Arts

About 100 people swung by Gateway's Heliport Gallery Friday night to help select the 15 pieces that will hang on the Kennett Street Garage ArtWall. The pieces were created by local artist Tom Block (www.tomblock.com), and are a part of his 'Cousins' series. The series was conceived to echo the highest aspects of the Silver Spring community by combining an elegant, Eastern-inspired visual with sayings from wisdom masters from a variety of ethnicities, religions, geographic regions and time periods.

At the event, community members were issued ballots to choose 13 winners from among the 78 final images created by Tom. Each saying to be included on the Art Wall was represented by 6 different text/image panels, which were exhibited flat, in clear plastic sleeves, on tables around the outside of the gallery. And the winning selections are:

Swing by the Heliport tomorrow night, for a fun event that will shape our neighborhood's visual landscape for years to come.

What: Kennett Street Art Wall Community Involvement Event

When: Friday, July 20, 4-8 pm.

Where: Gateway's Heliport Gallery – 8001 Kennett St. Suite 3, Silver Spring MD 20910; 301-562-1400

What: Community involvement event for Tom Block's "Cousins" public art project for the Kennett St. Art Wall in South Silver Spring.

Background:
On June 21st, Tom Block's "Cousins" public art project was selected as the winner for the Kennett St. Art Wall in South Silver Spring, to be installed along the entrance wall to the Kennett Street Parking lot, off of Eastern Ave. in South Silver Spring.

The "Cousins" public art project was conceived to echo the highest aspects of the Silver Spring community by combining an elegant, Eastern-inspired visual with sayings from wisdom masters from a variety of ethnicities, religions, geographic regions and time periods. Fusing words representing the highest aspirations of humankind (taken from great humanists such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, the Buddha, etc.) with specially created paintings, Cousins will place a series of large, 6' x 4' art and text panels along the Kennett Street Art Wall, transforming that alley space into a huge art gallery. This project uses South Silver Spring's diversity as an asset by emphasizing not only the different cultures in the community, but also how they positively interrelate. Going far beyond simply adding an attractive facet to the local urban culture, "Cousins" represents the highest aspirations of our community's collective soul.

At the event:
For the event, community members will be issued a ballot, to choose 13 winners from among the 78 final images created by Tom. Each saying to be included on the Art Wall will be represented by 6 different text/image panels, which will be exhibited flat, in clear plastic sleeves, on tables around the outside of the gallery. Votes will be tallied immediately at 8 pm.

At the event, there will be one of the final 6' x 4' panels exhibited, to give the community a sense of how the small pieces will be enlarged to cover the Art Wall.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact David Fogel: david@gatewaycdc.com or 301.562.1400.

Come participate and help shape the visual landscape in South Silver Spring!

David Fogel

Greetings all,

I hope you’ll join consider participating in one of our upcoming discussions or workshops. Details below!

If you are interested in participating in any event, please RSVP to: david@gatewaycdc.com or 301.562.1400

Teaching Values

July 19, Thursday, 1- 2:30 pm

In keeping with the education focus of the current exhibit, these summer Jefferson Cafe (R) sessions engage with a current hot topic in education circles: Beyond the teaching of the three R's (or whatever the subject matter of a course might be), can a case be made for teaching values in the classroom? What would it mean to "teach" values? And which values are we talking about? To get us thinking about this topic, we take off from a reading of two contemporary writers who have interesting perspectives on this subject.

Next Week:

Watercolor Classes with Steve Hanks

Basic Techniques
July 23 and July 26, 7:00 - 9:30pm

Mr. Hanks will teach two classes, Basic Watercolor Techniques and Application of Watercolor Techniques in painting. Participants in the first class will get an introduction to watercolor painting and techniques, while the second class will help participants refine and apply said techniques. The instructor, Stephen T. Hanks, has been a professional artist, commercial illustrator, and art teacher for over 30 years, producing both watercolors and drawings for publication, exhibition, and sale. He has exhibited in many different museums, public exhibitions, and galleries nationwide. Much of his work is on display in his private gallery in Silver Spring. He is currently an art teacher at Gonzaga College High School in DC

The cost for each set of classes is $65 and includes all materials.

Artist Trading Card (ATC) Workshop with Brenda Smoak

Tuesday, July 24^th: 6:30 – 9:30 pm – First Session
Tuesday, August 14^th: 6:30 – 9:30 pm – Second Session

Artist Trading Cards are small unique works of art that measure 2-1/2" by 3-1/2". People make ATCs and then trade with one another instead of selling them. The premise behind trading cards is that you create your card in an environment of creating for art’s sake -- making something for the pure joy of it -- not for monetary gain. In this workshop you will learn how to create several types of ATCs by exploring how to transfer images from magazines and other print media, how to use different types of resists, see unique backgrounds, learn how to embed images and incorporate photos, drawings, fabric, etc. into your ATC. You do not have to be an artist to do this nor do you have to have lots of free time. If you are interested in altered books and objects, collage, and paint techniques then come join us! Session I is learning techniques and Session II is a trading session!

Cost: $25 and $25 Materials fee = $50. Fees for teenagers and students at Montgomery College (with valid school ID) are reduced to $10 + $25 materials fee = $35.

Greetings all,

I hope you’ll join Gateway tonight for the opening of 3 Roads Traveled, featuring print making artists Nancy McNamara, Marie Defeche and Maureen Feely-Kohl.

Time: Friday, July 13^th 6-8pm

Place: Gateway’s Heliport Gallery: 8001 Kennett St Suite 3, Silver Spring MD 20910

Gateway’s Heliport Gallery is proud to announce the opening of 3 Roads Traveled. The exhibit features the work of Montgomery College print making faculty Nancy McNamara and Maureen Feely-Kohl and student Marie Defeche. Nancy McNamara’s colagraph prints utilize winter green transfers and silicon intaglio. Nancy‘s work is a part of the Smithsonian collection and she recently won the juror’s choice award at the Mid-Atlantic Print Show. The particular series exhibited at The Heliport is a reaction to the current state and status of the female in our society. Maureen, has been affiliated with the College’s Art Department for over twenty years. After creating an abstract base of layered inks Maureen applies images utilizing the Silicon Intaglio method in her monoprints. Her textured work springs from her background as a potter, while the seasons are reflected in her color palette. Marie Defeche, born and raised in Belgium, receives most of her artistic inspiration in her garden. It is therefore appropriate that her ink of choice for her monoprints is Akua-Kolor, a non-toxic water based ink. Aptly timed with the opening of Montgomery College’s Cafritz Arts Center, this show reflects some of the talent the College has to offer as well as an opportunity for the community to realize what’s ahead.

As with all shows at the Heliport, we have a series of wonderful events related to this exhibit's theme 'art and education'. Please read about the opportunities below and RSVP to participate.

Teaching Values

July 19, Thursday, 1- 2:30 pm
and Aug. 16, Thursday, 6:30 - 8 pm

In keeping with the education focus of the current exhibit, these summer Jefferson Cafe (R) sessions engage with a current hot topic in education circles: Beyond the teaching of the three R's (or whatever the subject matter of a course might be), can a case be made for teaching values in the classroom? What would it mean to "teach" values? And which values are we talking about? To get us thinking about this topic, we take off from a reading of two contemporary writers who have interesting perspectives on this subject.

Watercolor Classes with Steve Hanks

Basic Techniques: July 23 and July 26, 7:00 - 9:30pm

Application/Advanced: August 6 and 8, 7:00 – 9:30pm

Mr. Hanks will teach two classes, Basic Watercolor Techniques and Application of Watercolor Techniques in painting. Participants in the first class will get an introduction to watercolor painting and techniques, while the second class will help participants refine and apply said techniques. The instructor, Stephen T. Hanks, has been a professional artist, commercial illustrator, and art teacher for over 30 years, producing both watercolors and drawings for publication, exhibition, and sale. He has exhibited in many different museums, public exhibitions, and galleries nationwide. Much of his work is on display in his private gallery in Silver Spring. He is currently an art teacher at Gonzaga College High School in DC.

The cost for each set of classes is $65 and includes all materials.

Artist Trading Card (ATC) Workshop with Brenda Smoak

Tuesday, July 24, 6:30 – 9:30pm – First Session;
Tuesday, August 14, 6:30 – 9:30pm – Second Session

Artist Trading Cards are small unique works of art that measure 2-1/2" by 3-1/2". People make ATCs and then trade with one another instead of selling them. The premise behind trading cards is that you create your card in an environment of creating for art's sake--making something for the pure joy of it--not for monetary gain. In this workshop you will learn how to create several types of ATCs by exploring how to transfer images from magazines and other print media, how to use different types of resists, see unique backgrounds, learn how to embed images and incorporate photos, drawings, fabric, etc. into your ATC. You do not have to be an artist to do this nor do you have to have lots of free time. If you are interested in altered books and objects, collage, and paint techniques then come join us! Session I is learning techniques and Session II is a trading session!

Cost: $25 and $25 Materials fee = $50. Fees for teenagers and students at Montgomery College (with valid school ID) are reduced to $10 + $25 materials fee = $35.

Beginner Mosaic Art Class with Christina Schwalm

Wednesday, August 15, 10:00 - 12:00pm and Thursday, August 16, 10:00 - 11:00am
or
Tuesday, August 21, 7:00 - 9:00pm and Thursday, August 23, 7:00 - 8:00pm

Have you ever broken a piece of good china? Recycle your heartache into a dynamic piece of art! Create a 6”x 6” tiled mirror while learning basic mosaic art design using glass tiles. Techniques discussed include selecting a base, application techniques and grouting techniques. Follow a pattern provided by the instructor or create your own pattern with the colored tiles provided. (By the way, if you would rather make a 4’ x 6’ picture frame or a trivet instead of the mirror, please let Christina know.)

Cost: $60 and $45 materials fee, for a total of $105 for 2 class sessions.

I hope to see you Friday night!

David Fogel
Project Manager
Gateway Georgia Avenue Revitalization Corporation
8001 Kennett St Ste 3, Silver Spring, MD 20910

301.562.1400

Gallery Hours: Tue - Fri, 4-7pm

Dear Neighbors: As a part of Gateway's July 21st S.E.E. Gateway Georgia Avenue Day, Gateway is sponsoring a Scrabble Tournament at the Shepherd Park Library. The tournament, co-sponsored by the Shepherd Park Library Scrabble Club, is open to all ages and includes competitive play under tournament rules, as well as more recreational play.

The S.E.E. Gateway event will bring together the business community, upper Georgia neighbors, and all interested persons for an afternoon of shopping, learning, and fun on the Gateway corridor! In addition to the Scrabble Tournament, neighbors can participate in a community mural project under the leadership of local artist Tom Block, get lifted by the sounds of the D.C. Youth Orchestra, sit in on Quilting and Jewelry making demonstrations, sample a wide variety of fine wines and non alcoholic beverages, and take advantage of merchant discounts on dozens of items. The D.C. Office of Planning will also host a workshop at the Shepherd Park library on Retail Strategies for the Upper Georgia corridor. And of course, it would not be summer without the traditional moonbounce, face painting, and balloons!

All events take place on Saturday, July 21st between the 7300-7800 blocks of Georgia Avenue, and the 7800 block of Eastern Avenue. The day kicks-off with a continental breakfast reception at 10:00 am at the Shepherd Park Library (7420 Georgia Avenue). So whether you are interested in Scrabble, Art, Music, Discounts, or learning the strategies for getting more Retail on upper Georgia Avenue, there is Something Enjoyable for Everyone (S.E.E.) along the emerging Gateway Georgia corridor! Please attend, and S.E.E. for yourself!

Please reply mail to gatewaycdc@aol.com to get an application for the Scrabble Tournament. For additional information about S.E.E. Gateway Georgia Avenue, please contact gatewaycdc@aol.com, jchristi@mris.com, or scsprather@aol.com.

As I am sure many of you are aware, the new Cultural Arts Center at Montgomery College seems to have begun construction in the past couple of weeks.  I snapped up this photo this afternoon. One eye on the camera, the other eye on oncoming traffic on 410. You can see a larger image by clicking the photo in the link above.

The Silver Spring Penguin has assembled a great slideshow of some of the art on display at Gateway's Heliport Gallery. Follow the link to see. QuickTime required.

About 150 people crammed into Heliport gallery (8001 Kennett St) on Friday night for the opening of “20901, 20902, 20903,20904, 20906, 20910.” The exhibit features works by 26 Silver Spring artists and shows off their eclectic styles and techniques.

The show continues through June 22, 2007, with other related events scheduled. Contact the gallery at (301) 562-1400 for more information.

Link.

The Silver Spring Penguin has information about a new photo exhibit just outside South Silver Spring.  Follow the link for a slideshow and the full article.

A new photo exhibit captures the beauty of area gardens without the sneezing and sniffling of allergy season.

The 17 photos, on display at Adams National Bank (8121 Georgia Ave), are winning entries from Washington Gardener magazine’s first annual photo contest.

...

Link.

From the Brian Hewitt Studio calendar:

The Artist's Wing of Eastern Village Co-housing, located at 7981 Eastern Avenue, announces a special April Fool's Day Open Studio and Gallery day on Sunday April 1st 2-4pm

Please join us on April 1 for the kick off of this Open Studio and Gallery day in South Silver Spring at the Artist's Wing - entrance off of the Kennett Street Parking Garage. Here you will find the Studio/Gallery lofts of Stephen Hanks and Brian Hewitt.

Brian Hewitt, an emerging artist who has exhibited both locally and internationally, creates abstract oil paintings and has recently been experimenting with transparent panels to produce paintings with a sculptural feel.

Stephen Hanks, a painter who has exhibited in a variety of major art museum shows, does watercolors and drawings that range from realistic wildlife to abstract expressionism .
The studios of both Mr. Hewitt and Mr. Hanks will feature their recent works as well as pieces currently in the midst of the creative process. You will find pieces of all scales - from small drawings and photography to large multipaneled works - as well as special Open Studio prices.

From Hewitt's & Hanks' studios, walk across Kennett Street to visit Gateway's Heliport Gallery currently showing "Convergences: Towards a Jewish/Muslim Renewal" featuring the art and thought of Tunisian Muslim artist Karim Chaibi and American Jewish artist Tom Block.

Theme:  CONVERGENCE (theme of current gallery exhibit)
Wednesday, March 28, 2007   6:30 – 8:30 PM

YOU’RE INVITED -- Join friends and neighbors for an evening of poetry inspired by the ideas around the theme CONVERGENCES. Writers are invited to bring their own work to read on the theme, but the reading is open also to those who wish to read work by another writer.

Convergences: Toward a Jewish/Muslim Renewal, (Exhibit dates Feb 9 - Apr 9, 2007) at Gateway's Heliport Gallery 8001 Kennett St, Suite 3, Silver Spring, MD (For reservations and further information, contact David Fogel, 301-562-1400, david@gatewaycdc.com.)  Convergences features the art and thought of Tunisian Muslim artist Karim Chaibi and American Jewish artist Tom Block, artists who propose a shared conviction that the arts, and open-minded conversation between Jews and Muslims, can help lead from the misunderstandings to a renewal of peace and friendship.