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| 1. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 2. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 3. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week.  And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven  Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass...  And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself!   And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos  Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills):      CNN to cover Seven  CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey:  Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven  Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd:  After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what?  This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work.  And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting.  Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 4. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting.  A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 5. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 6. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor.  That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 7. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 8. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 9. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 10. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 11. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 12. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 13. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 14. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 15. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 16. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 17. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 18. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 19. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 20. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 21. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 22. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 23. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 24. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 25. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 26. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 27. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 28. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 29. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 30. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 31. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 32. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 33. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 34. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 35. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 36. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 37. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 38. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 39. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 40. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 41. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 42. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 43. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 44. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 45. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 46. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 47. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 48. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 49. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 50. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 51. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 52. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 53. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 54. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 55. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 56. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 57. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 58. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 59. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 60. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 61. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 62. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 63. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 64. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 65. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 66. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 67. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 68. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 69. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 70. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 71. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 72. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 73. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 74. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 75. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 76. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 77. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 78. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 79. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 80. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 81. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 82. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 83. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 84. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 85. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 86. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 87. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 88. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 89. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 90. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 91. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 92. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 93. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 94. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 95. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 96. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 97. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 98. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 99. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 100. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 101. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 102. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 103. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 104. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 105. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 106. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 107. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 108. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 109. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 110. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 111. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 112. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 113. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 114. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 115. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 116. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 117. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 118. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 119. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 120. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 121. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 122. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 123. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 124. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 125. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 126. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 127. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 128. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 129. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 130. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 131. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 132. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 133. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 134. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 135. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 136. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 137. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 138. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 139. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 140. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 141. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 142. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 143. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 144. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 145. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 146. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 147. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 148. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 149. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 150. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 151. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 152. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 153. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 154. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 155. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 156. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 157. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 158. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 159. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 160. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 161. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 162. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 163. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 164. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 165. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 166. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 167. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 168. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 169. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 170. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 171. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 172. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 173. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 174. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 175. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 176. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 177. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 178. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 179. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 180. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 181. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 182. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 183. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 184. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 185. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 186. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 187. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 188. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 189. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 190. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 191. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 192. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 193. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 194. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 195. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 196. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 197. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 198. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 199. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 200. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 201. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 202. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 203. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
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| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 205. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 206. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 207. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 208. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 209. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 210. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 211. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 212. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 213. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 214. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 215. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 216. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 217. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 218. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 219. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 220. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 221. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 222. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 223. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 224. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 225. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 226. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 227. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 228. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 229. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
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| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
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| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
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| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
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| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 235. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 236. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 237. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 238. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 239. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 240. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 241. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 242. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 243. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 244. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 245. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 246. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 247. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 248. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 249. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 250. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 251. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 252. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 253. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 254. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 255. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 256. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 257. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 258. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 259. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 260. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 261. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 262. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 263. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 264. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 265. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 266. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 267. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 268. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 269. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 270. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 271. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 272. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 273. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 274. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 275. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 276. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 277. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 278. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 279. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 280. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 281. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
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| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 283. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
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| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 285. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 286. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 287. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 288. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 289. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 290. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 291. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 292. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 293. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 294. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 295. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 296. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 297. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 298. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 299. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 300. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 301. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 302. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 303. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 304. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 305. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 306. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 307. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
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| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
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| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
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| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
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| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 312. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 313. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 314. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 315. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 316. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 317. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 318. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 319. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 320. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 321. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 322. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 323. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 324. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 325. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 326. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 327. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 328. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 329. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 330. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 331. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 332. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 333. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 334. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 335. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
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| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 337. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 338. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 339. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 340. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 341. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 342. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 343. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 344. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 345. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 346. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 347. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 348. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 349. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 350. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 351. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 352. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 353. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 354. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 355. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 356. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 357. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 358. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 359. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 360. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 361. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 362. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 363. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 364. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 365. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 366. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 367. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 368. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 369. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 370. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 371. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 372. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 373. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 374. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 375. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 376. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 377. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 378. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 379. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 380. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 381. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 382. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 383. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 384. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 385. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 386. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 387. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 388. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 389. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 390. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 391. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 392. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 393. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 394. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 395. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 396. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 397. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 398. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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| 399. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: October PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition - Online |
| $2,250 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 400. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Sanctuary photography exhibition - Online |
| $1,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 401. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Of Mark and Meaning: American Women Artists - Clarksville, TN |
| $30,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 |
| 402. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: apexart NYC Open Call for group exhibitions - New York, NY |
| $10,000 Exhibition budget. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 403. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Ideas Unchained Abstract Art Competition - Online |
| Up to $3,500 in awards. Deadline: Nov 30, 2025 |
| 404. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Yicca Prize - Venice, Italy |
| 5500Eur in awards. Deadline: Nov 20, 2025 |
| 405. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library Reimagined - McKinney, TX |
| $5,000 commission. Deadline: Oct 16, 2025 |
| 406. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Through the Lines: lenticular fence mural project - Yuma, AZ |
| $2,000 stipend. Deadline: Oct 13, 2025 |
| 407. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: The Homiens Art Prize - Online |
| $3,000 in awards. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 |
| 408. Source: Art Competitions provided by Artshow.com |
| Item: Old Florida Celebration of the Arts - Cedar Key, FL |
| $14,000 in awards. Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 |
| 409. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Bootcamp for Artists! Date: 2 October 2025, 6:18 pm |
Another opportunity (and for free!) to do my Bootcamp for Artists seminar! Hosted by American University this time --- only 75 spots in the seminar... Sign up here: Artist Bootcamp, with Lenny Campello Tickets, Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite |
| 410. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Congrats to the 2025 Trawick Prize Winners! Date: 4 September 2025, 5:50 pm |
Maryland sweep! My sincere congrats to the winners of the 2025 Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art Awards! Out of more than 300 talented applicants, the jury chose these three as the 2025 award winners:
The exhibition of the finalists' work will be on display at Gallery B from September 4 - 28. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm and Sundays, 11am-4pm. The opening reception will be held next Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8pm. Gallery B is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E. |
| 411. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Story of "Seven" Date: 31 August 2025, 12:24 pm |
I’ve been a member of the WPA since I first moved to the DMV decades ago, and have participated in many shows and opportunities offered by the WPA, including several Gala auctions, the (e)merge art fairs, etc. I was also one of the “Sweet 16” selected by ubercollector Mera Rubell during her storied 2009 studio visit tour. But it was when I was asked to curate for the WPA a show that would eventually be titled “Seven” (it spread across seven different galleries of the then Warehouse complex across from the then “new” Washington Convention Center, that I really hit pay dirt, as it was there that I met the person who would eventually become my wife. “Seven” was a show designed (by me) to try to expose as many WPA artist members as possible to collectors and gallery owners. The vast majority of the artists selected by me had never before been “picked” by the WPA for anything. I then personally walked area gallerists and collectors through the show… eventually I lost count, but at some point nearly 20 of the 66 artists in “Seven” were picked up by galleries, and at least through 2009 it was the highest grossing fundraiser for the WPA, as well as getting major reviews in all the local newspapers and television attention from both local and national (CNN) stations. And if you would indulge me, below is the storyline of how that show developed, fastidiously reported by me in DC Art News over the period that it took place. In looking back at these posts (I think I have most of them) I was somewhat surprised by the sheer amount of coverage that the show received, especially in these austere days of visual arts coverage around the DMV. Below you will find a copy of the original posts from 2005, which are also still there. The Story of "Seven" As many of you have already read, I have been retained by the WPA/C to curate a show for them. I will be assisted by two young WPA/C interns: Sandra Fernandez and Adrian Schneck. Because this show will be exhibited at the three separate buildings that comprise the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex, a total of seven separate spaces are available, and all will be used, and thus the exhibition title: Seven. Using the power of the web, I intend to keep this curatorial process open and available to everyone via commentary here on what I am doing, how and why. In doing so, I hope to bring to light all the many issues, baggage, ideas, agendas, nepotism, and a complete lack of objectivity that a curator brings to such a massive job as this will be. As well as a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to deliver a show that will make all involved proud to be part of it. All artwork and artists to be displayed will be picked by me. I will also try to handcuff some of my fellow commercial gallerists and, once the exhibition is open, take them around and have them discover (hopefully) some new talent from our area. It is my hope that the final selection of artists will be a good blend of some well-known area WPA/C artists as well as an exhibition opportunity for WPA/C talent that we don't see as often. To start, I have decided to focus each of the seven spaces on a specific theme, genre or subject... sort of. I will also bring to this selection process (and to one space) the commercial acumen of a for-profit gallerist. As such (for example), I will select the artwork that will go in the main gallery space (co-located with the Warehouse Cafe) to be that work that I feel represents the best compilation of all the remaining spaces and also stands the best chance (in my sole opinion) of being sold. Other spaces will have different approaches; for example, on my first run through all of the WPA/C slides, I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of a lot of abstract paintings, and will thus hope to deliver a gallery full of those artists that (in my opinion) are the best from the membership. Another space will be focused on a particular agenda item of mine: the nude figure. And thus I hope to deliver a gallery full of figurative nudes. At this time, I am also toying with the idea (space and logistics permitting) of having a figure drawing class, nude model and all, present at the opening. This is in the hope that they (the artists and the model) will provide an in situ perspective on the trials, tribulations and joy of creating artwork from the live model. Details on the exhibition and entry process is available online here. All members of the WPA/C are eligible for consideration, but all final decisions and selections are mine. I've already gone through all the WPA/C slides once (about 20,000 of them I'd guess), and will review all new entries and slides that come in between now and some future date a couple of weeks before the exhibition opens on June 30, 2005. I also intend to re-review all slides in the registry next week. And I've already made some surprising discoveries and even some selections! In fact the first artist selected, and one whose work I did not know, is a MICA graduate and VCU MFA candidate Alessandra Torres. The image above is hers, and that's the artist as part of a sculptural installation titled Possess/(pose-us). More later... keep checking; I truly intend for this exhibition to be provocative and fresh, but in the end it still remains one person's opinion and the trite saying that art is in the eye's of the beholder never applied more aptly than in this case: My eyes and thus my Seven. Seven Update One I'll be walking through the Warehouse spaces sometime today, along with some artists whose work I'd like to include in the coming "Seven" exhibition. Visit here to enter "Seven." Seven Update Three I've re-visited about a third of the 24,000-plus slides in the WPA/C Artfile. There are a lot of old slides in there (including mine), and also a lot of WPA/C members don't have slides on file. Tsk, tsk... I've also received quite a few entries electronically via email, and in some cases from members updating their files. The selection process continues, and so far I've selected about thirty or so artists, most of which have or will receive an email from the WPA/C. I think that I will probably end up picking up about twenty or so more. After all the seven spaces at the Warehouse are quite ample, and I also have this salon-style vision for at least one of the spaces. I've also invited (and they've accepted) Sam Gilliam and Manon Cleary, without a doubt two of DC's best known and most respected artists. A few other artists that I wanted in this show have been unable to participate due to the fact that two of them have moved away and one is working furiously for a coming show and already has a waiting list for his next paintings! There are also quite a few artists whose work I did not know... and this is part of the two way dialogue that happens between a curator and 24,000 slides. There are dozens and dozens of very good artists who will not an invitation, but that have made a positive impression on me, and thus in a way are also gaining from this experience, as there's a good chance that their work may appear in something else associated with me in the future. And that is why it is important to get out there and have slides in registries, and work online and so on: it needs to be seen! Even being rejected has a possible positive footprint. Case in point: Rebecca D'Angelo. Nearly ten years ago, Rebecca approached me with an exhibition proposal for a specific series of her photographs. The idea was interesting, but (for a then struggling commercial gallery) not very feasible, and so I told her no. Years later, as I walked the seven various spaces that comprise the Warehouse holdings on 7th Street, one of them jumped in my mind as being perfect for Rebecca D'Angelo's project. I contacted her, she visited the spaces, and agreed! Wait till you see it (her project that is). Opening night for "Seven" is June 30th from 6-8:30PM. Set that night aside. Seven Update Today, together with a few artists, one of the interns, and Kim Ward from the WPA/C and a photographer from the Washington Times, I walked the seven spaces at the Warehouse Gallery again. We assigned some spaces already, and selected a few more artists. The WPA/C website will soon have the final list, which now includes Chan Chao, Adam Fowler, David Jung, Marie Ringwald, Rick Wall and many others. I've also turned Mark Jenkins loose on the building, and I am sure that he will have an interesting tape people army present at the opening and for the duration of the show. Now closing the loop on a drawing class that I want to have present at the opening. I have focused one of the seven galleries on the nude figure, and on opening night (June 30), I want to have a small drawing class present and drawing from a live nude model or two. Seven (Done) From the several thousand eligible artists (WPA/C members), I've chosen Sometime next week I will take several of my fellow DC gallerists for a private view and tour of the show, hoping that they will discover some new talent (new to them) in the exhibition. I also have several museum and a handful of independent curators (two from as far as Los Angeles and two from New York and one from the Midwest) in the process of being lined up to visit the show in the next few weeks. More on that when it happens. And I will also take some well-known DC art collectors on a group tour sometime in the next couple of weeks; this is (after all) a fundraiser for the WPA/C. The opening reception is Thursday, June 30th from 6 - 8:30PM. The Seven Chosen Artists selected for SEVEN are listed below; about a third of them are completely new to me. The rest I either knew their work, or who they were in some way or form. I think it is a powerful lesson on the importance of keeping your work "out there," no matter where "there" is, so that the work is "seen." There are some well-known, experienced and recognized names on this list, people like Manon Cleary, Chan Chao and Sam Gilliam, as well as hot, young new artists like Lisa Bertnick, John Lehr and Kelly Towles. Also young emerging artists like Alessandra Torres, Ben Tolman and Susan Jamison (who's in the current issue of New American Painting and also hangs in the Strictly Painting V exhibition at McLean). And also artists whose work I've rarely seen anywhere around our area, such as Gary Medovich, Rebecca D’Angelo, Sonia Jones, Lou Gagnon and Fae Gertsch. This exhibition, having been curated by a gallerist, defines a show from the perspective of a curatorial eye aimed at perspective of intelligent, strong and visually powerful art and art ideas; this is my view from the ground-level; not the 10,000 foot level of a museum office. As such, it is very painting-centric show at at time when painting (in spite of the constant attack from academia and the written word) seems to have regained center stage in the international art arena. It is not a competition between the genres, and because of the agenda, prejudices and humanity of my selection process, in the end, Seven somewhat places painting at the center of attention, although I suspect that a strong showing by WPA/C photographers and what I expect to be a very memorable performance by Kathryn Cornelius, and an arresting installation by Alessandra Torres, will definately gather a big share of the public and media attention as well. Here's the list: Virginia Arrisueño Early starts for Seven Mark Jenkins installation for Seven, titled "Tres Marias," has already been installed in the trees outside the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries; inside Kelly Towles is already laboring on a wall, and Alessandra Torres will soon start on transforming a room. Seven's opening is this Thursday starting at 6PM. Seven: Installation Day One As with any large, multi-gallery exhibition, there were some hiccups on the first day of Seven's installation, which forced the move of a very visible spot to another area (thank God for a very flexible artist); plus the mysterious move of some artwork from one area to another; and the selected artist whom we all forgot to add to the master list; and the usual last minute broken glass... And Mark Jenkins' tape sculptures have somehow moved from the tree in front of the buildings to the building itself! And below is Kelly Towles painting a wall in the second floor gallery... Calm (NOT) Before the Storm I am so tired! Early wake-ups all this week; plus late nights at Warehouse for the hanging of Seven. A couple of small disasters today: One of Rebecca Cross' delicate ceramic pieces fell off the wall and broke; time to scramble and see if Rebecca can replace it with another work. Then a major piece by a very good artist could not be hung due to weight and size, and now we are left scrambling trying to figure out what to do; things will resolve themselves by tomorrow. And then there's the artist who wanted his work "hung just so," and so we reserved a very special place for this person, and so far the artist has not delivered any work or returned several messages. Where are you? And (as anyone who has ever curated a show from slides knows), there's the "surprise." The "surprise" is that piece of artwork that looks great in a slide, but that once you see it, it... well, uh... disappoints. Oh well.... one surprise from 67 artists is not bad. On the pleasant side, Alessandra Torres continues to astound me on the good side; seldom have a seen a young artist be so full of energy and zeal and talent. I predict good things for her. And Kathryn Cornelius damned near made me a convert to video art; wait until you see her video piece (Titled "Resolve" and being projected on opening night at the top floor - all by herself - and later on a flatscreen in the second floor gallery). And I predict that Scott Brooks and Samantha Wolov are going to raise some eyebrows (and maybe other body parts on Wolov's case). The opening is tomorrow, Thursday June 30 at 6PM. See ya there! Seven Opens Tonight What: Seven, an exhibition of 67 WPA/C artists curated by me. When: Opens tonight with a catered reception for the artists starting at 6PM. Work on exhibition until Sept. 9, 2005. Where: The seven spaces that make up the Warehouse Theatre and Galleries complex. Located at 1021 7th Street, NW, across from the new Washington Convention Center. See ya there! Breedloves... and Seven opening photos Those of you who attended the huge opening of Seven last Thursday at the Warehouse, know that one of the highlights of the opening was the magnificent voice of Hisham Breedlove, who delighted the crowd with not only his painted body, but also with his magnificent voice. Hisham walked around the seven galleries that make up the show, singing a variety of opera solos; and he was spectacular! Adrienne Mills recorded the Breedlove's transformation in this series of photographs from the opening of Seven. See them here. More photos from the opening below (all courtesy Adrienne Mills): CNN to cover Seven CNN News will videotape coverage of Seven sometime next week.Since it is (apparently) of national interest... perhaps the local papers can consider it of local interest as well? Collector walk-through I walked one of our best collectors through Seven today and he picked up three pieces from the exhibition. These collector walk-throughs will continue throughout the exhibition; after all, Seven is supposed to be a fundraiser for the WPA/C. CNN on Seven CNN videotaped a segment with Kim Ward, the Acting Executive Director of the WPA/C. The interview covered the history and mission of the WPA/C, a bit about Warehouse, a few shots of the show, and a plug for the Artist's Directory. I do not have the schedule for the air times; hopefully next week. It will be on for the last five minutes at the top of the hour on CNN Headline News in certain markets. I do know that they will show the spot 8 times a day for one week before the show closes. WaPo on Seven Jessica Dawson has a mini review of Seven in today's Washington Post's Galleries column. Read it here. CNN on SevenI am told that the CNN spots on Seven will be running this week; I'm on the road again this morning, so if anyone sees them, please let me know. Watson on SevenAmy Watson of The Artery, reviews Seven at Thinking About Art. Read the review here. Talking Done Just back from the curator's talk at Seven. A nicely sized crowd showed up, which was a little surprising to me, since usually it has been my experience that these curator talks only attract the artists involved. Thanks to all the DC Art News readers who came by and said howdy.Bailey has a nice photo storyline of the talk here.He also managed to fall in love in the subway on the way to Seven and on the way back! The two photos below are courtesy of Bailey: Me outside Warehouse discussing Seven Me discussing Tim Tate's work And the below photo courtesy of Mark Cameron Boyd: After the talk Alessandra and her family took me out to dinner to Lauriol, where I had some excellent Cuban food. And Bailey also managed to whip out a monster letter to the Washington Post editors taking Jessica Dawson on for her dismissal of Seven. It's OK; it's her right as a critic. And yet, a bad review is better than no review at all. Jessica's expected dismissal of the show has nonetheless resulted in one major sale to an important DC collector. In addition to Jessica's and John Blee's review, there are three separate other reviews being written right now, and hopefully they will be published soon; let's see what some other observers think. Subject Matter The visual arts carry a monkey on their back that none of the other genres of the fine arts have to deal with: the proprietarization of subject matter. So, no contemporary artist would dare to, let's say, paint ballerinas (sorry but Degas closed that subject), or harlequins, etc. And some subject matter, by the nature of the subject itself, would be labeled as saccharine by the nicest of critics. Say kittens, horses, puppies, mermaids. Do we have a screwed up sense of what makes the visual arts tick or what? This powerful painting, titled "Allegory of a Gay Bashing" by Scott Brooks has been receiving a lot of attention in the "nude gallery" in Seven. It is an homage by Brooks to the brutal murder of Matthew Sheppard.And this painting swings representational painting's most formidable weapon (and the one that keeps painting as king of the hill in spite of all the critics and curators trying to kill it): The ability to convey an entire and diverse range of emotions with just one glance."Allegory of a Gay Bashing" delivers horror, beauty, politics, history and homage all in one swoop. And this tremendous work will probably never be sold to anyone by Brooks, because it would take immense courage to display this work of art anywhere in this nation; not just DC, but anywhere. Someone can prove me wrong and buy it from Brooks and display it in their home, or office or even a museum somewhere - but I doubt that there's a collector or museum in the USA with the cojones to hang this work. And to get to the beginning point of this ramble, in spite of the horror delivered by "Allegory of a Gay Bashing", many people get stuck on one area: the cute puppy and kitty at the bottom of the castrated nude.I've been in the room when I hear people discussing it. It seems like the cute puppy and kitty sitting on the ground, and staring at the viewer, evoke a higher sense of revulsion than the castrated man himself. I've noted people's sense of repulsion caused by juxtaposing the two disparate sets of images. I think that they are repulsed by the cute animals being forced to share a scenario with a tortured man. Why are they there? people ask each other, a note of discomfort in their voices. Even the eloquent Amy Watson was disoriented by the presence of the animals and (in her terrific review of the show) felt that they undermined the painting. Cute kitty and cute puppy... taking the attention away from disturbing image. How dare Brooks paint cuteness, especially in this context?I don't know why Scott did it, but I think that it is the key that makes this painting truly repulsive and immensely successful all at once. Take them out, and you have a strong, powerful painting. Put them in, and you create a million questions, enormous angst and a desire to physically remove the creatures from the canvas itself. And maybe without even realizing it, Scott has also reclaimed an artist's right to paint or draw anything that he or she so desires, and take the unjustified saccharinity of a subject and turn saccharine into anthrax with a few deft strokes of a painter's brush and a disorienting sense of juxtapositioning of subject matter. Update: Sam Wolov has some thoughts on this subject. Bailey on Wolov and Brooks Bailey interviews two of Seven's more controversial artists:Samantha Wolov here and Scott G. Brooks here. Seven in Art Film Seven will be filmed this week as part of a documentary on contemporary art being produced by Deno Seder Productions. Their art films and videos have won top honors at the Paris Art Film Biennial at the Georges Pompidou Center, the Berlin Film Festival, the Taipei International Film Festival, the Chicago and Houston International Film Festivals, the New York Underground Film Festival and others. One of their films, "Andy Warhol," was screened at the Corcoran during their Warhol exhibition. Seven on Film Yesterday an international crew filmed the Seven exhibition at the Warehouse. They seemed to prefer (and focused upon) Alessandra Torres' installation and photographs, Kathryn Cornelius' video, Tim Tate's glass sculptures, Margaret Boozer's floor "crack" installation and Joe Barbaccia's sculptures. In the next few days they will be also filming Mark Jenkins' street sculptures around DC, which they also liked a lot. It was interesting to me to get a sort of outsider "validation" about the quality of the show and the artists, from an experienced crew and director who have done a lot of traveling, filming, interviewing and art hopping around the world, and still have loads of praise for the artwork being created by our area artists. Cool uh? Torres Interview Bailey has a terrific interview with Seven artist Alessandra Torres. Read it here. Seven side effects One of the goals that I had hoped to accomplish for Seven (besides making it a success as a fundraiser and expose WPA/C members' work), was to also drag some of my fellow gallerists through the exhibition in the hope that they could find some artists of interest to them. Thus far, I am told of at least five artists from Seven who have been signed up or offered contracts or exhibitions by area galleries. Cool uh? Hsu on Wolov The Washington City Paper's Huan Hsu has a cool article on Seven artist Samantha Wolov in the current issue of the CP. Read it here. |
| 412. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Reframing Community: How Arlington’s “Coming Together” Mural Inspires Innovation at Mason Square! Date: 4 August 2025, 4:21 pm |
Barbara Januszkiewicz plexiglass artwork (see image below of Januszkiewicz painting Coming Together mural) has the power to connect, inspire, and transform neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more vivid than in Arlington, VA, where Barbara Januszkiewicz’s “Coming Together” mural has evolved from a local landmark to a symbol of creative innovation—and is now celebrated in a dynamic new gallery setting. A Local Landmark Reimagined On the east side of El Pollo Rico (932 N. Kenmore St, facing Wilson St), Januszkiewicz’s magnificent mural welcomes all with sweeping bands of color that echo Arlington’s diversity, vibrancy, and community pride. What began as a bold effort to revitalize a neglected pedestrian walkway has become an enduring emblem of togetherness for the neighborhood. But the story does not end at the mural’s surface. Januszkiewicz has reinterpreted the energy and spirit of “Coming Together” through new fine art works—“Through Refraction” and “Reframe in Color”—now on view as part of the group exhibition Re:Vision & Re:Frame at George Mason University’s Founders Gallery, Mason Square Campus. Art, Innovation, and Collaboration This exhibition is not just a showcase, but a creative collaboration led by Mason Exhibitions Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance. Their partnership brings together nine artists to explore the theme of reframing: how can community, creativity, and innovation intersect in transformative ways? The gallery doesn’t just hang art—it leads visitors directly into the newly developed innovation hub Fuse at Mason Square, linking artistic vision with research, learning, and entrepreneurship. Fuse serves as both backdrop and inspiration for the show. Its mission: to foster new ideas through cross-disciplinary learning. The very theme of the exhibition is drawn from this spirit of openness and exchange, encouraging artists and viewers alike to see their community through a new lens. The Ongoing Journey Januszkiewicz’s new plexiglass artwork captures the mural’s momentum—layers of transparent color dance and overlap, echoing the diversity and unity at the mural’s heart. By reframing her public art as gallery sculpture, she invites audiences to reflect on the changing face of Arlington and the shared potential of creative community. “Coming Together was about making something beautiful and welcoming from overlooked space,” Januszkiewicz says. “Now, through this collaboration and new work, we’re exploring how those ideas carry forward—inside our galleries, across our creative spaces, and into our shared future.” See It for Yourself Re:Vision & Re:Frame runs through September 19, 2025 at: Founders Gallery, Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington, VA (right beside Fuse) Original mural location: El Pollo Rico, 932 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201 (east side, facing Wilson St) For a behind-the-scenes look at mural-making, watch: The Making of “Coming Together” mural – Vimeo. This collaborative exhibit is a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of public art—and the creative leadership of Mason Exhibitions Arlington and Arlington Artists Alliance—at the intersection where art and innovation shape the community’s future. |
| 413. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: Update on Women Artists of the DMV survey show Date: 31 July 2025, 1:40 am |
Update on the Women Artists of the DMV survey show:
The artists selected so far are listed below -- if you have emailed me, and I have not responded with a YES or NO, please email me again. If I have responded and said YES, and you're name is not on the list below, please email me! Abramson Cathy Achu Shiri Alexander Pixie Alfieri Nicole Altman Evie Alzona Esperanza Andreozzi Maremi Antognoli Erin Applequist Courtney Arkin Sondra Armstrong Sharon Autenrieth Patricia Azzariti Jennifer Babich Nadya Baca Patricia Baker Caroline Balamaci Suzi Banks Michele Banner Marilyn Barbieri Ann Bardin Sara Barfield Kate Barker-Barzel Veronica Barlow Jennifer Barnes Victoria Barnes Anne Barr Tara Barr Denée Barsha Carol Bass Holly Battle Lisa Beaudet Jennifer Lynn Benderson Judith Bentley Sarah Birch Karin Bishop Jennifer Blankstein Lucy Bledsoe Virginia Blom Liliane Bloom Julia Boccella Bagin Carolyn Bohlander Kristin Bonds Prudence Boocks Lori Boozer Margaret Borchert Vian Bouie Anne Brabant Jill Bramante Kate Brandt Claire Breen Laurie Brito Maria Brotman Lisa Brown Goldberg Carol Bruce Amy Buck Patricia Bugash Dianne Bullock Shante Burley Melissa Burrowes Adjoa Button Linda Byron Judy Calamuci Anne Calisti Denise Calvin Stephane Campbell Susan Canuteson Sue Carren Rachel Casqueiro Elizabeth Chan Amity Chandrasekar Shanthi Chang Mei Mei Chen Hsin-His Cherubim Anne Clouthier Irene Coelho Amanda Coffey Elizabeth Collier Bonnie Cooper Cabe Diane Cornett Ellen Cornwell Kathy Craigie-Marshall Lea Crider Sheila Crocetta Jacqui Cullins Andrea Curren Beth Cybyk Andrea Dames Sabrina Danzinger Joan Daryl KayLee Dastur Delna Davis Jenny Davis Tanya Davis Anna U. Davison Elizabeth Dawson Danni Day Catherine de Poel Wilberg Patricia Dekel Limor Demovidova Anna Deninno Kristine Dorantes Marcela Olivia Dowell Margaret Droblyen Jen Durrett Nekisha Early Mary Eder Susan Edwards Cheryl Edwards Bria Ellyn Dana Elsner Rita Erickson Hyunsuk Ernst Sarah Fakes LoGerfo Randa Farley Ann Farrell Johnson Cynthia Federman Cogut Felisa Feit Covey Rosemary Ferrier Jodi Finsen Jill Fishel Sharon Flanders Sheila Fleming Kate Folkenberg Judy Fragione Cianne Frank Barbara Frank Mary Anella Frederick Helen Freestone Jenny Fussner Emily Gallegos O'Neill Helena Gauthiez-Charpentier Marie Geffem Roxana Ghim Genie Gibson-Hunter Claudia (Aziza) Giganti Kate Glatfelter Julia Goldberg Margery Goldman Susan Goodman Judy Goodman Janis Goslee Patricia Grand Freya Granek Graciela Greenberg Judith Haden Josephine Halprin Debra Hamblett Beatrice Harrison Elyse Hasbun Muriel Hashem Seemeen Hassan Rania Hayes Jennifer Hecht Mira Hehlen Alexandra Helowicz Christina Herman Michelle Hester Francie Hickson Dorothy Hill Lisa Hill Ellen Hipschen Pattee Hirons Jean Hitchcock Sara Hokkanen Mirka Holt Leslie Horrom Marilyn Hostetler Susan Hoysted Jackie Hull Sarah Hunter Michal Ichiuji Melissa Ilchi Hedieh Jackson Selena Jackson Selena Jackson Jarvis Martha Jakobsberg Pauline Januszkiewicz Barbara Jarzynski Teresa Jenkins Carmen Johnson M. Jane Jolles Ronni Jones Donahoe Wendy Joyce Sousa Kallista Jessica Kanzler Jenny Karametou Maria Katalkina Anna Katz Lori Kauffman Sally Kent Trish King Kristina King Megan King Zofie Klein P D Klein Lillian Kouyoumdjian Camille Kretz Kate Lago Arthur Suzanne Lambert Bridget Sue LaMont Susan Lawler Linda Lay Lauren Le Ngoc Lee Jun Lee Kyujin Leibman Sara Lescault Liz Lesser Harriet Levin Carol Lillis Jennifer Lin Kara Lin Amy Linowitz June Liotta Barbara Little Kirsty Litwak Taina Longbottom Estrada Hannah Lowenstein Shelley Lozner Ruth Lukaszewski Laurel Luttwak Dalya MacKinnon Caroline Maegawa Akemi Maher Megan Makara Susan Malakoff Julia Manalo Isabel Mánlapaz Joey Mann Katherine Mansuino Michela Marchand Anne Marcus Jai Marshall Lucinda Marshall BJ Marshall Wright Carolyn Martire Isabella Marx Amy Massaro Sheryl Matthews Sarah Mayorga Carolina Maza Borkland Elena McAleer-Keeler Kerry McCracken J.J. McCrocklin Sophia McCullough Donna McFall Becky McGrath Dale McLean Marla Meagher-Cook Anne Mercedes Doriane Michael Maggie Miele Regina Militaru Ramona Milton Monica Mojica Marily Montalbano Michele Montgomery E.J. Moody Sharon Morgan Ally Morris Meredith Moser Lida Mosley-Pasley Camille Moumin Adrianne Mueller Lindsay Mussoff Jody Mychajluk Delia Naguib Heidi Nassikas Georgia Nelson Katherine Neway Cheryl Newmyer Carol Niehuss Juliette Niland Rounds Lori Noble Sarah Nolan Leslie Nzinga Terrel Zsudayka Oaxaca Teresa Offen Ronnie Okropiridze Tea Older Susan Olivos Claudia Olson Martha Orgen Erica Osher Marian Packard Betsy Parker Nicole Parker Peggy Paszkiewicz Cécile Patin Dora Peck Judith Penhoet Kristina Perdomo Monica Pérez-Ramos Sandra Perlman Gura Amy Pham Anne Picot Shelley Ping Shen Pearl Pinner Robin Pocen Naan Poku-Speight Patricia Edwine Pollan Annette Pollock Maryanne Posey Kelly Prince Sabiyha Prinsloo Yolanda Raab Susana Raedeke Erin Ravenal Rebecca Ravenscroft Heather Rebhan Gail Reed Felicia Reed Carol Renteria Cindy K. Ress Beverly RG Ariana Riccio Marie Riley Leslie Ringwald Marie Rivarde Cindy Robles-Gordon Amber Rodman Sarah Rogers Alla Rogers Carolyn Rojas Roxanna Rosenstein Lisa K. Rothschild Gayle Rubin Leah Rubin Carol Ryan Christine Sandell Renee Sargent Madeleine Satterlee Catherine Sausele-Knodt Jeanie Sausser Nancy Schaefer Ann Schindler Meghan Schmitz Karen Schwartzberg Deanna Segal Adi Seifert Jan Sestakova Martina Sever Lian Shah Swetah Shalowitz Susan Shaw Janathel Shaw-Clemons Gail Shelford April Shelford April Shows Gloria Sigethy Alison Sikorska Elzbieta Silverthorne Alexandra Sinel Ellen Siple Pauline Sircar Kannika Slezak Alexandra Slottow Joan Smalls Yemonja Smith Rhonda Sousa Joyce Southerland Judy Springfield Molly Srinivasan Pritha Staiger Marsha Stockton Eve Stout Renee Svat Terry Swenson Dagmar Szalus Veronica Tanglewood Sue Tanno Eleanor Tasel Ozlem Theberge Valerie Thompson Kat Thorpe Kim Thorpe Kim Tooley Jo Ann Trow Pamela Joy Underwood Patricia Uskievitch Christine Valk Tinam Van Brakle Jessica VanderMolen Neway Cheryl Vasquez Gloria Vera Rosa Ines Vess Claudia Vidales Marite Viola Pamela Volkova Elena Walsh Anastasia Walsh Lori Walton Jenny Warren Gobar Sandra Way Andrea Weiss Ellyn Welch Higgins Mary Wellman Joyce Wilkerson Tracy Wolf-Hubbard Marcie Wolpoff Sharon Wood Helen Wrbican Sue Yamaguchi Yuriko Yancy Shawn Yang Hana Yurdin Suzanne Zealand Alex Zeller Paula Ziselberger Barbara Zughaib Helen |
| 414. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The curious case of the Smithsonian Institution and Anne Helmreich failing at its most basic task Date: 30 July 2025, 7:22 pm |
Time to open up... my apologies in advance for the cursing - you can retire the Navy out of a former sailor, but you can never retire the sailor out of a sailor. That show is "Women Artists of the DMV." More than 400 artists in (so far) 15 major art venues across the capital region! As part of that process, starting in December 2024 I wrote multiple emails and mailed multiple old-school snail mail letters to offer the Smithsonian Institution the opportunity to archive the exhibition materials as part of a survey snapshot in time for DMV area female artists - at no acquisition cost - FREE! The materials that I offered to the SI would consist of a flash drive which would contain a Powerpoint presentation documenting all curated female artists and one image per artist - I also made it clear that any digital format could be used as needed/recommended by then. Additionally, in view of how fast technology ages, I would also include (at no cost) a digital screen device (a digital frame) to “play” the digital presentation as needed in the future. Throughout January, February, March, and April I was ignored, and in May I blasted a: "Did you get my email?" email to every email address that I could find online from them. On May 9, 2025, I got this response:
My translation: You need to segregate an exhibition of female artists with an institution that focuses only on female art, because female artists are not the same as "American artists." Am I the only one who sees how fucked up this response is? Clearly they have no idea who they're fucking with, because I suspect that the SI knows zip fuck about the artists - male or female - in their own backyard. I've written to my Senators (Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks), and also to all the DMV area representatives... so far they've also ignored me. Have not yet written (but will) to Virginia senators Tim Kane and Mark Warner. And thus: I need your help. If you (like me) believe that part of the Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Art mandate and job is to fucking archive American art, and that the digital footprint of 400+ female artists working in the Greater Washington, DC is American art that needs to be archived... then PLEASE help me raise a fire in the tuchis of Anne Helmreich, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, Tim Kane, Mark Warner, and whoever the fuck is the "curatorial team" that wants art by female artists segregated to a museum for just women artists. Write to them... if they are on your "contacts" list in your cell phone, call them. Art is art, regardless of the shape of the reproductive part shape of the artist. Please help... all that I am asking the SI to do is to accept a free gift of a digital archive and keep it for future generations to know what female artists were doing around the DMV in 2025. |
| 415. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: The Awesome Foundation does not think that Women Artists of the DMV is awesome enough... Date: 13 July 2025, 6:31 pm |
My application to help one of the 15 venues subsidize the costs of staging the show - will apply again!:
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| 416. Source: Daily Campello Art News |
| Item: An eulogy to a strong woman Date: 6 June 2025, 12:55 am |
Nine years ago my courageous mother died... this is my eulogy from that day: When my father died last year, I began his eulogy by noting that another oak had fallen.
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