual right and permission to reproduce, encode, store, copy, transmit, publish, post, broadcast, display, publicly perform, adapt, exhibit and/or otherwise use or reuse (without limitation as to when or to the number of times used), each element of the entrant's Entry, and to use of the entrant's name, likeness, photograph (collectively, "Likeness"), and/or statements regarding his/her participation in this Contest (with or without using the entrant's name) in any and all media without limitation as to time or territory, and without additional compensation or approval from the entrant/Finalist or any other party. Entrant waives intellectual property rights, privacy/publicity rights or other legal or moral rights that might preclude the Sponsor's use of any element of the Entry, and agrees not to sue or assert any claim against the Sponsor for the use of any element of the Entry or entrant's Likeness or statements. Entrant further grants all end users of Sponsor’s Web Site (a) the ability to rate, vote, review, comment on and tag the Entry; (b) the ability to send and distribute the Entry via e‐mail, instant messenger, and via social media or other electronic means.

Malik M. Lloyd at Asman gallery

NBC's Asman Gallery presents, GOOD MEDICINE - A solo exhibition featuring the art of Malik M. 
 Lloyd. 

Mr. Lloyd is the founder of FIND ART information bank and was one of the artists featured in the 100 Artists of Washington, DC book.

Malik's artwork explores the African–American historical and religious experience. His overarching intent is to "create artwork that examines relationships between history's truth, unearthed by contemporary scholars of African decent, and it's detrimental, but more accepted falsehoods, perpetuated for centuries – this falsification of history is so pervasive, that it remains the dominant historical narrative taught in schools and provided in the media". He uses his artwork to promote awareness of these historical inaccuracies. 

Asman Gallery
4001 Nebraska Ave., NW
Washington, DC. 

Reception: September 8, 12. Time: 5 – 7pm. 
Works on exhibition until September 22. 

Note: NBC's Channel 4 is a secured building. Visitors to the exhibition need to be placed on visitors list in advance of entering building by emailing names to Malik@FINDARTinfobank.com. The gallery is available to visitors, Monday – Friday, from 5pm to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday, 12noon to 5pm.  

The Worst Art Restoration Mistakes of All Time

So now we all know what not to do when restoring great works of art. Don't go into a church in Spain and try to touch up a century-old fresco if all your attempts at art so far have ended with people asking you what you're painting. But it turns out that even professionals can screw up horribly when it comes to art restoration. Here's how art restoration screwups can lead to impromptu nose-jobs, cracked paintings, or sand-blasted sculptures. 

 (Via) Read the whole article here.

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

Those of you who know me well, and those of you who know me through my writing, know that one of my pet peeves is the usage of "labels" to box people and art, or art and people, into easily distinguishable categories.

One such label is the American invention of the Hispanic (now apparently not a PC term because technically it includes two European nationalities) or Latino label to pass for ethnicity and often and always wrongly for race.

What does that mean in art? And what does it mean to "Latino" artists? Does it mean anything?

If you want to hear my opinion on the subject then start by penciling in October 11, 2012, where starting at 5PM I will be presenting a lecture titled "On Identity in the Arts: What Does It Mean to be Latino?" at Montgomery College in Silver Spring, MD.

Prepare to understand why us "Latinos" are often as confused by the use of this term as the rest of the world.

Directions here.

Collecting Art

The Role of Art Fairs in Building a Contemporary Collection 

Thursday, September 13, 6:30-7:30pm

Location: UBS Financial Services, 1501 K Street, NW, Washington, DC

This event is free but registration is required, email bmurphy@wpadc.org to register

Fernando Silva Pinto, Washington Correspondent for TV Globo, moderates this panel discussion with collector Dani Levinas, curator Joanna Marsh (Smithsonian American Art Museum), and gallerist Amy Raehse (Goya Contemporary). The participants will discuss their experiences with art fairs, tips for negotiating them, and the role they play in building a contemporary collection.

 

Organized by Washington Project for the Arts in partnership with UBS Financial Services, Inc., this forum is part of a series of stimulating conversations on current art concepts and trends, which give artists, curators, and collectors an opportunity to gain insight on new directions in contemporary art.

(e)merge needs volunteers

(e)merge art fair is looking for energetic, efficient volunteers to assist with various aspects of the  fair. No experience is necessary, but knowledge of the art field or experience with art events is preferred. This is a valuable experience for anyone involved with or  interested in contemporary art. 

(e)merge will take place at the Capitol Skyline Hotel October 4-7, 2012. 

Volunteers will be invited to an orientation at the hotel prior to the event. Whether you want to assist for a day, or for the duration of the art fair, dedicated volunteers are essential to the success of the fair and deeply appreciated. 

If interested or have any questions please contact Irene Clouthier at irene@emergeartfair.com

2nd Thursday Art Night: Fall for the Arts in Old Town

WHAT:              2^nd Thursday Art Night: Fall for the Arts

WHEN:             Thursday, September 13, 6-9pm

WHERE:           Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314

ADMISSION:     FREE

INFO:                www.torpedofactory.org; 703-838-4565

DESCRIPTION: Browse open studios, interact with artists, enjoy live music, refreshments, and special activities at this free monthly event! Celebrate Target Gallery’s silver anniversary at the reception for 25: Target Gallery Celebrates 25 Years, and then commemorate the occasion by creating your own button using images from the gallery’s past exhibitions. Attend the exhibition reception for Microcosms and the All-Media Membership Show in The Art League Gallery. View artwork from this year’s Visiting Artist Program at the reception for Synergy in Site 2 & 3 Galleries.

Special Reception to celebrate Target Gallery’s 25^th Anniversary

From 6-8pm, celebrate Target Gallery’s silver anniversary at the reception for 25: Target Gallery Celebrates 25 Years, an all-media exhibition featuring work that responds to world events that have occurred over the past twenty-five years. Stick around for a special presentation at 7pm featuring a gallery talk by the show’s juror, J.W. Mahoney, followed by birthday cake and sparkling wine.

The Art League Gallery Reception

From 6:30-8pm, The Art League Gallery hosts the reception for Theresa Esterlund’s solo show, Microcosm, and the All-Media Membership Exhibit with an awards ceremony at 7:30pm.

Live Music by Tedd Baker

Enjoy live music by acclaimed saxophonist Tedd Baker.

Synergy: Artwork from the TFAA’s 2012 Visiting Artist Program
Visit Site 2 & 3 Galleries for the reception for Synergy, an exhibition of work created by artists from the Torpedo Factory Artist Association’s 2012 Visiting Artist Program.

DIY Button Making

In conjunction with the reception for 25, visitors are invited to create their own button using images from up-cycling postcards from Target Gallery’s past exhibitions.

About 2^nd Thursday Art Night: 2^nd Thursday Art Night is a free monthly event held on the second Thursday of each month at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Visitors are invited to browse open studios, interact with artists, and enjoy refreshments while taking part in special monthly programming and activities.

Visit http://www.torpedofactory.org/thursday.htm for more information about 2^nd Thursday Art Night and this month’s special activities.

Torpedo Factory Art Center
82 Artist Studios – 6 Galleries
The Art League School – Alexandria Archaeology Museum

Gift Shop – Café by Bread & Chocolate

Open Daily 10 am – 6 pm, Open Thursdays until 9 pm
On the Waterfront in Old Town Alexandria
105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-838-4565
www.torpedofactory.org

New Arts Center

Partnership of Two Montgomery County  

Nonprofits Creates New Arts Center 

Numerous Art Studios and Offices Provide Unprecedented Workspace 

The Washington School of Photography and Capitol Arts Network invite photographers and artists to an informational meeting about forthcoming opportunities for affordable studio workspaces.   

WSP and CAN will soon jointly occupy facilities in Rockville, MD, expanding space for the landmark photography non-profit and creating a new home for the arts education organization.  This remodeled 25,000 square foot facility will feature photographer offices and studios and artist studios, providing affordable workspace for individuals without studio and gallery space. 

The Washington School of Photography will feature six classrooms, three shooting studios, a gallery, public darkroom, conference rooms and office/studio space for up to 12 photographers.  Within the same facility, Capitol Arts Network will feature a gallery, studio space for up to 30 affiliate artists, meeting rooms, classrooms and space for many arts groups to meet with synergy, activity and interaction.     

These two organizations have historically taught, among other courses, the business of photography and the arts. They will now provide studio and workspace for photographers and artists to work, network and collaborate with clients.  This partnership will host gallery exhibits and opening receptions, classes, and will be open 70 hours a week, seven days a week with classes and events. 

Photographers and artists interested in resident artist or photography office/studio opportunities are highly encouraged to attend one of two informational sessions at the Washington School of Photography:  

• 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Wednesday, September 5th 
• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Saturday, September 8th 

Representatives of the Washington School of Photography and Capitol Arts Network will offer floor plans and photographs of the building, an information packet, application and overview of both groups and our collective vision.  

With studio space for approximately 30 artists and 12 photographers, and a multitude of photographers and artists needing space, they expect to fill quickly!  So plan to attend one of these informational meetings! 

To attend, RSVP by Tuesday, September 4th to Judith HeartSong of Capitol Arts Network: 

Judith@capitolartsnetwork.com  

Informational Meeting Location: 

Washington School of Photography 

[4850 Rugby Avenue 

Bethesda, MD 20814 ] 

301-654-1998 

For additional questions, please call Judith HeartSong of the Capitol Arts Network at 301-661-7590. 

Pencil this in...

Pencil this in and if you want to know the history, oddity and meaning of the terms "Hispanic" and "Latino", then come to the lecture as well...

Opportunity for PG County Artists

Call for Entries   Under The Influence: The 24th Annual Prince George's County Juried Exhibition Arts/Harmony Hall Regional Center 10701 Livingston Rd. Fort Washington, MD 20744 Under The Influence is a juried exhibition of works that show all kinds of influences, including, but not limited, historic, aesthetic and cultural. The exhibition is sponsored by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County, Arts and Cultural Heritage Division. The exhibition will be on display from November 5 through December 28, 2012. Juror Mr. F. Lennox Campello is an internationally accomplished artist, author, published art critic, teacher and one of the internet's leading art bloggers. His local, national and international knowledge of and experience with the pulse of the art scene is an invaluable contribution to this year's juried exhibition. Exhibition Dates: November 5 - December 28, 2012 Public Reception: Saturday, November 17, 3-5pm Artist Talk and Refreshments: Saturday, November 24, 12noon-2pm  Eligibility & Submission Criteria This call for entries is open to all artists 18 years and older who live, work, attend school or have studios in Prince George's County, MD. Artists may submit a maximum of 3 artworks for consideration. All works must be original (no reproductions). Proposals for installations or performance works should include sample images, video or audio of the type of work being proposed as well as a brief description of the proposed art work.   What to Send A CD/DVD containing images and/or segments of audio/video, each no longer than five minutes in duration. A bio, artist statement with contact info and a list of the works submitted with titles, media, and dimensions in MS Word. If you would like your materials returned, please include a SASE.   Where to Send It Materials can be submitted by mail or delivered in person to the arts office at Arts/Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Rd., Fort Washington, MD 20744 or emailed to: Stuart.Diekmeyer@pgparks.com Submission Deadline: Monday, October 1, 2012 All submissions, in the form of digital images, must be received by 5pm on Monday, October 1. Notification of selected works: Friday, October 12, 2012 All selected artists will be notified via email Delivery of artwork to AHHRC: Friday, October 26, 9am-5pm All artists are responsible for the delivery of their artwork to AHHRC Exhibition closes: Friday, December 28 Artwork pick-up: Wednesday, January 2, 9am-5pm Guidelines for Digital Files Efforts will be made to review all submissions, regardless of format. However, please be aware that incompatible files may cause submissions to be rejected. Applicants are encouraged to format files as described below. Name each file according to the following format: "last name" underscore "document". Example: jones_statement.pdf. Please number each image file corresponding to the work sample list. Example: 01_jones_untitled.jpg Image files should not be larger than 1MB, and should be formatted as jpeg, tiff or png. Video and audio submissions may be submitted as a DVD or on a CD and formatted as Quicktime, Windows Media, .wave or .mpeg. Purchase Awards On the recommendation of the juror, the Arts and Cultural Heritage Division will purchase select works of art for the inclusion in the Parks and Recreation art collection. Delivery & Installation Artists are responsible for transporting work to and from the gallery. Art work must be delivered ready to hang and appropriately presented. For works that require projection, sound or other electronic equipment, those materials must be provided by the artist. Art works that differ significantly from the images submitted for judging, or are not ready for gallery installation, may be rejected. If you need to ship the work, please call us to let us know what arrangements you have made. The exhibition will be installed and dismantled by M-NCPPC staff unless the nature of the work requires special assistance. All work accepted for exhibition will remain for the duration of the exhibition. Sales & Insurance The M-NCPPC will retain a 25% commission on all art works sold during the exhibition. The M-NCPPC will insure all consigned artwork in the custody of Arts/Harmony Hall for 75% of it's sale value, from the time they are received by delivery, until the pick up date only. Additional Information If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact: Stuart Diekmeyer, Assistant Director, Arts/Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Rd., Fort Washington, MD 20744 or email Stuart.Diekmeyer@pgparks.com. Participation implies agreement with all aforementioned conditions.

$4K for the right name...

DW+H (a creative agency out of Santa Monica) tells me that they are crowd-sourcing a rename of their agency; the winning idea submission will receive $4,000.
 
Here's the link to the contest specifics page: https://www.victorsandspoils.com/projects/112

Good luck!

Sorianos donated to SAAM

This summer two major paintings by Cuban master Rafael Soriano were given to the Smithsonian American Art Museum for its permanent collection. These two works, Un Lugar Distante (A Distant Place) (1972) and Candor de la Alborada (Candor of Dawn) (1994), represent significant moments in Soriano’s artistic production. 

“Rafael Soriano has been called one of the major Latin American artists of his generation, and one of the premier painters of Cuba,” said Milagros Soriano, who donated the celebrated canvases to the Smithsonian American Art Museum. “So it was fitting that his artwork be represented at our country’s leading art institution.” 

“These important paintings by Rafael Soriano are excellent additions to the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection,” said Dr. E. Carmen Ramos, curator of Latino art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. “While the museum’s collection includes important works by Cuban American artists—especially those that were educated in the United States like Ana Mendieta and Maria Brito—these Soriano acquisitions allow us to capture the perspective of the first generation of Cuban exiles who arrived as adults with significant careers in Cuba already under their belt.” 

 Read the entire article in ArtDaily.org here.

Joe Kubert

"Joe Kubert, 85, the influential comic book artist and writer whose rugged, hyper-masculine artwork included Tarzan, the flying super-hero Hawkman, the World War II infantryman Sgt. Rock and graphic novels about the Bosnian war and the Holocaust, died on Aug. 12 at a hospital in Morristown, N.J. The cause of death was multiple myeloma."

New tourist attraction is Spain

(Via) Remember the world's worst art restoration project story that I mentioned a few days ago?

The 80-year-old Spanish woman responsible for what some are calling history's worst restoration of a work of art spoke out in the media on Wednesday to defend her actions.

Now apparently, the church where this "restoration" took place has become a tourist attraction!

In 5,000 years...

Neil Armstrong died today at age 82.

I remember as a kid in Brooklyn, staying up late one summer night in 1969 to watch two Earthmen land on the moon. Somehow I knew that this event would be the one notable historical footnote of the 20th century when Earth's history is taught 5,000 years from now.

I also think that Neil Armstrong, the quiet, humble, strong man who became the first human to take a step on another world, will also be the only name taught in schools a few thousand years from now when the 20th century is discussed.

Mass murderers from the Dark side like Hitler, Stalin and Mao won't even make a blip in history when hundreds of centuries must be highlighted by small asterisks; neither will their opposites on the good side, Roosevelt, Churchill, Reagan, Ghandi...

When Earth children of the year 7012 are asked what do they know about the 20th century, the only answer will be one name, Neil Armstrong and one date when man landed and walked on the moon, Sunday, July 20, 1969.

The Latin American Collective Project

Pencil this in and if you want to know the history, oddity and meaning of the terms "Hispanic" and "Latino", then come to the lecture as well...

Wanna contribute to this piece?

Below are several images showing the process for the current piece that I am doing, this time doing a trompe l'oeil of a comic book panel featuring Heckle and Jeckle.

In the final image, you can see the current state of the work, which now has two blank text balloons where the dialogue between the two characters will take place. One is jumping up in joy, his turban flying off his head (changed from a top hat in the original comic book). He is saying something to the other guy, who in turns responds.

And here's where I need your collaboration and help...

I'd like suggestions for what Heckle and Jeckle are talking about, discussing or whatever. It can be something funny, something contemporary, whatever... just appropriate to the visual scene. Leave you suggestions in the comments section or email them to me.

Winning suggestion will get a free, one of a kind signed print of the above work.