S+ART

Photography, D.C.- Style

 
Fare Gates, 2012 DCist Exposed Photography Show Winner, Photograph by Jennifer Wade

 

The DCist Exposed Photography Show kicks off tonight for a two-week run at Long View Gallery.  Now in it's sixth year, the exhibit features 40 photographs by local photographers featuring life in and around the District beyond traditional monuments and suits commonly associated with the city. 

 

Last year, we highlighted the creative force behind the exhibit, Heather Goss.  She and her small team perform no small feat to pull together this annual collection of work that most photographers keep in mind year-round.  I had the opportunity to help hang the show over the weekend and was sad that my art-buying budget wasn't big enough for all my favorite pieces.  I'm also sad that I am no longer able to participate in the show since I write for DCist, but am thankful to have had four pieces accepted in the past.

 

 

FotoWeek DC Party, 2012 DCist Exposed Photography Show Winner, Photograph by Aziz Yazdani

 

Tickets for tonight and tomorrow's opening receptions are $10 online and $15 at the door, and it's always a full-house.  To ensure that everyone in attendance gets to see the art, a maximum of 500 tickets are available for each night, so don't wait.  The show is on view through April 1.  (Ticket prices include drinks and snacks, art, music, and friends and pays for the gallery rental and other associated costs).

 

Want to be involved next year?  Attend area events, take your camera everywhere, look for creative and fresh ways to convey people, places, things, and general life, upload them to Flickr (you'll need an account), and add them to the DCist pool.  Throughout the year, these photos are used to support DCist articles and the most coveted POTD (Photo of the Day), many of which go on to be accepted in Exposed.  The entry call is announced towards the end of the year (this year had over 650 submissions) which are then selected by the judges.

 

The opening receptions are March 21 and 22, 2012 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Long View Gallery, 1234 9th Street, NW, Washington, D.C., 20001.  Exposed will remain on view during normal gallery hours through April 1.

 

-Angela

 

Local Opportunities for Photographers

You wear your sleeve on your heart, Photograph by Jim Darling

 

Photographers have two really cool opportunities to submit work to shows happening right in our backyard.  The first, with a looming deadline of September 12, is the FotoWeek DC fourth Annual International Awards Competition open to all photographers, amateur or professional.  Submit work in eleven categories, including portait, photojournalism/social documentary, fine art, and travel topics for single-image submissions, multimedia, mobile phone, and student sections, and even a portfolio option for those who don't want to limit themselves to 1,000 words.  Get all the details, rules, and entry fees right here and start selecting your winning photographs before time runs out. 

 

Next, the Smithonian's National Portrait Gallery has an open call for the third Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition open to artists working in all media, including photography.  Figurative artists exploring portraiture to convey personal identity can submit one image to the free competition.  Keep in mind that each portrait must be the result of the your direct encounter with the person, so no random street shots are allowed - you'll actually need to talk to them, first (it's really not that hard - just ask Jim Darling - he does it all the time).  For those of you who may not have this type of work already completed, relax - the competition is open for entries through October 31, so there's plenty of time for several photoshoots.  Learn about the competition, find answers to your questions, read through the rules, see who the jurors are, and enter online. 

 

I hope these opportunities inspire the courage to submit your work and even expand your comfort zone.  Good luck!  BRB while I pick out my own submissions.

 

-Angela

Artist or Editorialist

 

Boston Globe, Wasserman 
 

The phrase, “a picture speaks 1,000 words” resonates in my head when a singular image is to be displayed without much previous knowledge or background. Through passion, skill, and creativity, political cartooning puts one’s mind and conviction to the test daily. Driven by world controversies, political strife and chaos, war or even more simply United States and local historical elections, burning issues or state of affairs, political cartoonists must harness that information and deliver it in the drawn form of one singular idea. A political cartoonist must be both artist and editorialist in alliance.

Like any writer or artist, one must go through the daily process of research, note-taking, and drawing up one’s ideas. Political cartoonists must gather information from blogs, newspapers, news channels, and other informative outlets, and then have the ability to capture a few tasteful yet relevant singular thoughts. The few thoughts stem from passionate opinions dealt from daily local and world news, local debates or situations. A political cartoonist has the ability to soak up the information into a few thoughts and transform it into one vision or particular view through the medium of drawing.

The transformed image and caption is intended to entertain and instruct the viewer through a particular story or message. It must have the ability to impact the viewer and test their beliefs in a humorous and harmless way. Rather than reading words over and over, if done properly and the moment right, political cartoonists have the ability to make an image last in your mind forever.

On your doorstep is the opportunity to meet and listen to Boston Globe cartoonist, Dan Wasserman, sharing drawings and examples from 30 years of experience in the profession. Take a look first hand at many of the world’s influential leaders or villains turned characters, icons, and symbols through the caricature drawing form. Also, win the chance to have your “own” caption selected for one of his political cartoons! The winner receives a signed copy of the cartoon.

It’s a Draw: Political Cartooning evening seminar will take place at the Smithsonian Ripley Center next Wednesday, July 20^th – 6:45p.m. To 8:45p.m.

Please Join!

 

 Boston Globe, Wasserman
 

 Boston Globe, Wasserman
 

 ~Matt Weiler

Can you attain the pheon?

Interact with the Smithsonian American Art Museum in a revolutionary way! Beginning on Saturday, September 18th, SAAM is introducing a "brand-new, mission-based alternate reality game. A variation on the classic game Capture the Flag, Pheon is a competition..., which will occur online and at live events during the course of a year. Pheon, like other mission-based games, revolves around the completion of tasks, the making of objects, discovery and documentation."

Missions will be based on exploring the museum's art collections, exhibitions, and programs. Players from all over the world will interact with scripted characters and make use of online social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, and each player's individual actions will influence the game. Earn enough points to attain the pheon - a virtual talisman.

The game launches tomorrow from noon to 6 p.m. at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Activities for players will include making objects, texting codes and finding clues in a belly-dance performance.

Additional information is available on the museum’s website, americanart.si.edu/pheon.

Goings On: Adventures in Art

Continuing with Angela's adventurous suggestions for exploring DC's hidden photographic gems, here are ideas for different ways to experience the many oustanding art galleries in DC. Engage in art with new and unique encounters this weekend!

 

Start off with the National Portrait Gallery's Face-to-Face Portrait Talk tonight. The weekly event highlights a single portrait in the Gallery as selected by special guests or staff members. This week's talk will introduce you to the portrait of John J. Pershing. Colonel Rob Dalessandro (USA, ret.), assistant chief of military history at the U.S. Army Center of Military History, leads the conversation.

 

Put on your thinking cap for a scavenger hunt at the Renwick Gallery. In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the Renwick is hosting scavenger hunts throughout the day until the end of the month. Pick up the scavenger hunt kit at the front desk, and discover stunning works of decorative art and craft by Asian Pacific American artists. Clues tie specifically into the exhibit, The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps, 1942-1946. You may even win a prize!

 

DC-born artist Elizabeth Catlett moved to Mexico in 1947, where she joined Taller de Grafica Popular, an artist's collective dedicated to using the visual arts in service of social change. 57 prints she created as a member of the collective are currently on view in the first floor gallery at the Mexican Cultural Institute. For more information, visit Mexican Cultural Institute website.

 

No matter what you do, have a wonderful weekend!

Winner of "What's Your View" Contest

Michael Ferguson!!!

“This photograph is my submission to the Smithsonian’s “What’s your view” competition.  I took the photo at the Hirshhorn on February 6, 2010, and I developed the film and printed this postcard in the Smithsonian darkroom.”

 

 

***If you would like to recieve 10% off your next studio arts class look for our next contest!

Goings On: Festivals!

Of course the kick-off of the National Cherry Blossom Festival starts this Saturday and goes until Sunday, April 11^th.  There are tons of activities happening daily beginning with Family Day this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.  The opening ceremony is at the National Building Museum and starts at 4:00 p.m.  The ceremony offers three engaging Japanese-inspired activities. 

At Animals Around Town, you can explore the significance of animals in Japanese and D.C. architecture and make reliefs for homes by picking out animal “protectors” to carve into self-hardening clay.  There will also be bridge making with basic craft materials while celebrating to bridge between the U.S. and Japan.  Lastly you can learn about traditional Japanese theater in the Kyogen Theater Stage Design area, where kids can design their own stage sets, place characters inside and re-enact a favorite story.  There are many other activities along with a beautiful ceremony.  To find the complete schedule for the Festival you can visit the website at www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/. There will also be several performances by the Washington Ballet, Lori Kotake, Miss DC 2009, Jennifer Corey and the Shigeyama family famous Kyogen players with a history dating 400 years.

It will be a beautiful two weeks and I am anticipating its beginning since I have never been in D.C. and participated in such a unique festival!

Another annual festival that is this weekend in the 44^th Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival, “CRAFTed for Flight”.  It is this Saturday, March 27, 2010 starting at 10:00 a.m. and going until 4:00 p.m.  The Festival is located at the Washington Monument in D.C. and the weather looks like it be a little chilly but the sun should be shinny with a good breeze, perfect for kite flying.  There are several activities prepared for the whole family including Kites as Craft, kites from all over the world.  Children’s Kitemaking, Traditional Japanese Craft, Stingrays in Flight and several competitions.  For more information or directions visit the website at www.kitefestival.org.

I am especially excited about this weekend since my parents are visiting me and I haven’t seen them in months!  I am looking forward to being involved in such spectacular events that are tradition here but new for me!  So don’t make it a staying-in weekend just because it will be on the chilly side, throw on a thin jacket even if your just coming to observe.  And don’t forget your camera!

 

What's Your View Contest

 
   Rules for TSA Studio Art Photo Contest

Angela's Tips: Goals for the New Year

I guess the start of the New Year wouldn't be complete without a discussion about resolutions.  Lucky for you, I don't make them, so let's talk instead about goals. One of my main artistic goals for the New Year is to have my work in at least as many shows as in 2009.  This means applying to both juried and non-juried shows, within the DC Metro area and beyond.  Now, this is going to cost some money, so I'll have to figure out how much I can afford to spend each month on entry fees, follow deadlines lists closely for all opportunities I'd be interested in, and then narrow down from there based on the deadlines, fees, and subject matter.  Sounds like a lot of work, right?  It is; it's almost like having a part-time job.  That you don't get paid for.  Unless, of course, something sells.  But, you've got to start somewhere, so let's go.

 

If you're reading this blog, then chances are you live in the DC Metro area.  If you're a photographer reading this blog who calls DC/MD/VA home, then chances are you have some photos of the general geographic area.  If so, then you're in luck.  Even if you don't live locally and you have photos, well, you're in luck, too.

 

 

Start with an easy, inexpensive way to get your work seen by submitting three photos to the DCist Exposed Photography show.  Exposed show is open for entries until midnight, Thursday, January 7.  For only $5, photographers may submit up to three entries for the juried show.  Get all of the details right HERE.

 

Another goal that I've made for myself is to get into the darkroom and print more.  As it's been, I only print when I need a photo for a show, and it's usually at the last minute, I'm rushed, and I get frustrated.  I mainly get frustrated because I'm not a very experienced printer, so if I spend more time in the dark, it should become easier, just like developing.

 

And, that's about as far as I've gotten! I'm going to treat this as a work-in-progress. What are your artistic goals for the New Year?  Let us know in the comments! Also, if there's anything specific you'd like me to talk about, let me know in the comments!  

 

 

Friday Feature: Smithsonian Studio Arts' Halloween Photo Contest!!!

Don't forget to submit your favorite Halloween photo to Smithsonian Studio Arts to be considered for the Halloween Photo Contest!  The winner will recieve a 10% discount on a Studio Arts class of their choice offered this coming year.  Plus the winning photo will be displayed on the Studio Arts blog and facebook pages!  How could you pass up these terrific opportunities?  Be bold, submit your photo!  The deadline is fast approaching...

From costumed kiddies to nightmarish characters, we’re looking for images that embody the imaginative and startling spirit of Halloween. 

 

by John Wardell

 

Submission Process:

· The contest will be accepting submissions from today, Oct. 26th, until Nov. 18th.  Winners will be announced and posted on November 20th.

· Email JPEG image files to TSAStudioArts@si.edu.  Files may be no larger than 1 MB.  Within the body of the email include your name, address, email, and the approximate date that the photo was taken.  Please make a note of whether the image is digital or film-based.

o   Along with the file image, please submit a paragraph (150 words maximum) explaining the photograph and the inspiration behind it.

· The winning entries will be announced and posted on Facebook.  Selected Finalists will also be displayed in a runner-up gallery.

Prize:

· winners will be announced and displayed on the Smithsonian Studio Arts Facebook

o   Best of Show: 10% off one Studio Art class (Valid for one year)

Judging:

· A mini-panel of judges will decide the winners based on how well the photos convey the theme and the basic photographic rules of composition, exposure, originality and artistry.

Rules for the Photo Contest:

· The contest is open to all RAP Members who are Facebook fans of the Smithsonian Studio Arts.  The contest is open to professionals, hobbyists, and amateurs.

· All entries must conform to Facebook’s terms of service.

o   This means:

· - NO Violence.

· - NO Racism.

· - NO Personal or Individual attacks.

· - NO Profanity, Vulgar, or Offensive Language.

· - NO Illegal Drug Use.

· - NO Pornography.

· - NO Underage Alcohol Consumption.

· Images must have been taken by the individual submitting the images.  Limit of one entry per person.

· Images may be no larger than 1MB.

· Anyone submitting an image assumes any, and all legal responsibilities associated with the image; such as copyright issues etc.

· By submitting an image you are agreeing to these rules. Any images or conduct in violation of TSA Studio Arts’, or Facebook’s policies will be disqualified.