Artist Talk Tonight

Stop by the gallery tonight at 7:00 pm for a talk with artist David Page - this month's juror and Baltimore-based artist who is known for producing ominous yet elegantly constructed objects made from leather, wood, and canvas.

Collectors' Roundtable Spring 2011

The Collectors' Roundtable at the Smithsonian American Art Museum opens the doors to the exciting world of art collecting. Each session offers insights and invaluable advice from guests such as museum directors, curators, private dealers, and other collectors. These special sessions provide a forum for established collectors and those just entering the art world to learn from nationally acclaimed experts. Free & open to the public.

Tuesday, April 5 - Senator Bob Bennett, Collecting Westward
Tuesday, April 26 - Helen Zell, From Paper Dolls to La Poupee
Tuesday, May 10 - Robert Lehrman, Secrets of the Art World

You can also watch a live webcast at the Smithsonian's lecture archive!

Target Gallery's "Nest" Project

Our friends at the Torpedo Factory's Target Gallery are partnering with Habitat for Humanity for a four-part collaboration: The Nest Project. The collaboration will raise awareness for Habitat, and includes a juried exhibition and indoor/outdoor nest installations. Watch the video below and click here to find out more about this innovative project!

Jill Banks' "100 Faces in 100 Days"

Art League member Jill Banks has a great project featured on her blog: She's painting 100 faces in 100 days! Check her site regularly to see the progress!

Phyllis Galembo at the National Museum of African Art

An interesting tie-in with our Carnivale exhibit:

Photographer Phyllis Galembo shares remarkable images of African masqueraders from her recent book, Maske (Chris Boot, 2010). These portraits document and describe in striking ways the transformative power of the mask. Her subjects participate in traditional African masquerades and contemporary fancy dress and carnival, all of which use costume, body paint and masks to create mythic characters—sometimes entertaining and humorous, often dark and frightening, and always powerful and thrilling. Book signing follows.


National Museum of African Art
Lecture Hall, Sub-Level 2 950
Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC
Take Metro to Smithsonian Station

TODAY, March 17, 2011 at 4:00 pm.

Organizational Tools for Artists

Here are some great tools for artists to get their work organized and online:

Artist's Butler serves as a database for your artwork. It keeps track of exhibition and sales records, patrons, and resumes. You can even generate catalogues of your work!

Heavy Bubble is a novice-friendly website developing tool. Patrons always want to see more work by an artist they like - websites are a must! Heavy Bubble caters specifically to artists, and the website templates showcase artwork beautifully.

Once you've put some of your work online, you will want to make sure no one is using your images without permission. Check out this list of 11 Free Copyright Tools to help you keep your work yours.

Don't underestimate the power of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to get the word out about your work. Create professional accounts on these sites and post regularly!

Professional Development Opportunities for Artists at The Art League

Are you interested in further developing your professional side as an artist? Join us at The Art League for one (or more!) of the following workshops to take your first steps.

Digital Images Made Easy The Gallery Staff will lead you through preparing images of your artwork following basic digital submission guidelines. Basic Photoshop formatting, online submissions, and CD writing will be covered. Please contact the gallery, 703-683-1780 or gallery@theartleague.org, to sign-up. Free! Wednesday, March 16, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Upcoming Artist Talks at The Art League Gallery Barry Lindley Carnivalé juror David Page will discuss his ominous yet elegant multi-media sculptures. Thursday, March 24, 7:00 pm. Please contact the gallery, 703-683-1780 or gallery@theartleague.org, to sign up. Our March solo artist, Barry Lindley, will explain his watercolor techniques and the importance of travel to the works in his exhibit, Water Marks. Saturday, March 26, 1:00 pm.

Fixing Photos of Your Art Linda Hesh Using Adobe Photoshop Elements or Photoshop CS, students learn how to make existing photos of their artwork look professional. From simple sizing to color correction, lighting improvement, and optimizing the impact, participants see how the computer can be used to improve photos taken with inexpensive equipment. All instructions are in printed handouts. Students can submit their own images for possible use in class. $90. March 20 & 27, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Click here for more information and to register.

Framing Your Artwork Eileen & Ron Yeager Basic Matting & Framing This two-day workshop covers the fundamentals of matting and framing, and is excellent for artists, collectors, or anyone interested in getting into the framing business. Students learn design and preservation techniques, knowledge of tools, basic and custom mats, hands-on mat cutting, mounting, and pre-cut frame assembly. A $20 materials fee is payable to the instructor, and covers supplies and use of tools. $170. March 26 & 27, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Click here for more information and to register. Creative Matting & Mounting This workshop is ideal for those that have already mastered cutting single and double mats but want to learn more sophisticated and decorative matting techniques like ovals, circles, and V-grooves. Floating paper art, mounting 3-D items in a shadow box, and other techniques are covered in this hands-on workshop. A $20 materials fee, payable to the instructor, covers supplies and use of tools. $90. March 28, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Click here for more information and to register.

From Amateur to Professional Susan Abbott Susan Abbott This very intensive workshop demystifies the business side of being a professional artist. Students learn about building a resume, approach galleries, organize shows, cope with rejection, publicity, marketing, taxes, and many other topics. Each participant receives a booklet of worksheets and information. $95. April 2, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Click here for more information and to register.

Spring Workshops

Check out these great upcoming workshops. Workshops are a perfect way to try out a new medium, or to focus in on your specialty. Visit school.theartleague.org or call 703-683-2323 for more information.

Expressive Watercolor Florals Susan Herron Susan Herron With flowers as subject matter, students are encouraged to create spontaneous and loose watercolor paintings incorporating drips, spatters, and watercolor crayons. Beginners are welcome. $170. March 19 & 20, 2011 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Click here for more information. Introduction to Oil Pastel Lisa Semerad Lisa Semerad This color-rich, crayon-like medium can be blended using solvents or friction, combined with encaustic, drawn over watercolor, acrylic, or oil, and scratched into for texture without the dust associated with traditional chalk pastels. Previous drawing experience is a must. A $5 materials fee is payable to the instructor. Students need to purchase a few basic supplies in addition to those included in the fee. $170. March 19 & 20, 2011 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Click here for more information. Figure Sculpture Paul Lucchesi Paul Lucchesi Students of all levels have an opportunity to study portrait and figure sculpture with an internationally famous sculptor. Students work in clay, with emphasis on anatomy, technique, and expression. Three bags of clay are included. Model and firing fees are extra and may be paid to the instructor. $380. March 21 - 24, 2011 10:00 am - 3:30 pm Click here for more information. Painting Fog & Rain Carolyn Grossé Gawarecki Carolyn Grosse Gawarecki Learn to create the mood of fog and rain. Particular attention is paid to value and the colors needed for the illusion of these moods. The wet reflective appearance of street surfaces, rooftops, umbrellas, and puddles are also covered. Each class begins with a demonstration, followed by work-time and individual help, and ends with a critique. Students work from sketches and photos. Perfect for capturing those upcoming spring showers! $170. March 23 &; 24, 2011 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Click here for more information. Anatomy - The Torso Robert Liberace Robert Liberace For centuries, artists have know that a comprehensive understanding of anatomy has a profound influence on their art. Both muscles ad bones are explored, and students draw the muscles and their attachments. Frequent discussions and demonstrations on the nature, orientation, and function of the human anatomy are part of the workshop. It is suggested that students bring an anatomy diagram or book in addition to their art materials to aid in their understanding. $225. March 25 - 27, 2011 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Click here for more information. Painting From Life Dan Thompson Dan Thompson This workshop concentrates on developing a painting of the human figure from life. Lectures and demonstrations on gesture, composition, proportion, orientation of the masses of the figure, alignment of smaller forms, construction, and anatomy, interface into a more "holistic" approach. Additional areas of concentration are color, tone, how to copy a pose, and how to study the underlying structure of the body in perspective while observing how surface forms are revealed in a specific light. Includes one-on-one personal critique when it is most effective. $420. March 28 - April 1, 2011 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Click here for more information.

Get Your Vote On!

It's "Best of" season here at The Art League! Support your favorite arts organization and the City of Alexandria by voting in these polls:

Washington City Paper's Best of DC Reader's Poll. You can only vote once so make it count!

National Trust for Historic Preservation's Distinctive Destinations Poll. Alexandria's in fifth place, let's make it number one! You will also be entered to win a two night stay at any Historic Hotel of America!

Carnivale Juror David Page: Artist Talk

Carnivale juror David Page will discuss his multi-media objects in the Art League Gallery on Thursday, March 24 at 7:00 pm. Please call the gallery (703-683-1780) to sign up!

Opportunities for Artists

Mattawoman Creek Art Center - Annual All-Media Juried Exhibition, June 17 - July 17, 2011

Eligibility: Open to all artists 18 years or older. 2D artwork must not exceed 6’ x 6’ or weigh more than 30 lbs. 3D pieces must not exceed 100 lbs. Artwork must be original and completed within the last 2 years. Due to space limitations, we cannot accept installation art. All entries must be hand delivered and retrieved.

Awards totaling $1,000 will be made by the Juror. “Best in Show” artist may be offered an exhibit opportunity at MCAC.

The entry fee for 1-3 pieces of artwork is $30 for current paid MCAC members and $40 for non-members. This fee is non-refundable. Make checks payable to Mattawoman Creek Art Center (MCAC).

Entry Procedure: Bring original artwork to MCAC to be reviewed for entry in the juried show. Artwork must be delivered: Sunday, June 5, between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., or Monday, June 6, between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Click here for the full prospectus and entry form!

More opportunities after the break...

Art League Exhibits Opening This Thursday: "Water Marks," "Carnivalé," and f11's "Room of Our Own"

Barry D. Lindley's Solo Exhibit "Water Marks"
Opening Reception this Thursday, March 10, 6:30 - 8:00 pm at The Art League Gallery



Watercolorist Barry D. Lindley creates striking paintings portraying the effect water has on natural and man-made objects. Filled with both precision and fluidity, these works that are both “of and from water” invigorate the viewer with a sense of physicality and force. Lindley’s solo exhibit, "Water Marks," will be on display in The Art League Gallery, March 10 - April 4, 2011.

Exhibit Dates: March 10 - April 4, 2011
Opening Reception and Meet the Artist: Thursday, March 10, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Artist Talk: Saturday, March 26, 1:00 pm


f11 Women’s Photography Collective Presents “A Room Of Our Own” at Pepco Edison Place Gallery, Washington, DC
Opening Reception is this Thursday, March 10, 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Pepco Edison Place Gallery



Sponsored by The Art League in Alexandria, VA in honor of Women’s History Month, “A Room Of Our Own” features more than 50 outstanding images created by the 18 members of f11, A Women’s Photography Collective. This exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/f11group or contact The Art League Gallery.

“A Room of Our Own”:
Exhibit Dates: March 1 – April 1, 2011
Opening Reception: Thursday, March 10, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm. Also open Saturday, March 12 and March 26, 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm.
Gallery Location: The Pepco Edison Gallery, 702 Eighth Street, NW, Washington, DC, 202-872-3396


"Carnivalé"
March 9 - April 4, 2011
Opening Reception this Thursday, March 10, 6:30 - 8:00 pm at The Art League Gallery

In honor of Carnival, the festive season occurring before Lent, artists are invited to submit works involving bright colors, images of natural objects, and symbols signifying rebirth and rejuvenation, and other interpretations of “carnival” combined together in a celebration of life for this juried exhibit. "Carnivalé" will be juried by David Page, Sculptor and adjunct professor of sculpture at Towson University and the Corcoran College of Art+Design. This exhibit will be featured in The Art League Gallery.

Opportunities for Artists

Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library Call for Entries 2011- 2014
Call for entries sponsored by the Office of the Arts and Alexandria Commission for the Arts in partnership with the Alexandria Library
Three-dimensional works only
No Entry Fee, Digital Submissions Accepted
Six month exhibitions through 2014
Deadline for submissions is April 1, 2011, 5 p.m.
Finalists will be notified by e-mail by Saturday, April 16, 2011.

More information:
www.alexandriacommissionforthearts.org
aca@alexandriava.gov
Office of the Arts at 703.746.5588

Eat at Baja Fresh in Alexandria and Support SOHO on March 12!

On Saturday, March 12, the Baja Fresh located at 3231 Duke Street is going to donate 15% of proceeds of meals purchased with the attached coupon to The Art League's SOHO (Space of Her Own) program!

Last Weekend to View Student/Faculty Show

It's the last weekend to view the 2011 Student/Faculty Show. Join us for the Closing Reception on Sunday from 2:00-4:00 pm in The Art League Gallery.

Video of David Edgar's Plastiquarium

 

Check out this awesome video of David Edgar demonstrating how he creates his Plastiquarium pieces out of recycled plastic! David will be a guest instructor at The Art League later this month, conducting a workshop on "Fantastic Recycled Plastic."

March Events at the Art League Gallery

March 6 - Student/Faculty Show Reception: Awards will be distributed, refreshments will be served. You may pick up your work immediately following the reception. 2:00 - 4:00 pm.

March 7/8 - Receiving for Carnivale: read more about this exhibit here. Monday from 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Tuesday from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon.

March 10 - Opening Reception for Barry D. Lindley's Water Marks and Carnivale: Awards will be distributed to our March exhibit and Patrons' Show award winners. 6:30 - 8:00 pm.

March 16 - Digital Images Made Easy: The Gallery staff will lead you through prepping images of your work for digital submission. Photoshop formatting, online submission, and CD writing will be covered. 2:00 - 4:00 pm.

March 18 - John Burgess: Exhibition Prints Using Inkjet Printers with Color Management. Art League member John Burgess presents his very popular discussion about maintaining color accuracy. Contact the gallery (703-683-1780) to sign up. 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

March 24 - Artist Talk: David Page. This month's Carnivale juror will discuss his ominous yet elegant multi-media sculptures. 7:00 pm.

March 26 - Artist Talk: Barry Lindley. Our March solo artist will discuss the watercolor techniques he used to create the works in his exhibit Water Marks. 1:00 pm.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Photo Contest

The National Cherry Blossom Festival and FotoDC are now accepting entries in the first annual National Cherry Blossom Photo Contest focused on cherry blossoms and the nation's greatest celebration of spring.

The contest runs now through April 10, 2011, and will accept entries in three categories: Landscape, People, and Festivities, taken during this year's Festival, March 26 - April 10, or taken within the previous two years (no earlier than February 1, 2009).

First-place winners of each category will receive $500 in prize money, exposure on both organization's websites, and recognition through a special winners' celebration. In addition, winners and the top 100 images will be exhibited in print or projection form during FotoWeek DC's annual festival in November 2011.

Full contest details and submission information are available at cherryblossom.fotodc.org/. Early bird deadline is Monday, March 21, 2011.

Guest Artist Lorna Meaden in March Issue of Ceramics Monthly!

Read about Lorna Meaden, ceramicist and upcoming guest instructor at The Art League, in this month's issue of Ceramics Monthly!

Kimpton Hotels of Virginia Recycled Art Show

To celebrate Earth Week, the Kimpton brand will be hosting exhibits in their hotels featuring pieces made from recycled and repurposed art. Their goal is to work with area artists to create the art and display it here at Hotel Monaco Alexandria the week of April 15 – 22, 2011.

Here’s an overview of the project:

• We’re collecting recyclable materials here at the Monaco Alexandria for your use.  Pieces that were displayed at the Morrison House’s recycled art show last year are welcome to be displayed again.
• You’re welcome to use materials sourced from other areas, or they can be mixed with items you collected from our hotels.
• The art would remain the property of the artist, we ask only that it’s displayed here at the hotel the week of April 15 – 22, 2011.
• We would invite artists to join our hotel during our signature Wine Hour to discuss the work with our guests during the period the art is displayed.
• If the pieces are for sale, we would make sure to relay that to our guests and also permit pricing to be displayed on the piece along with artist contact information.

If you’re interested in participating, here’s the process:

• Our Operations Team has begun accumulating recyclable items including plastics, glass, HVAC / plumbing equipment and miscellaneous materials.  We’re staging them at the Hotel Monaco Alexandria for review and pickup. 
• The project managers are Miguel Casimiro and Andrew Kim.  When you would like to review and pick up the materials, please contact them at 703-549-6080 to arrange a time.
• We ask that you check in with us on a regular schedule so we can stay updated on the progress of the work and also have an idea of how many pieces we can expect to show.
• Attached is a standard release of liability that was created for the show.   If you would like to display the art at our properties we’ll need a copy signed before the show.
  
  Questions? Contact Robert Hannigan, General Manager, robert.hannigan@kimptonhotels.com