Scene Seen: Johnny Riggs at Atomic Books and Pile of Craft at 2640 St. Paul Street

FACED: Polaroid Photos of Musicians by DJ Johnny Riggs and The Baltimore Craft Mafia’s Eighth Annual Pile of Craft, Photos by Jack Livingston

FACED: Photos by DJ Johnny Riggs at Atomic Books

FACED is an exhibition of prints made from Polaroid photos of well known musicians taken by DJ Johnny Riggs over the years. It is currently on display in the Eightbar Gallery in Baltimore’s Atomic Books. From 1992-2000 Johnny Riggs worked as a DJ at Baltimore/Washington’s leading alternative rock radio station, WHFS.

Being in a band and also a popular DJ at a beloved area radio station gave him access to a wide range of “alternative” artists. Equipped with a Polaroid Captiva, he used that access to take these photos along the way. He has been shooting Polaroids since he was 7 years old. He took the images through out his career. The story behind each photo is printed out below each print creating a compelling narrative that says as much about Riggs as the musician. This exhibition features a 27 high quality prints, all for sale at $30 each—also available online at Atomic Books. The exhibition will run through the end of July.

Atomic Books Storefront. Best bookstore in Baltimore (along with Normals).
3620 Falls Rd. Baltimore, MD 21211

Johnny Riggs generously strikes a pose at the opening of his exhibition

Jarvis Cocker of PULP, 1995 in a moment of triumph and transition.
Photo and print by Johnny Riggs.
(Photo reproduction courtesy of the artist—all rights reserved.)

David Koslowski laughing after discussing throwing my camera far away for bugging him and asking to take his photo—an incident that happened to Riggs—as he relates in the exhibition) when he attempted to get a pic of a angry Evan Dando.

Joey Ramone by Johnny Riggs. This one makes us sad.
Photo and print by Johnny Riggs.
(Photo reproduction courtesy of the artist—all rights reserved.)

Benn Ray long time Atomic Books Co-Owner, here standing in Atomic Books’ new bar and grill, the Eightbar. His newsletter, the Mobtown Shank, is a must read.

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PILE OF CRAFT

This past Saturday, June 7th the Charm City Craft Mafia presented the 8th annual Pile Of Craft! The well known one-of-a-kind craft fair for Baltimore, featuring 45+ of the country’s best handmade crafters selling their own housewares, stationary, screenprinted & sewn apparel, jewelry, handbags, hats, knit items, woven scarves, plush toys, ceramics, comic books, prints, paintings and more!

The event also featured DIY printmaking demonstrations from Baltimore’s brand new community printmaking facility, Baltimore Print Studios, a raffle basket FULL of donated items from Craft Mafia vendors to benefit local non-profit library/learning resource/all-round-gem, The Village Learning Place, and tasty snacks and coffee from local earth-friendly coffee shop & bookstore Red Emma’s.