Sean Hennessey

Revisiting My Pipe Dreams

2011-12-29T10:15:00.001-05:00

5 years ago I expressed 9 Pipe Dreams for the artworld in DC and I wanted to revisit them and see whats' what for 2011. I also wanted to take the time to think of new dreams.

Here are the dreams I expressed in 2006 and my sense of where things are now.

1. MLK- the national center for the creative arts.
My Dream Then:
To turn MLK library into a National Center for the Creative Arts.
What's What 2011:
The fate of MLK library is still undecided. It seems likely that it will be altered in some way, and no chance in hell it will become an arts center. In fact, I've heard no talk of any interest in a DC arts center at all, national or citywide. I still like the idea. I'd still love to see something of this nature move forward. So, still a dream. still a pipe dream.

2. DC Arts on Foot

My Dream Then:
To expand Arts on Foot
What's What 2011:

Arts on Foot did expand! One year, it lasted a handful of days and expanded a few blocks. There was art, foor
d, drink, aerialists even! I had a great time. This year it was 2 days, so a bit smaller than its peak. One issue for me was that Arts on Foot once paid artists to participate. Now it costs quite a bit of money to participate. The last time I participated, Food was given center court in the middle of the street, and artists were put into an art tent alley on the sidewalk. People still bought art, but it did bother me a bit that we were shoved to the side. i wasn't able to make it this year, but i think they fixed that aspect. I hope it can continue to grow and maintain the visual arts as a focus.

3. ART/BASEL/MIAMI/DC

My Dream Then:
To have a large scale serious art fair in DC
What's What 2011:
Well, first we got artDC. a large scale international arts extravaganza at the Walter Washington Convention Center. I liked it. But it didn't come back for a repeat performance. Then, this year, we got (e)merge. I loved it. It was a pipe dream come true! Cool galleries from around the world, cool art, great performances, lots of dc artists were included. AND it's going to happen again next year. Definitely the most significant Arts event in DC in the past 5 years. yay!! Maybe someday a gallery would want to include my work. Anyone? Class? Anyone? Bueller?
My new pipe dream is that i get to actually participate in something like this.

4. A Grand Arts District Along North Capitol

My Dream Then:
Swamppoodle Arts Center on North Capitol, and a flood of galleries to the North Capitol Corridor.
What's What 2011:

North Capitol @Quincy Street, facing South

Nothing. well, nothing much. I live in this corridor of the city, and i've worked to chronicle things in my hood, so this one is more personal than the others on my list. so what IS going on? NPR is building its headquarters along North Capitol in an old Smithsonian space. A Fab Lab is coming. I've read that Artomatic may come back to NoMa, but we'll see. Not much else going on. That old firehouse pictured in my original post from 5 years ago? still empty.
But i mentioned FabLab. I'm actually totally stoked about that. and we did have the Bloomingdale Arts Walk
I still hold on to a dream that North Capitol will be a home to more arts usage.

North Capitol Street, facing north

Still a pipe dream.

5. DC will become a destination to buy and support arts.

My Dream Then:
Fewer Washingtonians would think they have to go to NYC to buy art. and some may visit DC because of the arts here.
What's What 2011:
I think that this is changing. it's a good direction, and things like (e)merge, and the reactionary show that it spurred, are helping. Another great force since 2006 has been Philippa Hughes and her Pinkline Project. She wrote an article on Huffington Post concerning this topic. The population in DC is still growing and there is now a lot of self respect and a growing desire to support DC artists.
It's very promising. Pipe Dream halfway there!

via

6. More galleries will open in centralized locations.

My Dream Then:
To have a more centralized gallery scene.
What's What 2011:
Not so much. Virtually no galleries in "Gallery Place". The 14th street galleries are closing or moving. Trinidad has become host to a few galleries, but for the most part, our art scene is very spread out. I guess that's like most places anyway. Still a pipedream.

7. An ArtBoat Regatta on the Anacostia

My Dream Then:
Art Barges on the Anacostia!!!!!
What's What 2011:
DC is still seriously lacking in martime artistic endeavors.

Maybe the Georgetown Canal.

This maintains a water pipedream.

8. The Great Great American Beer and Art Fest.

My Dream Then:
Beer + Art. and lots of both.
What's What 2011
One thing that I could not possibly foresee is that DC has Three breweries now in our fair city!!!!!! DC Brau, Chocolate City Brewery and 3 Stars Brewing ! Amazing! Both have artwork decorating their walls. Maybe this could still happen!!!!! Maybe now just a dream, not a pipe dream.

anyone?

9. More galleries will start a blog.

My Dream Then:
I wanted to see more dynamic sites from galleries. I wanted more interaction between galleries and collectors and artists. I wanted to grow our social and cultural networks.

What's What 2011:
Do people still blog? well... i guess they do. But interactive content has made a huge jump to facebook and twitter. Nowadays pretty much everyone has made the leap to at least one of the 3 things. the ones that haven't have become invisible. maybe that works for them. But, things are way more accesible and interactive than they were 5 years ago. the shift in this is obvious to everyone but the olde thyme institutions that don't wish to have an audience under 50. I think this pipe dream has become irrelevant.

All in all DC seems to have come a long way in the past five years. I look forward to the next five with the hopes of even greater improvements. If anyone reads this, i'd love to hear your thoughts on what you would love to see for the arts in dc ( or your own town).

the future of lighting

2011-12-24T14:02:00.000-05:00

I'm blown away by the coolness and the possibilities of OLED's. The old Edison bulbs that i love to use in my art work are already being phased out and will be looked back on the way we look back on ENIAC. I'd love to utilize this light source into work that i'm currently creating.

I recently received a grant to create a series of mixed and multimedia sculptures using glass, concrete, steel, sound and video based on the Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. I would love to be able to incorporate this type of lighting source. I've been considering LED's. If i can catch up to speed quickly on OLED's i may use them instead. anyone know where to get some affordably? or know how to use them?

I mean look, how insane are these images:

oh, did i mention that they can be flexible and transparent?

everything that uses a light will change very soon. your lights, your tv, your computer monitor, you phone. even your windows and windshields and eyeglasses.

This Sunday: Bloomingdale Holiday Art Market

2011-12-12T13:10:00.000-05:00

Facebook Page

It's happening again! The Bloomingdale Holiday Art Market at Big Bear Cafe in Washington, DC, will take place on Sunday, December 18, 5–9pm.

Shop local and support your favorite artisans and designers at DC's best coffee shop. Vendors include Sean Hennessey, De*Nada Design, Tigerflight, Van Wagoner Studios, andGoshdarnknit.

We'll help you finish your holiday gift shopping list as you pick up some treats for yourself, sing along with the carolers, and enjoy everyone's favorite winter treat, spiked cider!

Details:
What: Bloomingdale Holiday Art Market
Where: Big Bear Cafe (First and R St NW, DC)
When: Sunday, December 18
Time: 5-9pm

Black Cat Rock and Shop

2011-12-09T15:24:00.002-05:00

Black Cat's Annual Rock n Shop is this Sunday night.

I'll be set up with some small pieces that will make great gifts!
come out, have a beer, listen to music, and buy some gifts.

Sunday, December 11, doors open 8pm

Black Cat | 1811 14th St NW | Washington, DC

More Progress on Trumpet

2011-12-09T10:33:00.004-05:00

I'm still working away on creating the Trumpet for the Howard Theater.
I last left off as I was finishing up the model.

Here are some more images of the mold making process.

Winter Open Studio:: This Saturday!!!

2011-12-08T14:55:00.000-05:00

Come on out to Mount Rainier and see some art! Both the Washington Glass School and Flux Studios will be hosting our winter open studios and you are invited.
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The Washington Glass School presents its 10^th annual Winter Sculpture Show and Holiday Open House, featuring works by artists and instructors of the Washington Glass School.

Some of the region’s leading mixed media sculptors and artists work from the studios on the edge of DC, and artwork both large and small will be on sale.

I've been creating new Glass and Concrete Panels and I'd love for you to come check them out.

I also created something that is a unique approach. I created a series of small glass panels for an installation in the Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, Va. In doing so I made a few molds of some of the pieces to create a small run in concrete. Playing around in the studio, I make a few wax castings from the mold. Working with our former Studio Manager Rob Kincheloe, I made a glass casting of one of the folded waxes. Robs expertise in casting and kiln schedules enabled us to create a fantastic free standing cast. The iterations of ideas as they transform from initial concept through a metamorphosis of techniques and process and materials is deeply fascinating to me. So, come check out this piece.

This is a perfect opportunity to pick up one of my pieces if you've been thinking about it.

There are also many other artists work to check out too! Here is a piece by Michael Janis fresh from his exhibition at the Fuller Museum of Craft.

Fused Glass Panel Sculpture by Michael Janis

This event is more than an art open house – its an experience!

Next-door’s Flux Studios and Ellyn Weiss Studio will also be open on the day. Check out what’s happening in THE Creative Arts Center of the DC area!

Mixed media sculpture by Tim Tate

Cast Glass by Debra Ruzinsky

Washington Glass School Winter Sculpture Show

1pm – 5 pm

Saturday, Dec 10, 2011

Washington Glass School, 3700 Otis Street, Mount Rainier, MD 20712

202.744.8222

The Washington Glass School is located 2 blocks outside of Washington, DC in Mount Rainier, Maryland.

From DC:
Follow Rhode Island Avenue East.
Take the first turn off of the Mount Rainier traffic circle.
Make a left onto Otis Street.
You'll see us straight ahead!

By Metro:
Take the 83 or 84 Bus from the Rhode Island Avenue Station.

From Maryland:

Follow Rhode Island Avenue/ Route 1 West.
Take the 3rd turn off of the Mount Rainier traffic circle onto 34th Street, heading south.
Make a left onto Otis Street.
You'll see us straight ahead!

Howard Theater Trumpet

2011-12-03T10:27:00.001-05:00

trumpetmodelpainted, a photo by Scenic Artisan on Flickr.

This is my model for the Howard Theatre restoration project that I am working on. This is the finished model. I painted it white to give it a consistant surface over the various materials its made from. it also gives me a better look at the curves and any imperfections that i might want to fix. next, i'll make a rubber mold of this. Once the mold is cured, i will remove the model, set a stainless steel armature in place, close up the mold and pour concrete into an opening. Once the concrete is cured i will remove it from the mold, clean up the edges, and add the glass bell.

december.

2011-12-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

Hey! Come buy your holiday art gifts at these 3 events I'm participating in this December

1. Washington Glass School Winter Sculpture Show
Our semiannual open studio is a great way to check out the school and studios, see lots of art work, see works in progress, and score a great gift or piece for your personal collection.

Washington Glass School Winter Sculpture Show

Saturday, December 10, 2011, 1–5pm

Washington Glass School

3700 Otis Street | Mount Rainier, MD 20712

202.744.8222

Click here for directions

2. Black Cat's Rock n Shop
This fun yearly event has all kinds of stuff. art, posters, vintage clothes, junk, records. all fun stuff. I'll be selling my door sculptures.

Sunday, December 11, doors open 8pm

Black Cat | 1811 14th St NW | Washington, DC

3. Bloomingdale Holiday Arts Market
Our neighborhood holiday show at the Big Bear Cafe. small venue with a few select artists. christmas trees and cider. caroling. always funs and a good time to get together with neighbors, or check out this fantastic neighborhood.

Holiday Art Market at Big Bear Cafe.

Sunday, December 18, 5–9pm

Big Bear Cafe | First and R St NW | Washington, DC

Recent Signage

2011-11-29T10:26:00.000-05:00

I created these paintings recently to help add interest and signage to Field to City, a specialty organic and local market in the Bloomingdale neighborhood of Washington, DC.

You can see more of my paint work here
The layout and images of this mural was designed by Merry Alderman

trumpet progress

2011-11-18T09:20:00.001-05:00

I've been working on creating the model for the trumpet project I mentioned before. I've also been doing a few tests on materials. I wanted to find a concrete casting product that was fiber reinforced, as strong as possible, and as resistant to freezing and thawing as possible. I wound up choosing NeoMix D, a two part polymerized cement system. I was able to create a very strong casting at less than one quarter of an inch thick. That's pretty sufficient for what I need.

concrete mixture test

Then I needed to see how the cement accepted colorants. I'm going with a sienna color for the trumpet. I think it will compliment the blue of the figure very well. I will still do a few more tests on this.

Concrete Color Test

So I began building my model. My first step was to create the center portion since that holds everything together. I first tried creating it in foam, but i need it to be much stronger so I went with wood.

drilling middle section

Holes need to be drilled for the pipes to fit through. I used PVC pipe for the pipes of the trumpet. I figured it would be strong and that it would be easy to assemble. The curves in PVC and the connection points weren't exactly what i needed so I improvised.

I epoxied all the joints so that it would be a very solid model. The model needs to survive a two part mold making process, but I wanted it to be able to remain intact just in case I would need to make another mold of it. you never know, and it's sometimes best to make it much stronger than you need.

Here is the whole structure coming together.

I then added 1/2 round fluting to create the valves of the trumpet.

adding 1/2 round elements

Once that all came together I added the prototype bell created in glass. Still a little tweaking will need to be done.

I roughed in the glass inserts that will act somewhat as a sun catcher, and add a bit of a glimmer to the piece.

I still have a lot of fine tuning and cleaning up of the model and adding a bit of detail here and there before prepping the model for moldmaking.

Howard Theatre Restoration Project

2011-11-03T12:35:00.003-04:00

I've been sitting on this news for a while now and it's burning a hole in my harddrive. I'm very excited to announce that I will be working on a project for the the restoration of the Howard Theater in Washington, DC.

The Howard Theatre was a Beaux Arts Style theater built in 1910. During its peak it catered to an African American clientele and was an extension of U streets "Black Broadway". Many famous acts came through the Howard including Duke Ellington, Danny Kaye, Abbott and Costello, Cesar Romero, Pearl Bailey, Buddy Holly, Sarah Vaughn, Dinah Washington, Sammy Davis, Jr., James Brown and the Flames, Otis Redding, Lena Horne, Lionel Hampton, Redd Fox and Chuck Brown. Just so many amazing shows!

The Theatre closed in 1980 and has sat empty for the past 30 years. Plans for renovations were long and extensive but have been underway and the reopening is scheduled for April 2012. The artist Brower Hatcher and his team at Mid-Ocean Studios won the commission to create a public art installation at the Howard Theatre.

This is the design that he created

Jazz Man

The design is a free standing trumpet player to sit atop the theatre. His sculpture is constructed of powder coated stainless steel rods. It is the practice of Mid-Ocean Studios to often work with artists in the cities that they have received commissions. After a series of portfolios reviews and questions, I was asked to participate.

This is a dream project for me in many ways. The Howard Theatre is a building I walk by often. It is only 6 blocks from my house and with both my history in working in theatre and my fascination of urban american ruins, I have been very drawn to the space. I have also been looking for ways to get into public art and haven't yet had the opportunity. This is a great thrill and honor for me. And I've been so excited I can hardly stand it!

So what am I doing? I'll be creating the trumpet that Jazz Man is playing!

Here is my design:

Trumpet Design by Sean Hennessey

The overall trumpet will be in cast concrete. the bell of the trumpet will be in cast glass. I have also added cast glass pieces in the negative space of the trumpet. To create the final piece I will construct a mock up in clay, wood, metal pipe, cut glass, and found pieces, then make a 2 part rubber mold of the maquette. I will cast the bell section in wax, make a plaster /silica mold of the wax, melt the wax out, and fill the void with glass which I then fire in my kiln. I will fit the glass sections into the rubber mold, add a stainless steel armature, and pour tinted concrete into the void. After the concrete sets up I will demold the piece, clean it up, and seal it.

In addition to the trumpet sitting on top of the theatre, I will be making an additional one for a display in the lobby.

I will post pictures of my progress.

Links:

Howard Theater Restoration

Mid Ocean Studio

Movember.

2011-11-02T13:48:00.000-04:00

This month I will be growing a moustache for charity. The event is called Movember and we will be raising funds and awareness for men's health issues including prostate cancer.

You may donate to this cause here

Where does the money go?
From the website

The Movember Effect: Awareness & Education, Survivorship, Research
The funds raised in the US support prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. The funds raised are directed to programs run directly by Movember and our men’s health partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Together, the three channels work together to ensure that Movember funds are supporting a broad range of innovative, world-class programs in line with our strategic goals in the areas of awareness and education, survivorship and research.

For more information on the programs we are funding please visit the following:
Prostate Cancer Foundation
LIVESTRONG, The Lance Armstrong Foundation
Awareness & Education
Global Action Plan

Watch my moustache grow!
Day 1: Clean Shaven
I just signed up yesterday, the official first day of Movember, so I will start today clean shaven.

I'll post my progress through the month.

Thanks to those that have already supported the cause!

Incidentally, one of my supporters was also someone I participated in the 1997 Washington AIDS ride with. That was the first, and last time I attempted to raise funds since it wound up costing me a lot of money. I had moved to Washington, DC in 1997, with a job, a bike, and about 50 dollars. I signed up for the Shakespeare Theatre AIDS ride team. There was a commitment to raise a certain amount of money and I was unable to raise the appropriate funds and wound up having to pay a lot of money out of pocket. Money that i didn't have. I did not know many people in DC yet, had no social networking sites to utilize, and had never tried raising money before. It was a very bad year for someone that was working in the arts, in a new city, and very very cash strapped. Plus the AIDS ride was very strenuous and since i was riding on a cheap mountain bike, and had never done a long distance ride, it really kicked my ass. This completely put me off of all fund raising endeavors and made it really hard for me to ever want to ask people for money again. So it is with great reservations and humility that I accepted the request to join TEAM BOUNDARY STONE in their goal to raise money.

So thank you Lynn Coughlin for helping out!

If you are so inclined, you may contribute to our cause here:

http://us.movember.com/mospace/2073650/

thank you.

Closing reception for @bloomingdaledc art show this thursday.

2011-10-24T16:32:00.000-04:00

THE BLOOMINGDALE 2011 ART SHOW HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO THURSDAY OCT. 27th AT 410 GoodBuddY

By popular demand this years Bloomingdale Art Show has been extended to Thursday Oct. 27th. Due to the fantastic response and feedback we have received on the 2011 Art Show, the Bloomingdale House Tour Committee has decided to extend the show at 410 GoodBuddY to Thursday Oct. 27th and to host a closing party that evening from 6 - 9pm. Please join us to enjoy some of Washington`s best and brightest talents in a multitude of mediums - from photography to sculpture and paintings to mixed media pieces - come celebrate Bloomingdale's artists! Also featured are collaborative pieces by young artists from the ``Life Works To Masterpieces`` program. So don`t miss the opportunity to see some of your neighbor`s amazing work - featured artists include Sean Hennessey, Michael Little, Suzanne DesMarais, Rania Hassan, Charles Donalies, Andrew Cressman, Rob Chester, Gracy Obuchowicz, Michael Torra, Katherine Nehring, Evan Howell and more...

By private appointment through next Thursday - please contact Zach Sherif at zpnyc09 @ gmail.com or call 917 334 1488 to set up a viewing.

Bloomingdale Art Show Closing Party - Thursday Oct. 27th from 6 - 9pm

410 GoodBuddY Art Space

410 Florida Ave. NW

Very special thanks to Wiebenson & Dorman Architects for the usage of the gallery space

Crafty Bastards 2011! This Saturday October 1st.

2011-09-26T10:30:00.040-04:00

Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair is an exhibition and sale of handmade alternative arts and crafts from independent artists presented by the Washington City Paper. The fair is all-day, outdoors, free to attend, and will offer goods for sale, food, entertainment, prizes, and more! If you've been to Crafty Bastards you know what a fun show it is. If you haven't, try to check it out.

Detail of Looking for a Hero
Glass, Steel
by Sean Hennessey

I'm excited to be an exhibitor again this year for this fantastic event. It's my 6th time showing at this event! This year I'll have a lot of new painted doors, and a news series of glass relief pieces light enough for you to carry home on the metro.

Painted Cast Plaster Door
by Sean Hennessey

As usual, my wife, Rania Hassan, will be set up next to me. She's been printing notebooks and making new artworks will a determined fervor.

Bridges and Balloons
by Rania Hassan

You can find our booths, #34 and #35 using this handy map:

As you can see there's a lot going on this year. Come early and see everything!

Crafty Bastards
Saturday October 1st
2151 18th Street NW, DC in the heart of Adams Morgan.
10AM- 5PM
MAP

Art This Week in DC

2011-09-20T19:47:00.000-04:00

This is a pretty hot week for viewing Art in DC.

Check out these 3 cool events

(E)merge Art Fair

The (e)merge art fair celebrates galleries, artists, and the creative process with an an energetic environment of collaboration and discovery. The fair takes place September 22 - 25, 2011, in Washington, DC, within blocks of the U.S. Capitol Building, at the Capitol Skyline Hotel.

(e)merge features over 80 international exhibitors in two platforms: GALLERY PLATFORM - for galleries and nonprofit art spaces to show in the Hotel rooms on designated floors and ARTIST PLATFORM - for artists who are not represented, (e)merge will provide exhibition space, free of charge, for vetted works in various media (throughout the Hotel's public areas and grounds).

OPENING PREVIEW
> Thursday, September 22: 7pm - 11pm
Preview the exhibition and enjoy a concert by the pool with:LouLou and the Dispappointer Sisters (featuring members of Thievery Corporation, Fugazi, French Toast and The Deadmen)
$25 advance purchase / $30 at the door.

FAIR HOURS
> Friday, September 23: 12pm – 7pm
> Saturday, September 24: 12pm – 7pm
> Sunday, September 25: 12pm – 5pm
Capitol Skyline Hotel
10 “I” Street, SW
Washington D.C., DC 20024
(Cross Street is S Capitol Street SE)

Submerge

No Kings Collective is proud to announce Submerge, a four day flash ‘art happening’. Submerge, though fine art centric, is really just about talent, period. The goal of this space is to display through visual art, music, comedy, culinary, home grown talent, both emerging and established.

NKC will craft a temporary space on the Shaw Main Street Corridor in an unparalleled merger of art and culture. Submerge comes to life in a dormant and underused retail property located at 1005 7th st NW Washington, DC at the base of this historic neighborhood. This space is rustic and industrial but warm, whose interior harkens to an earlier time in DC history with exposed rafters, original wall covering and aged brick interior. Submerge is a transformative environment, one that will cater to the expectations and curiosities’ of the novice and the experienced onlooker.

The space is free and open to the Public (few exceptions) and will be open daily from the 22nd through 25th of September with daytime and evening programming.

7th and New York Avenue NW

But Is It Art

a DIY contemporary art show, will take place September 22-25, 2011, in Washington, DC. The Fair will feature dozens of local emerging artists in an exhibition of contemporary art.

The show will feature work from emerging artists in all media and disciplines. We are building walls for the exhibition space in the Wonderbox, an artist-run warehouse and studio space. We are also working with the local community at Hanover Place NW and So Others Might Eat, as well several of the artists at 52 O St. Studios to make this happen.

There will be a stage for performance pieces, places for sculpture, and spaces for site-specific installations. We are also painting a mural.

7:00 pm Thursday, Sept. 22
12:00-7:00 pm Friday-Saturday, Sept. 23-24
12:00-5:00 pm Sunday, Sept. 25

79 Hanover Place NW

The Fridge will be offering a free shuttle bus from their gallery to But Is It Art and (E)merge.
Shuttle schedule is here

Are you a DC Artist?

2011-08-26T14:56:00.001-04:00

Apply for a grant.

Arts Education Program

FY2012
Arts Education ProgramProgram Guidelines
Individuals may request up to $5,000
Organizations may request up to $30,000

NEW DEADLINE: Friday August 26, 2011 by 11:59 pm

Applicants may submit one AEP application per category each fiscal year

Arts Education Program DescriptionThe Arts Education Program (AEP) is designed to support organizations and individuals who
provide high-quality arts activities to youth in educational settings from early childhood through
high school. These programs or projects may include, but are not limited to: arts instruction, arts
integration, artist residences, in-school performances and/or public performances. Funding is
distributed in two categories: School-Based Programs and Community-Based Programs to
organizations and individuals that demonstrate a significant and positive impact on student
achievement.

School-Based Programs take place during the traditional school day for students, whether in
classrooms or at an outside venue. Activities must directly benefit DC Public or Public Charter
School students, and directly connect to curricula standards and instructional programs
occurring at those schools. Evaluation criteria for School-Based Programs emphasize strong
curriculum-based design.

Community-Based Programs take place outside of the traditional school day, such as at afterschool, weekend or summer programs or events. Programs may be associated with schools or community-based settings; however, priority will be given to activities that engage youth multiple times throughout the year.

• If requested activities have a primary focus involving children and youth, the applicant must request funds through the Arts Education Program;
• If requested activities have a primary focus involving public art installations, the applicant must request funds through the Public Art Building Communities program;
• Applicants with questions about either of these requirements are strongly encouraged to consult with a DCCAH staff member prior to applying to discuss the proper application category for the request.

AEP has a 1:1 cash matching requirement for organizations only. This is designed to assist an organization's fundraising by leveraging funding from additional sources. Neither in-kind services nor other DCCAH funds may be used to satisfy the matching requirement. Funds must be spent within DCCAHʼs FY2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012). Individuals are not required to match the grant award.

For more information, please email Carlyn Madden. Or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

AEP Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

Community Arts Grant

FY2012
Community Arts GrantProgram Guidelines
Individuals and Organizations may request up to $10,000

NEW DEADLINE: Friday August 26, 2011 by 11:59 pm

Community Impact Grant Program DescriptionThe Community Arts Grant (CAG) provides support for small-scale projects to promote arts and humanities activities to a diverse range of communities in the District of Columbia. For DCCAH, “Community Arts” refers to artistic projects that impact District residents based on geographic location, common interests or shared identities. This grant program gives the applicant the opportunity to expand on its own definition of community.

Previous applicants to the Folk and Traditional Arts Program, Elders Learning through the Arts, Hip Hop Community Arts Program and Small Projects Program are recommended to apply to CAG.

Projects must have a total budget of less than $100,000. Eligible activities include, but are not
limited to: concerts, visual arts exhibitions, literary readings, and festivals that focus on dance, folk art, film, music, theater and other art forms.

• If requested activities have a primary focus involving children and youth, the applicant must request funds through the Arts Education Program;
• If requested activities have a primary focus involving permanent public art installations, the applicant must request funds through the Public Art Building Communities program;
• Applicants with questions about either of these requirements are strongly encouraged to consult with a DCCAH staff member prior to applying to discuss the proper application category for the request.

Organizations applying to the Community Arts Grant have a 1:1 cash matching requirement. This is designed to assist an organizationʼs fundraising by leveraging funding from additional sources.Neither in-kind services nor other DCCAH funds may be used to satisfy the matching requirement. Funds must be spent within DCCAHʼs FY2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012). Individuals are not required to match grant funds.

For more information, please email Steven Mazzola or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

CAG Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

Cultural Facilities Projects

FY2012
Cultural Facilities ProjectsProgram Guidelines
Organizations may apply for up to $100,000
Deadline: August 31, 2011 by 11:59 PM
Applicants may submit one CFP application per fiscal year

Cultural Facilities Program DescriptionThe Cultural Facilities Projects (CFP) offers capital funds to help defray costs related to the improvement, expansion and rehabilitation of existing buildings owned or leased by nonprofit cultural institutions. The types of facilities involved may include, but are not limited to museums, galleries, theaters, offices, arts storage/conservation space, film exhibition space, studios and historic buildings. Examples of funded projects include roof replacement, HVAC updates, installation of handicapped accessible bathrooms, theatrical lighting and sound updates, specialized flooring installation, upgrades to fire safety systems, façade restoration, elevator installation and electrical and advanced networks wiring.

Applicants may submit one CFP application per fiscal year.

Funding PrioritiesApplicants should carefully evaluate their projects in the context of the following priorities before submitting application:
• Projects that demonstrate the readiness to undertake proposed project within the prescribed grant period.
• Projects that improve, expand, or rehabilitate buildings to provide for handicapped accessibility.
• Projects that increase and assure public access to the arts.
• Projects that address known health and safety deficiencies.
• Projects that reduce the organization's operating costs.
• Project that create or improve access to facilities for working artists.

The Cultural Facilities Program has a 1:1 cash matching requirement, designed to assist an organization's fundraising by leveraging additional funding from other sources. Neither in-kind services nor other DCCAH funds may be used to satisfy the matching requirement. Funds must be spent within the fiscal year 2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012).

For more information, please email Deirdre Ehlen or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

CFP Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

East of the River

FY2012
East of the RiverProgram Guidelines
Organizations may apply for up to $25,000
Deadline: September 1, 2011 by 11:59 PM
Applicants may submit one EOR applications per fiscal year

East of the River Program Description

The East of the River Program (EOR) provides access to high-quality arts and humanities
experiences for DC residents who live east of the Anacostia River. Activities may be programs
or projects that include, but are not limited to, dance, design, folk and traditional arts, literature,
media arts, music, theater, and visual arts. Funding may be used to support salaries and
operational costs directly related to the described East of the River activities.

Priority will be given to organizations with a principal place of business in Wards 7 or 8.

• If requested activities have a primary focus involving permanent public art installations, the applicant must request funds through the Public Art Building Communities program;
• Applicants with questions about these requirements are strongly encouraged to consult with a DCCAH staff member prior to applying to discuss the proper application category for the request.

The East of the River Program does not require matching funds. Funds must be spent within DCCAHʼs FY2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012).The program is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts to increase access for underserved communities.

For more information, please email Ebony Blanks or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

EOR Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

Festivals and City Arts Projects

FY2012
Festivals and City Arts ProjectsProgram Guidelines
Organizations may request up to $50,000

NEW DEADLINE: Friday August 26, 2011 by 11:59 pm

Applicants may submit two Festivals and City Arts Projects applications per fiscal year

Festivals and City Arts Projects DescriptionThe Festivals and City Arts Projects (FCAP) provides support for large-scale projects to promote arts and humanities activities to a diverse range of communities in the District of Columbia. These projects must have a total budget of $100,000 or more. Funding is distributed in two categories: Festivals and City Arts Projects. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: concerts, visual arts exhibitions, literary readings, and festivals that focus on dance, folk art, film, music, theater or other art forms.

• If requested activities have a primary focus involving children and youth, the applicant must request funds through the Arts Education Program;
• If requested activities have a primary focus involving permanent public art installations, the applicant must request funds through the Public Art Building Communities program;
• Applicants with questions about either of these requirements are strongly encouraged to consult with a DCCAH staff member prior to applying to discuss the proper application category for the request.

Festivals and City Arts Projects has a 1:1 cash matching requirement, designed to assist an
organizationʼs fundraising by leveraging funding from additional sources. Neither in-kind
services nor other DCCAH funds may be used to satisfy the matching requirement. Funds must
be spent within DCCAHʼs FY2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012).

For more information, please email Steven Mazzola or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

FCAP Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

Grants-In-Aid

FY2012
Grants-In-AidProgram Guidelines
Organizations may apply for up to $50,000
Deadline: August 30, 2011 by 11:59 PM
Applicants may submit one GIA application per fiscal year

Grants-In-Aid Program DescriptionGrants-In-Aid (GIA) is available to arts and humanities organizations whose primary function is
exhibition, presentation or training in the arts and humanities. GIA offers general operating
support to organizations specializing in the following areas: dance, design, folk and traditional
arts, literature, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts.

Organizations that have been eligible to receive funds from the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs Program in FY2011 are now eligible to apply for FY2012 Grants-in-Aid funding.

Grants-In-Aid has a 1:1 cash matching requirement, designed to assist an organization's fundraising by leveraging funding from additional sources. Neither in-kind services nor other DCCAH funds may be used to satisfy the matching requirement. Funds must be spent within DCCAH's FY2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012).

For more information, please email Ebony Blanks or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

GIA Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

Individual Artist Grants

FY2012
Individual Artist GrantsProgram Guidelines
Individuals may request up to $5,000
Deadline: August 29, 2011 by 11:59 PM
Applicants may submit one Individual Artist Grant application per fiscal year

Individual Artist Grant Program DescriptionThe Individual Artists Grant (IAG) is designed to support the creation and/or presentation of
innovative arts projects closely related to the development of an individual artist's professional
career. This grant recognizes the impact of individual artists throughout the District of Columbia
and supports the vitality that those artists bring to the community.

Artistic disciplines may include, but are not limited to, dance, design, folk and traditional arts,
literature, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts, as well as other emerging and
experimental fields and cross-disciplinary mediums.

Previous applicants to the Artist Fellowship Program and Young Artist Program are
recommended to apply to IAG.

NOTE: Recipients of FY11 Artist Fellowship Program (AFP) grants in Visual and Media Arts are not eligible to apply to the FY12 Individual Artist Grant. These FY11 grant recipients will be eligible to apply for the Individual Artist Grant in FY13. We encourage FY11 AFP recipients to apply to the FY12 Community Artist Grant.

• If requested activities have a primary focus involving children and youth, the applicant must request funds through the Arts Education Program;
• If requested activities have a primary focus involving permanent public art installations, the applicant must request funds through the Public Art Building Communities program;
• Applicants with questions about either of these requirements are strongly encouraged to consult with a DCCAH staff member prior to applying to discuss the proper application category for the request.

Individual Artist Grants has no cash matching requirement. All project funds must be spent
within DCCAHʼs FY2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012).

For more information, please email Moshe Adams or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

IAG Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

Public Art Building Communities

FY2012
Public Art Building CommunitiesProgram Guidelines
Individuals may apply for up to $50,000
Organizations may apply for up to $100,000
Deadline: PABC has rolling deadline throughout FY2012

Public Art Building Communities Description
The Public Art Building Communities grant (PABC) is available to individual artists and organizations to create and install permanent or temporary public artwork that enhances District neighborhoods. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: sculpture, mosaics, artistic streetscape improvements, murals, paving patterns, video installations, custom benches, stained glass windows, artistic gates and railing, etc. Funding is available for all fees associated with the design, fabrication and installation of the artwork(s) including: artist fees, materials, insurance, engineering, shipping, fabrication and installation services, permits, copyright registration, and photographic documentation. Projects must have a lifespan of at least five (5) years.

Applicants may submit up to two (2) PABC applications per fiscal year.

Organizations are required to have a 1:1 cash matching requirement, designed to assist an organization's fundraising by leveraging funding from additional sources. Neither in-kind services nor other federal or local government funds may be used to satisfy the matching requirement. Funds must be spent within DCCAHʼs FY 2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012). Individual applicants are not required to match grant funds.

For more information, please email Deirdre Ehlen or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

PABC Program Guide 2012 [PDF]

PABC Application 2012 [PDF]

UPSTART Program

FY2012
UPSTART ProgramApplication Questions
Organizations may apply for up to $100,000, average grant size is $50,000

NEW DEADLINE:Friday August 26, 2011 by 11:59 pm

Applicants may submit one UPSTART application per fiscal year

The UPSTART Program is the signature capacity building program of the DC Commission on
the Arts and Humanities. UPSTART is designed to support arts organizations with intensive
technical assistance through consulting and funding for core administrative systems, leadership
development and operating reserves. Projects funded through UPSTART may include
consulting services for information technology, communications or fundraising strategy,
organizational development, executive coaching, financial management, strategic planning, and
governance.

UPSTART assists established arts and humanities nonprofit organizations with significant
programmatic functions that face operational and infrastructure challenges and financial
limitations that prevent organizational and programmatic sustainability.

In FY 2012, there are two major changes to the UPSTART program. Currently, organizations with current budgets under $1.5 million are eligible to apply. In addition, past recipients of UPSTART grants are eligible to reapply.

A maximum of six applicants will be selected. Of the six applicants, no more than two applicants will be past recipients of the UPSTART program grant.

The UPSTART Program has the following components:

• An organizational assessment by UPSTART program consultants;
• Development and implementation of an organizational work plan with goals and milestones to be approved by DCCAH;
• Expenditure of funds based on meeting milestones and work plan objectives;
• Establishment or expansion of an operating reserve fund;
• Peer networking meetings;
• Preparation of interim and final work plan updates reports, and
• Preparation of a final report by completing forms 804 and 805

For more information, please email Carlyn Madden or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

UPS Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

Art Bank

Currently there are over 2,500 artworks in the Art Bank Collection, installed in more than 150 District Government agencies. An open call is initiated each year to invite local artists to submit artwork for consideration of purchase into the collection, providing the selected artists with financial and professional benefits. A selection committee is formed to review prospective works and to make final selections of all new acquisitions. Once purchased, the artwork is documented, framed and installed in public areas of District government agencies, improving the environment in public facilities for District employees and residents alike.

The DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities (DCCAH) is seeking to purchase two and three-dimensional works of art including, but not limited to, prints, drawings, mixed media compositions, paintings, photographs, ceramics, and moveable sculptures to be included in the Art Bank Collection. We also strongly encourage submissions by video artists and other technological innovators as we look to expand the Art Bank Collection to include more diverse and dynamic forms of contemporary art. Representational, conceptual, and abstract works will be equally considered.

This year, the Art Bank application process will be done entirely online. Please follow dcarts.slideroom.com to find the Art Bank 2011 Call to Artists. In order to access the application, all applicants will first be prompted to create a SlideRoom account, at no cost. Once logged into their new account, each applicant artist will be allowed to submit up to ten labeled images to be considered for acquisition into the Art Bank. All artwork submitted must be available for purchase upon submission and must be created with archival materials. Work shall not exceed 96" in any direction or 100lbs in weight.

In addition to ten images of prospective artwork,
a completed online application will include:
• An artist statement
• A current CV or resume
• An image list of all works submitted, in the order of submission

ARTIST ELIGIBILITY:
This call is open to all artists who reside or maintain studio space in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. However, preference will be given to District residents.

DEADLINES:
FRIDAY | SEP 30 | 11:59PMfor submission

Tuesday, October 11: Preliminary selections made from image entries.
Week of October 17-21: Artists required to drop off artwork for viewing per notification.
Monday, October 24: Final selections made.
Monday, October 31: Artists required to pick up works that are not accepted.

For More Information, contact Zoma Wallace, Curator and Art Collections Manager
of DCCAH at Zoma.Wallace@dc.gov or 202.724.5613

leaf

2011-08-22T23:55:00.001-04:00

leaf a video by Scenic Artisan on Flickr.

playing with some video making.

my weekend.

2011-08-15T20:24:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I had the fortune to be the guest of my friend and studio mate Tim Tate at the Annual Penland Auction. Tim generously donated a fantastic piece to the auction

four seasons by tim tate

Check out his facebook page to catch a glimpse of the effect that penland has had on tim and his life.
no way i could try to capture that here. i'll just say that Tim's speeches get everyone all teary, his work drew cheers as it came on stage for the auction, and it garnered $25,000 for the school. all in all very powerful stuff. hit him up on facebook if'n you want to know more.

The weekend was full of seeing art, and artists, and writers, and visiting studios and chatting with lovers of art. and eating and drinking. really, not much more one could ask for. well... a good coffee shop would have been nice.

happy hour at the printing studio

I got to talk with a few of my art crushes. the cool wood worker Sylvie Rosenthal, the quirky machine maker Leah Frost, the badass iron worker Hoss Haley. lots of wonderful people were there. so much talent.

A highlight for me was meeting and seeing the work of Cristina Cordova . This piece, entitled Isla nearly brought a tear to my eye when seeing it. Unbelievably beautiful and skillful. One of those pieces that just takes my breathe away and inspires me in a way i wish i could describe. it's one of the most beautiful pieces of art i've ever seen. and i've seen a lot of art.

I got to learn more about the residency and the core student fellowship that Penland offers. There was a tour of the resident studios including the cool works of Amy Tavern, Tom Shields, Gwendolyn Yoppolo
the tour included a free coffee mug by a former core student Jason Bige Burnett.

During the auction there was an unbelievably moving speech by a former Core Student Fellow Wes Stitt. That brought a tear to my eye too. it really is a place that, for me, has a very powerful draw and an unbelievably creative and welcoming energy. Wes captured that in his talk. I'm dying to take some classes there, and i would encourage anyone else to also.

A shot of the auction tent.

The view of the mountains from around Penland

and besides, who wouldn't want to work in this metal shop:

"Construction" Exhibition at Johns Hopkins University - Montgomery County Campus

2011-08-07T18:57:00.001-04:00

I will be exhibiting work at the Johns Hopkins University - Montgomery County Campus.

The awesome Michael Sirvet has a cool piece hung as well.

Construction

Exhibition dates: August 29th- October 28th.

M-F: 7:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday 8am-2pm

Holiday schedules may vary.

Reception to be announced soon.

Johns Hopkins University

Montgomery County Campus

9601 Medical Center Drive

Rockville, MD 20850

Lobby Building 3

Doors!

2011-08-07T14:52:00.001-04:00

Doors!, a photo by Scenic Artisan on Flickr.

an assortment of plaster door castings.

bloomingdale: Diton: NCMS Art + Music Walk - grand finale featur...

2011-08-06T11:13:00.000-04:00

bloomingdale: Diton: NCMS Art + Music Walk - grand finale featur...: "See this message from Rustik Tavern`s Diton Pashaj : Join us this Saturday, August 6th between 12 pm and 6pm for the Third Annual Art Wal..."

Art Machines

2011-07-24T10:36:00.000-04:00

Washington Glass School Exhibit @ Long View Gallery Closing Party

2011-06-13T15:16:00.003-04:00

There is one week left to see the Washington Glass School 10th Anniversary Exhibit at Long View Gallery!

We will be having a closing party birthday bash on Sunday June 19th from 2-5 PM. Read the review by Michael O'Sullivan in the Washington Post and come on out and celebrate our anniversary and the success of this exhibit.

Washington Glass School
10th Anniversary PartyLong View Gallery
1234 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001Sunday, June 19th, 2011
2-5 pm

If you would like me to give you a guided tour of the exhibit before our closing party, let me know. The gallery is open during the following times and i can meet you there!

Hours:

Wednesday-Saturday 11-6

Sunday 12-5

And by Appointment

comment here or shoot me an email art@wheresmycoffee.com

Opening at Bella Cafe in DC this Friday.

2011-05-31T12:16:00.000-04:00

Bella Cafe

Friday, June 3 · 6:30pm - 10:00pm

Bella DC is proud to be showcasing and selling artwork from DC and Richmond-based artists Sean Hennessey, Kelly Alder of Pop Idiot, Bob Scott, and Jeffrey Everett of El Jefe Design. Opening night is June 3, 2011 and will be highlighted by an array of art work, generous bar, karaoke, and more.

More Information.

Bella Cafe

900 Florida Avenue NW

(between N 9th St & N V St)

Washington, DC 20001

A Review in the Washington Post.

2011-05-28T14:34:00.000-04:00

The Washington Glass School Exhibit was reviewed in the by Michael O'Sullivan in the Washington Post.

I even got a mention:
Take, for example, the work of Sean Hennessey. In a manner of speaking, the artist hides large portions of his cast-glass panels (which depict light bulbs and electrical plugs in shallow bas relief) under schmears of colored concrete, effectively burying the glass in the dirt. For Hennessey -- as for his fellow artists Michael Janis, Allegra Marquart and Kirk Waldroff, all of whom are storytellers of a sort -- the medium is secondary to the message.

Plus they used an image of my work in the print version.

We will be holding an Artist's Talk on Sunday June 5th from 3 to 4pm.
Come on by if you want to hear more about our work.

Longview Gallery
1234 9th St. NW
Washington, DC

WSG at Longview Gallery. May 19th.

2011-05-11T07:31:00.000-04:00

Artists of the Washington Glass School

The First Ten Years

show dates

May 19 – June 19

opening reception

thursday, May 19 6:30 – 8:30PM

the Washington DC area has become international renowned as an emerging center of glass art. At the forefront of this charge is the Washington glass school, where, for the past ten years, the instructors, artists and student have brought narrative and content into glass, dragging it away from decorative craft and into the rarified atmosphere of “fine art.” the Washington glass school has produced artists whose art can be found in museums and collections worldwide and is advancing the studio glass movement with its explorations of narrative content, technology and skills.

Washington’s long view gallery presents “artists of The Washington Glass school – The First Ten Years” showcasing ten years of integrating glass into the contemporary art dialogue. While it recognizes the past and present, The First Ten Years is intended to instigate – and celebrate – the new directions contemporary glass is exploring through various artistic metaphors. featured artists include: Tim Tate, Michael Janis, Erwin Timmers, Elizabeth Mears, Robert Kincheloe, Syl Mathis, Lea Topping, Sean Hennessey, Dave D’orio, Kirk Waldroff, Robert Wiener and others.

Longview Gallery

1234 ninth st nw

washington, dc 20001

202.232.4788

longviewgallery.com

Coming Up Art Events

2011-05-09T09:17:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to write up a brief lowdown on my events.

1. Open Studio and the Washington Glass School

Saturday May 14th

12 noon- 5 PM

3700 Otis Street

Mount Rainier, MD 20712

Admission: Free

202.744.8222

This is part of the Gateway Arts District Open Studio Tour

2. Washington Glass School Exhibit at Longview Gallery

Washington Glass School: The First 10 Years

LongView Gallery

1234 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC

May 19 - June 19, Opening Reception, May 19th, 6:30-8:30 PM

More Infomation HERE

3. Handmade Mart

I'll be showing my work in the Art Spring Booth at the Handmade Mart in Silver Spring Maryland.

Sunnday, May 22, 2011

10am-5pm

Ellsworth Drive (Between Fenton & Georgia Avenue)

I also have work available in the Art Spring Store, which is a wonderful store of DC area made arts and crafts.

4. Four Square

3 other artists and I are proposing an exhibit based on the notion of Square. We'll each have our interpretations of the concept, including some prizes for checking into the exhibit using the 4square social networking app. stay The other artists are Cheryl Derricote, Ellen Hill, and Albert Schweitzer

stay tuned for more details.

5. Bella Cafe

Friday, June 3 · 6:30pm - 10:00pm

Bella DC is proud to be showcasing and selling artwork from DC and Richmond-based artists Sean Hennessey, Kelly Alder of Pop Idiot, Bob Scott, and Jeffrey Everett of El Jefe Design. Opening night is June 3, 2011 and will be highlighted by an array of art work, generous bar, karaoke, and more.

The exhibit will be up in June.
More Information.

Bella Cafe

900 Florida Avenue NW

(between N 9th St & N V St)

Washington, DC 20001

6. Delaplaine Arts Center

Erin Antognoli, Erwin Timmers and I will be exhibiting Glass and Steel works at the Delaplain Arts Center in December

The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center

40 South Carroll Street
Frederick MD 21701

details to come.

Gateway Arts District Open Studios

2011-05-09T08:27:00.001-04:00

7^th Annual Gateway Open Studio Tour!

15 Venues. 70 Studios. 120 Artists.

Saturday, May 14^th, 12-5pm in the Gateway Arts District of Prince George’s County, MD

Get up close and personal with legions of local artists in their studios and see the work of this intensely creative community

§ Free shuttle bus transportation along the Route 1/Rhode Island Ave corridor will help you to all the venues on the tour

§ Or … drive, walk, bike your way along this self guided tour

§ Maps and more information at www.gatewaycdc.org in advance of the tour, or at the Gateway Arts Center on the day of the tour

Gateway Arts Center at Brentwood

3901 Rhode Island Avenue

Brentwood, MD 20722

Events/Exhibits on the day of the tour:

Several sites on the tour will be holding exhibits or events which include:

Brentwood Arts Exchange (in the Gateway Arts Center, first floor): BIG IDEAS an exhibition by: Sondra N. Arkin, Susan Finsen and Ellyn Weiss
2:00pm - Artist Talk: Sondra N. Arkin, Susan Finsen, & Ellyn Weiss will talk about their art work and walk guests through their exhibition
4:00pm - Join the Community Spirit: A dialogue with the three artists about their installation, Community Spirit, where you are invited to leave your mark

39^th Street Gallery (Gateway Arts Center, second floor): Opening reception following the tour from 5:30-8pm, BODY, curated by Ledelle Moe

Joe’s Movement Emporium: MUJERES, a new exhibit by Alberto Garcia featuring striking portraits of women in the arts, culture, and humanities
artDC: Reception for artDC’s Patron’s Exhibit

Additional information for these events can be found attached, or at www.gatewaycdc.org.

The Gateway Open Studio Tour is generously supported by: Maryland National Capitol Park and Planning Commission, Bank of America and the Anacostia Trails Heritage Association.

new website

2011-04-07T13:18:00.000-04:00

some of you know me as a glass artist. some of you know me as a faux finisher. I'm both! recently i updated my decorative painting website. I've added more samplea of my finishes and included more photos of completed projects. Please check it out, and if you are in the Washington DC area, please pass it on if you know anyone that would like a mural or decorative finish work in their home or business.

Scenic Artisans Website

i went to south africa last week.

2011-03-01T20:31:00.000-05:00

here are some shots from my vacation:

or flip through them at your own pace here

Come see, and add to The Idea Tree at the Mt. Pleasant Temporium

2011-02-17T17:03:00.000-05:00

For the Mount Pleasant Temporium event, wife and husband artist team Rania Hassan and Sean Hennessey created an installation in the window titled "The Idea Tree." The Idea Tree represents our neighborhoods, our City, and our homes. Constructed using recycled cardboard and wood, drawings, cutouts and small structural elements create a sense that the tree is made of buildings, towers, and houses. Our ideas, our hopes, our dreams are the things that help shape what our neighborhoods are, what our city is, and what it can be. Visitors to the Temporium are asked to contribute to this installation by answering the questions, "What do you want for Mount Pleasant?" and "What do you want for DC? Sharing thoughts and ideas on green slips of paper, and adding these "leaves" to the tree make our neighborhood tree blossom. Together we can watch our ideas grow.

The Mount Pleasant Temporium

http://mtptemporium.com/

About

The Mt. Pleasant Temporium is a temporary, pop-up retailer coming to Mt. Pleasant St. NW from February 18 – March 13. (See retail hours and transportation). It is located in an under-utilized storefront at 3068 Mt. Pleasant St. NW. The space is on loan from Nana, which will open in March.

The Temporium features handmade goods for sale from 30 local, independent crafters and artists, as well as special events—autobiographical and theatrical storytelling, crafting, trunk shows, and live music.

This project was developed by Mount Pleasant Main Street, in partnership with SpeakeasyDC, Hello Craft, Radio CPR, Partners for Livable Communities, and the DC Office of Planning. The Temporium is supported by the DC Office of Planning’s Temporary Urbanism grant. Temporiums help meet several objectives established by the District of Columbia through the Creative DC Action Agenda, the Retail Action Roadmap and the Mount Pleasant Street Revitalization Strategy.

Schedule:

Schedule

The Mt. Pleasant Temporium is proud to present a full events rosters! We hope you will join us on Feb. 18 for our grand opening and return again to shop and enjoy one of our many storytelling, crafting or live music events, offered during regular retail hours and after hours on selected nights.

Feb. 18 – 20 / Feb. 21 – 27 / Feb. 26 – March 6 / March 7 – 13

All events are free and open to the public.
Events are located within the Mt. Pleasant Temporium at 3068 Mt. Pleasant St. unless otherwise noted.*
Attendees are encouraged to arrive at least 20 minutes early to seated events, which have a limited capacity of 30.**
Events schedule is updated daily.

Feb. 18 – 20

Fri. 2/18 (7-9 pm): Grand Opening Reception, featuring music by DJs Bent, Rat, Trash, and Mothersheister of Radio CPR

Sat. 2/19 (7-8:30 pm): SpeakeasyDC** – Mini-class on the art of storytelling and story swap (interpretación simultánea del ingles al español)

Sun. 2/20 (3 pm): Temporium Sunday Session featuring: Ice Cream (kid-friendly event)

Feb. 21 – 27

Thurs. 2/24 (7 pm): Temporium Presents: I’m From Up Top**

Fri. 2/25 (7 pm): Radio CPR – An evening of young, underground DC talent, featuring live performances by: the artists of Fallen Kings Records, ACME, and Hot Mess, plus a live sampling of DJs, hosts, and MC talent from Radio CPR 97.5′s dynamic weekly programming. Event is located at La Casa, 3166 Mount Pleasant Street NW, suggested donation $2-3*

Sat. 2/26 (1-3 pm): Hello Craft’s Make Something Awesome Area – Learn how to make pin sets from books, magazines, your own drawings and more. (kid-friendly event)

Sun. 2/27 (12:30 – 3 pm): Temporium Sunday Session featuring: (12:30) The Family Hammer and (2 pm) Washington City Paper’s News You Can Reuse (kid-friendly event)

Sun. 2/27 (7 – 8:30 pm): SpeakeasyDC** – Group House night – Hear and share stories about that good ol’ Mt. Pleasant tradition of group house living. May be screening of Amy Saidman’s pretty terrible, but amusing mockumentary Group House Gone Bad filmed in 4 different Mt. P houses over the course of 4 years.

Feb. 28 – March 6

Wed. 3/2 (4-5:30pm): After School printmaking workshop with Bancroft Elementary School and print maker Anthony Dihle: How to Screen Print Monsters!Note – event participation is closed to the public, but Temporium patrons are encouraged to shop and observe!

Thurs. 3/3 (6 pm): Local author Anna El-Eini reads from Beating Heart

Sat. 3/5 (3-6 pm): Radio CPR –Documenting Mt. Pleasant’s Untold Stories, Part I – Go beneath the radar with Radio CPR and uncover some of the neighborhood’s secret histories and hidden gems with those that lived them. In this 3-hour workshop, you will learn the basics of audio recording and interviewing. We will go out to collect voices and stories from the Mt. Pleasant corridor with the hope of adding another layer to the quilted narrative of Mt. Pleasant. Snacks and beverages will be provided. No experience needed.

Sun. 3/6 (1 pm): Temporium Sunday Session featuring: Readings from Gilded Lili: Lili St. Cyr and the Striptease Mystique, by Mt. Pleasant author Kelly DiNardo

March 7 – 13

Thurs. 3/10 (6:30 – 8:30 pm): Radio CPR – Documenting Mt. Pleasant’s Untold Stories, Part II – Learn about some of the movements, projects and institutions that were born in Mount Pleasant. Speakers will tell stories about Escuela de Rumba, La Casa, Radio CPR, the Blue Sky Collective, Punk Rock, Neighbors Consejo and more. Event is located at Don Juan Restaurant, 1660 Lamont Street (Mt. Pleasant and Lamont Sts., NW)*

Fri. 3/11 (7 – 8:30 pm): SpeakeasyDC** – Story Game Night

Sat. 3/12 (7 – 10 pm): Folly Night @ the Temporium. Musical performances include Brazilian psychadelia by Alma Tropicalia and hazy whispercore from Cigarette, interspersed with stand-up comedy and readings by writers fromThe Folly, a new print-only literary magazine in DC.

Sun. 3/13 (4-6 pm): Hello Craft’s Make Something Awesome Area + Handmade Gift Exchange (5-6 pm) – Buy or bring a gift to the shop ($15 value and under) to take part in the handmade version of the white elephant gift exchange on the closing night of the Temporium. (kid-friendly event)

Elements opens this Saturday

2011-02-02T09:31:00.001-05:00

The Elements:

An exhibition featuring Sherill Anne Gross, Sean Hennessey,
Sean Lundgren and Alexandra Zealand

Herndon’s downtown art center, ArtSpace, is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibition, “The Elements,” featuring the imaginative work of four contemporary artists:
Sherill Anne Gross, Sean Hennessey, Sean Lundgren and Alexandra Zealand.

Anchored in the classic elements of Hellenic physics - Water, Fire, Earth and Air - these artists use the elements as a part of their medium, rather than as the subject of their works.

Paper can not be created without water; ironically too much water can also destroy paper. Early fire pits dug into the sand had the side effect of also causing the first forms of glass, when the extreme heat of the fire melted silica. Dirt is the earth, the source of clay, and the root of life. Air is the space that floats between suspended objects, allowing for movement, light and shadow. Air is also the catalyst for physical transformation.

Sherill Anne Gross is a dc based paper artist. A love of collage and printmaking led to experiments with different techniques while trying to incorporate both passions into her work. Eventually the experiments were made solely using paper, and the challenge of transforming a finite color palette of flat square papers into realistic final images remains an exciting challenge with each new piece. Sherill Anne Gross’ work has been seen in many venues across the country including: Gateway Arts Center (MD), Elroy ArtSpace (OR), Harold Golan Gallery (FL), Foundry Art Center (MO), Allenton Gallery (NC), Ratner Museum (MD), Artomatic (DC).. She is also the owner of the graphic design company sagworks, and a resident artist at the Greenbelt Community Center. sagworks.com

Sean Hennessey is a sculptor, painter, and glass artist. A graduate of Berea College, Sean worked in professional theatre for ten years and has bridged the theatre and fine arts community since moving to DC in 1997. His works have been seen in many contexts and venues including: The Shakespeare Theatre, The Kennedy Center, the Wooly Mammoth Theatre Company, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, HGTV, Arena Stage, Smithsonian Folk Life Festival, Signal 66, The National Institutes of Health, The Ratner Museum and Artomatic. He’s the owner of Scenic Artisans LLC, a decorative paint and sculpture service, and a resident artist at the Washington Glass School and Creative Arts Center. dcsean.com

Sean Lundgren moved to the DC area in 2007, shortly after receiving his BFA from Alfred University with a concentration in ceramics. A process driven artist, Lundgren has been a member of Red Dirt Studio for 3 years and works as an artist's assistant to DC based sculptor Margaret Boozer. Lundgren's other mentors include a sculptural potter, an installation artist, a performance artist, a glass artist, and a blacksmith. He has exhibited his raw clay work in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, where his piece “Site Singularity” was reviewed by the Charlottesville News and Arts in September 2010: “Artists always struggle to make their material conform to their vision, but this DC sculptor takes an ingenious turn and allows the medium to prevail.” seanlundgren.com.

Alexandra Zealand is an installation sculptor. Originally trained in theatre design, she received an MFA in Sculpture from Pratt Institute. Since moving to Northern Virginia in 2006, her work has been seen at the Target Gallery, Evolve Urban Arts Project in DC, the artdc gallery and Artomatic. Her installation “Flock” was named Best of Artomatic 2009 by Art Seen Blog, and her January 2010 exhibit at the Delaplaine was reviewed by the Frederick News-Post. She was invited to install a coffee filter piece at the preview party for the new Arlington County Artisphere in Oct. 2009, and a film strip piece at the closing awards for the 4^th annual Alexandria VA Film Festival in Sept. 2010. Fascinated by mummies, volcanoes, continental drift and zombies, she spends her days doing social media and reference work at the Arlington Public Library. alexzealand.blogspot.com

Elements
ArtSpace Herndon
Reception: Saturday, February 5, 6–8pm
Exhibition Dates: February 5–26, 2011
Gallery Hours: Tuesday–Thursday: 10am-2pm, Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday–Sunday: 12pm-5pm, Closed Mondays
750 Center Street, Herndon, VA
Tel: 703-956-6590
Click here for more information.

What is Glass Secessionism?

2011-01-23T10:32:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share the idea of Glass Secessionism, a movement in glass built on, but growing away from the traditions of the Studio Art Glass movement that began in the 1960's. Glass Secessionism is where Art created with glass is in the 21st century. It is an approach that uses glass as a sculptural medium, and it is a narrative that is content driven. There is also a trend toward kiln cast pieces rather than blown pieces. many artists combine the two.

I came to be a glass artist, not through the traditions of craft, but because I was a sculptor that knew some guys that had a glass studio. I never took the formalistic approach that had been endemic to the material and techniques since the studio art glass movement began in the 1960's. i began using glass because i felt as though i could say more with glass than with the materials i had been using, or at least say something different. i have always thought of glass in a narrative content driven way. this is why i felt akin to the guys that invited me over to do some work at their studio, The Washington Glass School. Many of us working out of the studio were creating content driven narrative pieces with representational elements. Unknown to me was that this was generally rather rejected by the art community at large, and the craft community at large. there had been a history of fine art folk turing their nose up at media specific work, and not even showing it in galleries. such galleries still exist today. you work in glass and the door is closed to you. that is changing.

The following is a post on the Glass Secessionist facebook page written by Glass Secessionist Artist, and founder of the Washington Glass School, Tim Tate on what glass secessionism is:

Tim Tate

a few questions I was recently asked about Glass Secessionism

1. What drew you to the term "glass secessionism"? You've written about the source, but did you consider any other names for the group?

I've struggled with a term for 21st century glass on numerous occasions, beginning with the 2005 show I curated called "Compelled By Content". There just didn't seem to be a phrase beside narrative driven mixed media sculpture....hardly a concise wording. I have seen the new phrase "Post-Glass" , (referencing the Post-Black show a few years ago ) I liked that phrase as well. The decision was made while looking up some information on Stieglitz and realizing the he was trying to take photography the same place many of the 21st century glass sculptors were trying to take glass. Glass Secessionism seems to define it best.

2. Do you think there has been a place for mixed media in the glass art world before now?

Of course there have always been notable exceptions. (Therman Statom's entire career for example). The first 30 years of the Studio Art Glass movement seemed to be primarily focused on technique and materiality. That may have been out of necessity to learn the limits of the materiality, it may have been collector driven.....its hard to say. Both those things have changed greatly.

3. What drove you to start raising the points you raise in your Facebook group and looking for other artists who feel the same way?

Three things :

A). I noticed at the last SOFA Chicago that the distressed economy had also brought back more conservative buying practices......going back to established names. It takes a healthy economy to have collectors support new directions.

B). At the same time I noted the popularity of the biggest names in blown glass were all beginning to call their pieces sculpture.....never vessels. I was worried that the progress that many 21st century glass sculptors might begin to erode.

C) Finally, I had attending 5 "Collector Talks" over the last year....where collectors would give a powerpoint presentation on the highlights of their collections. These were all the blue chip glass collectors who have been so pivotal in furthering the advancement of glass as a fine art form. Without exception, their collections (at least for the purposes of their PowerPoint presentation) stopped in the mid 1990's. It was as if they were unconsciously saying that nothing of note had been made in this century. I believe a new type of collector is emerging.....one which may be temporarily invisible to current glass galleries.

4. Where do you see "post glass" or "glass secessionism" going in the future?

I daresay that very few current glass MFA students are focusing primarily on technique or medium. Why become Dante-Lite? More and more you will see this narrative for of glass sculpture emerge. Few newer glass artists even want to show at glass galleries, as they fear being surrounded by types of glass that rely on materiality. That type of glass is easily understood by a collector. The new type is much more challenging to grasp the concepts, and at a large art fair gallery staff may shy away from it as it takes a bit of time to explain and comprehend.

The only piece missing towards this new direction is a gallery that specializes in it. The next great glass gallery will do just that. Look at the ranks of the folks in the Facebook page "Glass Secessionism". There is no dearth of incredible artwork and sculpture to choose from. The museum curators are ready for this change as well. Once the galleries and collectors begin to rise up.....the next 30 years will be dominated by these 21st century glass secessionist sculptors.

Another post on Glass Secessionism over at the Washington Glass School Blog