Editor’s Note
While I was editing this newsletter, Russia invaded Ukraine. The shock, anger, and helplessness seems unsupportable, even as moments of hope and defiance capture our hearts. We watch the valiant efforts of Ukrainians, including visual and performing artists, taking up arms (remember - President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was a comedian prior to his political life) and using all their creativity and grit to defend themselves and deal with the resulting humanitarian crisis.
The inevitable questions of “How can I help?” and “what art can do in the face of so much evil?” are asked. If you are still looking for ways to help that have a true impact I ask you to consider World Central Kitchen. Chef Jose Andres, an artist in the kitchen, a DC resident, and a world treasure is doing the work of the angels on the ground feeding people as they flee Ukraine and in every place around the world where a hot meal can bring comfort during natural and man made disasters.
Also, to help artists specifically, please consider supporting the Ukraine Support Pledge.
Artist Support Pledge founder Matthew Burrows and curator Zavier Ellis of Ellis Smith Projects have come together to launch this effort to support the artists of Ukraine. Artists and art patrons can support the fundraiser through sales of artwork or direct donation. More information about the project and how they were inspired to create a sustainable income for artists and makers for a can be found at this link.
Closer to home, we are celebrating Women’s’ History Month in March. While women’s historical contribution to the arts are being recognized, it’s still challenging getting equitable coverage of women’s art history and living contemporary women artists – especially in the DC arts community. So starting on March 12, DC ArtsWire will celebrate women in the visual, performing, and literary arts from the DMV with featured postings on our social media platforms. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using the hashtag #DMVWomenArtists to discover the rich diversity of women artists and support their work and legacy.
Thanks for reading,
Sasha
Opening Today: DC Unsettled at Studio 1469
Art4Us Coop presents “DC Unsettled” The show features 25 artists working across many disciplines including paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and poetry. The introduction to the online exhibition catalog expresses the theme this way:
“DC never settles – it’s a constant flow of intense energy...involved in political maneuvers, racial conflicts, and power plays but somehow able to transform precariousness into grown and rebirth...Art4Us invites artists to reflect on what DC is/has brought to you, what it means to live here and what stays with you when you leave.”
The show and related events will happen at Studio 1469 located at1469 Harvard St. (Rear), NW. The in-person Opening reception is on Friday, March 11 from 6-9pm.The exhibit programming features artists talks, poetry readings, and an auction to benefit Ukraine on Friday, March 25.
Opening Hours: Friday & Saturday 6-9pm, Sunday 1-5pm.
Addison/Ripley Fine Art | Frank Hallam Day arbor/real
This is the time of year when Washingtonians eagerly anticipate the annual explosion of cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin. This epic harbinger of Spring seduces even the most cynical outdoors for a stroll under copious canopies of pink and white flowering trees that were gifted to our city by the Empire of Japan in 1912.
So this is the perfect time for an exhibition by DC-based photographer Frank Hallam Day. Traveling the world to remote destinations, Day has captured the rich beauty of pattern, color, and texture of the open-air markets, isolated landscapes, busy harbors and everyday lives of diverse cultures. Day has also mastered the landscapes and cityscapes of the world, shooting the angular architecture of cities such as Berlin, New York, and Baltimore, as well as the beautiful softness of Washington, DC’s cherry blossoms at night.
“Frank Hallam Day arbor/real” opens Saturday March 12 at Addison/Ripley Fine Art at 1670 Wisconsin Avenue NW in Georgetown. If you’re not familiar with this small by mighty gallery and their savvy exhibition programing, check out their website. Day will also host an artist talk on March 20 at 2:00 pm at the Jackson Art Center, 3050 R Street NW in Georgetown.
Gallery Hours are Tuesday - Saturday: 11am - 4pm, and by appointment.
DC ArtsWire is a bi-weekly newsletter reporting on local visual, performing and literary arts and artists in the Washington, DC metro area. If you enjoyed this publication and are currently a free subscriber, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription which will help cover the cost of production, writers, photographers, and support staff.
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