Congrats to DCCAH!

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) is pleased to announce three DCCAH commissioned public art projects from the inaugural 5x5 public art biennale have been selected by the Americans for the Arts (AFTA) Public Art Network's Year in Review Top 50 Projects of 2013. The AFTA Year in Review is the only national program that specifically recognizes public art projects. The honor couldn't have come at a better time as DCCAH is simultaneously promoting the 2014 Call to Curators for 5x5.

The award-winning projects: Home Mender by Monica Canilao (curated by Justine Topher), Henry "Box" Brown: FOREVER by Wilmer Wilson (curated by Laura Roulet), and The Polygonal Address System by Steve Badgett and Deborah Stratman (curated by Steve Rowell), were presented by the Year in Review jurors at the June 2013 AFTA - Public Art Preconference.  

"We are very excited to be recognized for public art," said Judith Terra, Chair of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. "This honor represents a growing arts scene in Washington, DC."

"We expect that the 5x5 project in 2014 will be as exciting as the previous one," said Lionell Thomas, Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. "Plans are already underway to build on the previous success with new and dynamic offerings."

My congrats to all!

Norm Parish

I am sad to report that Norm Parish, my neighbor for almost 10 years in Georgetown, a good friend, a talented artist, a constant supporter, and one of the key people in the DMV art scene for almost a quarter of a century, passed away today at 6:45PM.

My sincere hugs to Gwen, his partner and wife for the last 25 years.

The DMV has lost a giant; we will miss you Norm, but we also know that you're somewhere in the Universe doing what artists do best: creating!

Fair winds and following seas my friend!

Update:  Please join Gwen Parish and the Family for Norm Parish's final farewell to all of us at his funeral at Unity Church of Germantown, July 13, 2013.

Looking for Tim Tate at the Venice Biennale?

Some of you have been traveling to Venice for the Bienale and looking for Tim Tate's sculpture on exhibit at the Venice Bienale (thru November 24, 2013) - As the Bienale has evolved into what I call "Distributed Art" you can findTim Tate's work is on exhibit at the Palazzo Bembo. 

Directions here... bring your James Bond accent...

Artomatic coming back to Frederick

Just heard that Artomatic@Frederick will return and it will be located at the building located at115 E. Church Street as well as next door at 117 E. Church Street in Frederick, Maryland.

Dates: September 4th, – October 5th, 2013

Hours:
Wednesdays 3 pm - 9 pm
Thursdays 3 pm - 9 pm
Fridays 12 pm - 11 pm   Live Music (Various Genres)
Saturdays 9 am - 11 pm   Live Music (Various Genres)
Sundays 12 pm - 5 pm 


For more details visit http://www.artomaticfrederick.org

Registration for the Frederick Artomatic starts at midnight on July 15

Who owns the photos you take at museums?‏

"A question came up today as I was walking around the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. People were snapping pictures; others were buying books and posters, T-shirts and all sorts of merchandising.  A friend asked me if they took a picture of a Renoir, a painting that is no longer under copyright, and started selling posters, would they be violating any copyright or other rules?  For that matter, would I have a copyright on that image? This actually brings up a few legal issues.  So let’s take them step by step."

Read the article here.

Is it legal to photograph people on the beach?

"Most photographers don’t often consider the legal implications of their shoots because, as is human nature, we tend to make assumptions based on the actions of our peers.  We see people doing it all the time; we figure we can do the same thing.  Add to that, being a foreigner like Antoine, because he is not used to U.S. law at all.  Pile on the fact that most laws on the subject are different in every state to some degree and there is often no clear bright line to follow.  We hear stories constantly in the photography world about people being arrested for taking pictures in public spaces like subways.  (in general, it is OK, despite what police may say)."

Read this very cool and educational article in art law journal here.

Quammen says...

From David Quammen at MOCA:

A recent article in the Washington Post cites a study by the National Endowment for the Arts' "'National Statistics about Working Artists' taken from US Census Data for 2006 to 2010 show that the District has more working artists per capita than any state in the nation." Of course, it's not a fair comparison to make with our (DC) small population vs. all the 50 states. But comparison of city-by-city the region still ranks among the top 10 among U.S. cities.

So what, you say? D.C. is consistently lambasted as a lousy town for the arts, but here's something not many people know: There are 21 Arts Organizations, including Art League and other community based centers, in the region; 5 community colleges, 2 of which have 3 and 4 separate locations; 2-4 year colleges; 13 universities, several with multiple locations; 3 schools; and about 2 dozen or more groups that meet weekly in the name of art. That doesn't count the number of galleries, many of which host artsy-type events every week.

Speaking of art galleries, P & C Art on M Street is gone - no more art at the Georgetown location but they have another facility nearby. And a sad day for Parish Gallery, who's founder is suffering from cancer - the last exhibit is up now, and a For Lease sign is in the window. But property owner Richard Bernstein has told them they can keep the exhibit up - or put up another one - so long as there is no tenant in the offing. Based on the situation in Georgetown businesses, that may be anywhere from a few weeks to several months. In the meantime, our hearts go out to Norm, his wife, Gwen, and the passing of a legendary gallery he founded and she keeps it going for now. God bless.

Meanwhile, Moca's prognosis is good, other than being persistently late on rent. But that should change soon - we hope. Activities include an Open Drawing Session next Wednesday, July 10 - 7 to 10 pm - model is Ramsey, a new-to-the-scene female who also teaches art for Uncork'd Art, the mainstay for Moca at the moment.

And don't forget our July exhibit, A Celebration of the Figure - now in its 10th or 11th year - I do need to learn how to count. We are still accepting art up to next Thursday, July 11. Then plan to make it for the Opening Reception on Friday, July 12th - complete with some brand new events in the Out.Back section of the gallery. Or to paraphrase an old tune, There'll be a Hot Time in the Out.Back that night!!!

Questions - contact Dave at 202.342.6230