This piece was by Skylyn Beers in last year’s Transitional Living Youth Art Show sponsored by the Children’s Home Society. The fourth annual show this year kicks off with a reception 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Parkersburg Art Center. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The fourth annual Traditional Living Youth Art Show sponsored by the Children’s Home Society will open with a reception 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Parkersburg Art Center.

Exhibits are from youth participating in the Transitional Living Program.

The program helps youth struggling with homelessness and staff supporting them on their way to independence and a hope-filled future. Children’s Home Society youth programs and services help youth concentrate on longer-term goals for education, employment and career planning.

The Transitional Living Art Show is in collaboration with the Parkersburg Art Center at 725 Market St.

The opening reception will include entertainment provided by Moon King, a singer and songwriter from Parkersburg. Light refreshments will be served.

The event is free, however, donations in support of youth services are welcomed and appreciated.

bluethumb is Australia’s largest art marketplace, connecting art lovers, collectors and interior designers with emerging and established local artists.

Co-founded in 2011 by Ed Hartley and his brother George Hartley, bluethumb is now a major player in the online art space.

Recently recognised as one of Inside Small Business’s Top 50 Business Leaders, we asked Ed how long it took to get bluethumb established and the benefits of being an on-line only enterprise.

Take us back to the beginning. Where did the idea come from and what capital did you have?

When I came back from working in the Middle East I decided it was time to do something that really mattered. I’d grown up in an artistic household, seen artists struggle to make a living despite being crazy talented and realised if the rest of the world was moving online, then so too must art. We had almost no capital, and after a modest initial investment built everything ourselves with whatever income we made selling art.

How long did it take before you were confident you could make bluethumb a success?

We were bootstrapped for four years, and three-and-a-half years in I just decided to quit work and go for it. We were lucky enough to find fantastic investors quickly (this is unusual) and from there, with some capital, we grew exponentially. It was then we realised how big it could grow and the contribution we could make to the Australian art industry.

The global art market totals nearly $70 billion, with returns in recent decades that outpace bonds, according to some estimates. That growth has spawned new investors looking to make some money in what is a booming sector. Economics correspondent Paul Solman looks at the prudence of investing in art, for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.

OLEAN — The Tri-County Arts Council is getting ready for the second annual Lincoln Park Evening Art Market, set for 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

The juried show will feature the work of some of the region’s best-known artists and craftspeople, many who also have reputations beyond the Twin Tiers.

While some may be familiar with the Art in the Park event from years’ past, TCAC executive director Paula Bernstein notes that the Lincoln Park market is different in several ways.

“We’ve had Art in the Park before, but it has been on hiatus,” she said. “Now, we are bringing it back for the second year this fall, with many more artists from all three counties in our region.”

TCAC is composed of member artists and craftspeople who live in Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. Many of those members will be part of the Evening Art Market, including fine artist Sean Huntington, TCAC exhibitions and media development coordinator.

“There isn’t really a venue like this in the local area,” he said. “This is not a typical vendor fair, but a juried show that includes many of our members, but also other artists whose work is outstanding.”

Participating artists include John Balacki, Rose Brawn, John Crandall, Peter Hamilton, Sean Huntington, Daniel Jordan, Melissa Locke, Nicole Missel, Violet Nolder, Carolyn Raine, Jim and Pat Reno, Lynzie Rinamon, Tara Walker, Mikel Wintermantel and more. Their mediums include oil painting, gouache, watercolors, mixed media, photography, pottery, sculpture and beyond.

“Many of our participating artists are world-renowned,” Huntington noted. “We have so much talent in this region, and the Evening Art Market is a great place to experience it.”

The Hungry Burro food truck will be available for dinner, and there will be live music by acoustic guitarist Alex Cole.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to enjoy fine arts and crafts right in their own community, beyond the walls of a gallery,” Bernstein said. “Last year, we had more than 750 visiting the site of the market.”

City parking is available at and around the pavilion (no meters), and there is no cost to attend the art market. In the event of light rain, the market will still take place as planned, as the pavilion is covered and there are screens that can come down to protect visitors and artists from the elements.

To learn more about this event or TCAC, visit www.tricountyartscouncil.org.

For more than a decade, Alexis Arnold has been intrigued by the evolving nature of print. Her ongoing collection, titled Crystallized Books, transforms novels, guides, and maps into gleaming sculptures that consider how we value and use objects. “While I started the series in 2011 partly as a reaction to the vulnerability of printed media, it’s been nice to see a return to the cultural value of printed media while working on the series over the past 12 years. It’s also been interesting (and at times technically frustrating) to see the quality of book printing and binding decline as I’ve been working on the series,” she says.

To create the works, the Oakland-based artist (previously) submerges found volumes into a hot bath of water and borax. “When water boils, its molecules expand, and as the saturated water cools again, the molecules shrink and any excess borax crystallizes,” Arnold tells Colossal. Out of the pools come books coated with dense, translucent clusters that stabilize the objects as warped, crinkled mounds.

Because the crystals make the text difficult—or impossible—to parse, the books in the series become notable for their materiality. Many of the titles Arnold works with have cultural or personal importance, like To Kill a Mockingbird or A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, while others reference the waning relevance of print. Field guides and maps are often available online, for example, making a book less necessary but also more precious as a relic of times past.

Read more about Arnold’s practice and peruse an archive of her projects on her site and Instagram.

Detail of “Poems” (2023)

“Audubon rock and mineral field guide” (2019)

“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” (2020)

“Smithsonian rock and mineral guide” (2019)

“To Kill a Mockingbird” (2021)

“Islamic Maps” (2022)

“Tai Pan” (2020)

“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (2021)

“To Kill a Mockingbird” (2021)

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Warped Sculptures Suspend Novels, Guidebooks, and Other Print Objects in Borax Crystals appeared first on Colossal.

Photograph courtesy of Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Happy Monday, everyone!

There’s a ton of fun things to do around town this week and weekend. The entire family can attend Panda Palooza, or Celebrate Petworth. Also, there’s new installations to view at the Washington National Cathedral and the Smithsonian.

Best Things to Do This Week and Weekend

September 18-September 24

1. Theatre Week. The multi-week commemoration of local theater returns with tiered ticket prices of $20, $40, or $60 to see an array of musicals and plays across the region’s entertainment venues. Some of the Theatre Week options include the new DC-inspired comedy Monumental Travesties, spontaneous works by Washington Improv, the children’s production The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, and lots more (Thurs through October 8, $20+, various participating locations).
2. Panda Palooza: A Giant Farewell. Say goodbye to our favorite Giant Panda family as Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi Ji prepare for their December trip to China. The National Zoo is throwing a farewell party on-site and online over a span of nine days offering fun activities such as bear talks, family yoga, concerts, a conservation-themed scavenger hunt, and movie screenings (Sat through October 1, free, but passes required, virtual, Smithsonian’s National Zoo).
3. The Cathedral’s “Now and Forever” windows. Washington National Cathedral will unveil new stained glass windows designed by artist Kerry James Marshall. The reimagined “Now and Forever” installation replaces former windows that honored Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. The dedication ceremony will be accompanied by a reading of Elizabeth Alexander’s poem “American Song;” after the event there’s an open house party with live music, and food trucks (Sat, free, Northwest DC). (You can learn more about the windows here.)
4. Walking Town DC. Get moving during Walking Town DC’s week of guided walking tours, excursions, and historical adventures around the city. There’s an offering for everyone, including a bike tour of of Kingman Island, a tour inspired by novelist Charles Dickens, and a centennial celebration tour of Burleith neighborhood (through Sun, free, various participating locations).
5. Celebrate Petworth. More than 50 artisans and exhibitors are a part of this weekend’s Celebrate Petworth jamboree. The family-fun day showcases local music by Flex Mathews Trio and DJ Unown, a dog show competition, and all-day programming for children in the Kids’ Zone hosted by drag queen Tara Hoot (Sat, free, Petworth).
6. Mid-Autumn Night Market. Tiger Fork and Hi Lawn are teaming up to host a Mid-Autumn Night Market on the roof of Union Market. Guests will be transported into the streets of Hong Kong during the two-day celebration of traditional dancing and food. Bakeries and eateries Love, Makoto; China Chilcano; Purple Patch; and Yume Asian Fusion will serve bites at food stalls, while attendees groove to beats from various live DJs (Wed-Thurs, free entry, Union Market).
7. Democracy Day at the Smithsonian. In celebration of Art in Embassies turning 60 years old there’s a traveling exhibition stopping in DC. “A More Perfect Union: American Artists and the Currents of Our Time” draws a connection between art and democracy in the U.S. through a display of visual works. The opening of the exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History kicks off with a Democracy Day program featuring artist talks, and exhibition tours (Tues through October 1, free, Smithsonian National Museum of American History). (In conjunction with the exhibit, a light show on the National Mall that started this past Sunday evening will run through the 21st.)

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Want More Things to Do?

Arts and culture: Author Alicia Kennedy and chef Rob Rubba discuss the future of plant-based eating at Bold Fork Books (Mon, $10+, Northwest DC). View the contemporary works of nearly 50 living Native artists at the National Gallery of Art’s new exhibit “The Land Carries Our Ancestors” (Fri through January 15, free, National Gallery of Art). Awaken your inner creative at Yoga in the Galleries (Mon, Sat, $10+, Arlington). After a temporary closure, the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s modern and contemporary galleries reopen with a new installation (opens Fri, free, Smithsonian American Art Museum). Watch songful movie Pitch Perfect at Alethia Tanner Park (Wed, free, NoMa). Meet some of the cast of the hit TV show The Sopranos at Capital Turnaround (Sat, $55+, Southeast DC). Comedian Leslie Jones is in conversation with journalist Tiffany Cross at Sixth & I (Wed, $40 for book and ticket, $12+ for virtual, Northwest DC). View paintings by pioneering abstract artist Alma Thomas (through June 2, 2024, free, Smithsonian American Art Museum). Journalists and politicians face off in a spelling bee competition (Wed, $30, Penn Quarter). Take a swing dance class, and watch a movie screening of Soul (Fri, free, Columbia). There’s jazz and cumbia performances, art vendors, and food at the Hyattsville Arts Festival (Sat, free, Hyattsville).

Community and heritage: Observe the new collaborative exhibition America’s Voices Against Apartheid to learn about the U.S. anti-apartheid movement dating back to the 1880s (through November 5, free, Kennedy Center). Interactive outdoor history exhibit “Beyond Granite: Pulling Together” will close soon (Mon, free, National Mall). Celebrate Latino culture at Fiesta DC festival and parade (Sat-Sun, free, Downtown). The Congressional Black Caucus weekend is back with a prayer breakfast, town hall, and party at Walter E. Washington Convention Center (Wed-Sun, $150+, Downtown).

Theater and shows: ExPats Theatre presents new stage play Scorched at Atlas Performing Arts Center (Sat through October 15, $45, H Street Corridor). It’s your last chance to see Bohemians and aristocrats party in Moulin Rouge! The Musical (closes Sun, $45+, Kennedy Center). The DC Shorts International Film Festival returns to town for its 20th year with more than 12 films to binge (Wed-Sun, $15, various participating locations). The Arlington Players take on a revival show of popular musical Into the Woods (Fri through October 8, $30, Arlington). Comedian Ben Schwartz brings laughter to The Anthem (Thurs, $49+, Wharf). Nova Night Sky Theater performs Romeo and Juliet (Thurs, September 28, $25, Fairfax, Arlington). Listen to live storytelling at DC’s StorySLAM at Miracle Theatre (Tues, $15, Capitol Hill). Local performance artist Brian Feldman wants you to read a monologue while washing dirty dishes at his home in his new show Dishwasher 2: I Pay You (through October 2, $17, Cleveland Park).

Music and concerts: National Symphony Orchestra Music Director Gianandrea Noseda opens a new season at the Kennedy Center with a concert and gala (Sat, $65+, Kennedy Center). Art rock singer Peter Gabriel makes a tour stop in DC (Wed, $65+, Capital One Arena). Alternative rock band The Breeders play at The Filmore Silver Spring (Thurs, $39, Silver Spring). Rap legends Wu-Tang Clan and Nas are live in concert (Tues, $22+, Capital One Arena). Jonas Brothers will perform songs from their five albums all in one night (Sat, $72+, Capital One Arena). Singer-songwriter Frankie Cosmos sings tunes at 9:30 Club (Fri, $22, U Street Corridor). Rapper Macklemore is sold out at The Anthem, but there are resale tickets available on third-party sites (Tues, $40+, Wharf). Songwriter Julie Byrne sings folk melodies at Songbyrd (Tues, $18+, Northeast DC). Music stars Rick Ross, Monica, Black Alley and Kenny Burns are performing together at The Anthem (Fri, $79+, Wharf). Janelle Monáe sings songs from her latest album Age of Pleasure (Sun-Mon, $95+, Wharf). Five-time Grammy-nominated performer Michael Feinstein celebrates the music of Judy Garland at Music Center at Strathmore (Thurs, $28+, Bethesda).

Sports: Watch baseball with your furry friends at Pups in the Park (Sat, $35 for adults, $10 for dogs, Nationals Park).

Bites and beverages: Learn how to make handmade empanadas at Galería La Cosecha (Thurs, $59, Union Market). Don’t miss Wunderfest at Port City Brewing. The event includes a yodeling competition, a sausage toss, and live music (Sat, free, Alexandria). German fare, beer, and yard games are the highlights of Zinnia Oktoberfest (Sat, $45, Silver Spring). Weiner dog races and stein-hoisting competitions are a part of the fun at Lovettsville Oktoberfest (Fri-Sat, free, Lovettsville). Oktoberfest at The Boro features polka dancing, food trucks, and pumpkin beer (Sat, free, Tysons). Dine All Night is the newest culinary arts companion to next week’s Art All Night (Thurs through October 1, prices vary, various participating restaurants).

Things to do with kids: Kids can make playful art while adults enjoy frozen coffee treats from Rossana at MoCA on the Move at Met Park (Sun, free, Arlington). All ages can enjoy story time, museum tours, and dance workshops at Fotos y Recuerdos Festival (Sat, free, Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery). Youngsters can play with water toys and sift grain at Peirce Mill (Sat, free, Rock Creek Park). Kids can take an adventure through Maryland’s largest corn maze, drive a pedal kart, and race rubber ducks at Magnolia Meadow Farms (Sat through October 29, $15+, free for children under 2, Thurmont).

Plan ahead: Snag a timed-entry pass to Live! at the Library: Danzón Class with Corazón Folklórico, and join a conversation with journalists Bill Moyers and Judy Woodruff (September 28, free, but passes required, Library of Congress). Nationals and Commanders fans can celebrate together at Capital Crossover: Diamonds and Gridiron—a two-game series on both home fields featuring sport activations, music, and more (Thurs, October 5,  $13+, Nationals Park, FedEX Field).

If you enjoyed these events, please don’t forget to share this post with a friend on social media, and sign up for our newsletter for more things to do.

Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.

From a vast array of coral, shells, agates, and more, Gregory Halili (previously) shapes anatomical features and cosmic phenomena in intricate detail. The artist uses iridescent mother-of-pearl to accentuate round skulls or teardrops leaking from eyes, working with the inherent natural shapes and textures of materials he finds around his studio, located about an hour south of Manila.

Several years ago, Halili began carving lifelike miniature skulls into shells he found on beaches around the Philippines. He also uses oil paint to render minuscule details of individual eyes, painted on the reverse of transparent glass or crystal. Since then, his practice has evolved to include larger pieces that incorporate an array of smaller works and natural materials. He says:

I started to create these massive works filled with miniature paintings and objects. I’m a painter, but I learned to create sculptures, to weld, use cutting and power tools, and drill into stones and metals…My method and thinking process is still painterly, creating the works as layers, constructing and deconstructing them, and figuring out the forms and gestures as I create.

Halili’s Coments, a recent series of assemblages, expands on the ritual of searching for and recontextualizing found objects, ranging from metal to minerals to antiques. Each sculpture contains more than a hundred items found along beaches, at flea markets, and in antique stores. “These works are about renewal, return, and reincarnation,” he says, emphasizing how disused or abandoned objects find new life in his work.

Halili’s work is currently on view at the National Museum of the Philippines in Placuna placenta: Capis Shells and Windows to Indigenous Artistry. You can find more on Instagram.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Anatomical Details Emerge From Found Coral and Shells in Gregory Halili’s Intricate Sculptures appeared first on Colossal.

For the September/October 2023 The New Brewer, we present our annual Sales & Marketing issue. In our cover story, we outline low-cost, effective ways to market your brewery. Other in-depth features include tips on tipping, American lagers, beer & art, the changing face of beer festivals, and advocacy in craft brewing.

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