All the Better to Pack Your Calendar With, My Dear...

"Copy of Self Portrait" by Jen Chappell, from her exhibit "Volume"

The following are announcements of events this weekend through next week from The Pink Line, Civilian Art Projects, Ten Miles Square, Jen Chappell & Artomatic.

Do it!

First on 1st
Neighborhood Art + Music Walk
Pink Line Project / North Capitol Main Street

Saturday, August 1, 2009
12:00pm - 4:00pm

Along 1st St NW, Between Florida Ave and Rhode Island Ave.
Washington, DC

Pick up programs at Big Bear and Windows to find out where to see art and listen to music.

Big Bear is at 1700 1st Street, NW.
Windows is at 101 Rhode Island Avenue, NW.

Free beverage to those who complete the walking tour game! Drink specials for everyone!

Artists:
Lisa Marie Thalhammer
BK Adams
Margaret Boozer
Peter Wood
Chris Tousimis
DECOY
Patty Firestone
Amber Robles-Gordon
Ten Miles Square
Serinity Knight
Megan Blafas

Music program:
Michael Trotter
Senetra Bridgette
Tek X Millennium and Friends
3rd Generation Band
Joy Dion
Tameka
Kool K and the KL Movement
(We're still adding acts so check back here for updates.)

"A New Currency: Shared Resources"
A group exhibition organized by Civilian Art Projects for 87FLORIDA, (part of First on 1st)

Civilian Art Projects

Saturday, August 1, 2009
12:00pm - 4:00pm

87FLORIDA
87 Florida Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
As part of the "First on 1st Neighborhood Art + Music Walk" sponsored by the Pink Line Project and North Capitol Main Street

CIVILIAN ART PROJECTS has cooked up a summer show for 87FLORIDA:

Organized in conjunction with the New York City based School of Visual Arts MFA 2009 class who instigated a series of exhibitions and projects across the country called "A New Currency," Civilian asked the following artists to create new or existing work that shared a common spirit of abundance.

In new and imaginative ways, artists in the exhibition interpret art and ideas as resources with a currency unlimited by monetary definition.

More information can be found on the SVA's "A New Currency" project here: http://anewcurrency.blogspot.com/

This group exhibition organized by Civilian Art Projects for 87FLORIDA includes:

Seth Adelsberger
Nicholas Carr
Anthony Dihle
Carole Wagner Greenwood
Ryan Hill
Erick Jackson
Amanda Kleinman
Kate MacDonnell
Cara Ober
Trevor Young

August 1 - September 26th

Opening Reception: Saturday, August 1, 12-4pm

Join us for refreshments, conversation, and art.


Ten Miles Square
Visit us at Windows Cafe during the First on 1st Art + Music Walk
Saturday, August 1, 12 to 4 p.m.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Join Ten Miles Square and the work of four photographers at Windows Cafe this Saturday as part of the First on 1st Art + Music walk, organized by the Pink Line Project and North Capitol Main Street.  Grab a map at one of the participating venues all along 1st Street NW between Florida and Rhode Island Avenues to enjoy music, drinks, art and more from noon to 4 p.m.

Ten Miles Square is doing a four square at Windows Cafe -- between nature and street photography, and portrait and action shots.   Jo Ann Tooley's serene black and white outdoor images play up the colors of Tracy Clayton's urban scenes, while Katy Ray's playful, feminine models increase the brutality of Brian Knight's adventure race crashes.

Windows Cafe is at 101 Rhode Island Avenue NW.  Take the metro to Shaw on the Green line and your art + music walk starts a few blocks away, just keep walking up Rhode Island Ave.


Volume by Jen Chappell
Jen Chappell

Saturday, August 1, 2009
7:00pm - 9:00pm

Workhouse Arts Center, Building W-6
9601 Ox Road
Lorton, VA

Photography show beginning July 15th, through September 13th.

Join Jen in the gallery on August 1st for a reception...check out some of her older work, newer work, and to just have a good time!

"I make photographs of those things that speak to me.

"Often these items are either of two opposites. The burgeoning bud or the rusted, decaying sheet metal; the early morning fog rising off a lake or a punk rock show. Each has its place in world. Both tell of life. And, both are beautiful.

"I title my photographs only when I have to and only for cataloguing purposes and ease of identification. I hope not to bias or lead the viewer to any conclusions with my work. Look at the piece for what it is…to you. Even if you dislike a photograph, I have done my job – I have created an emotion.

"Nan Goldin, Diane Arbus, Walker Evans, and Eugène Atget are among my favorite photographers. Each celebrated the beauty of the normal everyday (even if not societally normal, or conventionally beautiful). The beat inside, the life force, the God in every and all.

"I have chronicled my life through those things I see around me. I am a juried member of the Workhouse Photographic Society at Lorton, a member of Del Ray Artisans, and have shown my work in many shows throughout the area.

"Day in, day out.

"Conventionally, or absurdly beautiful."
-Jen Chappell

Artomatic Happy Hour at The Science Club

ARTOMATIC

Wednesday, August 5, 2009
6:00pm - 8:00pm

Science Club
1136 19th Street, NW
Washington, DC

Are you already getting those Artomatic withdrawal pains?

Do you need a fix soon or you’ll bust? You could come help move lumber at the site, and/or, you could come to Happy Hour.

We’re starting back up at the Science Club, 1136 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 775-0747, the first Wednesday of every month.

It gets crowded so get there early.

NOW YOU KNOW, SO MAKE PLANS TO GO!!!

XOXO,
DC SHOT LIST

A Week (or More) In the World of DC Photography

Image from Heather Goss

First off, a special shout out to a couple photographers I recently met, Stirling and Rachel Elmendorf, Frank Salieri, and Russell Hirshon. If I forgot anyone, put me in check and shout right back in the comments!  Stirling and Rachel are a power-duo in events.  Frank is a master of flexibility, managing head shots for the Junior League of Washington.  Russell is one of the most helpful photographers for other photographers to know during events.  All four are talented, energetic and fun to know! 

Second - DC Shot List has a fan page and a group page on Facebook.  Check 'em out!

Now, on with the latest in photography news...

I'm With the Band at Dahlak EXTENDED, New Critical Mass Update and Flaunt Runway Show
from Heather Goss of Ten Miles Square...

NEW DATE! Celebrate Critical Mass on Saturday, May 15th (And celebrate the birthdays of Heather Goss and Jayme McLellan!!!)
EXTENDED! I'm With the Band at Dahlak
Don't Miss Flaunt Runway Show on Saturday, June 6th

Ann Curry Darfur Photography on Display at Washington School of Photography
from Patrick of Metroblogging.com...

Daily DC Item: Ann Curry Explores Darfour Through Photos
I learned via Ann Curry's twitter feed that the Washington DC School of Photography opened a new exhibition of photos taken by Curry. ...

Fotoweek's FOTOBAMA Winning Shots Up at Newseum
from Alison McSherry of Roll Call...

Newseum Photos Snap Obamamania
... features the winning images from a photo contest sponsored by the Newseum and FotoWeek DC, a nonprofit organization that promotes photography. ...

Celebrate International Year of Astronomy with Smithsonian Photography Initiative
from Art Daily...

Smithsonian Photography Initiative Celebrates the International Year of Astronomy in May and June
WASHINGTON, DC.- During May and June, the Smithsonian Photography Initiative offers three ways to celebrate both the International Year of Astronomy and the ...

Architecture Photography Exhibition at The National Building Museum
from jasmine of We Love DC...

Architecture of Authority=DC
The National Building Museum has a photography exhibition up right now called Architecture of Authority that explores exactly those kinds of “powerful ...

Founder of Association of International Photography Art Dealers Closes Her Doors
from Jessica Dawson of The Washington Post...

Doyenne of DC Photography to Close Her Gallery
By Jessica Dawson In 1976, when a 28-year-old Kathleen Ewing ditched her National Gallery of Art job and decided to sell photographs instead, photography ...

May Events & A Call For Contributors...



Pictured from left to right: ROW 1--Erika Horn, Christopher Chen, Random-Guy-Who-Pops-Up-In-My-Shots-At-Various-Events; ROW 2--Betsy Spruill Clarke, DC Shot List yo!, Adam Clarke; ROW 3--Dakota Fine, Random-Guy-Again-Seriously-Who-Is-This-Dude?, and Martin Locraft.

A Couple of Hot Shots, if You Will

Well, these aren't the only events for this month, so I will keep this updated throughout this month.  But I wanted to get this out, ASAP, so you know where to find the best eye candy!

Before I share the goods, I want to call out for contributors.  If you are interested in covering any one of these events for DC Shot List, please shoot me an email!  I want to talk to you, today.  foto.maven@gmail.com

Okay, now, mark your calendars...

Wednesday
May 6
6:30pm - 9:00pm

Critical Exposure's "Through the Lens of D.C. Youth" Photography Exhibit
Host: Critical Exposure

Where: ARTiculate Gallery, 1100 16th St. NW (16th & L), Washington, DC

Who: For the past year, D.C. youth and young adults have been given cameras, workshops in documentary photography, and the opportunity to record the causes, consequences and solutions to the dropout crisis in D.C. public schools.

Why: Because D.C.’s dropout rate is too high to ignore--nearly 50%, a number that has serious implications for both the youth themselves and the community as a whole.  Also, there will be:
-Great Photos – See powerful photos & writing by local students, and get the chance to talk to them about their work.
-Food & Drink – Make a donation of $35+ and enjoy free wine, beer and food.
-A Good Cause – All proceeds will support Critical Exposure, a D.C.-based nonprofit that teaches students how to use documentary photography and their own voices to advocate for school reform and social change.

Suggested Donations:
$35 Snapshooter: Cost of a 35-mm point-and-shoot camera.
$75 Shutterbug: Cost of exhibiting two students' photographs.
$150 Photo Pro: Cost of providing one student with a digital camera.
$500 Photojournalist: Cost of 1,000 photo postcards to send to policymakers.

Info: +1.202.745.3745 or info@criticalexposure.org or www.criticalexposure.org

Above right photo by Jaime Windon.
 

Friday
May 8
7:00pm - 10:00pm

The New Color
An exhibition of Corcoran photography majors
Host: Civilian Art Projects

Where: 87FLORIDA at 87 Florida Avenue, NW, Washington, DC

Who:  Featuring Corcoran photography majors: Jake Dingman, Carrie Greenwood, William Knipscher, Caitlin Lennon, Collin Sundt, Michelle Yo

Why:  Because new speaks to you!  As Andy Grundberg writes in the foreword to the exhibition’s catalog, “every generation has the opportunity to create new art that speaks to its particular moment in history and culture.” The New Color displays six artists’ take on that moment as seen through the rich possibilities of light recorded on color film – a rapidly disappearing discipline in the digital era.

Info: +1.202.347.0022 or info@civilianartprojects.com or www.civilianartprojects.com

Above right photo:  "Undiscovered 4," by Collin Sundt 

Inked Souls Closing and B-Boy Battle
Host: Art Whino Gallery

When: Saturday, May 9, 2009; 6:00pm - 11:55pm 

Where: Art Whino, 2450 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA

Who: DJ Fleg in the house plus featured Photographers: Lady Glock, Michael Colon, James Walker , Roger Snider

Why:  Because you feel jipped on the 3rd sequel to "Breakin," or lack thereof, and you want to come out and see Breakers Battle 3 versus 3 for a $600 in Cash and Prizes.

Info: info@artwhino.com or www.artwhino.com

Discover Amazing Photographic Art Work Through Ten Miles Square

Article and Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke

The Managing and Arts Editor for DCist is a busy woman. Just earlier this month, Heather Goss, opened I'm With The Band at Dahlak, featuring the concert imagery by Kyle Gustafson (shown in image to the left), Nestor Diaz and Martin Locraft.  (And if you haven't been yet, you have till May 3rd, so you better get crack-a-lackin if you want a tasty combination of rockin' photography paired with an Eritrean dinner and washed down with a $3 Stella).  And, this Saturday night, Heather does it again with the opening of  "Flaunt: Photography & Fashion Collaboration," at the Honfleur Gallery.

Produced in association with Rachel Cothran's Project Beltway, Flaunt features four outstanding photographers--Joshua Yospyn (shown on the left in image on the right), John Ulaszek, Meaghan Gay, and Steve Goldenberg--paired with four local fashion designers--Dana Greaves, Taimur Baig, Lara Akinsanya, and Will Sharp--creating an ultimate combination in the visual arts.  This exhibit also appropriately includes a fashion show on June 6th, so mark your calendar.

Because of people like Heather, Rachel, as well as Philippa Hughes (The Pink Line Project), DC is discovering how rich it's art, fashion and photography scene truly is and many local, up-and-coming artists are finally getting the platform and exposure they deserve.  Not to mention, those who would love to indulge in the hobby of art collecting, now have a true starting point.

Having covered visual art in DC for DCist, since 2006, Heather also created and now organizes their annual Exposed Photography Show, which has exhibited at Warehouse, Civilian Art Projects and Flashpoint.  Through this experience, she discovered an opportunity.  Recognizing the amazing amount of unknown talent in DC, Heather created Ten Miles Square and uses an unconventional formula that appeals to present times:  promoting local photographers through independent businesses, while fostering a new generation of art collectors by offering genuine pieces at affordable prices--a similar method that also works for Philippa Hughes (shown in photo on left).

Even though she doesn't market Ten Miles Square as a mentor program, she often finds herself treating it as a mentorship.  Pricing, for example, can be quite a mystery for many a modest artist.  Heather encourages pricing to sell, but discourages undervaluing, as well.  This basis for pricing speaks more to the reality of today's economy, rather, than the opinion of the art peice.  "It's not a discussion of how great your work is," Heather explains.

Heather's efforts show that it's not necessary to spend $10K, say, on a work of art, just to be a "true" art collector.  However, spending $50 on a framed photo at Pier 1 or IKEA doesn't count, either.  Going to these artshows and exhibits is a great way to find out what moves you, meet the artists, visit with other art collectors, and maybe even get something original and meaningful to you at an affordable price.

Many who want to start collecting are intimidated, at first.  They are often a bit worried about what others may think of their opinions, tastes, etc, when, in fact, that is not the case, at all.  "It's good because you say it's good.  It's good because you bought it," advises Heather.

As for artists who are interested in working with Ten Miles Square to showcase their work, Heather suggests getting out more often and going to these and other shows to discover more work, get your name out there, visit and network with other artists and find inspiration in their work.  She also advises shooting often, while keeping an eye on what you like.  Finding the niche, so to speak.  "Take one picture that you like and find what you like about it and keep shooting like that." 

Plus, she says getting on Flickr and contributing to things like DCist is also a great way to get noticed.  One of the reasons why Heather is so great at what she does is her visual memory and she browses Flickr, all the time. 

Heather admits that she is also a photographer, but not to the degree of the photographers she represents. When asked what her niche is, she laughs and says "My niche is  to organize these shows!"

Let's not forget that her niche also includes writing about art, which she loves to do and it shows.

Heather's experience puts her in a prime position to advise both artists and collectors.  Considered one of DC's top experts in photography art, she has been a guest on the Kojo Nnamdi Show, speaking on the topic of art in the metro area and, in addition to DCist, her writings have also appeared on the Washingtonian web site.  Most recently, for the first annual FotoWeekDC contest, Heather was chosen to sit on a jury panel that included Pulitzer Prize winner Deanne Fitzmaurice and Joyce Tenneson, who is the 2005 Fine Art Photographer of the Year.   Top all of this off with a day job working as an attorney at a large law firm in downtown DC, and you have what could be one of the busiest Washingtonians of today.