I admit it - after November 8, I was in a creative and personal slump. (Do the math...) I'm glad I've had a weekly darkroom class at The Art League to look forward to, and now Artomatic to prepare for!
Artomatic has been a DC-area institution since 1999. (I attended my first one in 2000, and the first time I participated was in 2012.) It takes place not-quite-annually, or whenever a space becomes available - usually a building slated for demolition or re-development. An unjuried army of artists, performers, and volunteers takes over and creates a community and a space that's very special and hard to find in our political and wonk-filled city.
Spaces are first-come-first-served, and artists pay an entry fee and agree to work at least three volunteer shifts. As of today (March 5) there are still spots open. I'd encourage anyone in the area to participate or visit. This year's site at 1800 S. Bell Street, Arlington is right next door to the Crystal City metro stop, and it's free to enter. There will be quiet spaces, seminars, bars, music, dance, and just about every form of visual art you can think of.
"Artomatic’s mission is to create community, build audience and expand economic development by transforming available space into a playground for artistic expression."
Artomatic opens March 24 and runs through May 6. Please look for Opulent Tarnish Photography on the 8th floor, space 8503/8504. I'm going to be going low-tech and showing a series of medium-format contact prints. Each print is only 2.25 inches square, and printed directly from the negative. I've posted a scanned print here, but very much hope you can come see it in person!
