This Week: Labor Day Weekend, Robert Houston at the Lewis, Shannon Taggart at UMBC, Ellen Kleckner and Linda Tien at Baltimore Jewelry Center, Dean Kessman at VisArts, the 2021 Black Femme Supremacy Film Festival, and more. We are featuring a mix of in person and virtual events, plus calls for entry for artists who want to get involved locally and nationally.
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Tell Our Story, A Tribute to Robert Houston
ongoing through September 20
@ The Reginald F. Lewis Museum
Tell Our Story, A Tribute to Robert Houston is an assemblage of photographs and photographers whose narratives are grounded in compassion and empathy yet focused on contemporary social commentary. As a grouping, the works share similar stories and methods chronicling a collective history.
The exhibition is grounded in Houston’s sense of humanity as seen through various portraitures and expands into the photo documentation of the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign and Resurrection City where he lived for six weeks documenting the daily lives and activities he saw on the National Mall.
Devin Allen and J.M. Giordano, both Baltimore based photographers, spent time with Houston, discussing the importance of community, building relationships with the subject matter, timing and patience in crafting an image as a social statement. Their contributed images document the beauty and struggle of everyday life, the 2018 Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, the Freddie Gray uprising and Black Lives Matter protests in Baltimore.
While not directly influenced by Robert Houston, Dee Dwyer, a DC photo biographer, captures the essence and appreciation of community while weaving multi-level narratives. Her images celebrate urban life and record stories of protest and change with grace and humanity, forwarding the legacy of the stylistic perspective of Robert Houston.
Séance: Photographs by Shannon Taggart
Tuesday, August 31 | Ongoing through December 17
@ UMBC Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
The Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery presents Séance: Photographs by Shannon Taggart, on display from August 31 through December 17.
For the past twenty years, American artist Shannon Taggart (born 1975) has documented Spiritualist practices and communities in the United States, England, and Europe. The resulting body of work, Séance, examines the relationship of Spiritualism to human celebrity, its connections to art, science, and technology, and its intrinsic bond with the medium of photography. This exhibition presents forty-seven haunting images from the series, revealing the emotional, psychological, and physical dimensions of Spiritualism in the 21st century.
Spiritualism is a religion born in nineteenth-century America whose adherents believe in communication with spirits, often transmitted through the figure of a medium who receives psychic messages from the dead. Not coincidentally, photography was invented at the same historical moment, when the new technology was revered for its ability to faithfully record reality. Photography thus became a preferred medium of scientific documentation capable of rendering invisible phenomena visible, such as in astronomical photography, X-Rays, and microscopy. For Spiritualists, photography was a tool for revealing the existence of spirits, but for non-believers the ghostly forms that materialized in spirit photographs proved nothing more than darkroom trickery. While this double-sided coin of belief and skepticism haunts the histories of both photography and Spiritualism, Taggart’s photographs do not take sides. The images that comprise Séance are characterized by open-mindedness and empathy toward their subjects, many of whom are brought to Spiritualism through grief and a desire to reconnect with lost loved ones.
The photographs on display explore the communities and phenomena associated with Spiritualism, including séance circles, mediumship, and the objects and technological devices used to aid communication with spirits. Among the most arresting images are those that chart the artist’s quest to capture ectoplasm, a supernatural substance that is paradoxically both spiritual and material. Often made in darkened rooms, the photographs are characterized by otherworldly blurs, chance flares and orbs, and entrancing portraits cast in glowing colors. Taking on the role of participant observer, Taggart bears witness with her camera to an unseen world of belief lying just beyond the fringes of everyday reality.
Magnifica: Goldschmied & Chiari | Opening Reception
Thursday, September 2 • 5-7pm | Ongoing through December 4
@ Cody Gallery
Cody Gallery at Marymount University is pleased to present the exhibition Magnifica, debuting new work by the Italian female artists Goldschmied & Chiari. On view from September 1, 2021, through December 4, 2021, Magnifica is curated by Allison Nance and organized by International Arts & Artists in partnership with the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Washington, DC.
For their exhibition at Cody Gallery, Goldschmied & Chiari present nine works including a new series of their iconic Untitled Views. First developed in 2014, Goldschmied & Chiari devised a secret—almost alchemical—technique involving colored smoke-bombs whose elaborate billows the artists capture on film and then transfer the images onto glass and mirrors. When observers stand in front of these works, their own reflections mingle with the exhibition’s lights, shadows, and images of smoke to become a dynamic part of the artwork.
In dialogue with the six Untitled Views are three new Murano glass vases sculptures, called Magnifica, which gives the exhibition its evocative name. The word “Magnifica” (magnificent) is deliberately used by the artists in its Italian (and feminine) form. It was inspired by the ancient “Hymn to Isis,” the Egyptian goddess of life and magic and the divine embodiment of femininity. The last sentence of the hymn describes her as magnificent (“For I am the shameful and the magnificent one”), an adjective that conveys strength, power, and a positive force: all recurrent themes for Goldschmied & Chiari.
Cody Gallery will host an opening reception on Thursday, September 2, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and welcomes the public to attend. The artists will be present for a series of programs from October 6-11, 2021, with more details to be announced throughout the course of the exhibition.
Magnifica is funded by a grant from the Directorate-General for Contemporary Creativity by the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism under the 2019 Italian Council Program.
About the Artists
Milan-based artists Sara Goldschmied (b.1975, Arzignano) and Eleonora Chiari (b.1971, Rome) have been working together as the artist-duo Goldschmied & Chiari since 2001. Sara and Eleonora met in the late 1990s through a shared interest in photography and feminism activism, which soon led to joint art projects and a remarkable two-decade long partnership. They have earned widespread respect and recognition, both in Italy and internationally, through their innovative use of photography, video, performance, and installations. Much of their work draws conceptually from philosophy, social studies, and their historical Italian background. Their dynamic of working as a duo fundamentally impacts their approach to every project. They state that their most essential tool “…is our relationship as an artist duo because it feeds our art practice, for example, so that we see multiple sides of one issue.”
New Arrivals 2021 | Opening Reception
Thursday, September 2 • 6-8pm | Ongoing through October 16
@ Stamp Gallery UMD
This fall the Stamp Gallery at the University of Maryland, College Park, presents New Arrivals 2021, an exhibition of artwork acquired this year by the University’s Contemporary Art Purchasing Program (CAPP). On view August 30 through October 16, 2021, the exhibition features seven artworks by five emerging and mid-career artists. All completed within the two years, the works come from artists connected to the Baltimore-Washington area.
The 2020-2021 CAPP Committee (Thomas Boland-Reeves, Emily Gilman, Katherine Jackson, Daniela Ruiz Perez) spent a year researching, writing, discussing and conducting virtual studio and gallery visits. The result of this work is a collection of artworks around their interests and concerns as University of Maryland students and global citizens in 2021. Of their selections, the Committee wrote “Art is fundamental to everyday life, and is essential in providing a medium of catharsis for both suffering and celebration. We strive to showcase works that prioritize inclusivity and diversity by uplifting marginalized voices, such as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and female communities. The 2020-2021 selections will offer opportunities for both conversation and education that cultivate threads of connection within the UMD community.”
Another significant decision by the committee is to dedicate 10% of their purchasing budget to a fund for the future conservation and preservation of the collection and the committee will share resources for conservation for future years in the hopes they will continue the work of collection conservation along with acquisition. Anyone interested in contributing the the CAPP Collection’s future conservation efforts can donate at stamp.umd.edu/DonateToCAPP
After New Arrivals 2021 closes, the included artworks will be installed in the study spaces, lounges, and corridors of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union—Center for Campus Life for the daily study, inspiration, and enjoyment of students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
Every Brilliant Thing
Friday, September 3 | Ongoing through September 26
@ Single Carrot Theatre
Every Brilliant Thing
by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe
What’s on your list of every brilliant thing in the world worth living for? Ice cream, water fights, staying up past your bedtime? Don’t we all have the capacity to find joy and resilience in life’s little moments? Audiences are invited to help tell the humorous and moving story of a seven-year-old’s experience holding onto hope while grappling with a suicidal mother
The Implement Archive | Opening Reception
Friday, September 3 • 5-8pm | Ongoing through October 2
@ Baltimore Jewelry Center
The Baltimore Jewelry Center will host Implement Archive, an exhibition created by artists Ellen Kleckner and Linda Tien this September. The archive is an evolving collaborate exploration of hand tools, utensils, and other pieces of equipment. Implement Archive will be on view in the BJC’s gallery in Baltimore’s Station North Arts & Entertainment District (10 E. North Ave.) from September 3 to October 2 with an opening reception on Friday, September 3 from 5 to 8pm. The event is free and open to the public.
Founded in June 2014, the Baltimore Jewelry Center is the successor organization to the MICA Jewelry Center, which had served the metalsmithing and art jewelry community in the Baltimore area for twenty-two years. Today, the nonprofit is providing a rigorous academic program and robust studio access program for metal and jewelry artists.
In creating the objects for the Implement Archive, artists Kleckner and Tien apply an intuitive consideration to the familiar visual vocabulary established by a long lineage of makers. The archive calls to question the commonplace or the recognizable through the investigation of form, textures, and composition. Through altering familiar materials and forms, the archive acts a documentation to share the evolution of utility, format, function, and maker. The artists employ cooperative play and exploration alongside of traditional practice. The collaboration is not only an example of how materials are combined in a contemporary investigation, but also how two makers negotiate the synthesis of different elements.
“The Baltimore Jewelry Center features one of the only art jewelry galleries in the Mid-Atlantic. Our exhibition program exposes the larger public to contemporary and traditional metal arts, and acts as a platform to promote and sell the work of local artists and national artists in the metalsmithing field,” said Shane Prada, Director. “While the majority of our exhibitions feature jewelry and wearable art, we are fascinated by objects and small sculpture. The Implement Archive is exactly the kind of mixed-media show we love featuring in our gallery.”
VisArts Onsite Reception
Friday, September 3 • 7-9pm
@ VisArts, Rockville, MD
RSVP to our in person reception on Friday September 3 to stop in and see a solo show of work by Sue Wrbican, a solo show of work by Sharon Koelblinger, a solo show of work by Chris Combs, and Dean Kessmann: Light Years, Chemical Days, and Digital Seconds, a solo exhibition curated by the VisArts Mentoring Curator Kristen Hileman .
2021 Black Femme Supremacy Film Fest Program
Sunday, September 5 | Ongoing through September 11
7 days and nearly 50 films by Black femme filmmakers and protagonists 2 future for their own good.
Due to the new order of the world, we have determined this year to be exceptional. We are opened our submissions to filmmakers and films that center indigenous voices, whose work grapples with the state of the global environment and climate change. Some would say that indigeneity and blackness are not entirely separate, as both groups have historically been stewards of the earth.
Calls for Entry // Opportunities
All SHE Makes Magazine | Call for Art
deadline September 5
Deadline: September 5, 2021.
Eligibility: anyone who is or identifies as woman, non-binary, LGBTQ+, any ability, any country, any race and ethnicity, no education required, any level
Fee: 35 USD (If you are in need of financial assistance, please fill out this fee waiver request form before Sept 1 for us to review).
Your entry will be considered for the following: feature in our new international magazine’s curated art section (print & digital) curated by Teri Henderson, Studio Visit interview with Erika Hess of I Like Your Work podcast in our magazine and ILYW website, and a permanent listing in All SHE Makes curated directory.
Curator: Teri Henderson, curator, co-director of WDLY, and writer. Henderson holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas Christian University. She formerly held a curatorial internship at Ghost Gallery in Seattle, Washington. During that time she also helped launch the social media campaign for the non-profit access to justice platform PopUpJustice!. She also previously served as the Art Law Clinic Director for Maryland Volunteer Lawyers For The Arts. She was published in the St. James Encyclopedia of Hip Hop Culture. Her work as co-director of WDLY addresses shrinking the gap between the spaces that contemporary artists of color inhabit and the resources of the power structures of the art world through the curation and artistic production of events.
PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS, TERMS & CONDITIONS BELOW CAREFULLY:
CONTEMPORARY VENICE 2021 | Call for Artists
deadline September 5
sponsored by ITS LIQUID
ITSLIQUID Group, in collaboration with Venice Events, is pleased to announce the open call for CONTEMPORARY VENICE 2021.
The eighth edition of CONTEMPORARY VENICE 2021, curated by Arch. Luca Curci, will be presented in Venice at THE ROOM Contemporary Art Space, and in other prestigious venues between September 30 and October 21, 2021.
Deadline for applications is September 05, 2021 (11.59 PM of your local time)
Click here to take part in the selection.
Lynn Shelton “Of A Certain Age” Grant
deadline September 7
sponsored by Northwest Film Forum
The Lynn Shelton “Of A Certain Age” Grant is a project-based award that provides $25,000 to an individual woman, non-binary, and/or transgender U.S. filmmaker, age 39 or older, who is working on their first narrative feature (65 minutes or over) as a director.
This grant seeks to recognize a film director for their distinct vision, storytelling, and singularity.
In 2020, The Lynn Shelton “Of A Certain Age” Grant was established by Northwest Film Forum alongside Duplass Brothers Productions to honor Seattle filmmaker Lynn Shelton, who passed away tragically on May 16th, 2020. Lynn Shelton often spoke of feeling inspired after seeing filmmaker Claire Denis speak at Northwest Film Forum and learning that Denis did not make her first feature until age 40. Shelton went on to make her own first feature film (We Go Way Back) at the age of 39. In the years since, she built a prolific canon of feature and television work and made an indelible mark on the landscape of American cinema.
Experimental Weaving Residency | Call for Applications
deadline September 15
sponsored by The Unstable Design Lab
Part of the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder, the Unstable Design Lab is hosting its second experimental weaving residency with the goal of developing new techniques and open-source resources that can co-evolve fiber arts and engineering practice. The chosen resident will work with the Unstable Design Lab, as well as researchers from the University of Colorado, to create a series of samples inspired by challenges currently faced by engineering researchers. For example, shape weaving techniques for creating form-fitting and/or compression garments for counter-pressure spacesuits, integration of power harvesting diodes, compostable or easily reusable textile structures for zero-waste manufacturing, or structures that dynamically fold and unfold to support mechanical structures or soft robotics (to name a few, but not all, possible spaces for experimentation). Applicants should be open-minded, curious, and above all deeply knowledgeable about woven structures and their behaviors. No knowledge of computer science, electronics, or engineering is required for participation.
Call for Artists & Photographers – $550.00 Innovate Grants
deadline September 16
sponsored by Innovate Artist Grants
Innovate Grant is now accepting submissions for the Summer 2021 Cycle. Innovate Grant awards (2) $550.00 grants each quarter, to one Visual Artist and one Photographer. In addition to receiving a grant award, winners will be featured and recognized on our website and join a growing community of vibrant and talented artists. For more information and to apply visit https://innovateartistgrants.org
Recent Innovate Grant Recipients:
Parham Ghalamdar
Manchester, United Kingdom Spring Grant Recipient – Art
Trenity Thomas
New Orleans, LA Spring Grant Recipient – Photography
Explore the work of All Past Innovate Grant recipients and read their interviews at https://innovateartistgrants.org
Category: Multiple disciplines and genres accepted
Deadline: Sept 16, 2021
Region: US & International
Awards: $550.00 USD Grants
Apply Online Today
https://innovateartistgrants.org
header image: Faith Couch, Then I remembered the most radical thing Black people can do- continue to love each other., 2020. Archival Inkjet Print, 24” x 36”
This week: Evan Woodward's museum, Blaze Star, John Waters turns 78, Juius Wilson at AVAM, Megan Lewis, Joyce J. Scott, MICA UP/Start Venture Winner Announced, and RuPaul winners to race at Baltimore Pride, and more!
In Conjunction with BmoreArt’s C+C Exhibit featuring Fostel’s charcoal drawings of women’s bedrooms, a conversation with the Co-Director of the Baltimore Abortion Fund
This Week: MICA Community Art & Service Program exhibition, In the Stacks performance at Peabody Library, City of Artists I closing reception at Connect + Collect, Mari Black at Manor Mill, Open Works yard sale, screening of Black Printmakers of Washington DC at Smithsonian Anacostia, and more!
This week's news includes: Baynard Woods on Larry Hogan's "error-laden" memoir, BMI's new Labor Activism Exhibit, Blacksauce Kitchen, Joyce J. Scott, Glenstone Outdoors this Summer, Rob Lee profiles Anthony Gittens, BSO's Summerfest at the Meyerhoff–and more!
