We asked Lisa to tell us more about the painting, her thoughts on the theme, and her artwork in general.

What was the inspiration for Beloved: The Young Babar? Since this month’s theme was narrative art, is there a story behind the painting?
Lisa: I don’t work well to themes. Beloved was painted because I love animals and find they are much like humans in their emotional lives. When I tried to consider the theme, I remembered the story of Babar.

What would you like the viewer to come away with?
A sense of relationship — of being in the presence of other earthlings, sentient or not, but all born of this beautiful and precious planet home of ours.

"Beloved: The Young Babar" by Lisa Neher

Is it part of a series? If so, how has the series evolved since it began?
I always paint animals, and hope they speak to those who see the paintings, as they speak to me. If that is a series, so be it.

What draws you to painting?
Wow. That’s hard! It’s all about communication, I think. Painting allows me to communicate something about my vision of the world that goes beyond what is possible with words. That’s when the painting is successful, of course.

What is your artistic process like? How do you keep your work fresh?
I try to be very demanding of my work. If a painting doesn’t quite make it, and I am unable to fix whatever is wrong, it can nonetheless continue to live by participating in a new painting that is layered right over the top of the old. Whether in texture or in chunks of the first image, the old painting still can live on in the new.

I try to shake things up. When I get stale, I look for new inspiration by driving, reading, using different techniques (I have just recently begun to use a palette knife and scrapers of all kinds) and visiting museums. I am part of a wonderful critique group that is a great help.

Is one technical element most important in your work — color, composition, line, etc?
I don’t know. My work must imply motion and life. That can come from anything.

Where do you see your work going next, or what are you working on now?
Fooling around with musicians on paper – check out Artomatic! My website: www.studio18b.com.

What was your inspiration or motive for New York Minute?
Frances: New York Minute is a travelogue of one day spent in New York City. The photographs were all taken virtually in a straight line from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Staten Island Ferry.

"New York Minute" by Frances Borchardt

Is there a story behind any of the images?
The far right lowest compartment contains a photograph of me taken at the Empire State Building.

What do you want the viewer to come away with?
A unique glimpse of New York City, a “day in the life” collage.

Where do you see your work going next, or what are you working on now?
I’ve made several trips to New York recently. I plan to complete a series of type cases on subjects such as the Statute of Liberty, the High Line, the World Trade Center Memorial, Chinatown and the Roosevelt Tram.

How did you first start these kinds of montages and the unique way of displaying them?
I think of myself as a travel photographer. I shoot multiple images including detail shots to capture a sense of place. When I began to show my work I struggled with presenting single images, framing and how to set my work apart. Around the same time I’d purchased a type case at a yard sale. I found that it had all the characteristics I needed in order to present a visual journal.

After the jump, Frances discusses more of her artistic process and how collages can tell a story.

How has your work or approach changed since you began this type of piece?
Initially I placed images as mosaics or color studies. I soon realized I could capture a realistic scene or panorama by combining photographs. I also concentrate on a single image type case or create a case with multiples of a single image.

Why do you work in photography?
My father traveled a good deal when I was a child. He always came home with exotic slide shows of his adventures. I’m sure this was the beginning of my route to becoming a photographer. After studying photography at University of Maryland Baltimore Campus and Maryland Institute I began a career as a photo editor in the magazine and newspaper industry. This career choice developed my eye for visual storytelling.

What is your artistic process like?
I pre-visualize how a work will unfold in a type case. Once the images and type case are paired I work on placement, using various print sizes to accommodate the different compartment sizes. There is also the challenge of dealing with the curve of the photograph once it’s placed into a compartment. Multiple copies of the same image are used to create an uninterrupted line.

Is one technical element most important in your work — color, composition, line, etc?
I suppose line is the most important element to the type cases. I’ve made several architectural studies and while the overall image may have multiple doors, roofs or windows an uninterrupted line carries the eye and completes the visual.

How do you think this piece fits into this month’s theme of narrative art?
My type case works are narrative in nature. By linking scenes together through placement or through the juxtaposition of images, my artwork attempts to engage the viewer by communicating a story or capturing an event.

How does a collage tell a story?
Photographs are assembled into a sequence creating new perspective of a scene. You don’t need to show the entire vista in order to convey the image. Much like filling in the blanks on crossword puzzle the mind completes the story.

Stay tuned for interviews with this month’s other award winners!

Passages, Pathways and Portals juried group show – MN
Deadline: May 30, 2012. Flow Art Space in Minneapolis, Minnesota announces a call to artists for a national art exhibition, August 8-25, 2012. Awards: gallery exhibition, website promotion, artist reception. Juror: Flow Art Space Founder Melissa May Metzler. All media that relates to the theme of Passages, Pathways and Portals will be considered, including drawing, photography, painting, sculpture, fiber, ceramics, prints, mixed media, books, digital art, wood, installation art, encaustics, etc. US-based artists at least 18 years of age, professional and amateur, are welcome to submit. $40 for 4 images, $10 each additional image. Download prospectus (PDF format) @ http://www.flowartspace.com/uploads/7/9/6/5/7965517/passages_pathways_and_portals.pdf. Questions? Contact Melissa Metzler at art@flowartspace.com or call 612-564-3569.

MiniSolos@Touchstone Gallery in August 2012 – DC
Application deadline: Sunday, May 22, 2012, 12 midnight. An opportunity to hang as much artwork as possible in a space 10ft x 4ft for the month of August at Touchstone Gallery a contemporary gallery in the heart of Washington, DC. Digital images of all artwork required with application. There will be room for only 38 artists; each space about 10ft high x 4ft and 1 floor space for sculptor 5ft x 5ft. $240 hanging fee; work to be hung by our hanging committee. No entry fee is required. Must submit filled out application form that can be downloaded at www.touchstonegallery.com and e-mail it to images.touchstone@gmail.com along with images of the works you intend to show. Full Prospectus, Application form and other information are available for download on Touchstone’s website: www.touchstonegallery.com

Many more announcements after the jump!

2012 Juried Art Exhibition: Staten Island Museum – NY
Deadline: May 19, 12. The Staten Island Museum is pleased to announce its annual Juried Art Exhibition Open Call. The Juried Art Exhibition Program provides Tri-State artists with an opportunity to exhibit their work at the Staten Island Museum. Only original works of art completed within the last three years by practicing professional artists living in the Tri-State area are eligible. Work that has previously been shown at the Museum is not eligible. The artist may submit up to 3 works in various media including, but not limited to oil, watercolor, acrylic, pencil, charcoal, pastel, pen & ink, graphic art, collage, sculpture and photography. Work, including frame, should not exceed 40″x 40″. Applications must be delivered by 4 PM, Saturday, May 19, 2012 or postmarked by this date. A non-refundable application fee of $25 for Museum members/ $30 for non-members is required with each application. Applications and guidelines are available for download from our website: http://www.statenislandmuseum.org/exhibitions/upcoming-exhibitions/ Please visit our website to learn more about the Museum and other opportunities. Save the date, Saturday, September 15, 2012 for the 62nd Annual Fence Show, to be held on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center at 1000 Richmond Terrace. Staten Island Museum presents the longest running outdoor art show in New York City! Website: http://www.statenislandmuseum.org/exhibitions/upcoming-exhibitions/

Call For Art: 2nd Annual Edges & Curves – CA
Deadline: Midnight July 4, 2012. Call for Art: 2nd Annual Edges & Curves, Nothing In Between The Haggus Society, a non-profit arts collective for women over 40 presents, the second annual Edges & Curves show. This years theme Close Your Eyes will explore wedge issues* presented in the public discourse via all channels of media consumption. This event is open to any artist 40 years and older, regardless of political, philosophical, or religious affiliation. Location Upstairs At The Market Gallery 1057 S. San Pedro Street in Downtown Los Angeles, centrally located near various arts districts including Gallery Row. Exhibition Dates August 31 – September 9, 2012 Submission Fee: $12.50 6 images per submission, includes detail images View full prospectus: www.thehaggusociety.org

112th Anniversary International Exhibition of Works on Paper – PA
Deadline: June 8, 2012. The Philadelphia Water Color Society announces a call to artists for a juried art exhibition, October 5 – November 17, 2012, at the Wayne Art Center in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Over $5,000 in awards. Juror: Frank Webb AWS, ( DF ), NWS. Eligible media include: pastels, water media, drawings, hand pulled prints, all work original and on or of paper. Collage elements must be of paper, any image or color on collage papers must be the work of the artist. No work previously exhibited at Wayne Art Center or in any PWCS exhibition will be accepted. No oils, photographic, digital, electronic process computer art will be accepted. No work older than 3 years and must not have been done under teacher supervision. PWCS Members $15. Non members $45. Visit http://www.pwcsociety.org/ for prospectus (available March 2012). Questions? Contact Terry Boyle at teyboyle@comcast.net or 484 681-4467.

WPG’s 15th Annual National Small Works Call for Entries – MD
Deadline: May 19, 2012. Washington Printmakers Gallery seeks entries for a juried printmaking exhibition, August 1-26, 2012 in Silver Spring, MD. First Prize: Solo Show, August 2013. Other prizes awarded. Juror: Brian Garner, Founder and Master Printer, Litho Shop, Inc. Open to printmakers age 18+ nationwide creating hand-pulled prints (no digital or photographic processes) under 170 square inches. Early Bird reduced (04/19/2012): $20/4 images, Final (05/19/2012): $30/4 images. Visit website for prospectus at: http://washingtonprintmakers.com/programs/small-works-exhibition, or send a SASE to: WPG, attn NSW, 8230 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Questions? Contact Annie Newman at info@washingtonprintmakers.com or 301.273.3660.

Fiber Art Crossroads: all Media – CA
Deadline is June 1, 2012. A National Exhibit Sponsored by the Santa Cruz Art League. Open to all U.S. Residents. August 11 to September 9, 2012. “Crossroads” celebrates the diversity within the contemporary Fiber Arts movement. We are looking for work created with any material using fiber techniques. Juror is Jean Cacicedo. $1,000 in Awards. Entry Fee: $40 for up to 3 entries. For more information send a SASE to Fiber Art/SCAL, 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or download entry form at www.wcal.org, under Exhibition.

The Tucson Jewish Community Center 4th Annual Sculpture Exhibition – AZ
Deadline: Monday, July 30, 2012, 5 p.m. The Tucson Jewish Community Center is accepting applications for its 4th Annual Sculpture Exhibition, November 4, 2012 – October 1, 2013. All submissions should be appropriate for an outdoor, desert environment and will be available for sale with 35% commission to the TJCC. David Hoyt Johnson, Deputy Director of the Tucson Pima Arts Council, will jury this year’s show. Applications may be submitted via email or on CD; deadline is Monday, July 30, 2012, 5 p.m. Please visit http://www.tucsonjcc.org/arts/sculpture-garden/call-to-artists/ for prospectus and other pertinent applicant information. For more information, contact Lynn Davis at (520) 299-3000, x106 or email sculpture@tucsonjcc.org.

Journeys – 10th Annual Juried Art Show – IL
Deadline: May 31, 2012. The Northbrook Public Library in Northbrook, IL is seeking entries for its 10th annual juried art show, “Journeys,” held October 12 through November 30, 2012. Artists 18 years and older, working in all 2-D and 3-D art media, are invited to submit digital entries. Original works executed by the artist and completed within the past two years are eligible. Artists should consider the theme, “Journeys”. With ten years behind us, we grow both nostalgic for the journeys we’ve been on and full of anticipation for what lies ahead. We look for art that is a sign post providing guidance for unique place and time on our travels. Artwork must be viewable for all ages. Prizes include a $2,000 purchase prize as well as numerous other prizes. $35 entry fee. Visit website at: http://www.northbrook.info/journeys/ for prospectus, or send a SASE to: Journeys, Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook, IL 60062. You can also email artshow@northbrook.info

Call to Artists National Juried Show – CO
Deadline: May 18, 2012. Artists Gallery – 2012 National Juried Exhibition The Great Frame Up Artists Gallery in Longmont, CO announces a call to artists for a juried art exhibition, July 13 – August 31, 2012. Juror: Nicholaus Arnold. Open to U.S. resident artists 18 years or older. Eligible works: all 2D (including photography). Online applications only. $35/first 3 entries, $10/per additional entry. Over $2,000 in cash Prizes- including $1,000 for Best in Show! Questions? Contact Dave Iannazzo at Longmont@TheGreatFrameUp.com or call 303-772-7293

25: Target Gallery Celebrates 25 Years: Torpedo Factory Art Center – VA
Deadline for Entry: June 18th, 2012. This is an all media exhibition that celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Target Gallery. This is open to all artists nationally and internationally. Artists are asked to submit work that responds to world events that have occurred over the past 25 years. Exhibition Dates: September 8 – 30th, 2012. A special catalog and poster will accompany this exhibition. Juror: J.W. Mahoney is an artist, critic and independent curator who serves as Washington’s Corresponding Editor for Art in America. He is an Affiliate Professor of Visual Arts at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, and his latest exhibition, “Carceral,” will open at Curator’s Office in Washington in May of this year. Website: http://www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/targetcallforentry.htm

Fantasy Art Exhibition – CA
Deadline: May 28, 2012. Linus Galleries seeks entries for an exhibition in Pasadena, CA. What’s your fantasy? Is it dreamlike? Is it Sci-fi? Is it alien? Is it robotic? Is it futuristic? Sometimes the mind can create things that are out of this world. Submit your best fantasy art for this future exhibition. All international artists, professional and amateur and all art mediums will be considered from photography, sculpture, fabric, mixed media, all paintings and drawings including, oil, acrylic, pastels, ink, graphite, etc. Accepted artists will be asked to be a part of a collective show in the future. The artists will be asked if they wish to submit their artwork for the show, which is not a requirement to being a part of this show. $35 for 3 entries, $5 for additional entries. Visit website for details at: http://linusgallery.com/fantasy-art-exhibition.html. Questions? Contact Linus Galleries at info@linusgallery.com or call 310-491-0269.

The beautiful ceramic works in this month’s “Tea” exhibit mark a first for The Art League: it was internationally juried from hundreds of digital submissions of wares associated with drinking, preparing, and presenting tea. John Neely, a ceramic artist and teacher, chose from digital submissions from 200 artists from the United States and Canada.

In the end, he selected 47 pieces created by 33 artists from 19 states and Canada. Including cups, bowls, teapots, and everything else to do with tea, the pieces exhibit a wide variety of styles and sensibilities.

(You can see more photos on our Facebook page and on Flickr.)

Later this month, artists from the Washington, DC branch of the Sogetsu school of Ikebana — the Japanese art of flower arranging — will be filling the rest of the gallery with their arrangements to complement the ceramics exhibit. Come see “Tea” (now through June 3) and the 14th Biennial Ikebana Show (May 31 – June 3) and quench your (metaphorical) thirst for art!

Announcing The Art League Book Club!
Are you interested in books about art and artists? Art League member Rebecca McNeely is organizing our new Art League book club. Our first book will be Off the Wall: A Portrait of Robert Rauschenberg by Calvin Tomkins. This easy-to-read book is a fascinating view of the New York art world from the ’50s to the ’70s.

The first meeting will be Tuesday, May 22, 1:00 pm in The Art League Gallery. This meeting will include a discussion of the book and planning for future meetings. Bring books and ideas for future selections. If you’re interested in joining this group, please contact roseo@theartleague.org or call 703-683-1780.

Critique with Art League Instructor Delna Dastur
Wednesday, May 23, 11:00 am-1:00 pm in The Art League Gallery

Artists may bring up to two pieces each for review in a group setting.

Dastur has taught at The Art League since 2002 and also teaches for the Smithsonian Associates. She received her B.A. in Art History from Wellesley College and her M.F.A. in Oil Painting from American University. She has exhibited her narrative abstract works through-out the world and exhibits locally at Gallery Plan b in DC and Twelve Gates Gallery in Philadelphia. Please contact the Gallery to sign up: gallery@theartleague.org, 703-683-1780.

Currently the Executive Director for Operations, Suzanne’s multi-faceted experience and career at The Art League will bring a unique wealth of knowledge to her future role as the chief executive officer. From her days as School Registrar, Curriculum Director, School Director, and Deputy Director of Operations, to her present position as the Executive Director for Operations, Suzanne has excelled in every project she has undertaken. She will continue to direct the day-to-day management of The Art League, which includes all operations and programming, and will oversee all Development and community programs. The Art League’s School, and Gallery, with their celebrated and renowned educational, membership and exhibition programming will continue to be under her very experienced hand.

Suzanne will continue to lead The Art League staff in serving the long time mission and constituencies of The League, and will be fostering new creative partnerships within Alexandria and beyond. Focusing on sustainability, Suzanne is leading the way with the establishment of a newly consolidated school facility at the Madison Annex. This complex will house 3-D and 2-D art programs in a synergistic environment that will be ready for launch by the beginning of the Fall 2012 term.

We have enormous pride in her many accomplishments and respect for Suzanne and her extraordinary capabilities and vision for The Art League’s future. Current Executive Director, Linda Hafer, has offered a ringing endorsement of Suzanne’s succession to this new position:

“Suzanne is the perfect choice to lead The Art League ‘onward & upward!’ She has a deep understanding of the culture of The Art League, and the experience, vision, and passion to recognize the strengths and the wonderful potential of our organization. She has earned the respect of all who have worked with her. I have complete confidence in Suzanne’s ability to continue building on the successes of the generations of artists who have created this living community, and enthusiastically congratulate her on this well deserved recognition!”

Nancy Pane Fortwengler
President
The Art League Board of Directors

What an amazing day!

We are overwhelmed and honored by the outpouring of generosity from our Art League community! And most grateful! With donations from the Spring2ACTion initiative combined with other contributions received toward the “30-something” Madison Annex Project, plus the grant prizes earned on May 2, and the very generous $35,000 lead gift provided anonymously by a dedicated and generous student — the current amount received to date for our Madison Annex Project is… $82,339!!!!

You had the power to make this happen and you did! Thank you!! We are off to a fantastic start for funding our build-out campaign, and are excited to bring you this newly expanded facility in the fall!

A million thanks,

The Art League Staff and Board

Please note: We’ll still be holding classes in the Duke Street Annex through the summer—and Summer Term Registration opens next week, Monday, May 7. SIGN UP NOW!

Artomatic
Registration for visual artists closes Friday, May 4 at 5:00 pm. Artomatic will take place May 18–June 23 in Crystal City. Click here to register!

“Call it the Blues” exhibit
Deadline: May 16, 2012. As part of the Tinner Hill Blues Festival, the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation is participating in FIRSTfriday of Falls Church by hosting a juried all-media exhibition, entitled “Call It the Blues” at Art and Frame of Falls Church. The exhibition will focus on the meaning of the “blues” from an artist’s or visual perspective. Works of art may explore the nature of blues music, poetry, literature, or history; interpret or reflect the emotions and events inspiring or evoked by the “blues”; focus on blues performers; or the submitted work may explore the “hue of blue” (perhaps, for example, paying homage to the “blue” periods of such artists as Picasso, Degas, Tanner, Bearden, Lawrence, or O’Keefe). Details are here.

A Tribute to Margaret’s Garden
Deadline: June 10, 2012. Herndon ArtSpace invites all artists over 16 to submit artwork for a show honoring Margaret’s Garden, an iris garden kept by Margaret Thomas on Lawyers Road in Herndon. Artwork must pertain to the garden. Details are here.

RRUUC call for art-exhibit proposals
River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation (RRUUC) in Bethesda, Maryland invites proposals for exhibits to be displayed in the gallery of its Fellowship Hall.  The gallery is 42 by 43 feet, with one full wall of windows. Two walls are available for hanging art with approximately 60 feet of wall space. Exhibits are about six weeks in duration.  Proposals are welcome year round from individuals or groups, with rolling acceptances.  There is no entry fee.   RRUUC charges a commission of 20% on work sold.   Further details and instructions for applications are available at http://www.rruuc.org/finearts.  Please read “Becoming an Exhibitor” carefully.

"Be brave, and bring a friend" by Elissa Farrow-Savos

Three new exhibits open today in The Art League Gallery: the membership exhibit “Bedtime Stories: Storytelling Through Art,” the internationally juried tea ceramics exhibit, and “Conversations With My Mother,” the solo show of work by Elissa Farrow-Savos.

“Conversations With My Mother” is comprised of 11 sculptures that began with found objects and became storytelling works of art. Artist Elissa Farrow-Savos says, “Every piece I make is about storytelling – each a narrative of some woman somewhere, and every woman everywhere.” The figures are created from polymer clay and layers of oil paint.

"Sometimes in life you have to jump through hoops. Try to do it with style" by Elissa Farrow-Savos

"Learn from this experience. Then it will all have meant something" by Elissa Farrow-Savos

“Bedtime Stories” asked artists to create narrative artwork, as well. Artists responded in a variety of ways, with abstract and representational work in all media, each with a unique emotion.

Detail from "Lost and Found" by Sushmita Mazumdar.

"Blue Days, Blue Nights" by D.J. Gaskin (behind it: "Iglu," fused glass by Doris Ross)

“Conversations With My Mother” and “Bedtime Stories” are open through May 28. Come visit and hear some stories! More photos below:

Artwork in "Conversations With My Mother"

"Please do not push my buttons today" by Elissa Farrow-Savos

"There's something we need to talk about …" by Elissa Farrow-Savos

Artwork in "Bedtime Stories"

"Beloved: The Young Babar" by Lisa Neher

"In a Good Book" by Veronica Barker-Barzel