From ArtSee. Email contact[AT]artseedc.com and follow ArtSee @ArtSeeinDC on Twitter.
Fawna Xiao’s “Glacier #1” (Courtesy Fawna Xiao)
As the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, so does DC’s spring art schedule, beginning with this month’s round of First Friday openings.
On the top of ArtSee’s list of must-see shows this month, stands Contemporary Wing’s “MUMBO SAUCE.” Curated by Lauren Gentile, Contemporary Wing owner, and Roger Gastman, curator of the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s recent exhibition, “PUMP ME UP – D.C. subculture of the 1980s,” this survey of artists with roots as deeply embedded in Washington, D.C. as is the sweet and tangy sauce that the show derives its name from, “MUMBO SAUCE” explores the relationships and experiences shared by people working and living in this strange little city that is the nation’s Capital.
The Foundry Gallery’s exhibition “OUTLOUD,” features the work of 12 artists who began painting together twelve years ago. Exploring themes of non-representation and intuition, these works have a beautiful airiness that translates into both a calming aesthetic, and a curious emotive awareness.
On the cutting edge of the DC emerging art scene, Hillyer Art Space opens this Friday with Heather Day’s “Sideways” and Fawna Xiao’s “LOST LAND.” Though employing very different visual modes, works of paint, fiber and line by Day and print abstract landscapes by Xiao ebb and flow with one another to create an environment that challenges the eye to focus on details while simultaneously absorbing the greater image.
Bringing the Art in DC to You – Roxanne Goldberg
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Pottery pieces on display in the “Community of Fire” exhibit at the Foundry Gallery, 1314 18th Street NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Cecile Oreste of danceDC
“Community of Fire: An Exhibit of Wood Fired Pottery” is on exhibit at the Foundry Gallery in Dupont, featuring a variety of pieces created by members of the DC Wood Fire Potters group.
In addition to displaying more than 100 pots, the exhibit also educates viewers about the unique process of wood firing. First is a video presentation and talk at The Foundry Gallery on Friday, August 27, 6 to 8pm. Next is a potter’s workshop at Hinckley Pottery on Saturday, August 28, 7 to 9:30 pm. Both events feature Kevin Crowe of Tye River Pottery. Pieces in the exhibit are on sale through the final day of the exhibit, which is Sunday, August 29.
Michael Pappas and Laura Toscano display their work at Foundry Gallery. (Luis Gomez Photos)
Work at the Kiln
Twice a year, the pottery collective meets at Crowe’s kiln in Amherst, Virginia, to create the pottery. Members of the collective work in shifts around the clock for a week stoking the kiln until it reaches 2,400 degrees. The fire’s heat and ash interact with the surface of the pots, leaving beautiful trails of flame and ash glazes along with occasionally unexpected results.
According to Michael Pappas, who has been a potter for nearly a decade and has been part of the collective for five years, the aim of the exhibit is not only to display the pottery, but also to raise awareness of this method of firing in the District.
“It’s not the type of pottery you usually see in the city,” Pappas said. “We wanted to help bring wood fired pottery to DC and I think this exhibit does that.”
Laura Toscano, one of Pappas’ students and part of the group, said that the accompanying photographs and explanations of the wood firing process provide a sense of escapism for viewers: “I believe they have the power to slow you down and transport you out of city life for a moment.”
In addition to pottery from Crowe, Pappas and Toscano, the exhibit features wood-fired pieces from Joy Bridy, Bradley McLemore and DC resident Eileen Egan. The exhibit has support from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
For more information about “Community of Fire” and the DC Wood Fire Potters group, visit their Facebook event page. The Foundry Gallery is at 1314 18th Street NW, south of Massachusetts Avenue. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday, 1 to 7 pm; and Saturday-Sunday, noon to 6 pm.
News from Dupont-Logan-U Street NW. (Borderstan)
Monday
Metrorail fare increase. It started Sunday, August 1… so when you go back to work today, remember the increase in Metrorail fares: a new 20-cent peak-of-the-peak fee during afternoon weekday travel periods, an increase in the cost of three Metrorail passes and a 25-cent increase in cost for Metrorail customers who use a paper fare card instead of a SmarTrip® card.
Meet Ward 1 candidate Bryan Weaver. There is a meet-and-greet Monday at 7 pm at Duffy’s Irish Pub, 2106 Vermont Avenue NW. Weaver is challenging incumbent Jim Graham for the Ward 1 Council seat in the September 14 Democratic Primary.
Ribbon cutting at new Shaw Library. The newly completed building housing the Shaw branch of the DC Public Library is dedicated on Monday at 10:45 am. Location is 1630 7th Street NW–the intersection of Rhode Island, R and 7th Streets by the Shaw Metro stop.
Tuesday
National Night Out. It’s the annual Police Night Out… locally there is an event from 5 to 8 pm in Dupont Circle. Look for details in the Crime section here at Borderstan.
PSA 305 Meets. It’s the monthly community meeting of Police Service Area 305… 7 to 8:15 pm at the DC Housing Finance Agency, 815 Florida Avenue NW.
LCCA Happy Hour. The Logan Circle Community Association (LCCA) is holding a reception and happy from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Fathom Creative, 1333 14th Street NW (former site of Jensen Brake Shop).
Friday
Community of Fire exhibit opening. The Wood Fired Potters Group is holding an educational pottery exhibit at the Foundry Gallery August 4 to 29. The opening is this Friday, August 6 from 6 to 8 pm. Refreshments will be served and works will be available for purchase. Gallery Hours are Wednesday to Friday, 1 to 7 pm; and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 pm.
Saturday-Sunday
Dog Days Sidewalk Sale. It’s the 11th Annual Dog Days Sidewalk Sale on the 14th and U corridor, sponsored by the MidCity Business Association. More than 100 business and organizations participate and look for stores to ply their wares (with some great prices) on the sidewalk on Saturday and Sunday. Check out MidCity’s Dog Days page for to find out what stores are participating and what deals they are offering. Stop by the Borderstan.com table next to go mama go! and say hello (if it’s not too hot, look for Lupe).
