>> Where, oh where, to get your art and beer this week? There may not be many openings around town, but all you need is one big one, and Dr. Dremo’s is command central for the weekend’s launch activities. More than an art show, the Counter Culture Festival has music, dancing, and food to keep your creative side abuzz all evening. The festival is organized by DC Conspiracy, a group of comic creators, artists and writers who want to bring the alternative side of life to your doorstep. If you get inspired by the bellydancing, take it all home with you by purchasing original artworks, cd’s, novellas and even some fashions. And if you get inebriated by the drinking and find yourself dying to show off your Prince Albert, challenge the world during the Freak Show and take home some prizes. The festival runs from 4 p.m. to midnight this Saturday. Check out the bands and artists here.
>> When your creative cup feels just shy of full, head down the street from the festival for FLUX: An Art Sensory Overload and you’ll find it runneth over. Hosted by Art Outlet, along with DC Conspiracy, Walnut Street Development, ArtDC, and Arlington Media, FLUX is a little less graphic (novel) and a little more … everything. Start with paintings and sculpture, then move onto fire juggling and aerial dance performances. The event means to show you that while our urban centers may constantly be in flux, the art world is always here, alive and strong. Find this show at the Danville Body Shop at 1415 N. Danville Street in Arlington from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Both events are free, but FLUX suggests a $5 donation.
>> In other news, one of the D.C. art world’s leading ladies got to add a line to her resume last week. Jiha Moon, who’s work you may have seen in any number of places around town, including the Curator’s Office, Irvine Contemporary and the Katzen Art Center, just had two works acquired by the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum. The Korean-born artist’s fantasy landscapes of chaotic and complicated worlds will no doubt be a grand addition to the contemporary art museum. We hope to see them on display soon.
>> Wonder how our Flickr photogs take these awesome Metro shots? Sign up for the Capital Arts Network’s Metro Photo Tour. This walking classroom will give you lessons on composition, aperture and shutter speed, in a hands-on environment. The class is this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Email info [at] capitolartsnetwork [dot] com as soon as you can to register.
>> Speaking of classes, you’ve only got two more weeks to register for the winter art classes at the Arlington Arts Center. The eight-week classes start February 20 and include a slew of choices for kids and adults, and both amateurs and aspiring professionals. Dude, they even have a class on blogging. Our advice: sign up for intro photography instead, and just call one of us for your blogging advice needs. Our rates are very reasonable.
