The Weekly Feed: Experimentation Edition
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Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic has been housed in every quadrant of D.C. (and once in Virginia), and annually transforms an unfinished indoor space into a creative haven, welcoming all artists who want to exhibit. This year is Artomatic's largest event ever, hosting over 1,000 visual artists and 1,500 performance artists with three music stages, a dance stage, a stage for comedy, and return of the British Ink tattoo parlor.
Artomatic also has an international presence, with the inclusion of one of D.C.'s Sister Cities, Sunderland, England. Thirty seven artists and businesses from Sunderland are participating in Artomatic including glass artists and musical acts. D.C. was introduced to glass art from Sunderland last year in Glass3, an exhibit produced by Artomatic.
Helping to usher in Artomatic's tenth year this morning was a long line up of speakers and well wishers from Artomatic partners and government officials, including Capitol Riverfront, Monument Realty, the Mayor's office, and councilman Tommy Wells (Ward 6). The theme of the speakers was the "emerging" neighborhood of the Capitol Riverfront. The majority of the remarks highlighted the neighborhood's best qualities and expanding infrastructure.
Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton made an appearance and praised both Artomatic and Monument Realty, one owner of 55 M Street building, by saying, "Is there a better way to make use of an empty building in the middle of a recession?"
Artomatic artists also shared their experiences with the event and spoke of the opportunities that it presents for artists. Sheila Crider, a mixed media artists, has been participating in Artomatic off and on for the past ten years. She decided to participate again this year because of the opportunity to market her art. She said that with an estimated number of 70,000 visitors, sending out slides can't compete.
The building that houses Artomactic is 275,000 square feet and has applied for LEED silver certification with the U.S. Green Building Council. The environmental design features of the building include a green roof and rainwater irrigation system that will help water street plantings.
A representative from Monument Realty said he was a doubter of the Artomatic program at the beginning, thinking it sounded like more of a hassle than a benefit, but was happily proven wrong. "This is a really cool event," he said.
Be sure to check out spaces by a few folks on the DCist staff who are participating in this year's event, including Lynne Venart, whose work is on the third floor, Heather Goss' Ten Miles Square on the ninth floor, and Andrew Chriss, who will be preforming Everyone Calls Me Chris on May 30 at 8 p.m. on the Solo Stage and June 12 at 8 p.m. on the Cabaret Stage.
Tonight, Artomatic will officially kick off with opening celebrations that include fire dancers, the lighting of the Artomatic sign on the building, 24 bands and performances, and video secrets with PostSecret Frank Warren.
For a full rundown of Artomatic's opening night festivities and ongoing events view the online events calendar. Artomatic is open today through July 5, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Sundays 12 to 10 p.m.
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I'm liking all the (positive) Navy Yard attention today :)
everyone should check out the Art By Joel exhibit on the 7th floor.