Posts Tagged ‘art’
Posted by Colleen Callery / Monday, February 6th, 2012
It’s no secret Valentine’s Day is not for everyone. Admittedly, the overindulgence in sugary foods and celebration of emotional availability is not everyone’s cup of tea.
However, even for those that do appreciate the holiday, traditional Valentine’s Day gifts can be a bit.. overdone. To combat the commercialism and lazy reproductions of Hallmark cards, homemade cards and gifts are a great option.
There are a million ways to make a homemade card and whether its from a significant other, a family member, or just a friend, the time, thought, and originality in a homemade card can’t be beat.
But this post will focus on those looking for something a little more creative, or are just utterly tired of heart stamps and 3D pop-ups. Take a look below:
Invisible Ink: Bring back this childhood favorite by squeezing lemon juice to use as an “ink” and using a dip pen, small paint brush, or even a q-tip to write your secret message. The writing will be revealed under a heat source like a lightbulb, iron (with no steam), or candle (be careful not to ignite paper over a stove burner!). This crafter also incorporated the “message in a bottle” idea. So fun!
Photo courtesy of minieco.co.uk / lmnop.com.au
Temporary Tattoo: And no, I don’t mean the one you accidentally got on spring break. And I’m not talking about the glittery ones from the dollar store, either. (Although, those can be fun, too.) You can actually make your own temporary tattoos through the new iPhone app MoPho. For under $15 you can get a set of 16 tattoos of your very own photos! The possibilities are endless. Just keep in mind, these are kind of kitschy so embrace the humor and try to steer clear of something too cheesy.
Photo courtesy of MoPhoapp.com
Matchbox Candy boxes: Inchmark has some adorable and easy examples. Customize the outside of the boxes, include a note, and fill it with candy. Easy as pie. These are great for those in-between friends or co-workers who don’t quite make your list of full-blown gifts. (If you, in fact, have one of those.)
Photo courtesy of Inchmark.com
Framed Art: This project is a little more involved, requiring actual pieces of memorabilia or just trinkets from a craft shop, paint, hot glue, and framing the whole piece. But if you have this kind of time, and artistic inclination, the result could be amazing. Check out full directions here.
Photo courtesy of Designsponge.com
Valentine’s Kit: Design Sponge also has a brilliant idea for a Valentine’s Kit, which looks very similar to a picnic basket complete with wine, dessert, tea lights, flowers, and glasses (for drinking that delicious wine, of course). This is a low-key idea that can be enjoyed at home in front of a fire or a movie, and is a great adventure companion, perfect to bring along to a getaway destination.
Photo courtesy of DesignSponge.com
Finally, for those brave wordsmiths, why not try writing a poem? We don’t mean a sappy sonnet, dripping with love-y goo (eh, I guess some people are in to that). Funny, silly, thoughtful poems go a long way, too. And if you need some help? This mad lib poem generator is pretty fun.
Got more great do-it-yourself Valentine’s ideas? Send them our way!
-Colleen Callery
Posted by Colleen Callery / Monday, January 30th, 2012
Over 300 artisans drew thousands of visitors to see their endeavors in both the functional and purely aesthetic arts at the 14th annual Sugarloaf Crafts Festival this weekend. Just about every kind of craft you can imagine was on display at the Chantilly Dulles Expo Center. Woodcrafters were carving next to booths offering samples of frozen wine mixes. Tables with endless pieces of jewelry, handmade pottery, sculptures, 3D hanging mobiles, paintings, clothing, and accessories of all kinds were tempting visitors from all sides. Gourmet and organic food filled the back left-hand side of the venue. Live strumming of soft guitar chords and a live jazz band provided ambiance. There was even a stage that held periodic performances to keep the kids entertained.
Weren’t able to make it out this year?
Take a look at some of the photos below!
Homemade potpouri from The Herb Lady in Shepherdstown, West Virginia
A wall of colorful, fragrant soaps from Pretty Baby Naturals of China Grove, North Carolina
Adorable, functional clay figures from ClayMonster of Baltimore, Maryland
Sparkling glass jewelry (among other fun glass pieces) from Kathie Perry Lynch of Rockville, Maryland
William Richardson works on making the hand-crafted shaker boxes, from Suffolk Shaker of Suffolk, Virginia
-Colleen Callery
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Tuesday, January 24th, 2012
Discarded glass takes on new life in sculpture form.
By Matt Basheda
Courtesy of Christene Sockoloski (sculptures)
Arlington artist Cindy Ann Coldiron takes an environmentally friendly approach to her work, using recycled glass for her sculptures, like the sparkling dragonflies in Barcroft Park. Three years ago, when she noticed the lack of any literature unifying recycled glass art as its own genre, she took it upon herself to reveal an emerging artistic world. Her book, “Sculpture and Design with Recycled Glass,” took two years to research and ended up taking her all over the world, from Swaziland to Australia.
“My main goal in writing this book is for someone to never look at a discarded bottle, or even discarded window glass, in the same manner again,” she says. “Basically, if you were a painter and you saw canvases on every street corner, you’d grab them because you knew you could use them. … There really are wonderful uses you can make from [glass].” And to that end, she includes detailed instructions for four simple projects that readers can try. However, magnificent professional sculptures feature prominently as well, including a sun-struck bus stop made almost entirely out of discarded bottles.
Not forgetting the “design” portion of her title, Coldiron dedicates a chapter to the swiftly growing role of recycled glass in current construction and interior design. Also included are step-by-step narratives of three public art sculptures from inception to installation. And most non-artists never imagine the technical issues of various art forms, but Coldiron covers that facet as well.
Info: ‘Sculpture and Design with Recycled Glass’ by Cindy Ann Coldiron; $37.49 @ Amazon
(January 2012)
New NoVA Art at University of Mary Washington
Posted by Matt Basheda / Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
Several Northern Virginia artists exhibit their work at the University of Mary Washington starting tomorrow.
The artwork will be shown in two separate exhibits. “Crowded Spaces” features Allison Long Hardy, who recently completed a residence at Alexandria’s Torpedo Art Factory.
Hardy shapes her work around communication in all its forms. She seeks to capture moments of communication, and does so with ink and graphite. She is also an adjunct professor in UMW’s art department. “Crowded Spaces” debuts Thursday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. in the duPont Gallery.
The second display is the “Mid-Atlantic New Painting 2012” exhibition, which is actually a contest. The awards include $2,000 in prizes given out to various artists.
The artists come from as far as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but also from right here in NoVA, including these exceptional artists:
Radio Sebastian is a duo from Alexandria–Yumiko Blackwell and Corwin Levi. They collaborate on all kinds of incredible designs, and even write children’s books to boot.
Jacqueline Levine is a painter from Arlington who shapes her fantastical artwork from out of her own fictional world.
Also take a look at David Barr from Falls Church, who uses media collages and other pop culture mash-ups.
We have some unbelievably talented artists in our own backyard. Do yourself and them a favor by checking out their latest work at these exhibits. The “Mid-Atlantic New Painting 2012″ exhibit runs until Feb. 24. However, “Crowded Spaces” lasts only until Feb. 5. Both debut tomorrow, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m.
–Matt Basheda
Support Local Art This Weekend
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, September 30th, 2011
Friday, Sept. 30, 2011
Need something to do this weekend, but can’t quite put your finger on what you want? The area is actually bursting with art festivals this weekend. Help foster Northern Virginia’s cultural identity and check them out.
ValeArts, a group of local artists, exhibits their colorful art in Oakton Friday, Sept. 30 through Sunday, Oct. 2. This show has been a fixture for 15 years now, and this year is no different. “Shared Passion, Different Strokes,” as the show is called, is at the historic Vale Schoolhouse.
Art on the Avenue in Alexandria is one of the biggest art festivals all year, and it will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1. This massive fair has it all–music, food, and hundreds of artists. The celebration draws tens of thousands to walk down Mt. Vernon Avenue every year, and this will be no different.
Oh yeah, and did I mention a pie baking contest? Sweet deliciousness.
Art on the Avenue. Courtesy Mark Blackden.
Art on the Avenue is rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
While you’re there, make sure you check out The Art League’s gallery at Alexandria City Hall. The Art League is a nonprofit organization that directly connects art to our community, offering art classes and supplies to the public. Their special gallery, “Art in City Hall: Around Town,” is on display through Dec. 16, 2011.
–Matt Basheda
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Thursday, September 29th, 2011
NASA’S MISSIONS MAY BE OVER, BUT ART LIVES FOR ETERNITY.
By Clara Ritger
COURTESY SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM. LICENSED BY NORMAN ROCKWELL LICENSING, NILES, IL. DO NOT REPRODUCE
In the early 1960s NASA began the space race. It was a foreign concept for many Americans, until 1969 when they watched Neil Armstrong make history.
Torpedo Factory artist James Dean, the founding director of NASA’s art program, helped bring a better public understanding of space exploration through various forms of art. Though it wasn’t the fi rst or last time that art would record history, it gave the government a uniquely American public works project. “NASA had the advantage of being able to pinpoint when and where history would be made,” Dean says, “and thus gave artists a ring-side seat.”
Dean also helped curate “NASA/Art: 50 Years of Exploration,” the traveling exhibition at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum through Oct. 9. He has worked with artists representing a wide range of styles, from Robert Rauschenberg to Norman Rockwell. “Rockwell needed a Gemini space suit to complete his painting,” Dean says. “They fi nally sent a technician with the suit, since it was all classifi ed information.” In the end, Rockwell’s painting portrayed not only Gus Grissom and John Young, the Gemini astronauts, but also the technician.
The exhibit only includes 70 pieces instead of the 3,000-plus to date; Dean says he feels they provide a representation of the various art forms and space missions. “The camera could capture the minute detail of change. [The artists are] pu ing the emotion [in] that people feel when they’re watching these historical events take place.”
(September 2011)
Posted by clara / Monday, June 27th, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
In the summer of 2010, a friend of mine had the good fortune to go to South Africa for the World Cup. He had a great time, although he spent most of it drinking beer. When I asked him what influenced his decision, I expected his answer to be something along the lines of “I miss college.” Alternatively, it was because the cost of beer was cheaper than the cost of water, a sad truth for the majority of the third-world continent.
We are fortunate to have access to free, clean water. The non-profit organization Freedom in Creation (FIC) aims to provide more than just water to Africa. It empowers war-affected or at-risk communities through increased access to the therapeutic qualities of art, international education, and fresh drinking water. It is also right in your backyard – they’re headquartered in Vienna.
Photo Courtesy Freedom in Creation, www.freedomincreation.org
On Thursday, June 30, FIC and Jammin Java are hosting a charity event to connect local youth with the war-affected youth in Uganda. They’ve got a hefty list of goals. “Africa’s largest war” has lasted 23 years, decimating many villages and amounted to the recruitment of over 65,000 into soldier-hood, sex slavery, and participation in crimes against humanity. Millions are left psychologically damaged, and physically deprived of clean drinking water. FIC hopes that their relief efforts can make a difference for these war-torn communities.
“We are hoping to raise over 5,000 dollars,” founder Andrew Briggs says, “that will enable us to rehabilitate a broken well which can serve over 1,000 with clean drinking water and to assist with the beginnings of an art center on our 5 acre farm/center for sustainability in Uganda.”
Youth will be able to participate in a collaborative art project with former child soldiers as a gesture of solidarity. In addition, the event will feature the exhibition, “The Story of Freedom,” the artwork of child artists, child soldiers no more, an art auction by supporting artists and opportunities to purchase fair trade jewelry and products from Uganda.
“Jammin Java has been a great support as a host,” Briggs says. “It will be an event that unifies the community while teaching about global responsibility and enabling people to contribute to war affected communities in Uganda with their respective gifts. It will be a great example of the power of community.”
To watch a video of FIC Board Member Alex Mejias working with the Haverford School for Boys in Uganda, visit www.freedomincreation.org/collaborative-pieces.
The doors open at 5:45 PM, the Kids Art Collaboration is from 6-6:50 PM, and the art viewing starts at 7:00 PM. On Thursday, head to Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave East, Vienna, for live music, live painting, and a silent art auction. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased online at www.jamminjava.com.
FIC is committed to and believes in the following:
1. To rehabilitate minds affected by the stagnation of refugee camp confinement with creative inspiration and empowerment.
2. To bridge the world through art in a spirit of solidarity.
3. Providing clean water dictates whether or not refugees can return to their homes for the first time in a generation.
4. Clean water dramatically reduces the incidence of disease, gender violence, and increases access to education. Water-born disease is the leading killer in Africa. Girls are tasked to collect water and in many cases must do so before they may attend school.
5. To enable aid dependent communities to arise with self-sustainability.
For more information and how you can get involved go to www.freedomincreation.com.
–Clara Ritger
Explore Rosslyn’s Arts Scene on Foot
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, June 21st, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Image: Shutterstock/ Radu Razvan
Just like Zooey Deschanel’s quirky character in Yes, Man so nonchalantly leads a “jogging photo” group for people who want to work up a sweat and be a shutter bug simultaneously, Arlington County has a similar opportunity for those multi-tasking minded folks out there: a walking tour of Rosslyn’s outdoor arts.
With 14 locations along the way, this tour showcases the colorful, creative side of Rosslyn’s public art. From Japanese porcelain mosaic tiles (stop #4) to a stainless steel “garden” (stop #10), you’ll never view the city in the same way.
Other highlights include a gunite (read: cement and sand mixture) park of stars on N. Fort Myer Drive, which represents the actual acquisition of the city’s land by William Henry Ross in 1860; Boaz Vaadia‘s depiction of King David and family as Biblical stone figurines; a bronze torso designed after a winter garden in Chicago; and 1,200 pounds of colorblocked sculpture by women’s movement artist Schapiro.
For a complete map and list of all the stops along the way, visit Arlington Cultural Affair‘s site here.
– Lorin Drinkard
Posted by Lynn Norusis / Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
Manassas sculpture gets spot next to the greats–Dali, Warhol, Rembrandt
National Zoo bird handler charged with poisoning cats
Civil War history makes its way to you
Student speaks out about bullying in high school due to sexual orientation
GMU could get a big say with proposed voting precinct
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, February 4th, 2010
Love art? Love food? Then the National Gallery of Art has something you will truly enjoy.
Chef Michel Richard (Citronelle and Central Michel Richard) has collaborated with Executive Chef David Rogers of Restaurant Associates to create a menu inspired by the paintings of the Chester Dale Collection at the National Gallery of Art. This is the tenth Themed Garden Café at the Gallery since the first café, Café Provencal, in 2006.
Chef Michel Richard, Citronelle and Central, and Chef David Rogers, Restaurant Associates at the National Gallery of Art, with Paul Gauguin's Self Portrait (1889) from the Chester Dale Collection. Photo by Rob Shelley © National Gallery of Art, Washington.
The menu, available at the Garden Café Francais until February 10, 2011, offers a la carte items and a buffet at $19.75. Classic French dishes that were popular in the 19th century are included in the menu. Dishes include cured ham from the Basque region, cheese ravioli in basil sauce, and Michel Richard’s 72-hour short ribs with mashed potatoes and bordelaise sauce.
David Roger’s personal favorite is Richard’s smoked salmon terrine with green salad. After studying and recreating Richard’s food from his first book, Michel Richards Home Cooking With a French Accent, Rogers says the opportunity to work with him is a dream come true and has “nothing but compliments” towards Richard.
The exhibit, From Impressionism to Modernism: The Chester Dale Collection features 83 European and American paintings that Chester and Maud Dale collected from 1919 throughout the 1950s. It can only be seen in D.C. until July 31, 2011 and features famous works by artists such as Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Vincent VanGogh, and George Bellows.
In addition to being inspired by Richard, Rogers is moved by the paintings within the National Gallery of Art. “The whole building radiates creativity, although it’s easy to not see past the four walls of the kitchen.”
Among the collection, Richard particularly favored Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec as a child and the still lifes depicting food. Several of his favorite artists and paintings can be found in the Chester Dale Collection. An artist himself, Richard was excited to work with the National Gallery of Art as he originally wanted to be an artist.
Some chefs are so inspired they draw from their own experiences or associations with the art work. For example, Jose Andrés (Jaleo and THINKfoodGROUP) created two separate menus for two different exhibits for the Garden Café España with dishes based on his own copy of a rare recipe book Arte de Cocina by Francisco Martínez Montiño, chef to Philip II. The chefs occasionally use themes in the presentation of the food as well–anywhere from drip techniques similar to those found in Jackson Pollock paintings to monochromatic foods.
Aside from Andrés and Richard, the Gallery has worked with other local chefs to create an art-inspired menu. Previous local chefs include Fabrizio Aielli, formerly of Teatro Goldini in DC; Patrick Orange of La Chaumiere in DC; Jean Claude LeLan, formerly of Le Refuge in Alexandria, VA; Scott Chambers of La Ferme in Chevy Chase, MD; Tim Elliott of Mie N Yu in DC; Nasrullah Malang of Bamian Restaurant in Falls Church, VA; and Fabio Salvatore of Café Milano, DC.
Signature dish Terrine de saumon fume, salade verte (smoked salmon terrine with green salad), created by Chef Michel Richard for Garden Cafe Francais at the National Gallery of Art, Washington. Photo by Rob Shelley © National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Considering only two of those chefs are from Virginia, it would be great to see more participation from Virginia chefs. Or perhaps a local Virginia gallery can feature the cuisine of local chefs that are inspired by local artists. This can be taken one step further by using locally grown foods and local musicians to create an ambiance that goes along with the artwork.
There are several chefs in the region worth tapping in to; perhaps one from the region’s 50 best restaurants. Deborah Ziska, Chief of Press and Public Information at the National Gallery of Art, likes bringing in local chefs because they bring in their own following. She says “the DC area has come a long way. We’re lucky to be in a region that has a wealth of great chefs. It bodes well for the NGA—we can look in our own backyard.”
While there are several examples of art inspired by food or festivals featuring food and art, there are few examples of food inspired by art where the highlight is relishing one piece of art while visually appreciating another. In 2000, Feast Your Eyes at The Torpedo Factory featured artwork inspired by food and cuisine, with hors d’oeuvres from Nora Pouillon of Nora Restaurant in DC, who selected the artwork for the exhibition.
Hopefully an idea similar to the National Gallery of Art themed cafes can be brought to the Northern Virginia region. If anyone is interested in taking on such a feat, Ziska recommends galleries “always start with the art.”
–Aisha Salazar
