Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Mark Halperin: Asshole of the Week

Other than my frequent ramblings on the brutal Cuban dictatorship, and an occasional political cartoon, this blog seldom discusses politics, so please forgive this nauseating excursion into that world.

Last night I watched the Mark Halperin interview of Senator Ted Cruz, an interview that, as a Cuban-American, not only made me immensely uncomfortable, but also revealed the disturbing insides of this "journalist."


Senator Ted Cruz is Cuban-American, and because the Texas Senator is one of those rare politicians that actually says in a very loud voice what he believes, and then sticks to his beliefs, you either like him a lot, or despise him even more, depending if you agree with Cruz (as the majority of Texans who voted him into the Senate apparently do) or disagree with him (as practically every Democratic Senator and even some Republicans does), and that is just one of the beautiful things about living in this great nation: Politicians (and the rest of us) can (and often should) have widely differing views on things, and disagree, and argue, etc.

Watching Halperin's revolting interview of Cruz, I actually wanted to throw up.

Up to last night, I had never heard of the online interview show that Halperin co-hosts on BloombergPolitics.com. It is called "With All Due Respect", but the last thing that Halperin showed Cruz was respect; in fact what Halperin revealed about himself was not only a disturbing and sickening inside look at his mind, but also evidence of his lack of journalistic ethics.

Imagine Halperin interviewing Senator Obama in 2008:
"Senator Obama, as a historical matter, when you applied to Harvard, did you list yourself as a Kenyan-American"?

"Who's your favorite African-American performer?"

"What's your favorite kind of black music?"

"What's your favorite soul food?"
Or imagine Halperin interviewing Senator Elizabeth Warren today:
"Senator Warren, what's your favorite Native-American dance?

"Can you say something in Wampanoag?
Had those interviews happened, Bloomberg would have fired Halperin (who has since then somewhat apologized... cough, cough).

What Halperin was doing when he asked Senator Cruz to speak in Spanish (when everyone knows that Cruz is not fluent in Spanish), or to reveal his favorite Cuban dish, or to list what sort of Cuban music the Senator likes, was to challenge Cruz's Cubanosity and to diminish his Hispanic/Latino "credentials."

Halperin wanted to diminish and embarrass Senator Cruz because Ted Cruz does not fit the stereotype of what the main stream press and the Democratic Party (but I repeat myself) wants us Hispanics/Latinos to be: homogeneously brown, solid Democrats, poor, and victimized. Cruz, on the other hand, is white, right wing, and very vocal and proud about his extreme right-wingness.

Why did this interview bother me so much? I thought about this overnight, and I've come to the conclusion that, for the first time, starting when I was a child in Brooklyn, grew into a man while serving in the US Navy, and the many years since, I've now personally felt, for the first time in all those years, the slimy touch of racism.

It sickens me that Halperin can give a half-assed apology and go on pretending that he's an unbiased, objective journalist, when it is clear to the most casual observer that all along he had a goal and a focus in his sickening interview of Senator Cruz.

It sickens me that it took a Mark Halperin to make me feel insulted, nauseated, violated and angry. And it sickens me that he's tarnished my American dream.

Corcoran’s 17th Street building's renovation

LEO A DALY, an internationally renowned architecture, engineering and planning firm with expertise in arts and education spaces, will lead the phased renovation of the Corcoran’s 17th Street building, the George Washington University announced Monday.

The firm, which already has assisted with preliminary space planning at the Corcoran, will be responsible for detailed planning as well as historically sensitive architectural design work for the renovations at the 17th Street building. Initial work will include design of roof and façade repairs; upgrades to critical infrastructure; and design of program spaces, such as computer labs, which will be used in the fall. Long-term efforts will include design to support academic programs and student needs.

The National Gallery of Art, GW, The Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Corcoran College of Art + Design signed the historic collaboration agreements last year that, in part, created the
Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at GW and transferred ownership of the 17th Street building to the university.

“LEO A DALY brings a high level of knowledge and experience to this project and has successfully led our initial space planning efforts,” said Alicia Knight, GW’s senior associate vice president for operations. “We look forward to working with the firm as we renovate the Corcoran to ensure that it supports our students and continues to serve as a showplace for the arts.”
The firm, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is an international leader in the practice of architecture and engineering. Its design expertise in the arts, museums and learning environments includes the Savannah College of Art and Design in Hong Kong and the Strategic Air and Space Museum in Ashland, Nebraska. LEO A DALY is also leading the renovation of the historic Burlington Passenger Station, built in Omaha in 1898, transforming it into a state-of-the-art television studio facility for the Hearst Corporation’s ABC affiliate KETV News Watch Channel 7.

“It is a rare privilege to lead the renovation of such an iconic Beaux Arts building,” said Leo A. Daly III, chairman and CEO of LEO A DALY. “The Corcoran Building is a significant Washington landmark, just steps from the White House. Breathing new life into such a structure, while transforming its classic gallery space into a world-class arts education environment, is an architect’s dream.”
Mr. Daly, a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, serves on the Trustees’ Council of the National Gallery of Art and is a former trustee of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. A respected collector of 20th century art, Mr. Daly previously served as chairman of the American Architectural Foundation, vice chairman of the Kennedy Center International Committee, vice chairman of the National Building Museum, and on the Advisory Board of the Blair House Fine Arts Committee.

The university
recently announced that it has entered into a contract for S&R Foundation to purchase the Fillmore building. The nonprofit organization intends to use it as an arts incubator supporting talented artists. The university will use funds from the sale of the Fillmore for the renovation of the 17th Street building and for programs within the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design.

Monday, May 11, 2015

American Sniper Saga: UMD responds

As you know, I was furious at how UMD caved in when faced with a set of students who do not understand fully the concept of freedom of speech - in this case about the showing of the film American Sniper.

UMD has responded with the following:
Dear Lenny:
 
Thank you for your message to President Loh and for reaching out to voice your concerns regarding the decision to postpone the viewing of American Sniper. We understand this decision has caused a strong reaction, and we appreciate your feedback.

It was announced on Tuesday afternoon that a showing of American Sniper, sponsored by the UMD College Democrats and the UMD College Republicans, will happen on the University of Maryland campus on May 4th at the Hoff Theatre.  There will be no charge to students, and anyone who wishes to stay afterward will be invited to participate in a thoughtful dialogue.

We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.

Sincerely,
 
Ann Tonggarwee
Assistant to the President
University of Maryland

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Call for artists and curators

Deadline: Rolling

Summary
The Athenaeum Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia exhibits visual arts created solely by artists living or working in the region and strives to present visitors with a wide variety of excellent art and unique experiences.  In addition to the shows curated by the Gallery Director, the Athenaeum Gallery invites artists and curators to submit show proposals.

Eligibility
Artists who live or work in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia may submit a proposal for a solo show.  A group of artists who live or work in the area may submit a proposal for group show.  A curator, living or working anywhere, may submit a proposal for a show featuring works by artists living or working in this area.

Sales
The Athenaeum Gallery will retain a 30% commission on works sold, and will issue a check for 70% of the sales price to the artist no longer than thirty days after the show has closed.
For a curator-proposed show, the commission structure can be adjusted with the full agreement of the gallery and the curator.
Sold work remains in the gallery until the last day of the show.
Work does not have to be for sale to be included in a show.

Insurance
All works in the show will be insured by the Athenaeum Gallery for 100% of the retail price during the run of the show.

About the Athenaeum
The Athenaeum Gallery is the headquarters of the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association (NVFAA).  Founded in 1964, the NVFAA is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in all forms of art, and to establishing programs that will enrich the cultural life of Northern Virginia and the surrounding metropolitan area. The Athenaeum Gallery exhibits work created solely by artists living or working the region and strives to present visitors with a wide variety of excellent work and unique experiences.

Details here.

Saturday, May 09, 2015

A Free eBook Just for Visual Artists

http://artlawjournal.com/free-ebook-copyright-for-visual-artists-1/?utm_source=wysija&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=May+4
Click on the above image or visit this link.

Friday, May 08, 2015

Wanna go to an artist's talk tomorrow?

Saturday, May 9, 1:30 - 3:30pm
DMV artist Molly Springfield talks about her work with large scale prints and book marginalia. She will connect her work to objects on view in the Luce Foundation Center.
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center
Tickets: Free

Thursday, May 07, 2015

This weekend!

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival

Delight in fine art created by 130 of the nation's best artists, live entertainment and Bethesda restaurants. 
Located in Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle, along Norfolk, Auburn & Del Ray Avenues. 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.


2015 Festival Dates: Saturday, May 9, 10am - 6pm
Sunday, May 10, 10am - 5pm

The Corcoran 30th Annual Print Portfolio

FOREVER: The Corcoran 30th Annual Print Portfolio 
May 8 - August 14, 2015

Opening Reception: Friday, May 8, 6:00 – 8:00pm

WORKS BY: 
Rawan Alferaehy, Ken Ashton, Raya Bodnarchuk, Marte Newcombe, Andrew Christenberry, Y. David Chung, Georgia Deal, Kristine DeNinno, George Fox, Julie Garcia, Carolyn Hartman, David Hodgson, Elizabeth Klimek, Jihae Kwon, Caroline Lacey, Yaroslav Karpoulin, Pam Lawton, Kerry McAleer-Keeler, Conor Martin, Sarah Matthews, Jayme McLellan, Jessica Metzger, William A. Newman, Dennis O'Neil, Trish O'Meara, Paulette Palacios, Jennaway Pearson, Arel Peckler, Tom Pullin, Mariana Rivera, Claudia Smigrod, Casey Smith, Bob and Carol Stackhouse, Susan Sterner, Shane Sullivan, Lynn Sures, Kohei Urakami, Greg Vita, Lauren Wright, Na'ama Zussman.



The Portfolio, which began in 1985, is one of the oldest traditions at the Corcoran. It reflects not only who we are as students, teachers, and as artists, but also the times we live in. With prints alike to forever stamps, we want to capitalize on this moment in Corcoran's history by commemorating the places, objects, and people that are the Corcoran.

Corcoran faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students, and many distinguished alumni, such as David Chung, George Fox, Bill Christenberry, Andrew Christenberry, Jayme McClellan, Dennis O'Neil, and many others have each printed an edition of 30 to be a part of this landmark project.

Carroll Square Gallery
975 F Street NW, Washington DC 20004
202.347.7978
www.hemphillfinearts.com

Wednesday, May 06, 2015

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival

The much anticipated annual Greater Reston Arts Center’s Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival is coming! May 16-17, 2015. A nationally top-ranked fine art and craft festival that typically attracts 30,000+ patrons, the Festival is also Greater Reston Arts Center's primary fundraiser, and it allows GRACE -- the area's largest non-profit dedicated exclusively to enhancing community life through excellence in and the promotion of the contemporary visual arts -- to offer its free-to-the-public exhibitions at its Town Center Gallery and art education programs across all ages.

Each year the competitive, juried, Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival features over 200 skilled artisans who utilize both traditional and unconventional materials and techniques to create hand-crafted, original works of art available for purchase. The sheer diversity of fine art and craft at the Festival, now in its 24th year, ensures that there is something for every taste and budget. If you would like a chance to mingle with the festival artists, The Festival Launch Party will take place at the Reston Town Center Pavilion on May 15, and will feature savory treats, specialty wine, music and a silent auction.

To learn more and to purchase tickets, please visit northernvirginiafineartsfestival.org

Bummer

I'm Oh for like every year so far!
Good Morning,

Thank you very much for your recent submission to the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities Art Bank Collection through the DC Creates! Public Art Program.  Our two panel Selection Committee, consisting of eight arts professionals and artists, reviewed over 300 applications for this FY15 acquisition cycle. Unfortunately, I regret to inform you that your submission was not selected to continue into the second in person review panel of artwork to be purchased.  The exceptional caliber and diversity of artwork submitted made this year’s selection process especially competitive.

Although your application was not selected this year, the Commission values your individual contribution to the D.C. arts community and strongly encourages you to reapply to our future Art Bank calls for work, public art opportunities, and grant programs we offer.  Should you have any questions about the Selection Committee process, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email. We look forward to seeing your application at the next available opportunity.

Sincerely,

Ron Humbertson
Art Collections Registrar
DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH)
200 I (Eye) Street, SE, Suite 1400
Washington, DC 20003
dcarts.dc.gov

Opportunities for artists and curators

Deadline: June 1, 2015

The Rehoboth Art League (RAL) is a non-profit arts center, located in Henlopen Acres, Delaware, which currently contains four gallery spaces on its historic 3.5 acre facility and The Homestead, an historic home which also serves as a gallery space. In addition to several pop-up galleries in the surrounding area the RAL has just developed and opened The RAL Art Studios, a 6400 sq. off-site arts complex which houses two additional gallery spaces as well as an arts education center and four artist-in-residency studios. The RAL is actively seeking both solo and group show proposals for their 2016 season. Over 29,000 people attend RAL activities each year. $20 Application fee.
Questions? Please contact Jay Pastore, Exhibitions Director at Jay@rehobothartleague.org or call 302.227.8408.

Tuesday, May 05, 2015

Do this on Saturday

This Saturday, May 9th from 12pm to 5pm is the Washington Glass School's 14th Anniversary Open House and Party!

This popular annual event is a great time to come by and see what they are doing lately. This year is particularly exciting as the WGS has two new large studios opening next to them.

First, my good bud Sean Hennessey, their resident artist for the last five years is branching out to the new space next door. He and other artists, such as David Mordini and the amazing Scott Brooks, will be taking over Margaret Boozer's former Red Dirt studio and making their own 5000 sqft Otis Street Art Projects! Also, Laurel Lukaszawski has taken over Novie Trump's former Flux Studio (Novie has an amazing new studio in Jerome, AZ) and opened White Point Studios!

This amazing arts complex continues to expand with some of the best artists in this region! Come on Saturday and see what its all about!

What: Washington Glass School's 14th Anniversary Open House and Party!
When: Saturday, May 9th from noon to 5pm
Where: Washington Glass School
            3700 Otis. St.
            Mt. Rainier, Md. 20712
            202-744-8222
Cost: Free!

Monday, May 04, 2015

Amy Lin at Addison/Ripley Fine Art


AMY LIN 


DREAMWORLDS



 May 9 - June 27th, 2015 


opening reception for the artist
Saturday, May 9th, 5-7pm
Addison/Ripley Fine Art (1670 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington DC)

Don't Mess with Texas


Sunday, May 03, 2015

In Rockville, MD

Is there a better way to spend a super nice weekend than at an outdoor art fair?


Saturday, May 02, 2015

Campellos in the news

At the dawn of the 1930's in Berlin, the Nazis are rising to power. In the Kit Kat Klub, a seedy cabaret full of interesting characters and decadent celebration, we find the naïve English cabaret performer Sally Bowles (Elise Campello), along with the cabaret girls and boys, and the infamous Emcee (Mauro Bozzo). We follow her relationship with American writer Cliff Bradshaw (Niclas R. Olson) as the Nazis begin their takeover of the city.
Details here.

Friday, May 01, 2015

This weekend in Rockville

Saturday, May 2, from 11am to 6pm
Sunday, May 3, from 11am to 5pm
 
 
Walk the streets of downtown Rockville as it is transformed into a brilliant spring outdoor art gallery highlighting the some of the best local, regional and national artists. See the industry’s best in glass, ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture, woodwork and more.
 
Live Musical Entertainment on the beautiful outdoor stage at Rockville Town Square.
  • Todd Baker and Dave Marsh (Accoustic String Fusion)
  • Wytold (Electric Cello, World Percussion, Bass Trio)
  • Dave Chappell (Guitar)
  • Colonel Josh (Accoustic Blues)
 
Admission is FREE.
 
The outdoor event is held rain or shine located on the streets of Rockville Town Square, Rockville, Maryland (Maryland, Ave., Middle St, and Gibbs St.). Streets are closed to traffic for the Festival. The Festival is in easy walking distance from the Rockville Metro station and numerous garages are conveniently located around the site.  For more information about parking and travel, visit their  parking and directions page.

 
Details here. See ya there!

Photoworks Youth Photography Competition and Exhibition

JURIED YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
 
Youth Photography Competition and Exhibition
Photoworks Photography School & Gallery
Exhibition Dates: July 16 - August 30, 2015
Submission Deadline:  June 8, 2015 before 11:59 pm
     
RULES
1. This is a YOUTH Competition - open to all students 18 & under.
2. The theme of the 2015 Youth Photo Competition is "#selfie"
3. The $25 entry fee allows the photographer to submit up to 3 images.
Note: If submitting more than 3 images, please submit an additional entry
fee.  Please pay using the PAYPAL BUTTON below.
 
https://www.paypal.com/cgibin/webscr?currency_code=USD&first_name=F.%20Lennox&last_name=Campello&quantity=1&business=kwkeating%40comcast.net&image_url=http://glenechophotoworks.org/wp-content/themes/associate/images/Photoworks_logo.png&return=http://www.glenechophotoworks.org&cancel_return=&item_name=Youth%20Photo%20Contest:%20Entry%20Fee%20for%20Photoworks&amount=25.00&shipping=0.00&item_number=&cmd=_xclick&bn=ctct_Ecom_EmailMarketing_PPS
 
4. Or send $25 check (made payable to Photoworks) to PHOTOWORKS YOUTH PHOTO COMPETITION, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD 20812.
5. Digital, film, cellphone, and alternative camera/process images will all be accepted.
6. Email your images to photoworks.gallery@gmail.com
7. The subject line of the email should read "YOUTH COMPETITION"     followed by the photographer's name.  
8. Make sure your images are in "jpeg" format.  The file size of each should be no wider than 1600 pixels and no taller than 1200 pixels (medium quality).
9. Submit your photos before June 8th and we'll let you know if your work was chosen for the exhibit on or before Monday, June 29th.

 
IF YOUR WORK IS CHOSEN FOR THE EXHIBIT  
1.  Chosen images must be submitted as PRINTS for the exhibit.
2.  Please frame print using a white or off-white mat, and a black or silver frame.
3.  Prints must be delivered to Photoworks at Glen Echo Park on the following dates:
 
          DELIVERY DATES
          Saturday, July 11: 1-4 PM
          Sunday, July 12:  1-8 PM
 
          DELIVERY ADDRESS
          Photoworks Photography School & Gallery
          7300 MacArthur Boulevard
          1st Floor Arcade Building, Glen Echo Park
          Glen Echo, MD 20812
          301-634-2274
          Questions? photoworks.gallery@gmail.com

4. NOTE:  If you are only able to drop off framed prints on a weekday, please bring to Glen Echo Park office, 2nd Floor, Arcade Building before Tuesday, July 14, 2015.
5. NEED HELP PRINTING YOUR PHOTOS?  Try Dodge Chrome on MacArthur Boulevard, Washington, DC or look online at www.mPix.com
6. Questions?  photoworks.gallery@gmail.com   

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Something to do this weekend

Saturday, May 2, from 11am to 6pm
Sunday, May 3, from 11am to 5pm
 
 
Walk the streets of downtown Rockville as it is transformed into a brilliant spring outdoor art gallery highlighting the some of the best local, regional and national artists. See the industry’s best in glass, ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture, woodwork and more.
 
Live Musical Entertainment on the beautiful outdoor stage at Rockville Town Square.
  • Todd Baker and Dave Marsh (Accoustic String Fusion)
  • Wytold (Electric Cello, World Percussion, Bass Trio)
  • Dave Chappell (Guitar)
  • Colonel Josh (Accoustic Blues)

Admission is FREE.
 
The outdoor event is held rain or shine located on the streets of Rockville Town Square, Rockville, Maryland (Maryland, Ave., Middle St, and Gibbs St.). Streets are closed to traffic for the Festival. The Festival is in easy walking distance from the Rockville Metro station and numerous garages are conveniently located around the site.  For more information about parking and travel, visit their  parking and directions page.

Details here. See ya there!

Mid City Open Studios

Fri.-Sun. May 1-3

Mid City Open Studios
 

Visit over twenty working artists’ studios during the Mid City Artists Studio Tours. Visitors can go on guided tours or design their own walking map of the area for a self-guided, art-filled afternoon promenade.  For more information and times, click here.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Crimes of the Art

Crimes of the Art is a weekly survey of artless criminals’ cultural misdeeds. Crimes are rated on a highly subjective scale from one “Scream” emoji — the equivalent of a vandal tagging the exterior of a local history museum in a remote part of the US — to five “Scream” emojis — the equivalent of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist.
 Details here.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Gateway Arts District's Spring Open Studios

Dozens of artists throughout Mt. Rainier, Brentwood and Hyattsville open their spaces.

Monday, April 27, 2015

Heading to Texas this Fall

We're heading to Texas this Fall! Just been accepted to the Texas Contemporary Art Fair!

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Call for Artists: The Writing on the Wall

Submission Deadline: Tuesday, May 5, 2015

The Painting Center is pleased to announce the exhibition, The Writing on the Wallrunning from June 23 through July 18, 2015. Highly publicized by the gallery, and with both a print and digitally archived catalog and an essay written by the artist  Karen Schiff, this exhibition will feature a diverse group of artists who are exploring text-based art. Visual art that incorporates writing engages the viewer on multiple fronts, with letters, numerals or scribbles that bridge the divide between mark making and narrative meaning. Historical examples like Egyptian hieroglyphs or Chinese calligraphy have often served more than a single purpose, including decorative, mundane and the profoundly ritual. From Cy Twombly and Jasper Johns to On Kawara and Jenny Holzer, exceptional artists have long grappled with the signification of words and numbers, which have proven fertile ground in a broadening range of contemporary art. In Mira Schor’s representations of language, Michael Scoggins’ ‘assignments’, the documentary artscapes of Loren Munk as well as graphic novels, ‘zines and the explosion of street art that started back in the day of autographical graffiti tags, we sense the synergy that occurs when text is more than just a caption to the image. We invite representational and abstract artists working in a variety of media to submit work that includes text, numerals or any form of writing. This exhibition will be juried by Susan Post, Colleen Randall and Patricia Spergel on behalf of The Painitng Center Membership.  
They invite representational and abstract artists working in a variety of media to submit work that includes text, numerals or any form of writing.
Deadline: May 5, 2015
Notification Date: May 15, 2015
Exhibiton Dates: June 23- July 18, 2015
To access submission information for The Writing on the Wall, see attached link: http://www.thepaintingcenter.org/juried-exhibition-writing-wall

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Art Scam Alert!

Beware of this rip off "artist" who rips off artists...
 From: Jena Gilbert <jenagilbert@outlook.com>

To Whom It May Concern:
Could you please confirm i can place an order with you for few artworks, i am located in Northern Ireland and i know the difficulties encountered shipping internationally. I have a reliable courier company am registered with, they pick up and deliver anywhere in the world, they handle pick up and delivery arrangement so shipment shouldn't be an issue. I can email the artwork as i don't place order on websites and payment will be completed in full once you confirm my purchase order with a quotation.
Kindly let me know when you are in office and ready to take my artwork purchase order.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs Gilbert

Hinckley Pottery Holds 24th Annual Student Show May 3rd

Hinckley Pottery, which has been a vibrant center for pottery-making in the Washington area for more than 40 years, will be holding its 24th Annual Student Show at its studio in Adams Morgan on Sunday, May 3rd, 2015.

 

Twenty-six experienced students will display a year’s worth of artistry for sale to the public. The potters work in stoneware and porcelain and incorporate more than 30 different glazes available at the studio ranging from vibrant blues and greens to ochre and rust earth tones.

 

The show will feature platters, bowls, mugs, vases, teapots, and other vessels, and all of the pottery is meant to be used and enjoyed. Visitors are invited to come and meet the potters, enjoy delicious food, and find one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts for housewarmings, Mother’s Day, graduations, weddings, and everyday use.

 

This is the studio’s only group show of the year and emphasizes the variety of surface design and silhouette that each potter brings to the clay. “The student show is a fun social occasion and a great opportunity for the public to see a wide array of great pots at very reasonable prices. As a participant I'm always impressed by the quality and variety of the work on display" says Hinckley Pottery Student Peter Rivenberg.

 

During the show, visitors can get information about classes at Hinckley Pottery. The studio offers classes every day of the week for students of all levels to learn and practice wheel-thrown pottery.

 

 Student and show participant, Emma Dumain remarks, “The student show is a once-a-year chance to see what over two-dozen diverse potters can produce out of the same clay, with the same glazes, under the same instructors. All of us at Hinckley Pottery love seeing what our colleagues have been working on over the past 12 months, and we love the opportunity to show the public what Jill Hinckley students are all about.”

 

What: Hinckley Pottery Student Show

Date: Sunday, May 3rd, 2015

Location: 1707 Kalorama Road NW, Washington DC

Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hinckleypottery

Obamas over the years

"Young Obama" (Detail)
Charcoal, circa 2008
In a private collection in North Carolina
"President Obama as The Batman
Charcoal, circa 2014 (10x10 inches framed)
In a private collection in Washington, DC
"Obama as Atlas"
Charcoal, circa 2006-2014 Framed to 20x16 inches (Updated Yearly)
"Eyes of Obama"
Charcoal, circa 2014 (Framed to 5x7 inches)
In a private collection in Miami
"President Obama Walking to His Right"
Charcoal, circa 2014 (10x20 inches framed)
"President Obama Looking to his right"
Charcoal, circa 2014 (Framed to 10x10 inches)
"President Obama Walking to the Left" (Detail)
Charcoal, circa 2014 (10x20 inches framed)
"President Obama Walking to the Left"
Charcoal, circa 2014 (10x20 inches framed)

Friday, April 24, 2015

The immense shame at the University of Maryland

The University of Maryland has cancelled a screening of the movie American Sniper in response to "complaints by Muslim students."
"The Muslim Students Association at the University of Maryland started a petition requesting that the school pull the screening of American Sniper. In the petition, the group stated that the film “perpetuates the spread of Islamaphobia and is offensive to many Muslims around the world for good reason.” 

Ironically enough, the group also requested that students “exercise their freedom of speech” by signing the petition to remove the film from campus." - Amy Lutz
In response to the petition (which apparently gathered 318 signatures), the screening was cancelled, or (as described by the University's Student Entertainment Events), "postponed... after meeting with concerned student organizations. SEE is choosing to explore the proactive measures of working with others during the coming months to possibly create an event where students can engage in constructive and moderated dialogues about the controversial topics proposed in the film."

This, no matter from which angle it is examined, is nothing but brutal art censorship, and not only does the Muslim Students Association at the University of Maryland now joins the notorious club of North Korea, Cuba, China, etc. in using suppression techniques in shutting down something that they oppose (for whatever reason), but more concerning, it shows an absolute lack of understanding and immense intellectual dishonesty by these Muslim Terps for the common American values of freedom of speech, inclusion, discussion and constructive engagement, rather than brutal suppression.

The issues that Muslim Students Association at the University of Maryland has with American Sniper may be valid to some of its members and certainly at least 318 people on the Maryland campus, but their demand is not only disturbing and very scary, but also a complete failure at understanding how they could have pursued an acceptable course of action to express their views on the film without the brutal boot of censorship.

Muslim Terps could have held a protest outside the film screenings, they could have authored an opinion piece in the school's paper, they could have held discussions on the issue, etc. These are all constructive and acceptable means to express a difference of opinion about a film, a work of art, or anything else that draws out more than one pro/con opinion.

But the real shame here, the disturbing and reprehensible side to this story, is how the University appears to have folded in this case, rather than using this issue as a constructive teaching event to show all 318 censors, how differences of opinion are handled in free speech societies.

Shame on you Maryland.

What can we do? Express your opinion respectfully to:

Dr. Wallace D. Loh
President
University of Maryland
1101 Main Administration Building
College Park, MD 20742-6105
Phone: 301.405.5803
Email the President:
president@umd.edu

ARTPRIZE Announces Jurors for the 2015 Grand Prize and Category Awards

ArtPrize, the radically open, international art competition that takes place annually in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has announced the 2015 panel of jurors for the Grand Prize and Category Awards. ArtPrize will return for its 7th edition, Sept. 23 – Oct. 11, 2015.

The 2015 Juried Grand Prize ($200,000) winner will be chosen by a panel of three jurors that includes Franklin Sirmans, department head and curator of contemporary art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA); Chicago-based artist Michael Rakowitz; and Brooklyn-based artist Wangechi Mutu.

The five Category Awards ($12,500 each) recognize one outstanding work in each of the four artist entry categories (2-D, 3-D, Time-Based & Installation) plus one venue for outstanding curatorial presentation. These awards will be selected by: Indianapolis-based curator, creator and host of The Art Assignment (PBS Digital), Sarah Urist Green (3-D); Los Angeles-based Senior Programmer of Sundance Film Festival and curator of New Frontier at Sundance, Shari Frilot (Time-Based); New York-based editor and art critic, Robin Cembalest (Installation); and Cincinnati-based curator at the Contemporary Arts Center, Steven Matijcio (Venue). The 2-D juror will be announced at a later date.

Exhibitions Director of ArtPrize, Kevin Buist, said, “We chose to work with jurors who are not only experts in their field, but also bring a distinct point of view. The public vote functions as an aggregate of thousands of opinions, and we’ve designed the juried awards to operate as a foil to that populist approach. The jurors’ job is not to ferret out the objectively ‘best’ artwork, instead they’re charged with finding works that are surprising, masterful and relevant from their expert perspective.”

Since expanding in 2010 to include both public and juried awards, ArtPrize has sought to use its unique parallel awards structure – splitting the $500,000 purse evenly between public vote and juried awards – to spark lasting dialogue about public and art world perceptions of art. The participation of the jurors also presents the opportunity for leading curators, critics and institutional representatives to engage the public in their distinct and diverse viewpoints, pointing out new frameworks for interpreting and viewing art and encouraging a conversation around what makes art impactful and significant. Previous years’ jurors have included Theaster Gates, Jerry Saltz, Susan Sollins, Mel Chin and Anne Pasternak, among others.

The first weekend of the competition, September 26–27th, jurors will assess the entries within their respective categories, each selecting a shortlist of five entries. The 20 total finalists will then move on to the Grand Prize jurors’ selection.

On Monday, September 28th, the Category Jurors will reveal each of their 20 category finalists during the ‘Jurors’ Short List’ event, broadcast live on NBC’s Grand Rapids affiliate, WOOD TV8. Category and Grand Prize winners will be officially announced at the ArtPrize Awards on October 9, 2015 at 9 p.m. EST.
 
ARTIST REGISTRATION AND GRANT DEADLINES
Artist Seed Grants, supported by the Frey Foundation, are available for a second year at ArtPrize to offset the cost of especially ambitious and challenging entries for ArtPrize Seven. Awarded on the basis of financial need and artistic merit, and determined by the ArtPrize Arts Advisory Council, 25 grants of $2,000 each will be announced shortly after the May 20 deadline. Apply for your grant after registering online.

Artist registration for ArtPrize Seven is currently open. Visit artprize.org to complete your Artist Registration before midnight, June 4th.
 
ABOUT ARTPRIZE
ArtPrize is an international art competition, open to any artist and decided by public and juried vote. It invites artists to try out new ideas on a large and diverse population of people. It seeks to broaden the critical dialogue around contemporary art by awarding the world’s largest art prize. Two, $200,000 awards are decided by public vote and expert jury, and an additional $100,000 in prizes is awarded to the top entries in each category. Registered artists and venues connect online at artprize.org and agree to present the artwork for public display during the 19-day event. The public voters use mobile devices and the web to distribute their awards, while a group of international art experts determines the winners of the juried awards. ArtPrize 2014 included 1,536 entries representing 51 countries and 42 U.S. states and territories. ArtPrize 2014 attracted more than 400,000 active participants. Since its inception, individuals of all backgrounds have cast more than 2.4 million votes for public art.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Dotted Line Project's first one...

DMV artist, professor and arts activist Barbara Januszkiewicz wants all of us to join the Dotted Line Project in hosting their first “Happening” PopuPPhotobooth [PPP]: ARTHUGS campaign, and show your support for the visual arts in the Metro DC community. Stop by the booth, take a selfie, and post it on social media using the hashtag #popupphotobooth (or #arthugs) to show your support. Come meet some cool creatives, while becoming one yourself! After taking your groovy selfie, feel free to add some personality (your own work of art) to their backdrop! This art happening is about connecting and having fun.
"We are having an art protest 4/30. I was hoping to ask you to gather up as many people as you can to come to this. I have a very small art opening at cove, and using this art opening to stage to press conference, to show that art nurtures the community. Frustrated with the closing of Artisphere, No ICE inDc and the Corcoran; trying to show the media, the governments, that actually cutting back of the arts is not the way to have a world-class community!!! I'm going to have an open mic, for about to talk about support, A pop-up Photo Booth, to post sefies, on FC site, and I would really like it if you get help you get this word out."
 Barbara Januszkiewicz