Monday, May 01, 2023

Aaron Myers is the new DC Art Commission's Executive Director

From The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH):

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Aaron Myers as our new Executive Director. Myers, a renowned jazz vocalist, pianist, educator, and activist, brings a wealth of experience in the arts and a passion for community engagement to his new role. Myers was nominated for appointment by the Commission in February 2023 following an extensive four-month search. The Council of the District of Columbia voted unanimously to confirm his appointment at today’s legislative meeting.

As a DC-based artist, Myers has a deep understanding of the city's cultural landscape and its diverse communities. He has been an active member of the DC arts community for over a decade, serving as the Artist-in-Residence at the Black Fox Lounge, Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, The Eaton and performing at venues across the city. He is the founding Board Chair of the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation, serves on the Board of Governors of the DC Recording Academy and has been recognized for his work in arts education.

In addition to his extensive background in the arts, Myers is known for his advocacy for social justice and community engagement. He has served as a community organizer and principle organizer of the DMV Music Stakeholders, a grassroots effort to center relief and resources for members of the music community impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the Executive Committee of the DC Branch of the NAACP.

As Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Myers will oversee the agency's efforts to support and promote the arts in the District of Columbia. This includes managing grant programs, public art installations, and cultural events that celebrate the city's vibrant arts scene.

"We are excited to welcome Aaron Myers as the new Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Aaron's passion for the arts and commitment to community engagement make him the ideal person to lead the Commission in its mission to support and promote the arts in the District of Columbia. We look forward to working with him to build a more vibrant and inclusive arts ecosystem in our city,” said Reggie Van Lee, Chair of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

“I am excited to be given the opportunity to serve this community, in this capacity, at this moment, and I thank Chair Van Lee and the commissioners and staff, as well as Chairman Phil Mendelson and the Council for their confidence and support. I look forward to working together, along with Mayor Muriel Bowser, to meet the moment for our creatives, and to truly reinforce to the world that DC is the District of Creatives, the Creative Capital of this Country,” said Aaron Myers, Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

Myers began working as Acting Executive Director on March 27, 2023. With today’s confirmation vote by the DC Council, he immediately assumes the role as Executive Director. The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities looks forward to the energy and vision that Myers will bring to this important role.

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants

Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants Cycle 18 is open through May 19. These national grants of up to $5,000 support direct treatment expenses for medical, dental or mental health emergencies that occurred September 1, 2022 or later; the deadline is May 19, 2023.

Choreographers, those creating in the visual arts, and those creating in the film/video/electronic/digital arts, living anywhere in the U.S., D.C, US territories, or tribal nations are eligible. Cycle 19 will open June 20, with a deadline of July 21, for emergencies occurring December 1, 2022 and later. A recorded information session, along with guidelines and the online application, are available on their website.

Friday, April 28, 2023

Tomorrow: Insights with Laura Roulet

Insights: Laura Roulet

Tomorrow, 4pm–6pm

Join the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art in Reston, Virginia tomorrow for an Insights program spotlighting an academic perspective of the work currently on view at Tephra ICA. This Insights program will feature my good friend independent curator and writer Laura Roulet who will speak about the Hacia la Vida | Toward Life exhibition.



Please RSVP here. In addition to the in-person program, Insights will be livestreamed beginning at 4:30pm and guests are welcome to join via Zoom with this link. This program is generously supported by Reston Community Center.

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival

On May 13 & 14, 2023, the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival takes over Woodmont Triangle, along Norfolk, Auburn & Del Ray Avenues, welcoming over 100 of the nation's best artists, live entertainment, and Bethesda restaurants. 

Take a glance at the artists attending this year's festival by clicking here

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. Sign up to volunteer here.

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Sold!

This is why I always tell artists to do the OUT OF ORDER show at the Maryland Art Place in Baltimore!



Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Black Art: In the Presence of LIGHT

Bethesda's Gallery B welcomes The Black Art Today Foundation for the first time, exhibiting their latest show, “Black Art: In the Presence of LIGHT.” 

Inspired by the documentary, Black Art: In the Absence of Light. This exhibit answers the challenging question to all Black and African American artists, “Are you willing to make [art] in the absence of light?” The foundation’s 27 member artists collectively respond that their work is LIGHT. 

The artwork will be exhibited from May 5 - May 28, 2023 with an opening reception on Sunday, May 7th from 2pm -5pm. Gallery hours for the show will be Friday – Saturday, 12-7pm, and Sundays, 11-6pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E, Bethesda, MD, in the former location of the DMV's iconic Fraser Gallery.

Featuring Artists

DionJa’Y

Kibibi Ajanku

Tanya Bracey

Bryane Broadie

Jamil Burton

Karen Y. Buster

David W.M. Cassidy

Dr. Vanessa Chappell-Lee

Keiona Clark

Thomas E. Dade

Emery Franklin 

Scott Fulton

Marilyn Gates

Brayden Green

Anita Henley

Sarah Jones

Erasto Curtis Matthews

James E. Murphy Jr.

Esther Okehi

Babacar Pouye

Alma Robert

B/ue Robin

Harriet Smith

Dr. Yemonja Smalls

K. Sparks

Shirlene Thomas

Anthony Young