Arts Agenda
>> Conner Contemporary has exciting news: instead of the previously predicted December 2008 opening, their 7000 sq. ft. newly renovated space at 1358-60 Florida Avenue, NE will hold their inaugural opening on September 27. We'll bring you more about the space and the first show later next month.
>> He's no Stephen Colbert, but he did win about a zillion gold medals, made Mark Spitz cry in his mustache, and had us worrying about the structural integrity of Facebook. Michael Phelps, our new national darling, is the subject of a photograph being installed at the National Portrait Gallery today. The image is from 2004, taken by photographer Ryan McGinley for the New York Times Magazine (it appeared on the cover), and was actually on display when the Gallery opened in 2006. Phelps Phans, take your mark, it'll be on view when the museum opens at 11:30 a.m., through January 2009.
>> Last week we told you about the Living Sculpture performance by J.J. McCracken at Project 4. A commenter heeded our recommendation and told us it was "Really great. I felt like I was on a different planet." Make sure you get there for the last performance, Friday at 7:30 p.m.
>> It's always good to hear about artists finding a home, so we're happy to hear that the Carroll Square artists are back on F Street. After being displaced temporarily due to some redevelopment, they have new studios and a gallery at 923 F Street NW. Penn Quarter Living has a great summary of the new place here. They should be opening officially next week when the 2008-2009 art season kicks off all over town.
Photo by philliefan99
>> We sure hope Ledelle Moe's head doesn't get as big as her artwork. The Kreeger Museum just announced she won their 2008 Artist Award to the tune of $20,000. The biennial award goes to "a Washington area artist deserving of recognition by consistently demonstrating artistic excellence, exceptional creativity and whose life and work has significantly and positively influenced the Washington, DC arts community." Kudos, Moe! See her work on display at the museum starting October 3.
>> The National Gallery of Art Film Program for Children and Teens has two more showings this summer. See Buddha Collapsed Out of Shame on Saturday at 2 p.m. or Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
>> Don't forget to stop by the Smithsonian American Art Museum to see their new Roy Lichtenstein sculpture Modern Head, installed yesterday on the corner of 9th and F Streets NW.