Minggu, 31 Oktober 2010

Today in History - George III Speaks After American Declares Independence

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George III of England by Allan Ramsay 1762

On this day in 1776, in his first speech before British Parliament since the leaders of the American Revolution came together to sign of the Declaration of Independence that summer, King George III acknowledges that all was not going well for Britain in the war with the United States.

In his address, the king spoke about the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the revolutionary leaders who signed it, saying, "for daring and desperate is the spirit of those leaders, whose object has always been dominion and power, that they have now openly renounced all allegiance to the crown, and all political connection with this country." The king went on to inform Parliament of the successful British victory over General George Washington and the Continental Army at the Battle of Long Island on August 27, 1776, but warned them that, "notwithstanding the fair prospect, it was necessary to prepare for another campaign."

Despite George III's harsh words, General William Howe and his brother, Admiral Richard Howe, still hoped to convince the Americans to rejoin the British empire in the wake of the colonists' humiliating defeat at the Battle of Long Island. The British could easily have prevented Washington's retreat from Long Island and captured most of the Patriot officer corps, including the commander in chief. However, instead of forcing the former colonies into submission by executing Washington and his officers as traitors, the Howe brothers let them go with the hope of swaying Patriot opinion towards a return to the mother country.

The Howe brothers' attempts at negotiation failed, and the War for Independence dragged on for another four years, until the formal surrender of the British to the Americans on October 19, 1781, after the Battle of Yorktown.
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Jumat, 29 Oktober 2010

Weekend East City Event Round Up: Halloween Edition





This article is cross-posted in the following DC Blogs:

Free In DC 
Frozen Tropics
The Hill is Home
 

Saturday October 30

Albus Cavus presents Monster Mash at 680 Rhode Island Avenue NE, Washington DC.  Activities begin at 9am and include a magic show, face painting, mask making, pumpkin decorating and prizes. Young and old are encouraged to dress up in their most frightening outfits! 

CITY Gallery will close M.M. Panas’s “Action Painting” from 2-6pm at 804 H ST NE second floor; artist will be in attendance.  If you want to know more about Panas’s work read an interview with her HERE.

Conner Contemporary Art opens Federico Solmi’s “Douche Bag City”.  The New York based Italian animator and sculptor has had one of his recent works “Evil Empire” (2008) censored in France and Spain due to its controversial content.  The opening reception is from 6pm to 8pm with artist in attendance.  Conner is located at 358 Florida Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002.

Right next door to Conner Contemporary Art, G Fine Art will open “Mixed Bag” by Dan Steinhilber.  During the next six-weeks Steinhilber will create the exhibit in the gallery itself.  The opening begins at 6:30pm and ends at 8:30pm. G Fine Art is located at 1350 Florida Ave, NE Washington, DC  20002.

Sunday October 31

Jill Finsen of CITY Gallery will have a solo show at an Art House Open House at 911 G ST SE, Washington DC 20003 from 1pm to 3pm.  Finsen’s oil on panel works quote New England coastal landscapes in bright Fauvist colors.

CITY Gallery associate members will be showing their work at Park Café in a group exhibit.  The opening will be from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.  At Park Café openings, the owner serves wines from his native Chile and finger food to die for.  Park Cafe is located at 106 13th ST SE, Washington DC at Lincoln Park. 

Halloween and art meet at Design Studio Art Gallery’s “Night of the Living Art”.  A group show will feature horror movie inspired work from 5pm to 10pm.  Gallery goers are encouraged to come in costume.  Design Studio Art Gallery is located at 702 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, MD, 20781

Weekend East City Event Round Up: Halloween Edition





This article is cross-posted in the following DC Blogs:

Free In DC 
Frozen Tropics
The Hill is Home
 

Saturday October 30

Albus Cavus presents Monster Mash at 680 Rhode Island Avenue NE, Washington DC.  Activities begin at 9am and include a magic show, face painting, mask making, pumpkin decorating and prizes. Young and old are encouraged to dress up in their most frightening outfits! 

CITY Gallery will close M.M. Panas’s “Action Painting” from 2-6pm at 804 H ST NE second floor; artist will be in attendance.  If you want to know more about Panas’s work read an interview with her HERE.

Conner Contemporary Art opens Federico Solmi’s “Douche Bag City”.  The New York based Italian animator and sculptor has had one of his recent works “Evil Empire” (2008) censored in France and Spain due to its controversial content.  The opening reception is from 6pm to 8pm with artist in attendance.  Conner is located at 358 Florida Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002.

Right next door to Conner Contemporary Art, G Fine Art will open “Mixed Bag” by Dan Steinhilber.  During the next six-weeks Steinhilber will create the exhibit in the gallery itself.  The opening begins at 6:30pm and ends at 8:30pm. G Fine Art is located at 1350 Florida Ave, NE Washington, DC  20002.

Sunday October 31

Jill Finsen of CITY Gallery will have a solo show at an Art House Open House at 911 G ST SE, Washington DC 20003 from 1pm to 3pm.  Finsen’s oil on panel works quote New England coastal landscapes in bright Fauvist colors.

CITY Gallery associate members will be showing their work at Park Café in a group exhibit.  The opening will be from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.  At Park Café openings, the owner serves wines from his native Chile and finger food to die for.  Park Cafe is located at 106 13th ST SE, Washington DC at Lincoln Park. 

Halloween and art meet at Design Studio Art Gallery’s “Night of the Living Art”.  A group show will feature horror movie inspired work from 5pm to 10pm.  Gallery goers are encouraged to come in costume.  Design Studio Art Gallery is located at 702 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, MD, 20781

Kamis, 28 Oktober 2010

Art House Open House October 31 Featuring the Work of Jill Finsen

Capitol Hill Icon  | OPENINGS |

Opening Reception: Sunday October 31 from 1pm to 3pm



City Gallery will be presenting the work of gallery member Jill Finsen at an Art House Open House located at 911 G ST SE, Washington, DC 20003.

About the Artist
Jill Finsen's paintings explore the formal and emotional content of landscape and still life. A central focus of her work begins with vernacular New England scenes—coastline, architecture, woods and marshes. Raised in Eastern Massachusetts, with summers in Maine and on Cape Cod, she returns to the region as frequently as possible to further reexamine this set of personally iconic elements.

Jill Finsen "Sailing Beach Point" Oil on Panel.  Photo Courtesy of CITY Gallery

Finsen's work embodies the spirit of primitive or naïve styles, using composition and color to balance forms and rhythms and the directness of the palette knife to create a distinct and whimsical exploration of surface. With allusions to the works of early 20th century American painters and the Fauvists, Finsen's paintings embody a tension between familiarity and abstraction, drawing viewers in, yet leaving unresolved their placement within the imagined space.


About the Property
911 G Street SE is a two bedroom brick home with a deep shaded yard.  While the property has off street parking, you might consider selling your car as you are located within walking distance of Eastern Market, the Metro,  the shops and restaurants of 8th Street SE, Ginkgo Gardens and Fragers.   The home has retained the charming elements of the past while boasting modern amenities such as a remodeled kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances and granite counter-tops. 

The home will be open Sunday October 31 from 1-3PM.  For more information about the home contact Realtor Genie Hutinet at 202.413.7661

Art House Open House October 31 Featuring the Work of Jill Finsen

Capitol Hill Icon  | OPENINGS |

Opening Reception: Sunday October 31 from 1pm to 3pm



City Gallery will be presenting the work of gallery member Jill Finsen at an Art House Open House located at 911 G ST SE, Washington, DC 20003.

About the Artist
Jill Finsen's paintings explore the formal and emotional content of landscape and still life. A central focus of her work begins with vernacular New England scenes—coastline, architecture, woods and marshes. Raised in Eastern Massachusetts, with summers in Maine and on Cape Cod, she returns to the region as frequently as possible to further reexamine this set of personally iconic elements.

Jill Finsen "Sailing Beach Point" Oil on Panel.  Photo Courtesy of CITY Gallery

Finsen's work embodies the spirit of primitive or naïve styles, using composition and color to balance forms and rhythms and the directness of the palette knife to create a distinct and whimsical exploration of surface. With allusions to the works of early 20th century American painters and the Fauvists, Finsen's paintings embody a tension between familiarity and abstraction, drawing viewers in, yet leaving unresolved their placement within the imagined space.


About the Property
911 G Street SE is a two bedroom brick home with a deep shaded yard.  While the property has off street parking, you might consider selling your car as you are located within walking distance of Eastern Market, the Metro,  the shops and restaurants of 8th Street SE, Ginkgo Gardens and Fragers.   The home has retained the charming elements of the past while boasting modern amenities such as a remodeled kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances and granite counter-tops. 

The home will be open Sunday October 31 from 1-3PM.  For more information about the home contact Realtor Genie Hutinet at 202.413.7661

CITY Gallery Associate Member Show at Park Cafe

  Capitol Hill Icon  | OPENINGS |

Opening Reception: Sunday October 31 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Image Courtesy of CITY Gallery
City Gallery presents a group show at the Park Cafe representing the follwing associate members:

Anne Oman
Tara Hamilton
Marth Huizenga
Sarah Porter
Marilyn Christiano
Liz Lescault
Cissy Webb
Tom Kenyon
Will Fleishell

The represented group works in a variety of mediums including block print, engraving, watercolor, photography and ceramic sculpture.

The work will hang from October 31 through December 10, 2010.

Park Cafe is located at 106 13th ST SE, Washington DC right across the street from the eastern end of Lincoln Park. To make reservation call 202.543.0184 or visit their site at www.parkcafedc.com

CITY Gallery Associate Member Show at Park Cafe

  Capitol Hill Icon  | OPENINGS |

Opening Reception: Sunday October 31 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Image Courtesy of CITY Gallery
City Gallery presents a group show at the Park Cafe representing the follwing associate members:

Anne Oman
Tara Hamilton
Marth Huizenga
Sarah Porter
Marilyn Christiano
Liz Lescault
Cissy Webb
Tom Kenyon
Will Fleishell

The represented group works in a variety of mediums including block print, engraving, watercolor, photography and ceramic sculpture.

The work will hang from October 31 through December 10, 2010.

Park Cafe is located at 106 13th ST SE, Washington DC right across the street from the eastern end of Lincoln Park. To make reservation call 202.543.0184 or visit their site at www.parkcafedc.com

Today in History - Boston Residents Cannot Leave 1775

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Boston 1768 Sidney L. Smith after Christian Remick A Prospective View of Part of the Commons 1902 after a drawing from 1768 Engraving Concord Museum MA

On this day in 1775, the new commander-in-chief of the British army, Major General Sir William Howe, issues a proclamation to the residents of Boston on this day in 1775. Speaking from British headquarters in Boston, Howe forbade any person from leaving the city and ordered citizens to organize into military companies in order to "contribute all in his power for the preservation of order and good government within the town of Boston."

Almost four months earlier, on July 3, 1775, George Washington had formally taken command of the Continental Army. Washington, a prominent Virginia planter and veteran of the French and Indian War, had been appointed commander in chief by the Continental Congress two weeks before in an attempt to turn the impromptu siege of Boston, instigated by New Englanders enraged by the Battle of Lexington and Concord the previous April into a congressionally organized inter-colonial revolt against parliamentary oppression. The ad hoc siege of Boston enjoyed it greatest moment when New Englanders under the command of Israel Putnam and William Prescott managed to kill 226 and wound 838 members of the world-famous British army before withdrawing their rag-tag force from Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775.

1772 George Washington by Charles Willson Peale

The newly minted General Washington was unimpressed upon meeting his supposed army outside Boston a few weeks after their momentous success. Just as the British had during the French and Indian War, he saw "stupidity" among the enlisted men, who were used to the easy familiarity of being commanded by neighbors in local militias with elected officers. Washington promptly insisted that the officers behave with decorum and the enlisted men with deference. Although he enjoyed some success with this original army, the New Englanders went home to their farms at the end of 1775, and Washington had to start fresh with new recruits in 1776.

The British did not leave Boston until March 27, 1776, after Washington's successful occupation of Dorchester Heights 13 days earlier, during which he had turned the cannon captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga on May 10, 1775 upon the British-held city. More afraid of their own cannon than Patriot soldiers, the British departed, thus allowing Bostonians to move freely in and out of their own city for the first time in six months.
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Rabu, 27 Oktober 2010

Albus Cavus Monster Mash!

Brookland Icon | EVENTS |

Albus Cavus Monster Mash!

Brookland Icon | EVENTS |

Design Studio Art Gallery Presents: "Night of the Living Art"

Outside the Diamond | OPENINGS |

Opening Reception: Sunday, October 31, 2010 from 5pm - 10pm



The public is invited to attend Design Studio Art Gallery's opening reception for "Night of the Living Art." Prepare to trick-or-treat and bring your children for an alternative haunted house experience. In spirit of this eerie holiday, explore "dark" creativity and view local artists' paranormal pieces which have taken inspiration from classic horror films and pop culture.

To celebrate the "darker half" of the year with Design Studio Art Gallery, all staff will be in costume and attendees are encouraged to follow suit. Night of the living art runs from October 22nd-November 17th.

The gallery is located in Hyattsville’s new Arts District at 5702 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, MD, 20781. Contact the gallery at (301) 779-4907 or (202) 446-7373 and by email at info@designstudioartgallery.com  Editors Note: New Fall Hours are Wed 10am-6pm, Thur 1pm-8pm, Fri 11am-6pm, Sat and Sun 10am-5pm

Design Studio Art Gallery Presents: "Night of the Living Art"

Outside the Diamond | OPENINGS |

Opening Reception: Sunday, October 31, 2010 from 5pm - 10pm



The public is invited to attend Design Studio Art Gallery's opening reception for "Night of the Living Art." Prepare to trick-or-treat and bring your children for an alternative haunted house experience. In spirit of this eerie holiday, explore "dark" creativity and view local artists' paranormal pieces which have taken inspiration from classic horror films and pop culture.

To celebrate the "darker half" of the year with Design Studio Art Gallery, all staff will be in costume and attendees are encouraged to follow suit. Night of the living art runs from October 22nd-November 17th.

The gallery is located in Hyattsville’s new Arts District at 5702 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, MD, 20781. Contact the gallery at (301) 779-4907 or (202) 446-7373 and by email at info@designstudioartgallery.com  Editors Note: New Fall Hours are Wed 10am-6pm, Thur 1pm-8pm, Fri 11am-6pm, Sat and Sun 10am-5pm

Selasa, 26 Oktober 2010

M.M. Panas "Action Painting" Closing Show at CITY Gallery

H Street Icon  | EVENTS |

Closing Reception: Saturday October 30, 2010 from 2pm -6pm

M.M. Panas "Dancin'".  Photo Courtesy of CITY Gallery


CITY Gallery invites the public to view "Action Painting" by M.M. Panas, one last time.  Artist in attendance.  Refreshments will be served.  To read the Wade Carey Interview, click HERE


About the Artist:
Maria Margarita Panas was born in Munich, Germany in 1946. She arrived in the U.S.A. in 1949 and subsequently became a citizen. After living in Brooklyn, NY until 1960, she moved to Michigan, where she attended Wayne State University (1963-1967) and met and married John Panas, a fellow student. They have two sons.

Margaret has been a practicing artist since 2002 and is a member of both The Art League of Alexandria, VA and The Capitol Hill Art League of Washington D.C.  She is also a member of the Columbia Pike Artist Studio.

Additional information may be found at: www.citygallerydc.com For further information or images, please contact the gallery at 202.468.5277 or info@citygallery.com   City Gallery is located at 804 H ST NE second floor, Washington, DC 20002. Gallery hours are Fridays and Saturday 1-5pm.  

M.M. Panas "Action Painting" Closing Show at CITY Gallery

H Street Icon  | EVENTS |

Closing Reception: Saturday October 30, 2010 from 2pm -6pm

M.M. Panas "Dancin'".  Photo Courtesy of CITY Gallery


CITY Gallery invites the public to view "Action Painting" by M.M. Panas, one last time.  Artist in attendance.  Refreshments will be served.  To read the Wade Carey Interview, click HERE


About the Artist:
Maria Margarita Panas was born in Munich, Germany in 1946. She arrived in the U.S.A. in 1949 and subsequently became a citizen. After living in Brooklyn, NY until 1960, she moved to Michigan, where she attended Wayne State University (1963-1967) and met and married John Panas, a fellow student. They have two sons.

Margaret has been a practicing artist since 2002 and is a member of both The Art League of Alexandria, VA and The Capitol Hill Art League of Washington D.C.  She is also a member of the Columbia Pike Artist Studio.

Additional information may be found at: www.citygallerydc.com For further information or images, please contact the gallery at 202.468.5277 or info@citygallery.com   City Gallery is located at 804 H ST NE second floor, Washington, DC 20002. Gallery hours are Fridays and Saturday 1-5pm.  

G Fine Art presents Dan Steinhilber’s "Mixed Bag"

H Street Icon | OPENINGS 

Opening reception October 30, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Photo Courtesy of G Fine Art

Exhibit runs from October 30 - December 11


G Fine Art presents Dan Steinhilber’s latest exhibition, Mixed Bag. During the next six-weeks Steinhilber will make work in the gallery itself, engaging the commercial environment as both material and as studio space.

Starting with a lawn mower, broom, and iron, items associated with quotidien suburban existence, Steinhilber will create installations throughout the gallery, transforming it into the site of his sculptural experiments using tools associated with domestic chores.  The gallery audience will witness Steinhilber making these works, and dialogue with him as he folds his private concerns together with public discourse.  Shredded plastic bags will transform the floor with the brushstroke of the broom, and photographic snapshot “castings” will capture the indexical traces of his actions, creating an archive of images from his temporary installations. 

Working last summer at the Socrates Sculpture Park in New York with a grant from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the Washington Project for the Arts, Steinhilber invited the public to participate in his sculptural practice.  For his series of  "earthbound" angels, members of the community worked with Steinhilber to cast their bodies in concrete in the manner of snow angels, resulting in a legion of everyday saints that was exhibited on the grounds of the Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City.

Dan Steinhilber received his MFA from American University in 2002, and has been working and living in Washington DC since his student days. He has exhibited widely in the region in commercial and alternative venues alike.  Steinhilber has participated in numerous solo and group shows at museums and art spaces internationally  including, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the Des Moines Art Center, the MCA Houston, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum at Cornell University, the Mattress Factory in Pittsburgh PA, Brigham Young University Museum Of Art, Provo UT,  Cheekwood, Mass MOCA, SECCA in Winston Salem, NC, and the Palazzo delle Papesse Centro Arte Contemporanea in Siena, Italy.

Future projects include a solo show on the occasion of the inauguration of the new Museum of Contemporary Art in Raleigh, NC and a show at the Kreeger Museum in Washington, DC in 2012

G Fine Art is located at 1350 Florida Ave, NE Washington, DC  20002.  Gallery Hours are Wednesday – Saturday noon – 6 pm  For more information contact 202.462.1601 or visit  www.gfineartdc.com

G Fine Art presents Dan Steinhilber’s "Mixed Bag"

H Street Icon | OPENINGS 

Opening reception October 30, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Photo Courtesy of G Fine Art

Exhibit runs from October 30 - December 11


G Fine Art presents Dan Steinhilber’s latest exhibition, Mixed Bag. During the next six-weeks Steinhilber will make work in the gallery itself, engaging the commercial environment as both material and as studio space.

Starting with a lawn mower, broom, and iron, items associated with quotidien suburban existence, Steinhilber will create installations throughout the gallery, transforming it into the site of his sculptural experiments using tools associated with domestic chores.  The gallery audience will witness Steinhilber making these works, and dialogue with him as he folds his private concerns together with public discourse.  Shredded plastic bags will transform the floor with the brushstroke of the broom, and photographic snapshot “castings” will capture the indexical traces of his actions, creating an archive of images from his temporary installations. 

Working last summer at the Socrates Sculpture Park in New York with a grant from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the Washington Project for the Arts, Steinhilber invited the public to participate in his sculptural practice.  For his series of  "earthbound" angels, members of the community worked with Steinhilber to cast their bodies in concrete in the manner of snow angels, resulting in a legion of everyday saints that was exhibited on the grounds of the Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City.

Dan Steinhilber received his MFA from American University in 2002, and has been working and living in Washington DC since his student days. He has exhibited widely in the region in commercial and alternative venues alike.  Steinhilber has participated in numerous solo and group shows at museums and art spaces internationally  including, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the Des Moines Art Center, the MCA Houston, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum at Cornell University, the Mattress Factory in Pittsburgh PA, Brigham Young University Museum Of Art, Provo UT,  Cheekwood, Mass MOCA, SECCA in Winston Salem, NC, and the Palazzo delle Papesse Centro Arte Contemporanea in Siena, Italy.

Future projects include a solo show on the occasion of the inauguration of the new Museum of Contemporary Art in Raleigh, NC and a show at the Kreeger Museum in Washington, DC in 2012

G Fine Art is located at 1350 Florida Ave, NE Washington, DC  20002.  Gallery Hours are Wednesday – Saturday noon – 6 pm  For more information contact 202.462.1601 or visit  www.gfineartdc.com

Senin, 25 Oktober 2010

Today in History - Death of King George II

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Written by Dr. Randall Stephens at the blog The Historical Society

On October 25, 1760, George III became King of Great Britain. News traveled slowly, of course, and British American colonists didn't know about George II's (b. 1683) death or their new monarch for weeks.

King George II (1683-1760) of England by Charles Jervas

Just how slow did people and information cross the Atlantic? In 1750 the school master and organist Gottlieb Mittelberger made the voyage from England to Philadelphia. He later wrote: "When the ships have for the last time weighed their anchors near the city of Kaupp [Cowes] in Old England, the real misery begins with the long voyage. For from there the ships, unless they have good wind, must often sail 8, 9, 10 to 12 weeks before they reach Philadelphia. But even with the best wind the voyage lasts 7 weeks."

George II (1683-1760) of England

So, finally, in late December, colonists read of the King's demise in the Boston Post-Boy: "Saturday arrived here Capt Partridge in about 6 weeks from London by whom we have the melancholly News of the Death of the most high, most mighty, and most excellent Monarch, GEORGE the Second, King of Great Britain . . . Defender of the Faith . . . . GEORGE the Third was proclaimed KING. . ." ("Partridge; Weeks; London; News; Death; Monarch; George," Boston Post-Boy, December 29, 1760, 2.)

King George III (1738-1820) of England by Alan Ramsey 1762

The Boston Post-Boy relayed additional news from London: "In obedience to the order transmitted to us by the Right Hon. Vice-Chamberlain, We the under-signed have this day opened and examined the body of his Majesty . . . all parts contained in a natural and healthy state, except only the surface of each kidney there were some hydrides, or watery bladders, which however, we determined could not have been at this time of any material consequence." The regal heart, though, did not look so well. Among other abnormalities, they observed "a rupture in the right venticle." ("London, November 4," Boston Post-Boy, December 29, 1760, 2.)

The British American loyalty to King and Country sometimes gets lost in our popular view of colonials as patriots in the making. But as Brendan McConville writes in his The King's Three Faces: The Rise and Fall of Royal America, 1688-1776, "British North Americans championed their British king with emotional intensity in print, during public political rites, and in private conversation."
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Conner Contemporary Presents: Federico Solmi "Douche Bag City"

H Street Icon  | OPENING |

Opening Reception: Saturday, October 30th from 6pm - 8pm. Artist in attendance.

Federico Solmi  You Are Dick Richman from Douche Bag City. 2010, video-animation. Photo Courtesy of Conner Contemporary Art
My works are filled with corrupt politicians, murderers, swindlers, tyrants, porn stars, religious preachers... I want to present viewers with an ironic but perverse vision of our times and our near future.
- Federico Solmi

To preview the work: CLICK HERE

Conner Contemporary Art presents Douche Bag City, a major exhibition of video-animation, painting, and sculpture by Federico Solmi. Douche Bag City will run from October 30 through December 18, 2010

Solmi shocked Europe last year by exhibiting The Evil Empire (2008), the video portrait of a future Pope whose violent sex addiction leads to widespread ruin. Because of the work’s controversial content, the video was censored in France and Spain. Solmi, who lives in New York, was put on trial in his native Italy for obscenity, blasphemy and offense to religion. Later that year, the Guggenheim Foundation honored Solmi by awarding him with the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship, in the category of video and audio, and commissioned work from him. This year, curators Sarah Lewis and Daniel Belasco selected Solmi’s latest video, Douche Bag City (2010) for exhibition in the SITE Santa Fe Eighth International Exhibition.

In Douche Bag City, Solmi turns his satirical lens toward Wall Street. Here, the artist applies his signature style, combining painting and hand-drawn animation with digital models, through the implementation of computer gaming engines. Solmi’s satire of Wall Street greed and corruption operates as a critique of the violence inherent in social and economic power structures. The artist has designed a special installation of custom-framed LCD screens for the presentation of Douche Bag City in the gallery. In addition to Solmi’s most recent videos, we will present his seminal works Rocco Never Dies (2005), The Giant (2005), and King Kong and the End of the World (2006).

Conner Contemporary will also show Solmi’s newest works, which have never before been exhibited: a large-scale sculpture inspired by The Evil Empire and paintings for the video animation Chinese Democracy and the Last Day on Earth (a work in progress).

For further information contact the gallery at info@connercontemporary.com  or call 202.588.8750

Conner Contemporary Art is located at 1358 Florida Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Gallery  hours are as follows: Tuesday through Saturday 10 - 5pm.


Conner Contemporary Presents: Federico Solmi "Douche Bag City"

H Street Icon  | OPENING |

Opening Reception: Saturday, October 30th from 6pm - 8pm. Artist in attendance.

Federico Solmi  You Are Dick Richman from Douche Bag City. 2010, video-animation. Photo Courtesy of Conner Contemporary Art
My works are filled with corrupt politicians, murderers, swindlers, tyrants, porn stars, religious preachers... I want to present viewers with an ironic but perverse vision of our times and our near future.
- Federico Solmi

To preview the work: CLICK HERE

Conner Contemporary Art presents Douche Bag City, a major exhibition of video-animation, painting, and sculpture by Federico Solmi. Douche Bag City will run from October 30 through December 18, 2010

Solmi shocked Europe last year by exhibiting The Evil Empire (2008), the video portrait of a future Pope whose violent sex addiction leads to widespread ruin. Because of the work’s controversial content, the video was censored in France and Spain. Solmi, who lives in New York, was put on trial in his native Italy for obscenity, blasphemy and offense to religion. Later that year, the Guggenheim Foundation honored Solmi by awarding him with the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship, in the category of video and audio, and commissioned work from him. This year, curators Sarah Lewis and Daniel Belasco selected Solmi’s latest video, Douche Bag City (2010) for exhibition in the SITE Santa Fe Eighth International Exhibition.

In Douche Bag City, Solmi turns his satirical lens toward Wall Street. Here, the artist applies his signature style, combining painting and hand-drawn animation with digital models, through the implementation of computer gaming engines. Solmi’s satire of Wall Street greed and corruption operates as a critique of the violence inherent in social and economic power structures. The artist has designed a special installation of custom-framed LCD screens for the presentation of Douche Bag City in the gallery. In addition to Solmi’s most recent videos, we will present his seminal works Rocco Never Dies (2005), The Giant (2005), and King Kong and the End of the World (2006).

Conner Contemporary will also show Solmi’s newest works, which have never before been exhibited: a large-scale sculpture inspired by The Evil Empire and paintings for the video animation Chinese Democracy and the Last Day on Earth (a work in progress).

For further information contact the gallery at info@connercontemporary.com  or call 202.588.8750

Conner Contemporary Art is located at 1358 Florida Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Gallery  hours are as follows: Tuesday through Saturday 10 - 5pm.


Minggu, 24 Oktober 2010

Today in History - 1777 Attack on Norfolk

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William Woodford, (1734-1780)

On this day in 1775, Virginia's last royal governor, Lord John Murray Dunmore, orders a British naval fleet of six ships to sail up the James River & into Hampton Creek to attack Patriot troops & destroy the town of Norfolk, Virginia. British Captain Matthew Squire led the six ships into Hampton Creek & began bombarding the town with artillery & cannon fire, while a second contingent of British troops sailed ashore to begin engaging the Patriots.

Expecting the Patriots & local militia to come charging & to engage in open combat, the British were surprised to come under fire from expert riflemen, who began striking down British troops at a distance. Hearing of the British attack, Virginia's local militia leader, Colonel William Woodford, marched an additional 100 members of the militia to defend Norfolk.

With reinforcements in place, the Patriots & militia pushed the British back to their ships, where the riflemen again began picking off British troops from the decks of their vessels. Facing a humiliating defeat at the hands of an outnumbered local militia, Captain Squire ordered a full British retreat. In the unorganized & hurried withdrawal that followed, two British ships ran aground & were captured. The Patriots, meanwhile, did not suffer a single fatality.
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Sabtu, 23 Oktober 2010

Today in History - Slave Revolt in Haiti

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Toussaint L'Ouverture

On this day in 1790, the slaves revolted in Haiti, and although this revolt was later suppressed, eventually they succeeded in obtaining freedom. The Haitian Revolution (1791–1804) was a period of brutal conflict in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, leading to the elimination of slavery and the establishment of Haiti as the first republic ruled by people of African ancestry.

One of the most successful African American commanders was Toussaint L'Ouverture, a self-educated former domestic slave. He initially fought for the Spanish Crown in this period. After the British had invaded Saint-Domingue, L'Ouverture decided to fight for the French, if they would agree to free all the slaves, which they did on 29 August 1793. L'Ouverture worked with a French general, Étienne Laveaux, to ensure all slaves would be freed. He brought his forces over to the French side in May 1794, and began to fight for the French Republic.

The Slave Revolt in Haiti brought thousands of Haitian refugees to the Atlantic coastal towns of the United States in the 1790s. Many of the Haitian women sold produce at local markets, introducing new vegetables & changing the way early Americans ate.
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Today in History - Virginia Emancipates War Veteran Slaves

Early Seal of the State of Virginia

On this day in 1783, the State of Virginia emancipates slaves who fought for independence during the Revolutionary War.
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Today in History - Continental Congress Rules

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1786 From the Memoir of Olaudah Equiana A Slave Who Bought His Freedom in 1766

On this day in 1775, the American Continental Congress approves resolution barring African Americans from serving in the army.
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Today in History - United British Parliament Begins

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The Parliamentary Union of England and Scotland 1707 by Walter Thomas Monnington (1902-1976)

On this day in 1707, the Parliament of Great Britain, created by the Acts of Union between England and Scotland, holds its first meeting.
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Today in History - British Secure Philadelphia 1877


On this day in 1777, a British Royal Navy fleet of ships, trying to open up supply lines along the Delaware River & the occupying British army in Philadelphia, is bombarded by American cannon fire & artillery from Fort Mifflin, Pennsylvania.

Six British ships were severely damaged, including the 64-gun battleship HMS Augusta & the 20-gun sloop Merlin, which both suffered direct hits; before they were run aground & subsequently destroyed. More than 60 British troops aboard the Augusta were killed, while the crewmembers aboard the Merlin abandoned ship, narrowly avoiding a similar fate.

Although the American forces defending Fort Mifflin were victorious on October 23, 1777, the battle continued throughout the month of October into November. With much of the fort destroyed & under continuous artillery & cannon fire, American Patriot forces abandoned Fort Mifflin on November 16, 1777.

The capture of Fort Mifflin gave the British Royal Navy near complete control of the Delaware River up to Red Bank, New Jersey. Fearing that the fall of Fort Mercer, located across the Delaware from Fort Mifflin, was imminent, Continental Army Colonel Christopher Greene ordered a full retreat off all American Patriot troops from the fort & the burning of all buildings & ships to prevent their capture by the British. General Charles Cornwallis took over the evacuated fort, guaranteeing a safe winter for the British forces occupying Philadelphia, while their disheartened Continental counterparts froze at Valley Forge.

http://www.history.com

Jumat, 22 Oktober 2010

Today in History - Continental Congress 1774

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Today in 1774, the Continental Congress of the British American colonies called for a meeting next May, 1775, unless there was a "redress of grievances" by England before then. There was none.
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Arts Organization Leasing Opportunity in NOMA

H Street Icon  | LEASING OPPORTUNITY |



So you've always wanted to run an art gallery, perhaps an artist co-op, rent out studios to individual artists or maybe you are an artist who needs a huge amount of space for your studio to create massive installation pieces.  Better yet, you've always wanted to run a museum or some type of art education program.  Well look no further.

Come visit "The Cave" this weekend for your chance to preview approximately 7,500 square feet of space at very, very reasonable rates.  The NOMA Business Improvement District has partnered with the owner of 16 M Street NE to seek out an arts organization who would like to lease the space over the next five years.  East City Art has been told that there is a new roof, working HVAC (Heating and Air Conditining), a kitchen and a couple of bathrooms.  From an arts perspective, it is turn-key. We've also been told that if you can not make this weekend, to contact the NOMA BID to preview the property (info listed below).  

While there is a November 1 due date, the owner will review all proposals and may consider a time extension if needed to accommodate serious requests.

More information as follows from the NOMA BID:

NoMa Warehouse Available for Arts Uses
An approximately 7,500 square foot warehouse with parking is available for lease in the heart of NoMa at 1st and M Street NE, one block from the New York Avenue Metro. The NoMa Business Improvement District is publicizing the opportunity to arts and cultural entities that may be interested in leasing the space for office, studio, gallery, workshop or performance space or other related uses. The property owner, Stan Weinstein, has expressed openness to leasing the property for arts and cultural uses. The NoMa BID is interested in partnering with cultural organizations to make this a neighborhood hub of creativity. If needed, the BID is open to considering grant requests from organizations interested in the space.

Warehouse Entrance.  Photo courtesy of NOMA BID


About the Property
Location: 16 M Street, NE. The building is located on M Street between North Capitol Street and First Street, NE, one block from the NY Avenue Metro.

Details: The warehouse is an approximately 7,500 SF one-story masonry building with three small offices, a kitchenette, two bathrooms along the west side of the building and a loading dock with two roll-up doors that faces M Street on the south side of the building. The window-less building is newly painted with new fluorescent lighting, heating and HVAC systems.

Parking Lot: An approximately 7,500 SF parking lot sits adjacent to the warehouse on the east side; the lot is fenced and gated, and contains about 22 parking spaces. The parking lot will be leased with the building.
Lease Term: 5 years; for rental rates please contact the owner.



22 car secure parking space.  Photo Courtesy of NOMA BID


Contact:
For more information on leasing rates, property information and other building details:
Stan Weinstein, Property Owner
202-210-5500
sbwinflorida@aol.com

For more information on possible opportunities for collaboration with the NoMa Business Improvement District, or additional information about the neighborhood:
Liz Price, BID President
202-289-0111
lprice@nomabid.org



Side view of building (note the length of the structure)
Photo Courtesy of NOMA BID

Due Date: 
Proposals are due Monday, November 1. Please submit all proposals electronically to Stan Weinstein. Please include information about your organization, financial proposal and capabilities, and your proposed uses for the space. If financial support from the BID is needed, please submit a separate proposal and grant request to the NoMa BID by November 1 including organization qualifications, proposed uses for the site, and grant request.

About the Neighborhood

NoMa (north of Massachusetts Avenue) is a mixed-use neighborhood north of Massachusetts Avenue and the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Between 2007-2009, private developers have invested more than $1.5 billion in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID, and have plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space over the next 15 years. More than 5,000 new employees and residents will move into NoMa in 2010, and more than 700,000 SF have already been leased in NoMa this year, putting the neighborhood on track to follow the successes of the past two years; NoMa leased more than 1 million square feet in both 2008 and 2009.

Amenities: 
The warehouse building sits one block from the New York Avenue Metro station, and half a block from the First and M Streets, NE, intersection – this intersection will be a busy hub for residents, employees and visitors by the end of 2010 when Harris Teeter, CVS and other retailers are open.

About the NoMa BID

For more information about the BID, visit the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org. View their NoMa Summer Screen video www.nomasummerscreen.com for more information about theirsignature film festival event; and visit www.zestfestdc.org for more information on Zestfest, an upcoming beautification and arts event in October 2010.

Arts Organization Leasing Opportunity in NOMA

H Street Icon  | LEASING OPPORTUNITY |



So you've always wanted to run an art gallery, perhaps an artist co-op, rent out studios to individual artists or maybe you are an artist who needs a huge amount of space for your studio to create massive installation pieces.  Better yet, you've always wanted to run a museum or some type of art education program.  Well look no further.

Come visit "The Cave" this weekend for your chance to preview approximately 7,500 square feet of space at very, very reasonable rates.  The NOMA Business Improvement District has partnered with the owner of 16 M Street NE to seek out an arts organization who would like to lease the space over the next five years.  East City Art has been told that there is a new roof, working HVAC (Heating and Air Conditining), a kitchen and a couple of bathrooms.  From an arts perspective, it is turn-key. We've also been told that if you can not make this weekend, to contact the NOMA BID to preview the property (info listed below).  

While there is a November 1 due date, the owner will review all proposals and may consider a time extension if needed to accommodate serious requests.

More information as follows from the NOMA BID:

NoMa Warehouse Available for Arts Uses
An approximately 7,500 square foot warehouse with parking is available for lease in the heart of NoMa at 1st and M Street NE, one block from the New York Avenue Metro. The NoMa Business Improvement District is publicizing the opportunity to arts and cultural entities that may be interested in leasing the space for office, studio, gallery, workshop or performance space or other related uses. The property owner, Stan Weinstein, has expressed openness to leasing the property for arts and cultural uses. The NoMa BID is interested in partnering with cultural organizations to make this a neighborhood hub of creativity. If needed, the BID is open to considering grant requests from organizations interested in the space.

Warehouse Entrance.  Photo courtesy of NOMA BID


About the Property
Location: 16 M Street, NE. The building is located on M Street between North Capitol Street and First Street, NE, one block from the NY Avenue Metro.

Details: The warehouse is an approximately 7,500 SF one-story masonry building with three small offices, a kitchenette, two bathrooms along the west side of the building and a loading dock with two roll-up doors that faces M Street on the south side of the building. The window-less building is newly painted with new fluorescent lighting, heating and HVAC systems.

Parking Lot: An approximately 7,500 SF parking lot sits adjacent to the warehouse on the east side; the lot is fenced and gated, and contains about 22 parking spaces. The parking lot will be leased with the building.
Lease Term: 5 years; for rental rates please contact the owner.



22 car secure parking space.  Photo Courtesy of NOMA BID


Contact:
For more information on leasing rates, property information and other building details:
Stan Weinstein, Property Owner
202-210-5500
sbwinflorida@aol.com

For more information on possible opportunities for collaboration with the NoMa Business Improvement District, or additional information about the neighborhood:
Liz Price, BID President
202-289-0111
lprice@nomabid.org



Side view of building (note the length of the structure)
Photo Courtesy of NOMA BID

Due Date: 
Proposals are due Monday, November 1. Please submit all proposals electronically to Stan Weinstein. Please include information about your organization, financial proposal and capabilities, and your proposed uses for the space. If financial support from the BID is needed, please submit a separate proposal and grant request to the NoMa BID by November 1 including organization qualifications, proposed uses for the site, and grant request.

About the Neighborhood

NoMa (north of Massachusetts Avenue) is a mixed-use neighborhood north of Massachusetts Avenue and the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Between 2007-2009, private developers have invested more than $1.5 billion in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID, and have plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space over the next 15 years. More than 5,000 new employees and residents will move into NoMa in 2010, and more than 700,000 SF have already been leased in NoMa this year, putting the neighborhood on track to follow the successes of the past two years; NoMa leased more than 1 million square feet in both 2008 and 2009.

Amenities: 
The warehouse building sits one block from the New York Avenue Metro station, and half a block from the First and M Streets, NE, intersection – this intersection will be a busy hub for residents, employees and visitors by the end of 2010 when Harris Teeter, CVS and other retailers are open.

About the NoMa BID

For more information about the BID, visit the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org. View their NoMa Summer Screen video www.nomasummerscreen.com for more information about theirsignature film festival event; and visit www.zestfestdc.org for more information on Zestfest, an upcoming beautification and arts event in October 2010.

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