Arts Agenda
>> At Randall Scott, see the new photographic exhibit by Sarah Wilmer. The young Brooklyn artist was named as one of the 30 under 30 to watch by PDN Magazine last year; in the accompanying profile she describes her work as "dark and weird." Wilmer creates worlds -- often faiery, dream-like worlds, populated with pale, beautiful people doing mysterious tasks (pictured right). See them at the reception on Saturday, 7 to 9 p.m.
>> Transformer bounces back from their eviction last week by reopening Here & Now with a flurry of activities. Start on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the gallery with installations by artists Mariah Johnson and Valerie Molnar, and an artist discussion at 3:30 p.m. Later that evening, head over to Comet Ping Pong (another venue no stranger to government shut-downs) where the Outlaw Art Party starts at 9:30 p.m., including a projection of all the Here & Now artists' work.
>> Project 4 opens a group show that looks across our landscape with eyes of idealism for what it could be, romanticism for what it should be, or perhaps even a fear of what it might just turn into. The Sublime Landscape riffs off the "sublime" work by artists viewing the new American world in the 19th century, broadening it with cultural influence and modern development. Opening reception is Saturday, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
>> Art Whino will feature the absorbing self-portrait work of Mary Spring this Friday in We Don't Sleep Well, as well as the addition of four new artists to their permanent collection, with a party featuring music by Eighteenth Street Lounge's DJ Tom B and a cash bar, from 6 p.m. to midnight. Contrary to our previous notes on Art Whino's move to the new National Harbor space (which we were under the impression was a second location), their old space in Alexandria is actually closed for good.
>> If this isn't an exhibit after our local photography loving hearts, we don't know what is. Make time tonight to visit ARTiculate Gallery for Critical Exposure's 3rd Annual Through the Lens of D.C. Youth exhibit, which includes "photographs taken by more than 50 D.C. middle and high school students who documented specific issues impacting their lives, including youth homelessness, school nutrition, and gentrification." Donations to support Critical Exposure are recommended at the door. Reception is 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with a brief program at 7:30 p.m.
>> Yet another fascinating photography exhibit opens tonight, this one at the Kennedy Center's Hall of States. The Rolling Exhibition features work by Kevin Connolly who, born without legs, skateboarded through 15 countries capturing the "reflexive curiosity" of those who encountered him. See it at the Kennedy Center during regular hours.
>> Tonight at 8 p.m., Big Bear Cafe in Bloomingdale will feature what sounds like a pretty awesome art event, featuring spoken word by writer Bernard Welt, projections by Colby Caldwell, and audio art by BLK w/BEAR. Free.
>> The Katzen Arts Center opens its slew of summer shows throughout this week. The exhibits with figurative paintings by Joe Shannon (pictured left), installations of Noche Christ, and "environments" (taking over the second floor) by Nefeli Massia all opened on Tuesday; while Multiplicity, a project by AU arts management students, and an exhibit of Ledelle Moe's concrete heads (which you might recognize) opening on Saturday. Take it all in during the opening reception this Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m.; and keep an eye on their packed event calendar.
>> At Artomatic this weekend: Mavi / DC Tribal perform belly dancing and more on Friday from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Art Collecting 101: Inspiration and Passion, a panel discussion sponsored by The Pink Line Project on Saturday at 2 p.m.; Peeps Day, featuring the artists who won the Washington Post's Diorama Contest and workshops for the kids, with times throughout Saturday; and the Artomatic 500 cardboard vehicle race on Sunday at 2 p.m. See Artomatic's event calendar for more.
Art Notes:
- Hillyer Art Space is starting a monthly poetry open mic night this Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. Beginning next month the event will be every third Friday (June 20). $5 for non-members.
- Already too hot for you? Get down to Torpedo Art Factory tonight for a lecture by Tatyana Schremko, who will show images from her experience competing in China's 2008 Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. 7 p.m., free.
- The Millenium Arts Salon will hold its final salon of the season, Looking Forward, Looking Back, at The Phillips Collection tonight, with a panel of experts on on African American art. 6:30 p.m., free, donations suggested.
Image of Sarah Wilmer's Untitled (Feather Bag) courtesy the Randall Scott Gallery; image of Joe Shannon's Pete's Beer courtesy the Katzen Arts Center.