Arts Agenda
>> The Smithsonian American Art Museum honors the winners of the Lucelia Artist Award over the past six years with its new exhibition opening tomorrow. The highly prestigious award gives $25,000 to an artist under 50 who has "consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity." See the six winners every day from from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The 2007 winner will be revealed tomorrow when the exhibit opens.
>> If you haven't had the chance yet to stop by the huge, permanent exhibition of local artists at City Hall, you might want to set aside some time next Wednesday, Sept. 26. At noon you can take a guided tour of all five floors of the Wilson Building by well-known local artist Sondra N. Arkin. The event is free, but please RSVP to beth [dot] baldwin [at] dc [dot] gov with the number in your group.
>> WPA\C has two shows going on for you to peruse. The latest in the ongoing 9x10 series opens tomorrow at the William W. Parker Gallery at 628 New York Ave. NW, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit features 10 WPA\C artists and the series is dedicated to the gallery's namesake's dedication to local emerging artists. We missed the opening reception for WPA\C's biennial show Options 2007, which features yet another 10 emerging artists at Pepco's Edison Place Gallery. Check it out during their regular hours, Tuesday through Friday, 12 to 4 p.m.
>> We may like to beat up on the Big Bad chain stores that move into the city, but we can appreciate it when they take the time to get involved with the community. The new Starbucks at 3107 14th Street NW in Columbia Heights will feature a rotating exhibit of local Latino artists' work. Stop by the store for a reception tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to see the work, purchase discounted tickets for GALA Hispanic Theatre's newest play "Cita a Ciegas/Blind Date," and get your daily half-caf non-fat no-whip grande mocha Frappuccino.
>> Stop by Carmel Boutique tomorrow at 7 p.m. for a little September Solstice Art Soiree. Abstract painter Michele de la Menardiere loves to throw art parties, so join her for some champagne, 15% off clothes in the shop, and first view of her new works at the U Street location.
>> We've recently been introduced to the interesting series of events held by the DC Chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Their annual meeting, which is open to anyone, is next Tuesday and will include a panel discussion of diversity in the design field. See their web site for details and registration fees (only $20 for non-members). Or consider entering their biennal juried competition (scroll to second entry) that exhibits the 50 best designs from the area. Entries due by October 12.
>> Tonight the Art Museum of the Americas opens Imagining/Imaginando Guatemala: Photographs from the CIRMA Collection at 6 p.m. See the evolution of the country, socially and politically, through some of their most well-known photographers. If you can, stop by tomorrow for the lecture at noon by curator Tani Marilena Adams titled, Image and Reality.
>> See the history of the Anacostia neighborhood in East of the River: Continuity and Change at the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, which opened last Saturday. This exhibit (perhaps the perfect companion to the National Building Museum's fantastic show) delves into the development and land struggles from the time it was occupied by Native Americans. See it during normal hours, every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
>> The Corcoran recently opened an exhibition on one of America's most famous photographers, Ansel Adams. See his awe inspiring landscapes in the gallery now through next January, and stop by tonight at 7 p.m. to see Ric Burns' Emmy Award winning documentary on the photographer ($30).
Photo by Ronnie R.