Year: 2011

On the Horizon: Travel Workshop to Ethiopia

Andargé Asfaw
Andargé Asfaw

It’s not too soon to start getting excited about The Art League’s travel workshop this spring to Ethiopia. We spoke to instructor and photographer Andargé Asfaw, who was born in Ethiopia and called the land “a paradise” for photographers and other artists. This workshop is open to artists of all media.

Inside Abune Aron Church by Andargé Asfaw

Each day of the workshop will start with the morning light, following a schedule of shooting locations to follow the light during the day. Students can expect to cover ground in the historical, Northern part of Ethiopia and see such natural wonders as the Simien Mountains.

Andargé has been to these locations before, and says each trip gets better as the logistics and the roads improve.

A photo taken in Kenya by Andargé Asfaw

The sites, cultural and natural, create a wide world of opportunities for photographers — and artists in other media: Andargé stressed the workshop is open to others.

“You’re in paradise,” he says. “Everything is there for you. You’ve got culture; you’ve got architecture; you’ve got faces, animals — I don’t think you can ask for a better place than that.”

Roadside Market in the Fog, Kombolcha by Andargé Asfaw

The trip also includes professional, English-speaking guides and an expert instructor, Andargé, who has experience in the area and is with students all day to answer questions.

Details of the trip, including the exact dates, are being finalized. Check back here, and on The Art League School website, for news as it develops.

Andargé has released a book, Ethiopia from the Heart, and started a nonprofit, Canopy Ethiopia, to promote trees in Ethiopia. His work is also featured in an exhibit in Richmond this month.

Gate Keeper of Zege Kidane Mihiret Monastery by Andargé Asfaw
Travel Workshops

In Plein Sight

Last week The Art League Plein Air Painters, a group previously featured on this blog, were up to their usual antics, painting at Green Spring Gardens Park in Alexandria, Burke Lake Park in Fairfax, and Theodore Roosevelt Island, where David Diaz painted this scene:

Kim Stenberg also shared her painting from Green Spring Gardens, Autumn Brook, at her blog.

News

Local Calls For Artists

Several local groups are seeking submissions for upcoming exhibits, including one with a late deadline today. We also received an announcement for available studio space.

Final deadline today — 21st Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival

May 19 and 20, 2012 marks the 21st Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival showcasing the best contemporary fine art and craft from around the country. Over two hundred artists fill the streets of Reston’s up-scale Town Center with an outdoor art exhibition that is regarded as one of the top festivals on the East Coast.  Artists are selected on the basis of quality, originality, and craftsmanship by a panel of jurors who are experts in their fields. Festival  organizers also invite ten award winners from the previous year and six percent of participating artists.  In 2011, thirty percent of exhibitors were first-time artists. The festival is produced by Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in support of its exhibition, education, and outreach programs. No sales commissions are charged and festival admission is free but voluntary donations are encouraged. 100% of the funds collected go directly to support GRACE’s mission. 
Tonight at midnight is the deadline for this festival, which takes place in Reston. Details are here.
December 2 deadline — Photography Exhibition
The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop is hosting its 6th Annual Contemporary Photography Exhibition, January 6 – February 2, 2012, including over $2,000 in purchase awards and the opportunity for a solo exhibition. Details and submission guidelines are here.
light paint 1 by Brian Cognazzo, from the 2011 exhibition
December 10 deadline — Prince George’s County Artists
The Prince George’s Department of Parks and Recreation, Arts and Cultural Heritage Division, in partnership with the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council, is pleased to announces Memories from All Directions, this year’s exhibition of Prince George’s County artists in the Lowe House Office building in Annapolis, during the Maryland General Assembly/ the Legislative Session. 
This call for entries is open to all artists 18 years old or older who live, work, attend school or have studios in Prince George’s County, MD. Artists may submit a maximum of 5 artworks for consideration. All works must be original. Artworks may use any media. However, in order to be considered for the exhibition, artworks must incorporate memory as an important theme. Art works must also be presentation-ready and able to hang on a wall without projecting off the wall in such a way that they could obstruct or endanger foot traffic in the exhibition area. To download the prospectus, click here.

Old Brick Warehouse — 4 studios available

This 11,500 sq. ft. artist’s warehouse is about 2.5 miles from the Torpedo Factory and near the intersection of Duke Street and S. Quaker Lane. Onsite parking is free, and you will have 24/7 access. Each artist has a key to his or her studio and another key to the building’s main entrance. There are no requirements to keep your studio open during specified hours. Please contact Liz Boynton at [email protected] or 703-759-4227.
Artist Opportunities

News from the Art League Plein Air Painters

The Art League Plein Air Painters, a group we last heard from when they visited Norfolk, took New York by storm this month, with three members’ works accepted to the American Artists Professional League 83rd Grand National Exhibition. The show is running through tomorrow, November 11, at the Salmagundi Club.

Lynn Mehta under her award-winning Appalachian Valley.

Jill Banks, Lynn Mehta and Jean Schwartz were in the show, and Lynn’s painting, Appalachian Valley, won the John Collins Memorial Award. Congratulations!

News

"Small Works" opening reception tonight

After a busy week of receiving, jurying, and hanging, the opening reception for “Small Works” is tonight, in The Art League Gallery, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Out of over 900 pieces entered, under 300 were selected by juror Jordan Faye Block as part of the exhibit, which runs November 9 – December 5.

Specimen One, 3-D mixed media collage by David Alfuth

The huge number of submissions is evidence of an active arts community, and that energy is on display in all media from a diverse group of artists — the only thing the works of art have in common is their high quality and small size.

 
The result is a treasure trove of an exhibit, with something intriguing around every corner — the curious, the inspiring, the personal, the humorous, the sensational.

Solange, a work in alabaster by Ann Ruppert

Two pieces were selected to win this month’s awards: Cabin 2 by Everitt Clark, a silver gelatin contact print, won the Eleanor Boudreau Jordan Award, and Variation, a collage by Theresa Esterlund, won the first-ever Anne Banks Collage Award.

Cabin 2 and Variation

More photos of “Small Works” after the jump:

Hippo Hiding in the Grass, Trinka Roeckelein
Studda Baba: Waiting and Studda Baba: Friends, Claudia McBurney


Exhibits

Exhibition and Residency Opportunities Nationwide

Courtesy of FindArtInfoBank.com:

Reality – MA
Deadline: November 15, 2011. Caladan Gallery presents a juried exhibition entitled Reality. The bottom has dropped out of our conceived definition. If we see it, does it really exist? Caladan Gallery is asking you, voices of observation and opinion for a visual “heads up.” What is reality? All media except video are eligible. Please go to: www.caladangallery.com to download prospectus (click on “enter your artwork”) OR write to: Caladan Gallery, Box 391939, Cambridge MA 02139 or call: 617.838.8929 for more information.

9 x 12 Works on Paper Show – TX
Deadline: November 15, 2011. The Fort Worth Community Arts Center announces an open call for entries; 2011 9 x 12 Works on Paper Show, December 10-29, 2011. Artworks on or of paper may be any size, but must fit in a 9 x 12 envelope; folded, 3D or multi-part OK. Unmatted, unframed photography, drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media, cast or folded paper or digital prints OK (other materials attached OK). Original artworks only; no reproductions. Put artist’s name, address, title and date of work and medium on back. No entry form. Open to all artists–no age or geographical restrictions. All artwork shown–no jury. Entry fee is $5US/piece; 5 entries max. All artwork for sale for $100 US; artist gets 80%. Unsold works with SASE will be mailed; no metering. Send entries, entry fee by check or M.O. to 9 x 12, FWCAC, 1300 Gendy, Ft Worth, TX 76107. More information available at [email protected] or www.fwcac.org; prospectus at www.fwcac.com/images/9x12prospectus2011.pdf

Altered States: Photography Based Images – PA
Deadline: November 23, 2011. The Pocono Arts Council announces a call to photographers for a national juried photography exhibition, January 14 – February 27, 2012 at ARTSPACE Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA. $800 in awards. Juror: Harris Fogel, Assoc. Professor of Photography, University of the Arts, Philadelphia. Open call for entries of photo-based works which have been altered by the artist at any point during the photographic process. All content and photographic media are acceptable-alternative processes, traditional black and white, and/or digital methods. Additional artistic mediums, such as paint or found objects, are encouraged as long as the piece is photographic based. Student: $15 first two entries/$10 each add.; Adults: $20 first two entries/$15 each add. Visit website for prospectus at: http://www.poconoarts.org, or send a SASE to: PoconoArts, 18 N. Seventh St., Stroudsburg PA 18360. Questions? Please contact Laura Goss at [email protected] or call 570-476-4460.

Creature Comforts – VA
Deadline: March 2, 2012. Creature Comforts is an instillation and sculpture exhibition that explores the idea of the things that make us comfortable and at ease in everyday life. In modern day society many luxury items are considered a necessity and are difficult to live without. This exhibition will explore the artist’s view on modern creature comforts, and society’s dependence on the luxuries in life, and their residual effects. The jurors for this exhibition are Mary Cook and Allison Nance of microWave project llc. Founded in 2010, microWave project acts a conduit between artists and groups/businesses to provide space for temporary, pop-up, “micro” galleries. Their mission is to help promote these artists and educate the community by exploring alternative venues for emerging & established artists with an emphasis on site-specific installation art. By developing programming to correspond with the exhibitions, they provide accessible art experiences to the public and encouraging community dialogue. Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton, VA 22079. workhousearts.org

Many more listings after the jump:

Studio Montclair’s “ViewPoints 2012” Annual Exhibition – NJ
Deadline: November 18, 2011. Studio Montclair announces a call to all artists working in all mediums including videos and installations. The exhibit will be held March 26 – April 20, 2012 at Ben Shahn Galleries, William Paterson University in Montclair, NJ. Cash awards. Juror: Alexandra Schwartz, Curator of Contemporary Art at the Montclair Art Museum. $40 for 3 images. Download prospectus (PDF format) at: http://studiomontclair.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ProspectusAnnual2012final1.pdf or send a SASE to: Studio Montclair, 108 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ 07042. Questions? Contact Phoebe Pollinger at [email protected] or call 973-783-4067. http://studiomontclair.org

31 Women in Art Photography: Humble Arts Foundation – NY
Deadline: November 23, 2011, 11:59 PM, PST. On July 19, 2012, Humble Arts Foundation, in conjunction with Hasted Kraeutler, will present its third edition of 31 Women in Art Photography at Hasted Kraeutler in Chelsea, NY. We are proud to announce that along with Humble’s curatorial director, Jon Feinstein, Natalia Sacasa, senior director of Luhring Augustine, will co-curate the 2012 edition. Eligibility: Female photographers over the age of 18 are eligible regardless of geographic location, participation in previous exhibitions and/or gallery representation. For submission guidelines: http://hafny.org/women-in-photography/open-call-31-women-in-art-photography-2012/ Notification: Friday, December 16, 2011. Note: All participating artists are responsible for the printing, framing, mounting and shipping of their work to and from Hasted Kraeutler as well as insuring it while it is in transit. Hasted Kraeutler will insure the works while they are on display in the gallery. Please send all inquiries to: [email protected]. Website: http://www.hafny.org

The Figure Now/Exhibition 2012: Fontbonne University Fine Arts Gallery – MO
Deadline: December 15, 11. A National juried painting exhibition focused on the contemporary expression of the human form. Juror: Kent Williams
www.kentwilliams.com. Website: http://bitly.com/thefigurenow

ACOPAL’s Exhibition of Contemporary American and Chinese Realism – OH
Deadline: November 21, 2011. Don’t miss this opportunity to exhibit at the Butler Institute of American Art, December 18, 2011 – February 26, 2012, and the World Art Museum in Beijing, China in September 2012 with some of the World’s foremost realist artists. The competition is open to artists residing in the United States. All work must be in oil paint as the predominant medium. 3 Grand Prize Winners will be selected to exhibit with ACOPAL’s Honorary Members at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio and have the opportunity to exhibit at the World Art Museum in Beijing, China. Grand Prize Winners will also receive membership into ACOPAL, inclusion in the full color catalog and be featured on the website. Jurors: Peter Trippi, Paul McCormack. Entry fee: $25 per image. Visit website for prospectus at: http://acopal.org/index.php?option=com_jforms&view=form&id=1&Itemid=50. Questions? Contact Katie O’Hagan at [email protected]

Manchester District Courthouse – VA
All applications are due by Friday, November 11 by 5 p.m. The City of Richmond Public Art Commission is seeking qualified artists to create commissioned outdoor artwork for the Manchester District and Community. The selected site is located on the grounds of the newly renovated and expanded Manchester Courthouse along Richmond’s bustling Hull Street. The total purchase budget for this project is $120,000. More than one piece of art may be selected. More details on web site. Website: http://richmondvacommunitydevelopme.blogspot.com/2011/10/call-for-artists-for-manchester.html

3rd annual Signature American Watercolor Exhibition & Sale – CA
Deadline: November 18, 2011. The Fallbrook Art Center in Fallbrook, CA announces a call to artists for a juried exhibition, February 5 – March 18, 2012. $4,500 in cash & merchandise awards. Juror: Ted Nuttall, AWS, NWS. Open to all artists who have achieved official signature status in one or more of the established watercolor/watermedia societies in the U.S. All submissions must be digital (jpeg preferred). All works must be for sale. The 2012 show is presented in conjunction with BOTH the American & National Watercolor Societies’ travel exhibitions – we are the only venue in the country to present both travel shows at the same time. Juror will select 25 pieces for the exhibition. $35 for 1 work, $45 for 2 works. Download prospectus (PDF format) at: http://fallbrookartcenter.org/download/SAWE%202012%20Prospectus.pdf, or send a SASE to: Fallbrook Art Center, 103 S. Main Ave., Fallbrook CA 92028. Questions? Please contact Mary Perhacs, Executive Director at [email protected] or call 760-728-1414. http://www.fallbrookartcenter.org

The Human Form – VT
Deadline: December 28, 2011. Darkroom Gallery in Essex Jct., Vermont seeks entries for an international photography exhibition, 1/24 – 2/17/12. Photographers maintain rights to their work and set their own prices. Free framing/matting, Juror’s Choice, Peoples Choice. Juror: Elizabeth Opalenik. The Human Form, simple yet subtly complex, always present yet hidden, expose your vision. Our bodies: forbidden, subverted, suppressed, elevated, venerated, and sanctified. The human form is unceasingly beautiful, complex, and remarkable. It is one of the very few things that all of us has in common, and yet is a source of perpetual cultural, spiritual, and scientific dissension. $20 entry fee. Visit website for details at: http://www.darkroomgallery.com/ex24, or send SASE to: Darkroom Gallery, 12 Main St. Essex Jct., VT 05452. Questions? Contact Ken Signorello at [email protected] or call 802-777-FOTO. www.darkroomgallery.com  

2012 Juried Fellowship Call for Entry: Houston Center for Photography – TX
Deadline: November 11, 11. Two fellowship recipients will be awarded $2,500 each and a solo exhibition at HCP in the summer of 2012. One Houston-based artist (residing within a 100 mile radius of Houston including the Beaumont, Galveston, and College Station areas) will receive the Carol Crow Memorial Fellowship and another artist from anywhere in the world, outside the Houston area, will receive the HCP Fellowship. Christopher Rauchenberg of Blue Sky Gallery (Portland, OR) will jury the fellowship selection. Website: http://hcponline.org/pages/2012_juried_fellowship_call_for_entries_123.asp

Blue Sky Project of Dayton, Ohio Seeks Artist’s Proposals for 2012 Summer Residency – OH
Deadline: January 16, 2012. Blue Sky Project is a summer experience that empowers professional artists and Dayton-area teens to collaborate and build community through the creation of ambitious and meaningful works of contemporary art and performance. As one of five Blue Sky Project Artists-In-Residence, you will cross-pollinate with other practicing artists, collaborate with teens, expand your ideas and add artistic breadth and depth to the Dayton community. Relocated in 2009 to Ohio from our original location in Illinois, artists gather for eight weeks from mid-June to mid August at the University of Dayton, located 2 miles from downtown Dayton. Monday – Thursday, from 10-3:30 are devoted to intensive collaborations between each individual artist and a small group of six to eight local teen participants, culminating in a final exhibition. Artists-in-Residence invent the remaining structure, working together or individually on projects. Our hope is that the projects will seep out, intervene, enhance and impact the community. Because of the collaborative nature of Blue Sky Project, your project must have an open-ended structure. Your project must be achievable in eight weeks, within a $1,000 budget (excluding final exhibition expenses) and must engage others in its articulation and production. The rest is up to you. To learn more about Blue Sky Project, see previous work and backgrounds of past resident artists, and to download our Call for Proposals, please visit http://www.blueskydayton.org/

Call for Artist Residents – MA
Deadline: November 13, 2011. Gallery 263 (http://gallery263.com/index.php) in Cambridge, MA is currently accepting applications for its Winter Residency. Each session is twelve weeks in length. The space will be shared by three to five artists, all mediums welcome to apply (painters, writers, musicians, etc.). Artists are selected on the basis of their work quality, originality, and their personal commitment to community interaction and collaboration. Traditionally the end of each Residency concludes with a two week group exhibition. The Artist-in-Residency Program offers affordable shared studio space for local artists and emphasizes not only the final product of art, but the creative process. Artists have full access to a versatile work space with high ceilings, natural light and track lighting. The enhanced attention of a street level studio is especially beneficial to emerging artists looking to promote their work and increase their audience. Visit website to learn more. Questions? Please contact Laura at [email protected]. http://gallery263.com/index.php http://www.gallery263.com/residency.php

7 month Fellowship for Visual Artists and Writers: FINE ARTS WORK CENTER in Provincetown – MA
Deadline: December 1, 11. The FINE ARTS WORK CENTER in Provincetown offers a unique residency program for emerging artists and writers. Located in a rustic fishing village with a storied history as an arts colony, the Work Center provides seven-month Fellowships to twenty Fellows each year in the form of living/work space and a modest monthly stipend of $750. Residencies run from October 1 through April 30. Fellows pursue their work independently in a diverse and supportive community of peers. Additional facilities include a basic woodshop, a print shop with etching and lithography press and a computer lab featuring a video editing suite and large format digital printer. Writing Fellows are housed in two- to three-room apartments. Some working studios and living spaces are handicap accessible. -Applications for the 2012-2013 Writing Fellowship must be submitted in hard copy with a postmark on or before December 1, 2011. We do not accept electronic submissions for the Writing Fellowship. The Writing Fellowship application fee is $45. Applications can be downloaded at: http://fawc.org/fellowships/fel_app_guidelines_write.php. -Applications for the 2012-2013 Visual Arts Fellowship must be submitted electronically on or before February 1, 2012 using SlideRoom. The Visual Arts Fellowship application fee is $57.
To submit an electronic application visit: https://fawc.slideroom.com/ The Fine Arts Work Center is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Website: http://fawc.org/fellowships

Artist Retreats or Writer Residencies: Chicago Art Retreats – IL
Deadline: December 1, 2011. Writers or artists of all disciplines are welcome to apply for a partial Fellowship to cover costs for the upcoming 2012 Winter Art Retreats and Residencies in Chicago. Each day will offer time to write, research and an opportunity to communicate your experiences and challenges of being a creative individual with others. All are encouraged to apply for a fellowship. Deadline is December 1, 2011 for the 2012 season. Writing samples or portfolios are required for fellowship review. Website: http://chicagoartretreats.org

Artist Opportunities

ArtFest is in the Air

The Art League has a weekend of fun events planned for this holiday season in another installment of our famous ArtFest. This year’s shows are great opportunities to enjoy some art and find gifts for whoever’s on your list. Don’t forget to save the date! All the ArtFest events are at our Madison Annex, 305 Madison Street in Alexandria.

ArtFest 2010
Our Lively Annual Open House and Holiday Party
Friday, December 2, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
The Art League throws its annual holiday party for ArtFest 2011 in the Madison Annex, our 3D instructional space. If you haven’t been to the Madison Annex, come see where the magic happens and see some live demonstrations from artists in a variety of 3-D media. Plus, from live music, to a variety of art demos and exhibits, to ceramic and jewelry sales (open all weekend), to food and drinks, there’s something for everybody — and best of all, admission is free! This popular party kicks of ArtFest 2011 and is a great opportunity to enjoy some artwork and take some home as holiday gifts. Featuring one-of-a-kind collectables: Handpainted ornaments created by Art League artists! These little works of art make unique stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and are the perfect way to start an “heirloom” ornament collection for your family.
Ceramic artist Kim Hyu Ju

Ceramic and Pottery Show and Sale
Friday, December 2: 12:00 noon – 9:00 pm; Saturday, December 3: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday, December 4: 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm
From functional to freeform, one of a kind ceramic vessels and sculptures created by students and associates of The Art League will be for sale during our popular annual Holiday Ceramic and Pottery Sale. These unique works of art are perfect for holiday gift giving.

Jewelry Show and Sale
Friday, December 2: 12:00 noon – 9:00 pm; Saturday, December 3: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday, December 4: 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm
Back for the entire ArtFest weekend in 2011, The Art League’s Jewelry Show and Sale will showcase a variety of unique jewelry pieces created by Art League students. Find original, hand-crafted works of art to fit all tastes and budgets.
We hope to see you there! There is more information on The Art League’s website, and you can RSVP to the Facebook event here. 
Events

Upcoming Art League Events

There’s no shortage of excitement at The Art League this week as we prepare for some workshops and demos, FotoWeekDC events, and a fresh coat of paint for the gallery. Details below!
To register for workshops, please call the gallery at 703-683-1780, or e-mail us at [email protected]. Space is limited.

Gallery closing: Artists with work on display in October exhibits need to pick up their work Sunday, November 6 from 2:00–6:00 pm. The gallery will be closed Monday to prepare for the next month’s exhibits (below). This also means it’s your last chance to see this month’s exhibits!
“Small Works” November exhibit
The Art League’s popular annual show highlights smaller works of art. Receiving is Monday, November 7, 6:30–8:30 pm and Tuesday, November 8, 10:00 am–12:00 noon. The opening reception for the show is Thursday, November 10, 6:30 – 8:00 pm. More details on entering are here.

“What Art to Wear” November exhibit
This wearable art exhibit features fine art that can also be worn. Receiving is Monday, November 7, 6:30–8:30 pm and Tuesday, November 8, 10:00 am–12:00 noon. The opening reception for the show is Thursday, November 10, 6:30 – 8:00 pm. More details on entering are here (bottom of the page). “What Art to Wear” was featured in the Washington Post’s Going Out Guide.
Winter Light Photography Walk with Frank Fierstein
Saturday, November 5, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Join a local abstract photographer, Frank Fierstein, on a walk through Old Town Alexandria. The session will start behind the Torpedo Factory with a brief discussion on how to use the beautiful fall light to improve the quality of your photographic images. He will also discuss how to use your camera lens to change and improve the quality and impact of your images. The walk will start traveling through Alexandria’s picturesque streets, alleys, shoreline and walkways. It will conclude with a brief critique, question and answer session back at The Art League. Digital as well as film photographers are welcome. In case of rain, please bring appropriate clothing. Part of FotoWeek DC.
 
Encaustic Demonstration with Jackie Hoysted
Saturday, November 5, 1:00–2:00 pm
Jackie Hoysted — whose solo exhibit, “Input Output,” wraps up on Saturday — demonstrates the use of encaustic, a paint made with beeswax.

Photoshop for Beginners with John Burgess
Tuesday, November 15, 1:00–4:00 pm
Join photographer John Burgess for a demonstration on using Photoshop for beginners. Burgess will also discuss how to create CDs for digital entries and how to correctly size your images for digital exhibit submissions. This workshop is appropriate for those who have no experience with Photoshop. Part of FotoWeek DC.

by Alison Duvall
Exhibition Prints Using Color Management and Jet Ink Printers
Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 1:00–4:00 pm
Join photographer John Burgess for a repeat of his popular workshop on how to create accurate color photographic prints using tools to calibrate your monitor and printer. Part of FotoWeek DC.

Registration for Winter Term starts November 7
Winter classes at The Art League School start January 9, but you can register starting Monday to ensure you have a spot in the class you want. Mosaics, tapestry, stained glass, jewelry, drawing, painting, weaving and much more is offered — over 200 classes and workshops are listed on The Art League website.

You can keep up to date on Art League events by checking our calendar.
Events

Help The Art League

The City of Alexandria is participating in a survey by Americans for the Arts to study the economic impact of arts on the city. Whether you’ve taken an Art League class or attended one of our events, please do a favor for The Art League and local arts by filling out this pdf and emailing it back to us (or bringing it by in person).
All responses are confidential. Please answer each question and return it to The Art League. Thank you!
News

Upcoming Ceramics Workshop

Potter Simon Levin will be teaching a weekend workshop for The Art League, “Methods of Expression in Clay,” in January. We asked Simon about his ideas for the class and what we could expect. His answers are below.

Class description: “Art is communication. Art explores an idea. This hands-on workshop employs a variety of exercises to clarify and express participants’ ideas in clay. Attention is paid to evoking new ideas and discussing the importance of work endowed with meaning. Methods of expression with clay are explored, pushed, and challenged, and critique is taught and employed. Intermediate knowledge of clay work and a sense of humor are required.“

by Simon Levin

What am I hoping for in this workshop? I often think we aren’t short on ideas, that inspiration to come up with ideas, though valuable, is not enough. Often in refining and plumbing the depths of our ideas is where the work lies, and we need inspiration to do that work. Many great ideas are discounted, or undeveloped. It is my hope that students will take from this work the skill set to clarify and layer their work with their ideas, as well as the energy and passion to do so.

Why am I a fan of wood-fired kilns in particular? I can certainly draw a similarity between a good workshop and the wood-firing process. I fell in love with the colors and surfaces that can be evoked from raw materials in a wood kiln. My work has become about layering the feeling of those surfaces into the form, clay treatment, volume, curve and texture of the work. Wood-firing in no way is the right choice for any work, nor can it make bad work good. But the ideas that excited me, that I felt inspired to plumb were about the way flame moves over the work, the narrative it leaves and the intimacy of connection to the work that results from the labor intensive process.

by Simon Levin

Why do students need to be prepared with a sense of humor? Well it’s a good survival technique for one. Secondly humor is a great tool to bring honest appraisal past insecurity. Humor opens doors that are closed when we take ourselves too seriously. The role of critique is to refine and develop a message, to let the maker know what other’s hear, to give the maker the gift of another person’s sight. Having a sense of humor helps on the journey. In addition I love to laugh.

Sound like fun? You can register at The Art League’s website.

Art Classes

Winter Painting Retreat in the Bahamas Almost Sold Out

“I think the Bahamas the best place I have ever found.” — Winslow Homer

Has the approach of winter got you singing the blues? Escape the cold and gray and add some color to the season with The Art League’s upcoming travel workshop to the Bahamas this February.

Painting by Susan Abbott

But don’t expect just a vacation.

“We work really hard,” says Susan Abbott, the instructor for the trip. “They’re very active workshops.” Instead of superficially experiencing the Bahamas, traveling as an artist means being actively engaged with one’s surroundings, she says — a traveler, not a tourist. “My teaching is focused on composition and color, and also developing a personal response to landscape,” Susan says.

Each day includes a morning and afternoon plein air session, about three hours each, and a critique at the end of the day.

There’s plenty of inspiration to fill those sessions, as Winslow Homer found with his famous watercolors of the Bahamas. The narrow island of Elbow Cay, where the workshop is held, features water on both sides — bay on one side, ocean on the other — not to mention the compelling architecture. Hope Town on Elbow Cay, which was featured in the Washington Post this month, was settled by Americans loyal to the crown during the Revolution, resulting in the curious sight of New England-style homes painted in tropical colors.

Sponge Fishing, Nassau by Winslow Homer

In 2012, the long-running Bahamas workshop will take place February 9–14. This is Susan Abbott’s third year as instructor, but before she took over, Ross Merrill ran the workshop. He was Chief of Conservation at the National Gallery and taught courses at The Art League before he passed away last year. Susan, who is based in Vermont, also has upcoming travel workshops in Vermont and Provence, France, in addition to local workshops this March on color theory for painters and on traveling with a sketchbook in Old Town Alexandria.

Visit The Art League’s website for more information on the Bahamas workshop and how to sign up.

Travel Workshops

Artist Opportunities: Call for Entries and Residencies Talk

Gallery West in Alexandria is announcing a call for entries, and Hamiltonian Gallery in DC is hosting a talk on artist residencies. Details below:

Call for entries — Deadline Nov. 11: Gallery West is pleased to announce a call for entries for its 15th annual national juried show. The all media show will be juried by CD, awards to total $1000. It will be juried by Edward J. Reed. Exhibit Dates: February 8, 2012 – March 4, 2012. For more details, review the prospectus and entry form at www.gallery-west.com.

“Artist Residencies: Where to find them, what to get out of them” — Nov. 8 at 7 pm: Artist residencies offer many different styles and models of support that provide artists of all disciplines with dedicated time and space for their creative work. Some are active centers for public programming and artistic community, and others offer solitude and retreat.
 
Our speakers will share their experiences and perspectives from an emerging artist, an established artist and a residency director on the art of finding a residency program. The panel will provide an in-depth cross section of the benefits and impacts of artist residencies and address preparedness, finding the right fit and how to get the most out of the experience. RSVP to [email protected].

The Professional Development Speaker Series is a succession of lectures and workshops given by established artists and art professionals to aid in the artistic and entrepreneurial development of all Hamiltonian Fellows and other emerging artists. All talks begin promptly at 7pm and take place at Hamiltonian Gallery, 1353 U Street, NW Washington, DC 20009.

Artist Opportunities

Art on the Rocks 2011: Photos and Winners

Last week, The Art League hosted Art on the Rocks, challenging six bartenders from local restaurants to create original drinks inspired by works in The Art League Gallery. The six bartenders went all-out to create memorable cocktails — five liquid, one solid — and their work paid off, and made voting for the winner that much more difficult. As attendee Bradley Austin put it after trying two drinks, they were “just weird enough.”

“You want to have something interesting and different,” he said.

Trae from Chadwicks, last year’s winning mixologist, serves up his new mixed drink.

Chris Kirby from Austin Grill concocted the Green Glacier, featuring triple sec, gin, vodka, rum, Sprite, and Midori, a melon liqueur. Chris said the creation was a group effort, and that the restaurant wanted the drink to look — and taste — green, to match its inspiration, a photograph of the Aurora Borealis by Richard Mallory Allnutt.

Attendee Jessica Pitts said she found the Green Glacier very summery — “perfect for a tailgate.”

Chris Kirby, right, from Austin Grill, brought his Green Glacier.

 

Steve Warner of Columbia Firehouse tops his White Russian Marshmallows.
Steve Warner of Columbia Firehouse said he chose Equipoise by Joyce McCarten because he has always gravitated toward texture. His cocktail was also “a textural exercise” — a Kahlua-laced marshmallow topped with Kahlua sauce, vodka foam and raspberry powder. Steve said the painting’s play with relief and texture inspired him to take something liquid and make it solid.
Tim from Hank’s Oyster Bar makes apple twists.
Voting was no easy matter.

Lee Carrell of Hank’s Oyster Bar said of his inspiration, Posed by Michele Hoben, that when he first saw it, “it reminded me of a candle freshly blown out.” He wanted to capture his smoky, sultry impression in his cocktail, which incorporates a spritz of mezcal in the glass — it causes the drink to evolve as it’s experienced, like a work of art, Lee said.

People must have liked what they experienced, because at the end of the night, they voted Hank’s one of two winners in a nail-biting tie. Justin of the Light Horse Restaurant, who demoed his Summertime Anytime cocktail for us, was the other winner. (Their acceptance speeches are on our YouTube page.)

Holly Nunn tasted Justin’s melon-based creation and decided that, in addition to the great blend of fruits, the mascarpone rim grounded the drink. Michelle Lore and Cindy Lamons struggled to decide between Lee’s cocktail at the Hank’s table and the basil-topped Wren at RedRocks Pizza Napoletana. The deciding factor tipping them in Lee’s favor, they said, was the thought he put into drawing inspiration from the painting and crafting a complex drink.

Justin and Lee will each get a trophy — and bragging rights, until next year.

More photos after the jump: Continue reading Art on the Rocks 2011: Photos and Winners

Events

The Art League’s Plein Air Painters Visit Norfolk

The Art League Plein Air Painters, a group formed this summer, made it down to Norfolk last month for a plein air event, the fifth annual “Out & About Norfolk.” October 20 and 21, painters around the city worked at their easels, including AL Plein Air Painters Bobbi Pratte, Jill Banks, David Diaz, Jo Ellen Murphy, and Lynn Mehta. They all won awards!

Bobbi Pratte painted Hermitage Rose Garden, which won the Juror’s Choice Award.

“Out & About Norfolk” is a yearly juried paint out. You can see the award winners here. Works from the event are on view Thursdays through Sundays until November 20. Details are on the event website.

Art League Plein Air Painters Jean Schwartz and Jill Banks have also been selected for the American Artists Professional League 83rd Grand National Exhibition, which opens today and runs through Nov. 11. Jean also reports that she has been juried in as a Salmagundi Club member.

Congratulations!

News

Local Opportunities for Artists — Deadlines Soon!

Three local organizations have issued calls for artists, limited to artists working in the DC metropolitan area. Deadlines for two of them are this Friday.
BlackRock Center for the Arts — Deadline October 28
Entry fee: $35. Open to all artists 18 years and over residing in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Artists who are willing to conduct a lecture or workshop for a BlackRock standard fee will receive special consideration during the selection process. More details here.
Hillyer Art Space — Deadline October 28
Hillyer Art Space is seeking artists to exhibit their works for the years 2012–2013. Artists must be DC metro area residents or international artists, and cannot have had a solo show in the past three years. Submission requirements here.

Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center — Deadline December 2
The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center invites proposals from artists or art groups to present exhibitions in the Margaret W. and Joseph L. Fisher Art Gallery for the calendar year 2012. Artists must reside in the Northern Virginia/Maryland/District of Columbia Metropolitan area; exhibitions may be solo or group; and works can be in both two- and three- dimensional formats. Proposals must be received by 5:00pm on Friday, December 2, 2011. The first exhibition will debut in February 2012. For questions contact Gallery Coordinator, Megan Peritore at 703.534.5726 or email: [email protected].

Also coming up, FotoWeekDC is offering portfolio reviews for photographers on November 12, tickets for which are on sale now. Full details are on the FotoWeekDC website.

Artist Opportunities

Exhibition Opportunities Nationwide

Courtesy of FindArtInfoBank.com:

27th Annual International Exhibition – TX
Deadline: November 21, 2011. The Art and Art History Department, University of Texas at Tyler announces a call to artists for a juried art exhibit, January 17 – March 9, 2012 at the Meadows Gallery in Tyler, TX. Purchase award(s) and Cash awards. Juror: Karl Umlauf, Artist-In-Residence, Baylor University. Open to Any artist, 18 years of age or older. Any two dimensional work including paintings, drawings, prints, and photographs are acceptable completed within the last three (3) years. Thirty dollars ($30.00) for three images. Visit website for prospectus at:http://www.uttyler.edu/art/, or send a SASE to: 27th Annual International Exhibition, Att: Ray Sikes, University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd. Tyler, TX 75799. Questions? Contact Ray Sikes at [email protected] or call 903-566-7237.

23rd National Drawing and Print Competitive Exhibition – MD
Deadline: January 31, 2012. Gormley Gallery-Notre Dame of Maryland University 23rd National Drawing and Print Competitive Exhibition. Awards: A minimum of $1,500 available in purchase prize money. Juror: Sue Spaid, Executive Director, Contemporary Museum, Baltimore, MD. Eligibility and media: Drawings and prints (not photography) in any medium are eligible with no limitations as to color, surface or materials. All drawings and prints must be original works of art. Each artist may submit up to 3 works on online only. No mailed or emailed entries will be accepted. Enter online at: https://artndm.slideroom.com. Entry fee: A non-refundable entry fee of $35 entitles the artist to submit up to three entries. www.ndm.edu/gormleygallery

African American Stories: Call for Visual and Literary Work – NY
Deadline: November 14, 11. Greene County Council on the Arts. “Uncle Remus Redux” Co-curators, Randall Horton & Sam Truitt are selecting proposals from artists and artist/writer collaborative teams responding to Uncle Remus’ Br’er Rabbit stories, a collection of African American oral folktales first published in 1881 www.uncleremus.com/stories.html. Dynamic, contemporary interpretations of the Uncle Remus stories for gallery display might include wall art, sculpture and audio and audio-visual works, including performance recordings… Preference given to works with integration of text (written or spoken), which may include rewordings and/or re-workings of the original text. Selected works will be exhibited at the GCCA’s upstairs gallery and may be published in an anthology by Station Hill Press, where Truitt is Managing Editor. Proposals should include a one-page max project description and examples of previous work, emailed to [email protected] and [email protected]. Small stipends available. www.greenearts.org

“Memory” juried exhibit – MO
Deadline: November 18, 11. “Memory” juried exhibit open to artists 21+ in St. Louis, MO area & 200-mile radius only. Works that explore the theme of memory. All media, styles, techniques. No ceiling installed work. Works created 2009-2011. Jurors: Patty Heyda, artist, Assistant Professor, Washington University, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, St. Louis, MO; and W. Elysse Newman, architect, Assistant Professor, Florida International University in Miami. Entry fee. Juried by JPEGs on CD. Complete rules of entry on form, required with all entries. Entry deadline: 5 p.m. November 18, 2011. Entry form downloadable: http://www.artstlouis.org/callforentries.html

North Charleston City Gallery – SC
Deadline: November 30, 11. The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department is currently accepting applications for the 2012-2013 season at the North Charleston City Gallery. The City Gallery offers a public exhibition opportunity for serious visual and fine craft artists. The North Charleston City Gallery is located in the common areas of the North Charleston Performing Arts and Charleston Area Convention Center Complex. This location offers great exposure for artists seeking to reach local patrons and visitors to this multi-use facility. Artists can review and download the information on www.northcharleston.org, call 843-740-5854, or email [email protected] for information.

More listings after the jump:
Valdosta National 2012 – GA
Deadline: November 1, 11. Valdosta National 2012 is open to all artists living in the USA over the age of 18. Works may be in any medium, traditional or experimental. All works must be original, suitably presented, ready to exhibit, completed in the last two years, and not previously exhibited in the Valdosta State University Fine Arts Gallery. Each artist may submit up to three entries. VSU takes no sales commission. Catalog sent to all submitting artists. Artwork is insured while in the gallery. Juror/judge bio: Charles (Chazz) Williams is an Associate Professor in the Fine Arts Department at Albany State University where he has taught Painting and Drawing for six years. In addition to producing and exhibiting his own work, he is an active supporter of the arts in his community and region and currently is a member of the Board of Trustees at the Albany Museum of Art. Mr. Williams earned an MFA in Studio Art and an MA in Literature from Florida State University. VSU Fine Arts Gallery is also accepting proposals for solo and group exhibitions for the 2012-13 season. More information about the gallery and prospectus may be found at our website www.valdosta.edu/art/documents/Val_Natl_Prospect_2012_online_final_v2.pdf For more information, contact VSU Fine Arts Gallery Director Julie Bowland: 229.333.5835, and [email protected]. http://www.valdosta.edu/art/gallery.shtml.

Call for Artists: The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts – NY  
Deadline: December 2, 2011. The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts in Blue Mountain Lake, NY is looking for artists to apply for solo/group shows in 2012-2013. All mediums are acceptable, including: mixed media, installations, paintings, drawings, printmaking, sculpture, video, sound, interactive, and other. Interested artists should submit: 3-5 JPEGs best representing a cohesive exhibit, Artistic Resume, Exhibit Description / Artist Statement, and Contact information: Name, Address, Phone & Email. Images may be sent on a CD via mail or via E-mail. We have three galleries on site and one satellite gallery, the Joan Lukas Rothenberg Gallery at the Redhouse in Syracuse, New York. Exhibits generally run 4 – 8 weeks. In particular we are looking for new and innovative art work to show in our galleries. Please visit website to download application. $25 Submission Fee ($15 for AC members). Questions? Contact Laura Smith at [email protected] or call 518-352-7715. http://www.adirondackarts.org

“The Art of Music” call to artists – MN  
Deadline: November 21, 2011. Flow Art Space in Minneapolis, Minnesota seeks entries for a juried art exhibition, February 15-25, 2012. Awards: gallery exhibition, promotion on website, reception. Juror: Artist and Flow Art Space Founder Melissa Metzler. Eligible entries include any art that references or depicts music in some way, instruments, and sound art. All 2D and 3D art will be considered. Video artists must contact the gallery prior to submitting. All US artists at least 18 years of age, professional and amateur, are welcome to submit. Entry fee: $40. Visit website for details @ http://www.flowartspace.com. Questions? Contact Melissa Metzler at [email protected] or call 612-564-3569.

UMMA Face of Our Time Student Photography Competition – MI  
Deadline: November 1, 2011. The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) is hosting the Face of Our Time Student Photography Competition in conjunction with the Face of Our Time exhibition, which will be on view at UMMA November 12, 2011 through February 5, 2012. Face of Our Time examines more than 100 works by five photographers — Jacob Aue Sobol, Jim Goldberg, Zanele Muholi, Daniel Schwartz, and Richard Misrach — who operate within what Walker Evans referred to as the “documentary style.” They are photographers interested in looking reflectively at contemporary culture and recording history as it is experienced; from the migration of illegal immigrants from Africa to Europe to the aftermath of the Hurricane Katrina tragedy in New Orleans. Get inspired and use photography as a means not just to capture a moment, but also represent a moment in history – this moment in history. Open to all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. Visit our student blog at http://annex.umma.umich.edu/ to enter. 20 finalist images will be included in a digital slide show on display in the gallery alongside the Face of Our Time exhibition at UMMA. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive an UMMA membership and a book by one of the photographers featured in the exhibition. 1st place winner will also receive $200 cash. Questions? e-mail [email protected]

CALL FOR PROPOSALS- Whale Oil to Whole Foods, Eco Art Exhibit – NY
Deadline: February 20, 12. Greene County Council on the Arts. Curator/Eco-Artist/activist Christy Rupp, is looking for a variety of artist responses to the threats and opportunities that have historically loomed over the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains, real and imagined for outdoor and indoor exhibit sites. Of interest are ecological issues from the region’s past and future, as well as the industrial legacy of the Hudson River, or any other topics that examine our kinship to the planet: earthworks, installations, art/activist projects, performances, tree hugging, broadcast soundworks inspired by science, technology, fungal, Pollanesque, lichen covered, wild, mysterious, problem solving, compostable, geological, edible, photosynthetic, experimental, waterborn, rooted in the forest, alive or formerly alive. Stipends are available for outdoor, site specific works and interior exhibit expenses. Submit one page description (max) with examples of past work and budget if requesting a stipend to [email protected]. http://www.greenearts.org

Call for Artists – PA
Deadline: March 27, 12. Call for Artists for artspace 105 – voted 2010 “Best Underground Art Space” by Pittsburgh Magazine. Now accepting proposals for exhibitions and events in our space, artspace105, located at 105 E. 8th Avenue, Homestead, PA. Please send resume, artists statement and proposals to [email protected]. If you would like to mail your proposal via postal mail, please mail it to: Steel Valley Arts Councl, P.O. Box 3003, Munhall, PA 15120. www.steelvalleyarts.org

5th Annual Naturally Nude – WY
Deadline: January 27, 2012. CIAO Gallery of Jackson, Wyoming is pleased to offer the opportunity to participate in our 5th annual “Naturally Nude”, an exhibition of exceptional nudes. This show is open to all artists in any medium, traditional renderings as well as unique interpretations. Work must be original and ready to be displayed, clearly labeled with the artists name and contact information. No substitutions of accepted work. Art work must be for sale. This exhibition opening takes place on Valentine’s Day evening and has become one of our most popular events for the gallery. $45 entry fee. Visit website for prospectus at: http://www.ciaogallery.com/userfiles/files/5thNudeAPP.doc.doc, or send a SASE to: PO Box 1274, Jackson WY 83001. Questions? Contact Michele Walters at [email protected] or call (307) 733-7833. http://ciaogallery.com

Chicago Torture Justice Memorials – IL
Deadline: January 21, 12. We invite artists and those who seek justice of all kinds to submit speculative proposals for a monument to memorialize the Chicago Police torture cases. Our goal is to honor the survivors of torture, their family members and the African American communities affected by the torture. The monument will also recall and honor the nearly two-decades long struggle for justice waged by torture survivors and their families, attorneys, community organizers, and people from every neighborhood and walk of life in Chicago. These memorial projects will serve as a public reckoning with police torture in Chicago and honor those who fought to stop it. We hope to make visible the social and political conditions that made torture possible, as well as the acts of courage that ended – or at least brought to light — the culture of impunity that thwarted justice for so long in this instance. Every submission will be an act of solidarity with torture survivors. We welcome proposals that exhibit radical imagination – they may critically examine the usefulness and limitations of monuments themselves while exploring the issues of reparations, truth and reconciliation, and restorative justice. For example, one submission might consist of the blueprint for a compensation committee for torture survivors, another might be an annual walking tour of Area 2 Police Headquarters (where the majority of tortures occurred), while still another might be a large public sculpture set on a pedestal or in a public square. Other monument proposals might be public events, a school curriculum, a collective quilt, a song, a billboard, a zine, a light projection… These memorials should also be understood as a locus of public empathy, making concrete the profound suffering of those who endured these acts of torture. All submitted proposals will be exhibited at one or more of the following venues in 2012: Chicago area art galleries, community centers, and a dedicated website. Qualifications: This is an open call. Submissions may be made by a person or persons of any age and nationality. Artists, architects, photographers, writers, poets, musicians, performers, activists, and everyone concerned with justice is welcome to submit a proposal. The proposals, exhibition, and what we hope to become some permanent monument(s) will honor the survivors of police torture, acknowledge the communities most affected by police criminality, and inform the world about the history of the police torture in Chicago under former Commander Burge. We hope this project will build a social movement strong enough to deter these and other acts of torture and transform our broken criminal justice system. How to Apply: A proposed monument may take any form – from architecture to haiku, from website to mural, from community organization to performance, from bronze plaque to large-scale memorial. The submission should be in the form of a PDF, PPT, webpage, or other accessible electronic format sent to [email protected]. Non-electronic submissions will also be accepted; please mail to: Chicago Torture Justice Memorial Project (CTJM Project), c/o People’s Law Office, 1180 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, Illinois 60642. Web Site: torturememorial.wordpress.com

Flora and Faune: Narrative Through Iconography – NY
Deadline: December 1, 11. For generations, artists have used signs and symbols from nature to impart meaning in their artwork. Audiences of previous eras were well-versed in this seemingly covert language. Each icon usually has several different meanings; for instance a rabbit may mean fertility, longevity, femininity or rebirth. However, the rabbit as a symbol, like all other icons, has been in use for centuries around the globe. The multiple meanings of iconographic signs were applied layer by layer as they moved culture to culture. Nature was imbued with meaning by humanity and artists used those images to tell a story, a narrative. This thematic juried exhibition seeks artwork that uses those established symbols to tell a contemporary story about our society — past, present or future. For more details: http://www.geneseo.edu/galleries/flora-and-fauna

Where We Are – National Juried Exhibition – MO
Deadline: November 30, 11. Where We Are: Tectonic Shifts and Dissolution of Boundaries. A National Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Art in all Media. DeLuce Gallery, Northwest Missouri State University. Over the past decade the world of contemporary art has experienced the rumblings of a tectonic shift. Many contemporary artists combine and work across disciplines in their queries about the meaning of art and its relationship to everyday life. This exhibition aims to explore the potential of contemporary visual art that embraces the blurry lines being explored by artists who are currently breaking down boundaries and working between the tenets of two dimensional art practice, mixed media, digital and media art, and the physical world we move through. Juror: Elaine A. King, PhD, Art Historian, Critic and Curator. Elaine King is currently Professor of History of Art, Theory and Museum Studies at Carnegie Mellon University. To access online application: Delucegallery.slideroom.com


Artist Opportunities

FotoWeek DC events



The Art League is hosting free workshops for the upcoming FotoWeek DC:


Winter Light Photography Walk with Frank Fierstein
Saturday, November 5, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm


Join a local abstract photographer, Frank Fierstein, on a walk through Old Town Alexandria. The session will start behind the Torpedo Factory with a brief discussion on how to use the beautiful fall light to improve the quality of your photographic images. He will also discuss how to use your camera lens to change and improve the quality and impact of your images. The walk will start traveling through Alexandria’s picturesque streets, alleys, shoreline and walkways. It will conclude with a brief critique, question and answer session back at the Torpedo Factory. Digital as well as film photographers are welcome. In case of rain, please bring appropriate clothing.

Photoshop for Beginners with John Burgess
Tuesday, November 15, 2011, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Join photographer John Burgess for a demonstration on using Photoshop for beginners. Burgess will also discuss how to create cd’s for digital entries and how to correctly size your images for digital exhibit submissions. This workshop is appropriate for those who have no experience with Photoshop.

Exhibition Prints Using Color Management and Jet Ink Printers
Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Join photographer, John Burgess, for a repeat of his popular workshop on how to create accurate color photographic prints using tools to calibrate your monitor and printer.

Please call the gallery at 703-683-1780, or e-mail us at [email protected] to register for these free workshops. Space is limited.
Events

$2,640 raised for at-risk girls in SOHO program!

Last week, ACTion Alexandria undertook to raise $750 for the award-winning program “A Space of Her Own” (SOHO), run by The Art League and the Alexandria Court Service Unit. When that fundraising goal was broken hours after it was set, the goal was raised to $2,500 — and that was broken, too, setting a new fundraising record for ACTion Alexandria.

Thank you from The Art League and the SOHO girls!

SOHO runs each school year, pairing girls with adult, female mentors who work with them on life skills, team-building, and art. The girls create artwork for their own bedrooms, and end the program by redecorating their rooms to make them spaces of their own. By learning about art and other life skills through the mentoring program, girls identified as at-risk by the court system grow stronger and more confident. Lesson topics include nutrition, refusal skills, self-esteem, communication, relationship building, friendship, sexual health, decision-making, and more — and, of course, art.

The Art League’s Executive Director, Linda Hafer, writes:

“This has been an awesome boost to ensure that this program will continue and that the girls will have appropriate art supplies and the best programming!  One of my favorite things about this program is the collaborative aspect —it started with The Art League and the Alexandria Court Service Unit, and the volunteer mentors and teachers—and it’s grown and improved thanks to the added participation of several local nonprofits, many sponsoring businesses, and contributions from foundations and individuals.  We’re so grateful to have ACTion Alexandria and your generous donors as part of our SOHO team!” 

This year, 16 girls graduated from SOHO. Watch their room redecoration in this video:

The Washington Post wrote about SOHO in 2009. You can learn more about the program on The Art League’s website.

News

Travel Tuesday: See What You’re Missing

The Art League’s travel workshops have included trips to far-flung destinations including Barcelona, London, Provence, and the Bahamas, and more local spots such as Richmond. Apart from the potential for some sight-seeing, travel is a great way to find inspiration — just ask any of the instructors who have led workshops in the past:

Visitors view a Bernini at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Robert Liberace has taken groups to Rome, Florence, and most recently, London in search of that artistic spark. The April trip across the pond included visits to the National Gallery of London, the Queen’s Collection, the National Portrait Gallery, the British Museum and others, not to mention painting and drawing at St. James’s, the Tower Bridge, and Regent’s Park. Robert keeps photographs from his workshops on his website.

“Green Noodle” by Bobbi Pratte

Painter Bobbi Pratte will be holding two workshops here in the States as a series, “Plein Air Painting in the Gardens and Vineyards.” She has also taught plein air painting in Solomons Island, Maryland. Bobbi posts news and photos at her website. 

“Gate Keeper of Zege Kidane Mihiret Monastery” by Andarge Asfaw

Photographer Andarge Asfaw teaches an Introduction to Photography class at The Art League. His travel photography has been exhibited widely, including in a recent book, “Ethiopia from the Heart.” Andarge and The Art League may be hosting a potential photography workshop in Ethiopia next year — stay tuned. More of his work is on his website.

The Bahamas in Susan Abbott’s sketchbook

Last but not least, Susan Abbott keeps a visual journal of her travels, titled “A Painter’s Year,” online. Susan has hosted trips with The Art League including a popular trip to Provence and an upcoming workshop in the Bahamas this February.


Feeling a sudden urge to travel? Check The Art League’s website for information on past and upcoming travel workshops, read our earlier post on frequently asked questions, and don’t forget to check back for updates.

Travel Workshops

Upcoming Classes and Workshops Still Have Space!

Some fall term classes at The Art League still have spots open! Check below to see what sparks your interest, and don’t forget to check back before winter term — registration opens November 7.
Classes by start date:

10/21: Basic Drawing with Jim Burford
10/23: Silver Jewelry with Michael Brehl
10/24: Silver Jewelry with Gretchen Raber
10/25: Enameling on Metal with Abby Goldblatt
10/27: Jewelry Projects with Gretchen Raber

10/27: Introduction to Monotype Printmaking with Penny Barringer

10/27: Knitting Projects: Beyond Square with Barbara Garren
10/30: Knitting Projects: Beyond Square with Dianna Kreutz
11/2: Painting in Oil or Pastel with Diane Tesler
11/3: All About Wool with Sylvia DeMar
11/6: Continuing Rigid Heddle: Projects & Techniques with Linda Hurt

Workshops by date:

10/22–23: Introduction to Glass Beadmaking with Judith Conway
10/29 & 11/12: Earrings, Rings, & Things: Jewelry with Felt & Metal with Renate Maile-Moskowitz and Lisa Vershbow 
10/30: Dyeing: Indigo – A Blue Like None Other with Sylvia DeMar
11/5 & 11/12: Inkle Weaving with Linda Hurt
11/5–7: Collagraph and Embossing with Penny Barringer
11/5: Basic Photographic Lighting Tools with Robin Reid
11/12–13: Dyeing: Natural Color Kitchen with Sylvia DeMar
11/19: Silver Soldering for Jewelry with Tina Chisena

11/29–30: Know Your Watercolor Palette with Rachel Collins
12/3–4: Mixing It Up with Delna Dastur
12/3–4: Watercolor with Pastel with Susan Herron
12/3–4: Elements of Landscape with Steve Fleming
12/3–4: The Painterly Sketch in Opaque Watercolor with Rick Weaver
12/3–4: Landscape Painting Techniques: Water with Patrick Kirwin
12/3–4: Introduction to Kiln-Formed Glass with Judith Conway and Kevin O’Toole
12/3–4: Cover to Cover: How to Make Books with Nancy Johnson
12/5–8: Figure Sculpture with Paul Lucchesi
12/6–7: Dramatic Light-Painting Sunsets, Backlighting, and Night Scenes with Sara Linda Poly

Art Classes

Art on the Rocks: Do You Have Your Ticket Yet?

Trae from Chadwicks serves his creation at last year’s Art on the Rocks.

Do you enjoy art with a cold drink in your hand? Join The Art League next week in taking a cocktail-eyed look at our gallery. The Art League and six local mixologists present Art on the Rocks, featuring cocktails inspired by artwork in our October exhibits, next Wednesday.

Bartenders from Austin Grill, Chadwicks, Columbia Firehouse, Hank’s Oyster Bar, The Light Horse Restaurant, and RedRocks Pizza Napoletana were each challenged to select a juried piece from the October exhibits and channel it into a new cocktail. Attendees will judge the mixed drinks and vote for a winner at the event. Also included: appetizers from the restaurants and drawings for prizes.

Who: You’re invited!
What: Art on the Rocks!
Where: The Art League Gallery, 105 North Union Street, (in the Torpedo Factory Art Center) Alexandria, VA
When: Wednesday, October 26, 2011, 6:00-9:00 pm
Why: Because who doesn’t love great art and cocktails?!
How: Buy tickets now by: phone, 703-683-1780; online; or in person. Tickets are $35 in advance, $45 at the door. Must be 21 years of age.

We asked Frank from RedRocks for a preview of his creation, the “Wren,” made with bourbon, SoCo, grapefruit, Cointreau, and spanked-basil garnish.

Videos of the other competitors are on our YouTube channel. See the artwork they selected as inspiration after the jump:

Hunter & Prey, Carlos Beltran Baldiviezo (selected by RedRocks Pizza Napoletana)
Aurora over McKinley, Richard Mallory Allnutt (selected by Austin Grill)
Equipoise, Joyce McCarten (selected by Columbia Firehouse)
Melons & Peaches, Leigh Culver (selected by The Light Horse Restaurant)
Posed, Michele Hoben (selected by Hank’s Oyster Bar)
R+B Series V Dot, Marsha Staiger (selected by Chadwicks)

Don’t forget to get your tickets!

Events

Critique Next Tuesday with Instructor Deanna Schwartzberg

Join Art League instructor Deanna Schwartzberg for a group critique on Tuesday, October 25, 1:00–3:00 pm in The Art League Gallery. Members can bring up to two pieces for critique. Please call 703-683-1780 or e-mail [email protected] to sign up. Space is limited.

Deanna’s interest in abstract painting began with her earliest art experience as an undergraduate at New York University. She later studied painting at the Art Students League of New York with Vaclav Vytlacil. Deanna maintains a studio in Bethesda, MD. Since 2000 she has had solo shows at Parish Gallery, Washington DC, Ozmosis Gallery, Bethesda, MD, Gudelsky Gallery, Maryland College of Art and Design, formerly in Silver Spring, MD, and Glenview Mansion Gallery, Rockville, MD. Deanna has taught abstract painting in the Washington area for many years. Her students at The Art League School are both professional painters and those new to abstraction. For Deanna, helping an artist shape their personal vision, and exploring the painting process with her students energizes her own creative efforts.

Events