Next Week: MCA Open Studios

On the afternoons of October 19th and 20th tour 20+ working art studios, in and around the Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U Street and Shaw neighborhoods, better known as Mid City.  Visitors can enjoy DC’s glorious fall weather by hopping from one studio to another within vibrant Mid City and witness an expansive offering of art and culture by some of the city’s most talented and creative artists.  This bi-annual event, now in its 10th year, offers visitors a rare portal into the artists’ creative habitat and an opportunity for the public to participate in the District’s dynamic and diverse arts community.  The participating artists represent a great diversity of work, including drawings, sculptures, paintings, prints, photographs and mixed media.

Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home.  Mid City Artists (MCA) Open Studios are an integral part of the distinctive character of the District and Mid City.  MCA offers studio visitors the exclusive opportunity to buy contemporary art direct from the artist studio.  While visiting the studios each artist offers refreshments as well as a good conversation about his or her art work.  Each studio is unique and locations range from retail spaces, old carriage houses, spare bedrooms, apartments to basements.  We hope you choose to spend your fall weekend with Mid City Artists.  We encourage you to make a day of it, stop by a several studios before and after brunch, and then hit a few more before grabbing an early evening cocktail on 14th Street.

MCA is a distinct and talented group of more than 35 professional artists who have come together to promote their work and to create an artists’ community in the central part of the nation’s capital.  Mid City is a hub of real estate development with soaring property values, new condos, trendy shops and restaurants.  There are more than 1,200 condos and apartments and 100,000 square feet of retail currently being built or recently completed.  Concurrently, at least 25 bars and restaurants have opened along 14th Street, adding more than 2,000 seats to the city’s dining scene.  MCA continues to contribute to this growth by infusing the neighborhood with authenticity, creativity and economic activity.

Numerous business sponsors support MCA by exhibiting member works throughout the year and during the Open Studios weekend. For example, Axis Salon will be exhibiting member artist Colin Winterbottom this fall and Doris-Mae, a curatorial project of Thomas Drymon, has a painting and installation up through October 20th. MCA is a driving force in keeping art and creative expression alive within Mid City.

Open Studios Participating Artists:  Sondra Arkin, Scott G. Brooks, Jane Cave, Michael Crossett, Gary Fisher, Charlie Gaynor, Charlie Jones, Sally Kauffman, Miguel Perez Lem, Lucinda Friendly Murphy, Betto Ortiz, Mark Parascandola, Dave Peterson, Brian Petro, George H. Smith-Shomari, John Talkington, Michael Torra, Robert Wiener, Colin Winterbottom. Others by appointment.

Almost final report...

Exhausted and home from the (e)merge art fair in DC, where today we sold several more Elissa Farrow Savos sculptures as well as several more of my drawings and also work by Ric Garcia... And in NYC the Affordable Art Fair crew is heading home, also exhausted but happy after a good fair in NY.

More later...

Art fair(s) report...

The NYC crew at the Affordable Art Fair continues to report good sales... Multiple sales for Anne Marchand, multiple sales for Jodi Walsh and multiple sales for Tim Vermeulen... That is great news!

The DC crew at (e)merge is also kicking it... Today we sold four sculptures by Elissa Farrow-Savos (including sales to a very well-known collector) and six of my pieces, including two major and very large embedded video pieces.

Five weird and wonderful works at the (e)merge art fair

Check Maura Judkis' take in the WaPo here.

Day One at the Fairs...

Last night was the opening nights for both the Affordable Art Fair in New York and the (e)merge art fair here in DC.

The NYC crew reported several sales - yay! And the DC crew saw sales of two Elissa Farrow-Savos sculptures and two Judith Peck paintings.

Come see us - in NYC at booth A-14 and here in DC in rooms 215-216.

Judith Peck, Lenny Campello and Mera Rubell at (e)merge 2013

(e)merge opens tomorrow

(e)merge art fair opens tomorrow!

Opening Preview
Thursday, October 3:
7pm - 9pm: Preview Party
9pm - 11pm: Concert by the Pool with MAIMOUNA YOUSSEF (live set) and John Thornley of U.S. Royalty (DJ set)

Details here.

Come see us in Rooms 215-216.

Opportunity for Public Artists

The Ballston Business Improvement District (Ballston BID), in Arlington, Virginia, seeks to commission multiple temporary public art installations that explore the interaction of art, science and technology in public space. The projects would be presented as an ongoing series in Spring 2014. We are primarily seeking responses from artists and innovators living or working in the Mid-Atlantic area.

The Ballston BID seeks to commission up to nine projects, for which it would provide stipends ranging from $2,000 to $12,000. The Ballston BID is seeking a mix of projects, in regard to their duration, media, location and budget; however, all projects must be located in or viewable from key streets and public spaces in the Ballston core. Questions will be accepted through September 30, and responses are due on October 7, 2013, 4 p.m. EDT. Responses will be evaluated by a committee of curators, arts administrators and artists familiar with this field.

For more information, contact their project coordinator Todd Bressi at art@ballstonbid.com or view their  Frequently Asked Questions.

Two fairs at once

We've never done two art fairs at once... but New York's Affordable Art Fair and DC's (e)merge art fair happen to happen at the same time and so for the first time ever, a DC area art dealer is punching the ticket for two art fairs at once in two different cities (gulp!).

It's all about the Benjamins... we've been doing exceptionally well with our art fair program at the art fairs over the last few years... even in this stinking economy... so why not?

And thus, you can see us this week at both of these:

Booth A-14

Rooms 215-216

Fall for the Arts at the Katzen

American University's Fall for the Arts will bring neighbors, students, faculty, and friends together through art. It's on exhibition now through Oct. 5th at the Katzen.

The day will feature an afternoon of dynamic Courses and Workshops including orchestral conducting, the history of audio recording, a playwriting class, and a discussion of the role of interruption as a catalyst for art, to name just a few. Classes suitable for children are so noted in the descriptions. 

Surprise performances will pop up when you least expect them. The day will conclude with an early evening cocktail reception in the Katzen Arts Center and a Live Art Auction featuring local artists. 

The event is open to the public and an invitation is extended to local residents, patrons of the arts, parents of AU students, and the entire AU community.

Check out the details, the artists, and the terrific artwork here. There's an amazing Alan Feltus that someone will get for a steal! Also check out this gorgeous Tim Tate!

You can register here.

Today at 2PM

Later today, Sunday, September 29, at 2PM I will delivering a lecture titled "On Identity in the Arts: What Does It Mean to be Latino?" at the Ridderhof Martin Gallery at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA.

The lecture is free and open to the general public, and from past deliveries of this lecture, I expect that it will continue to be informative, irreverent and eye-opening.

Directions to the gallery here.

Turn Art Lookers into Art Buyers

I go to a lot of art openings and typically don't hang around all that long at any one place. I look at the art and, when possible, have a few words with the artist, after which it's on to the next show. I recently had a chance encounter with an artist whose opening I had been to several nights before. We exchanged pleasantries, and I mentioned how much I enjoyed the show. The artist thanked me and, as we were about to part, asked somewhat cryptically, "Did you look at the art?" with emphasis on the word "look." Without thinking, I answered, "Of course," but then felt a curious twinge of guilt as I walked off wondering, well... did I really look at it? Yes I did, but the artist's implication seemed to be that perhaps I didn't look at it long enough. Hmmm. 

So I got to thinking-- what does it mean to "look at the art," and even more to the point, what does it mean to look at it enough? And even more importantly, what does it mean to look at art enough to become so excited about it that you decide to buy it? Enough according to whom? Who decides when enough is enough? And how does looking at art progress to buying that art? In particular, what does this "act of looking" mean from the artist's perspective as distinguished from that of the viewer (potential buyer)?

Read the entire fascinating piece here.

Judith Peck at (e)merge

Dialogue
Oil and Plaster on board
18 x14 inches
2013 Judith Peck
Will be in Room 215 at the (e)merge art fair next week

Transitory Window
Oil and Plaster on board
14 x11 inches
2013 Judith Peck
Will be in Room 215 at the (e)merge art fair next week

Art fairs in NYC and DC

This coming week is a double art fair week... here in DC is the third iteration of the (e)merge art fair, come check us out in rooms 215-216. And in New York is the Affordable Art Fair Fall version, and we're also there in booth A-14. Drop me an email if you need passes to AAFNYC.

In NYC we will be featuring the works of three vastly talented and well-known DMV artists: Anne Marchand, Jodi Walsh and Tim Vermeulen.

In DC we will have an equally talented group of artists, including the UK's Simon Monk, and the DMV's Christopher Baer, Judith Peck, Elissa Farrow-Savos, Ric Garcia and yours truly.

Moby Dick: Queequeg's Fast. Oil on Panel by Tim Vermeulen

Moving On. Ceramic on Textured Panel by Jodi Walsh

Pulse. Acrylic and mixed media on canvas by Anne Marchand

Lecture this Sunday at UMW

This coming Sunday, September 29, at 2PM I will delivering a lecture titled "On Identity in the Arts: What Does It Mean to be Latino?" at the Ridderhof Martin Gallery at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA.

The lecture is free and open to the general public, and from past deliveries of this lecture, I expect that it will continue to be informative, irreverent and eye-opening.

Directions to the gallery here.

The Phillips Collection to award Emerging Artist Prize

On October 5th, Phillips Director Dorothy Kosinski and Curators Klaus Ottmann and Vesela Sretenovic will select the winner of The Phillips Collection Emerging Artist Prize from works on display at the third annual (e)merge art fair. The award is the first of its kind for the museum.

“We are honored and thrilled that The Phillips Collection will award a prize to an artist exhibiting at (e)merge this year. The Phillips Collection Emerging Artist Prize will provide curatorial recognition and financial support for an emerging artist at a critical moment in his or her international career, said Jamie Smith, co-director of the (e)merge art fair  and one of the equally hardworking co-owners of Connersmith.

The winner will be announced during a panel discussion at (e)merge art fair, and the chosen work will become part of the Phillips’s permanent collection.

“This prize gives the Phillips the opportunity to support not only DC’s local creative community, but also to benefit from the international reach of this fast-rising art fair. We’re excited to continue the Phillips’s long history of supporting emerging artists through this partnership," added Klaus Ottmann, Director of the Center for the Study of Modern Art at the Phillips.

This is a very positive new development for the DMV's relationship with our local museums; well done to the Phillips!

After I stroll through (e)merge next week, I will try to predict, within three works, which piece the Phillips will acquire.

The Heart of the World opens this Friday

Opening Reception for "The Heart of the World" 

Over 50 works of art to be exhibited by artist Michael Francis Reagan.

Date: Friday, October 4

Time: 6pm-8:30pm

Location: Gallery A

2106 R St. NW

Washington, D.C 20008

This exhibit will run from October 4-October 31 and it open to the general public from 11am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday. 

This exhibit has already been reviewed by the WaPo's gallery critic, Mark Jenkins as one of the top 10 fall exhibits in Washington D.C. 

Trapped Batman

Trapped Batman III
Oil and Alkyds on Wood
11.8 x 11.8 inches
2013 Simon Monk
Will be in Room 216 of the (e)merge art fair next week

Art Installer Job

Artisphere in Arlington County, VAseeks an experienced and capable technical assistant providing art installation services. This will ensure the smooth operation of the visual arts areas of Artisphere. Artisphere, Arlington's cultural center, offers a wide range of visual and performing arts programs, including music, dance, visual arts and theater. The 62,000 sq foot campus includes a ballroom, three performance venues, three visual arts galleries, Wi-Fi town hall, and is located in the heart of Rosslyn, a major transit hub for bus and metro rail.
 
Duties and responsibilities: 
• Partner with both in-house and outside curators for preparation and planning of exhibition installation. Installation and de-installation of a variety of works of art, in all media, for up to 30 exhibits per year.
• Maintain inventory and storage of works of art on display. 
• Maintain inventory of installation supplies and tools. 
• Participate in and/or manage process for drop off/ pick up of art work for juried exhibitions, special exhibitions, and site-specific installations. 
• Complete condition reports on all works of art received and shipped. 
• Assist in the training of volunteers and interns in gallery procedures. 
• Assist in maintaining the appearance of exhibition space including dusting, sweeping, cleaning of plexi, paint touch-up, as well as care and cleaning of miscellaneous exhibition furniture.
• Assist in maintaining ongoing exhibitions with works of art that may require daily examination, repair and maintenance. As needed, consult with curator and artist on most appropriate method of maintenance.
• Collect, organize and present data for price sheets and labels for exhibition.
• Assist with the installation/deinstallation of stationary and new-media based donor/sponsor initiatives.

 The employee must have the following:
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to read floor plans specifications and diagrams.
• Familiarity with the use of power tools.
• Skills in patching and painting walls.
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
 
The employee must understand proper handling of fine artwork of a variety of mediums, including digital media and the installation of video/electrical equipment.

Details here.

At the Affordable Art Fair NYC next week...

This coming week is a double art fair week... here in DC is the third iteration of the (e)merge art fair, come check us out in rooms 215-216. And in New York is the Affordable Art Fair Fall version, and we're also there in booth A-14.

There are 57 galleries from all over the planet at the fair.

In NYC we will be featuring the works of three vastly talented and well-known DMV artists: Anne Marchand, Jodi Walsh and Tim Vermeulen. Drop me an email if you need passes to AAFNYC.

Moby Dick: Queequeg's Fast. Oil on Panel by Tim Vermeulen

Moving On. Ceramic on Textured Panel by Jodi Walsh

Pulse. Acrylic and mixed media on canvas by Anne Marchand

Congrats to Matt Sesow!

The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) released six new postage stamps on Friday, 20 September 2013, focusing on the talents of artists with disabilities. The stamps were issued in conjunction with the United Nations High Level Meeting of the General Assembly on disability and development on 23 September in New York City. You can see images of the event here.

The stamp images, titled Break Barriers, Open Doors, include a painting by the DMV's own Matt Sesow, self portraits by artists Chuck Close and Josephine King, a painting and Sargy Mann, a group photograph of the China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe, and an individual photograph by Pete Eckert.

“This project led us to an incredible pool of talented artists who provided stamp images that send powerful messages of achievement,” noted UNPA Creative Director, Rorie Katz. “Their focus on creating world-class art is an inspiration to everyone. We are pleased to pay tribute to their accomplishments through our postage stamps.”

The stamps, issued in US dollars, Swiss francs and Euros, will be sold at United Nations stamp shops in New York, Geneva and Vienna. They can also be purchased at http//unstamps.org, or by calling the New York office at 1-800-234-8672.

To learn more about the High Level Meeting of the General Assembly on disability and development go to www.un.org/disabilities. The Meeting, which includes heads of states, is expected to result in a concise, action oriented outcome document to provide policy guidance and strengthen efforts of the international community to ensure accessibility for and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of development efforts.

The Artists’ Stories

The artists, whose worked is featured on the six postage stamps, have a diverse background that is united around the visual arts. Their stories are as inspirational as their art. For detailed information about each artist, go to… http://unstamps.un.org/doc/Publication/bulletin_107.pdf

46¢
Chuck Close (USA)
Self-Portrait II (2010)
Chuck Close is an award-winning visual artist noted for his highly inventive techniques used to paint the human face. Though a rare spinal artery collapse in 1988 left him paralysed, he has continued to paint using a brush-holding device strapped to his wrist and forearm. He was presented with the prestigious National Medal of Arts by President Clinton in 2000 and was appointed by President Obama to serve on The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

$1.10
Josephine King (United Kingdom)
Tears And Laughter, France 2009,
Ink on paper
“My work is based on personal experience and has progressed massively since I recovered from being severely ill and suicidal during a breakdown caused by my Bipolar illness. Since that experience my painting began to reach new depths that it never had before. I was newly compelled to express my darkest feelings and my work started to avalanche. Even if I had wanted to, I would not have been able to stop its flow.” “When I am painting I reach a state of mind where I’m in another world, a world of unknown territory. I am not conscious of where I am. I paint through pure feelings.” “My voice is just one amongst millions but if there are people who identify with my work and are moved by it, then I feel I have succeeded. I tell a personal story, yet if I depict pain or suffering it is universal. I paint from the heart and with honesty.”

F.s. 1,40
Sargy Mann (United Kingdom)
See the Girl with the Red Dress On,
Oil on canvas 60” x 44”
The painter Sargy Mann was diagnosed with cataracts at 36, and went on to lose his sight completely. But in his mind’s eye, his vision did not fade. Mann found new ways to keep working and today his paintings are more acclaimed than ever. “I was saying to someone … how incredibly lucky I have been. I had about 25 years’ apprenticeship for going blind. It was a bugger, but I kept working out how to paint over those 25 years, and my brain kept finding new ways to see the world”.

F.s. 1,90
China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe (China)
The China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe was founded in 1987 to provide people living with disabilities a platform to express themselves in a special art. The Troupe’s guiding principle is the pursuit of Truth, Honesty and Virtue which it emphasizes in all of its activities. The performers, with varying degrees of hearing, visual and physical disabilities, impart their glamour through dance and performances with spectacular sets and elegant, colourful costumes. The artists are true professionals who dramatically illustrate the creative spirit and potential that lies at the heart of every person, regardless of physical challenges imposed through disability.

€ 0,70
Pete Eckert (USA)
Electro Man
“I didn’t take photography seriously until I went totally blind. I was trained in sculpture and industrial design. I have always been a visual person and planned to study architecture at Yale, but then I started to lose my sight.” “I was on my own to find a path. It took me two years to recover and figure out what to do. My first photography outing after a thousand questions at the camera store started it all. People liked the photos. I had found a medium.” “I view my work during the event of taking the shot in my mind’s eye. I ‘see’ each shot very clearly, only I use sound, touch, and memory. I am more of a conceptual artist than a photographer. My influences come from my past memory of art and what I now find in the world at large. Occasionally people refuse to believe I am blind. I am a visual person. I just can’t see.”

€ 1.70
Matt Sesow (USA)
Dive Bomb
When Matt Sesow was eight years old, he was struck by the propeller of a landing airplane near his home. The accident resulted in his left arm being severed and the loss of his left hand. Without formal art education, Matt Sesow discovered painting as a hobby while working in the computer field. In the evenings and on weekends he played with painting and began selling his work to self-taught and outsider art collectors. In 2001, after establishing himself within the art community as a powerfully diverse and independent painter, Matt Sesow retired from his computer career to pursue his art full time. He has exhibited and travelled across the United States and securing new collectors internationally including significant exhibitions in Spain, France and Slovenia. Matt continues to be an independent artist who makes a living by selling his work directly to fans