Coriana Simon at Artists & Makers

Release of DC Cultural Plan Working Draft for Public Review

The DC Office of Planning (OP) is excited to release the DC Cultural Plan working draft for public review. The Plan was led by OP in consultation with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) and the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME).

Culture is important to the District of Columbia. It embraces who we are; reflects our diversity; and brings us together. Culture is also an important part of our economy, where it accounts for an estimated $30 billion in annual spending and 112,370 jobs.

The Cultural Plan's recommendations strengthen arts, humanities, culture and heritage in neighborhoods across the city by increasing cultural participation, expanding capacity building, stimulating cultural production and informing decision-making. The Plan lays out a vision and recommendations on how the government and its partners can build upon, strengthen and invest in the people, places, communities and ideas that define culture within the nation's capital.

Check out the working draft of the DC Cultural Plan here. 

Comments on the draft will be accepted through February 28th, 2018 via email at DCculturalplan@dc.gov.  

Plae adult sketchbook

Plae is "the innovative, customizable, fashion-forward shoe brand that encourages children and now adults alike to never stop playing. In the light-hearted spirit of fulling its mission, the brand recently launched a sketchbook coloring contest, giving doodlers, scribblers, colorers and sketchers the chance to let their creativity soar."

In collaboration with Swedish artist, Mikael Selin, the contest invites users to download the vibrant adult sketchbook on their website, color them to their heart's desire and submit their masterpieces by 1/29/2018. 

Prizes for the lucky winner include a limited first edition Mulberry Plae shoes (the first ever Plae adult shoe offering), a Boosted Board, a custom Mission Bike, and $250 Plae gift card. 

You can find more info and contest details here.

Sam Gilliam

Lots has been written recently about the well-deserved "revival" in interest in the works of my good friend Sam Gilliam, and no one deserves it more than this hard-working artist (never identify Sam as a "DC artist" or he may kick your ass.

Anyway - Gilliam's work has enjoyed not only a "rediscovery" in recent years (a lot of it associated with his increased exposure via art fairs), but also finally a significant increase in price; after all, art is a commodity.

It wasn't that long ago that one could show up at a local auction house and find an original Gilliam for a few hundred bucks. For example, the below work, identified at the auction site as:

Sam Gilliam (American b. 1933) Untitled (Abstract): A Double-Sided Work The first, signed Sam Gilliam and dated 68 twice l.r.; and the second Sam Gilliam and dated 68 l.r. Mixed media on paper; apparently in good condition. Framed.* Sight size: 17-1/2 x 23 in (44.5 x 52.4 cm) 

Sold for $1400 in 2011!!!

Not anymore! Check out a "local" history of Sam's prices via a local DC area auction house here.

The the bear turned his attention the other way

Opportunity for Portrait Artists

The International Portrait Competition showcases the finest in portraiture and figurative art today. The competition is open to all artists and the top 20 finalists are required to exhibit their original artwork and be present at The Art of the Portrait conference in Washington, DC, April 19-22, 2018.

Over $100,000 in cash & prizes will be awarded with the Grand Prize Winner receiving $20,000.

Entry Fee.

Details: 850-878-9996 OR http://www.portraitsociety.org/international OR info@portraitsociety.org

Lots of Fridas

Who knew?
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