Virginian Waves
New Waves 2009 is the title of the exhibition of Virginia artists at the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia which says that "New Waves 2009 is an opportunity for CAC to support the work of Virginia artists by assisting them in garnering recognition from the public and nationally recognized galleries and collectors."
The opening reception is from 7-9pm on Friday, January 23, 2009 and the New York and Atlanta gallery-owner jurors selected Susana Almuina, Clover Archer, Nicole Baumann, Stephanie Bingham, Mikael Elliot Broth, Travis Childers, RJ Clark, Derek Cote, davmo, Miriam Ellen Ewers, Peter Geiger, Kirsten Kindler, Lisa McCarty, Megan Mueller, Michael Ohgren, Kristen Rego, and Rainham D.M.H. Rowe.
Because from of all those names I recognize only two (and I think that I have a pretty good handle on a lot of Virginia artists) I am really curious as to whom the jurors selected. In fact, I'm going to visit this show and see what the works looks like.
As outsiders, the two jurors would have brought in a couple of fresh, unprejudiced eyes to the selection process, rather than a priori knowledge to the process.
I'm a little surprised in that I think that this is a good thing.
In fact, the more that I think about it, the more that I think that other jurying processes or award processes that are regional in nature, should employ as jurors qualified outsiders who look only at the work and its visual and collective merit, rather than "recognize" the work and thus the artist and thus bring in immediate opinions and prejudices to the contest.
The drawback would be when an outsider fails to recognize a copycat artist. In the card below I see at least someone channeling Dan Steinhilber and half a dozen Art0matic artists of the past.
But I think that the gains from clear, unprejudiced eyes, outweigh the occasional copycat from getting into the list. It could even be a case of remarkable confluence.
The reason that I have been able to predict a lot of direct hits at such major regional awards such as the Trawick Prize is because that very prestigious award employs local jurors for their process, and so far it has been my impression that many, not all, of the jurors bring in too much knowledge, and too close a relationship in a few cases, with some of the award winners.
It would be interesting to see the Trawick employ three jurors this year from other neighboring states, rather than a Virginia, Maryland and DC juror. In fact, they could switch off every year.
One year DC, MD and VA jurors; the next year other states, and so on.
I bet that more interesting results would come out, instead of the usual suspects getting the award almost every year.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Grants for Arlington County, Virginia artists
Deadline: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Spotlight Grants are intended to encourage Arlington-based Visual, Media and Performing Artists to develop and present innovative new arts projects or programs that benefit Arlington County and its residents, increase access to and involvement in arts experiences for Arlington residents, and respond to diverse community needs.
Details and application here.
Christina's World on view
The family of Andrew Wyeth and the Brandywine River Museum invite the public to a celebration of the life and work of Andrew Wyeth, who died on January 16. This special event will be held Saturday, January 31, from 9:30 to 4:30 p.m. Complementary admission will be offered to all visitors on this day.Visit the museum's website here.
Andrew Wyeth's most famous painting, the iconic Christina's World, will be on view at the Museum for the celebration.* On loan from The Museum of Modern Art in New York, this is the first time the painting has been on view in the region. It is rarely seen outside New York City. The Brandywine River Museum currently displays 38 other paintings and watercolors by the artist.
"Andrew Wyeth once told an interviewer that 'Painting has been my one interest, nothing else but art,'" recalled Jim Duff, Director of the Brandywine River Museum. "The finest way to honor him is to enjoy the art he created."
The documentary film, Self Portrait: Snow Hill, produced by Betsy James Wyeth and narrated by Stacy Keach, will be shown in the Museum's Lecture Room every hour on the hour starting at 10 a.m. Incorporating many of Andrew Wyeth's works of art along with family photographs, home movies, personal letters and footage of Andrew Wyeth, this moving program provides insight into his private world.
In addition, memory books in which visitors can leave their thoughts will be located in the museum.
Exhibiting American art in a 19th-century grist mill, the Brandywine River Museum is internationally known for its unparalleled collection of works by three generations of Wyeths and its fine collection of American illustration, still life and landscape painting.
The Brandywine River Museum is located on U.S. Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. The museum is open daily, except Christmas Day, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tim Tate at the LA Art Show
Shasta McBride at the LA Art Scene Examiner reviews the LA Art Show and highlights DC artist Tim Tate.
Read it here.
Call for Fiber Artists
The Washington D.C. metropolitan area has some of the finest national and internationally known fiber artists in the country. BlackRock Center for the Arts is proud to present the 2nd Annual “Tribute to Fiber Art” Juried Exhibition. Their goal is not only to support our local area fiber artists but to give East Coast collectors an exhibit of exceptional quality.
Juror Jodi Walsh first started this exhibit at APEX Gallery on 7th Street in Washington DC. “Tribute to Fiber Art” was reviewed by the Washington Post and grew into an outstanding exhibit that was supported by the Smithsonian by giving annual tours to their collectors.
Because of her extensive travels overseas Jodi understands the importance of fiber art to the art world. Waslh says that “fiber artists have given new life to their medium by exploring new techniques and media. Combining the old and the new creates art work that is both stimulating and highly collectable. With the support of BlackRock Center for the Arts fiber artists have a new home to exhibit their work and fiber art collectors will enjoy visiting this pristine gallery to view an exceptional exhibit.”
Eligibility: Open to all fiber artists residing in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC over the age of 18. Fiber Art: artwork that is created of fiber material. Please note that they will not be accepting clothing pieces. Fiber artists interested in the exhibition should contact Lee Stern at lstern@blackrockcenter.org or call Lee at 240-912-1050 for a copy of the prospectus.
Award: As in the tradition of the original “Tribute to Fiber Art” Juried Exhibition a solo exhibition the following year will be awarded.
Dates and Deadlines 2009
Saturday, January 31 - Deadline postmarked or delivered by 2:00pm
Thursday, February 5 - Jurying
Week of February 9 - Notification
Thursday, February 26 - Delivery: between 9am – noon
Tuesday, March 3 - Installation of work
Friday, April 10 - Pickup 9am - noon
Exhibition Timeline
Exhibition - March 4 thru April 9
Reception - Saturday, March 7, 5:30 – 7:30pm
Gallery Hours - Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm, Sat: 10am – 2pm
Art of Obama
Art of Obama.com has an ever growing collection of pro Obama artwork online. You can submit your own Obamart by emailing it to contact@artofobama.com with all the appropriate details.
