Saturday, June 24, 2023

This weekend at Glen Echo

This weekend is your last opportunity to take in the beauty of Glen Echo's Partnership Galleries' June exhibits; they close end-of-day on Sunday, the 25th! 

Stop by Stone Tower Gallery for a sci-fi journey through Blair Anderson's A Silversmith's Guide to the GalaxyPopcorn Gallery for a special exhibit by Yellow Barn Studio instructors, and Park View Gallery for unique silk painting in Nico Gozal's Wonderland.

Yellow Barn Gallery's weekend exhibit features works by painter, illustrator, and instructor Eric Westbrook. Opening Reception Saturday from 4-7pm.

Saturday morning, hear from a leader in the 'eco-artist' world during Art Clinic Online. Erwin Timmers has a fascinating background and impressive career transforming materials that often aren't recycled into art.

Later in the day on Saturday, tune in to Photoworks' Artist Talk with Sandy Sugawara and Catiana Garcia Kilroy as they share the difficult but important topic of their new book, Show Me the Way to Go Home: the World War II incarceration camps that held Japanese Americans.

On Sunday, Photoworks is contributing a fascinating talk to the Diverse Voices: A Juneteenth Celebration FESTIVAL OF FREEDOM. Documentary photographer Marvin Tupper Jones will be discussing the new exhibit at the Chowan Discovery Group: Building a Mixed Race Community.

Mark your calendars! Their third Art Walk of the season is coming up on Friday, July 7th!

Friday, June 23, 2023

Why waste precious print space?

One of the constant threads of this blog in its two-decade history has been my perennial complaint about the Washington Post's lack of adequate coverage of the visual arts in the Greater Washington, DC region (a.k.a. the DMV - a term which I apparently invented).

In fact, DC ART NEWS' first ever blogpost (see it here) was me bitchin' about the WaPo and its lack of visual arts coverage.

In the nearly two decades since that post, the WaPo's visual arts coverage of our area galleries and visual arts spaces have gone from scant - to nearly non-existent. Back in 2003 there were two weekly columns in the Arts Style section of the paper - both on Thursdays: the Galleries column by Ferdinand Protzman, then Jessica Dawson, then a string of freelancers, and the Arts Beat column by Michael O'Sullivan, which rather often "augmented" the Galleries column.

Today we have Mark Jenkins' Galleries column - Arts Beat ended years and years ago... and we are grateful for that column and Mr. Jenkins' travels through the DMV covering various visual art shows in both independently owned commercial art galleries as well as non-profit art spaces. He's the only one who does that - apparently Mr. Sebastian Smees only does museums.

And thus I am somewhat baffled as to why Mr. Jenkins (who as far as I know is probably a nice, regular guy) would waste precious print space in the column to take a swipe at a physical location which is host to some of the top art studios, schools, and galleries in the region.

In today's review of the Laurel Lukaszewski exhibition at Artists & Makers in Rockville, Jenkins opens with:

Not exactly a garden spot, the gallery exhibiting Laurel Lukaszewski’s ceramics is a windowless room in the Artists & Makers complex, which sits in a charmless, light-industrial section of Rockville.

That opening seems out of place, as it has nothing to do with the show, or the rarity of an actual building in our area full of art studios, art schools and art galleries.

The complex where Artists & Makers calls home in Rockville is an important part of the DMV's art scene - much like the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria (which the City of Alexandria seems focused on screwing up), or the warren of art studios and galleries in the Gateway Arts District, or STABLE, etc. 

Artists & Makers Rockville

Located in the heart of Rockville’s White Flint/Twinbrook business district, Artists & Makers Studios is a 13,000 square foot complex  consisting of 43 studios, and it is home to three galleries and 65+ creative and talented minds.

Gallery at Artists & Makers

And as any artist in our region who struggles to find affordable studio space knows, the power that comes from being part of a hive of creative minds (such as the tenant artists of this wonderful space know), is key to keeping the artistic juices flowing and easily overshadows any issue raised by location and prettiness of the bricks and mortar that house the artists.

And as any city dweller knows, including I suspect Mr. Jenkins, in most cities the "garden spots" are usually taken by chains and franchises and cash-rich organizations who can afford the best commercial locations and not the "light industrial" sections.

And as any light student of real estate operations also knows, it is in places such as this area where artistic endeavors such as Artists & Makers can establish a footprint and work hard to keep it and offer a visual arts presence to an otherwise gray and boring city scene.

As a keen observer of the DMV's art tapestry for over three decades, I also personally know how hard the leaders and the executive director of Artists & Makers have worked over the decades and continue to work to ensure that places such as this jewel not only continue to exist, but prosper well into the future.

I am far from subjective on this issue, but that does not bother me when I send them a message: "Continue to do what you do so well - and thank you for all that you do!" 

Simul Prosperatur

More on the City of Alexandria and the Torpedo Factory

Last month I was pretty harsh in examining, reviewing, and criticizing  the City of Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory “new” artist/studio selection process, which as the many, many comments both here and in various social media platforms gave evidence to, has been and remains a contentious point at the Factory.

My focus was on the process, but some commenters felt that my critical approach to the process problem also reached to the new artists’ themselves – that was not my intention and for that I apologize, and must note that as recent as December of last year I lauded several of the new artists.

Bottom line: The process; not the artists.

Next month, after communicating with various City officials, I will have part two of my thoughts on the City of Alexandria and its handling of the Factory and its artists.

Last year, former Congressman and former fellow U.S. Navy Officer Joe Sestak authored a brilliant OP-ED here titled “No Higher Honor” Than to Preserve Torpedo Factory Artist Space Against City’s “Vibrancy” Plan.

Sestak notes:

The Council needs to decide if the Torpedo Factory’s new purpose is to become like Tik Tok — or remain the inspiration and appreciation one can only imagine from visitors watching such an artist making fantastic art...

This Op-Ed is more than worth the read -- it's also an intelligent view and opinion from someone who "sees" the Torpedo Factory from an angle that me (as an opinionated insider) and artists (as subjective participants) and City officials (as ????) cannot. 

Read it here.

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Gateway Design Day 2023

Time & Location: Jun 28, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM in Mount Rainier, 3700 Otis St, Mt Rainier, MD 20712, USA - Details here.

Gateway Design Day -- Join over 50 artists working at the juncture of art and design in their studios for the inaugural Gateway Design Day.

Gateway Design Day celebrates the diversity and creativity in the DMV, and the incredible resources available locally to the design industry, providing a platform for designers, arts consultants, and public art administrators to:

  • learn about local artists and arts-resources
  • connect with artists and other professionals
  • inspire each other

Studios will be open for artist meet and greet, demonstrations and formal talks throughout the day from 11am – 4pm.

From utilizing recycled materials in design and exploring design ideas with emerging and unconventional technologies, to a sneak peek at a public artwork fabrication to the role ceramics can play beyond the table, artists will share their knowledge and projects throughout the day. 

Participating Studios:

Washington Glass School | Otis Street Art Projects | Ampersand Art Space | Orange Door Studios | Green Door | Icebox Studios | Janis Goodman | Artists by the Tracks | Blue Door Studios | Mark Kelner Studio |Joe Hicks Ceramics

This event is free - Free parking on-site

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

ACO presents Erwin Timmers

The ACO presents Erwin Timmers

hosted by Friend of the ACO, Michael Janis

Saturday, June 24, 10:30-11:30

From my good buds at ACO:

I am thrilled to announce that Erwin Timmers, an eco-artist known for his work in glass and steel, will be presenting this Saturday, June 24th, for the Art Clinic Online. Erwin is not only a dear friend of mine but also an incredibly talented artist, and I am sure that you will enjoy his work and the inspiring stories behind it. In fact, you might even recognize some of his installations around the DMV area in public spaces.

At ACO, we have been hosting some remarkable artist discussions. I highly recommend checking out the interview we conducted last year with Michael Janis, co-director of the Washington Glass School, who will be introducing Erwin this Saturday. Michael and Erwin frequently collaborate on various projects. You can find their discussions and more on the ACO page.

Also, mark your calendar for July 8th as Glen Echo's own, Christine Lashley will be presenting on her work as well as give us a glimpse of what it is like being a plein air artist competing for prize money. She will be fresh off her trip at the Telluride Plein Air Arts Festival so we will get to hear all about her experience.

Although we have fewer summer classes at the Art Clinic this year due to some much-needed vacation time for Mariana and myself, we do have exciting summer workshops available. These workshops cover a range of topics, from Color Theory to Figure Drawing and Painting, and they promise to be both enjoyable and immersive. Designed to be short yet intensive, they allow you to pursue your artistic exploration while accommodating your summer vacations.

Zoom Link for the ACO
Check out some of the past ACO artist discussions HERE!





 

Monday, June 19, 2023

Treasures of the DMV Art Exhibit coming this August!

Treasures of the DMV Art Exhibit

August 4–26, 2023
Reception: Friday, August 4 from 7-9pm

The “Treasures of the DMV” exhibit (August 4–26, 2023) at Del Ray Artisans gallery features art that celebrates the wonders of DC, Maryland, and Virginia. 

Come see famous and overlooked regional gems from the perspective of local artists. 

On display at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA. Opening Reception: Friday, August 4, 7-9pm. Open Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays & Sundays 12-6pm (Closed on August 27). DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits

Sunday, June 18, 2023

Couragemonger

"Couragemonger" by Gino Castellanos and part of the 36th Annual Northern National Art Competition at Nicolet College in Rhinelander,  Wisconsin.

"Couragemonger" by Gino Castellanos and part of the 36th Annual Northern National Art Competition at Nicolet College in Rhinelander,  Wisconsin


Saturday, June 17, 2023

Emma Lapine

"The Kindness of Transformation" by Emma LaPine at the 36th Annual Northern National Art Competition in Nicolet College,  Rhinelander,  Wisconsin.

The Kindness of Transformation by Emma LaPine

This is a brilliant,  fantastical work by a very young artist from Rhinelander.  We need to find her a good gallery to take her unique work to some art fairs!

Like my Father Before Me

Like my father before me by Jason John and part of the 36th Annual Northern National Art Competition in Nicolet College in Rhinelander, Wisconsin

"Like my father before me" by Jason John and part of the 36th Annual Northern National Art Competition in Nicolet College in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.
 

Friday, June 16, 2023

Courtney Applequist & Sharon Wolpoff at Adah Rose

Courtney Applequist at Adah Rose

 

Dusty Rose

"Being Paid for Dreaming" by Dusty Rose at the 36th Annual Northern National Art Competition in Nicolet College,  Rhinelander, Wisconsin. 

"Being Paid for Dreaming" by Dusty Rose at the 36th Annual Northern National Art Competition in Nicolet College,  Rhinelander, Wisconsin


Thursday, June 15, 2023

Scarecrow in the Garden

"Scarecrow in the Garden" by Robert Jinkins and part of the 36th Annual Northern National Art Competition at Nicolet College in Rhinelander,  Wisconsin.

Scarecrow in the Garden


Wednesday, June 14, 2023

"Breath" by Michael Nicols

"Breath" a fresco by Michael Nicols and part of the 36th Annual Northern National Art Competition at Nicolet College in Rhinelander,  Wisconsin. 

"Breath" a fresco by Michael Nicols and part of the 36th Annual Northern National Art Competition at Nicolet College in Rhinelander,  Wisconsin


Tuesday, June 13, 2023

36th Northern National


 "House paint" by Berthold Boone" and part of the 36th Annual Northern National Art Competition in Nicolet College in Rhinelander,  Wisconsin.

"House paint" by Berthold Boone" and part of the 36th Annual Northern National Art Competition in Nicolet College in Rhinelander,  Wisconsin



Monday, June 12, 2023

After Tradition at Studio Gallery

Studio Gallery and their neighbors, the IA&A at Hillyer and The Phillips Collection will once again offer Third Thursdays! The gallery is at 2108 R Street N.W., Washington, DC 20008.

SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, June 15th from 5-8 pm

At Studio they'll have After Tradition by Freda Lee-McCann and curated by Adah Rose Bitterbaum, not only one of the hardest working gallerists in the DMV but also one of the nicest!

"I have always painted Chinese landscapes. Sometimes I have introduced new elements into the classical paintings - stronger colors, adding collages of my own calligraphy and my paintings, or less traditional textures. Over time my landscapes have become less traditional, but still the classical landscape was there."

In this body of work, the landscapes are no longer the main focus, the collages are. The landscape starts at the middle ground, recedes into the distance, while the collage is in the foreground. There is a transparent layer of written poetry between the landscape and the collage. The poetry is written in very light tone, not necessarily to be read by the viewers. This gives the landscape a feeling and a memory."

View the exhibit online

Society of Solitude by Cheryl Ann Bearss - Curated by Mira Hecht

"My search for solitude - seeking time alone with thoughts and away from everyday demands - is found walking in nature among trees or on a secluded beach at sunrise. The society I seek is the company of tress, birds, and ocean waves. Looking at a solitary tree or a tree inhabiting a space in the society of neighboring flora and fauna reflects our lived experience of aloneness and community."

View the exhibit online

Mispocha (Family) by Deborah Addison Coburn, also  curated by Adah Rose Bitterbaum.

"I've been fortunate to recently inherit my parents' albums of old family photos. While I can't identify many of the folks pictured, their faces are vibrant and full of personality. Some had been in this country for generations, and other never made it out of Poland. The names of many of the folks in my pictures have been lost. But in these paintings, I am trying to capture their humanity and pay tribute to my family, my 'mispocha.'"

View the exhibit online

Around the Edge by Wayne Paige - Curated by Deborah Addison Coburn and Miriam Keeler

"The Digital Age has brought upon us a binary kaleidoscope fog blanketing both perception and reality. I think of my art as beyond the fog evolving at the bottom of an inkwell. In only working with the traditional media of pencils, pens and paper, my inspiration derives from personal perceptions of contemporary life and the reality of encroachment. Conflict, dreams, and humor are often woven within."

View the exhibit online

Morocco: Colors and Shapes by Joyce McCarten - Curated by Deborah Addison Coburn and Miriam Keeler

"I made these paintings in a studio situated in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. With my group from Canada, I walked the dry riverbeds, or stopped our driver by the side of the road, to collect earth pigments.

Colors and shape in the landscape have informed my work for over 40 years. Honest response to personal search is my driving imperative. Working abstractly makes me continue the search. These small paintings were made very quickly, and with the idea of responding to my surroundings with as true a response as I could make."

View the exhibit online

Round the block with Renie

"Round the block with Renie" by Mary-Glynn Boies and part of the 36th Annual Northern National Art Competition in Nicolet College in Rhinelander,  Wisconsin.



Sunday, June 11, 2023

Kiana Honarmand at VisArts

Kiana Honarmand  at VisArts

I've been alerted by a good friend who knows her art to a show titled A Shadow in the Depth of Light at VisArts' Gibbs Street Gallery.

The exhibition by Kiana Honarmand is now open through August 6th. From what I've seen so far in social media, it is worth a visit!

The artist will be in the gallery for the reception on June 23, 7-9 pm.

Saturday, June 10, 2023

“Key To Success” opens today at Montpelier Arts Center

“Key To Success” (The Solo Exhibition) by Winston W. Harris

Opening Reception Date: Saturday, June 10, 2023, 2-4pm

Montpelier Arts Center June 10, to August 6, 2023.

9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, Maryland 20708 301-377-7800

Consist of artworks produced during Harris' Pyramid Atlantic Art Center's Key-Holder Artists in Residency Program. These pieces are accompanied with previous and post residency artwork. 

This is an introduction to an upcoming exhibition that Harris has co-curated at BWI Airport and which is scheduled to open in July 2023. It will have 24 artworks from 15 former PAAC Key-Holder AIR from 2018 to present.

Art by Winston Harris
Wave by Winston Harris
Mono/Silkscreen Print, c. 2023 21x27 inches

Friday, June 09, 2023

Tomorrow: Lots of things happening at Glen Echo!

 

Friends of the Yellow Barn Studio

Paint Out 2023

Saturday, June 10 | 10am - 4pm

Pack your car with all things paint and enjoy a beautiful day of outdoor creativity with fellow members of the Friends of the Yellow Barn Studio. Reception and sale to follow, 5 - 7pm.

Register >>


Yellow Barn Studio Instructors Exhibition Opening Reception

Saturday, June 10 | 6 - 8pm

Stop by the Popcorn Gallery to view works by 25 instructors from the Yellow Barn Studio! You'll enjoy a diverse range of works all types of media, from oils, acrylics, watercolor, gouache, pastel, colored pencils, charcoals, encaustic, to mixed media.

Exhibit Details >>


Marian Willinger & Wendy Smith:

From the Real to the Abstract

Opening Reception

Saturday, June 10 | 4 - 6pm

Stop by the Yellow Barn Gallery to view paintings by two accomplished female artists fascinated by a range of ever-colorful subjects.

Exhibit Details >>


Art Clinic Online: David Page

Saturday, June 10 | 10:30am | Zoom

Join fellow artists to engage in a dialogue with award-winning sculptor David Page, who will showcase his work and take participant questions. The recurring ACO series, airing every other Saturday at 10:30am, aims to build relationships and community among DMV artists of all skill levels. Recordings of past talks are available for viewing.

Learn More & Zoom >>