Tag Archives: Featured

Through the 4th Wall presents “19” – Staged Reading

Immersive theater company Through the 4th Wall  (Creators of the Poe production Dream within a Dream: Madness) return to the Art Center to they bring their latest play to life.

The musical 19 celebrates the dynamic and little-known story of Alice Paul, suffragists and the fight to get women the right to vote— the 19th Amendment. The inspirational story of these fearless women is brought to life through jazz, spoken word, dance and audience interaction.

Book and Lyrics by Jennifer Schwed & Doug Bradshaw

Music by Charlie Barnett


Performance dates:

  • Wednesday, September 12 – Cancelled due to high water in Old Town
  • Tuesday, October 16
  • Wednesday, November 28

Show Information:

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (doors at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm)
Tickets: $10

Purchase Tickets Now

Be sure to also visit the Through the 4th Wall table at the following three Late Shifts for more information about this exciting new play, as well as pop-up performances throughout the evening’s activities.

  • Friday, September 14 – Late Shift: Culture ALX – Cancelled due to high water in Old Town
  • Friday, October 12 – Late Shift: Folklore
  • Friday, November 9 – Late Shift: 100

About Through the 4th Wall

As filmmakers and multimedia storytellers, TT4W brings fantasy worlds to life. They build an elaborate “mythology” and then create an experience centered around audiences, while simultaneously engaging them to become a part of the story. They design immersive experiences that place audience not just in the front row, but through the imaginary “4th Wall” of the performance. Through these productions, they build a unique relationship with each audience member by changing them from a “passive viewer” into an “active participant.” The goal is always to make you a part of the story.

TT4W’s most recent collaboration at the Art Center was A Dream Within A Dream: Madnessa two-month sold out run in 2016 – a surreal and romantically macabre show that explored the twisted mind of Edgar Allan Poe.

Juxtaposed

Reception: Friday, October 12, 2018 | 7-10 pm

Target Gallery is happy to announce selected artists for Juxtaposed, a group exhibition focusing on the contradictory or conflicting. Whether it be through the use of mixed media or the themes represented, the works in the exhibition are at odds with two or more juxtaposing concepts.


Participating Artists

Miranda Brandon
Nora Burghardt
Theresa Devine
Travis Donovan
Nadia Estela
Ryan Lewis
Brian McClear
Christina Reed
Pam Rogers
Lyle Rushing
Caroline Wayne
Megan White


About the Juror

Megan Rook-Koepsel is an independent curator working in the greater Washington, DC area.  She has served as a curatorial intern at the Rose Art Museum and at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Graduate Coordinator for the Stamp Gallery and mentor to the Contemporary Art Purchasing Program at the University of Maryland, and as Exhibitions Manager for Arlington Arts Center.  Rook-Koepsel has curated and organized numerous exhibitions in the area including Disidentifications (2009) at the Stamp Gallery; Constructed Place (2010) at Annemarie Garden Sculpture Park and Art Center; WPA SELECT (2014); Homeward Bound (2015) and King of the Forest: Adventures in Bioperversity (2016) at Arlington Arts Center; and Performing the Border (2017) for the Alper Initiative for Washington Art at the American University Museum. Recently, Rook-Koepsel was asked to identify women artists in the DC/Baltimore region for consideration in the upcoming exhibition Women to Watch 2018 at the National Museum for Women in the Arts. Rook-Koepsel holds a BA in Art History from Brandeis University and an MA in Art History with a focus on Contemporary Art and Theory from the University of Maryland, College Park.


Notes from the Juror

jux.ta.pose

:to place (different things) side by side (as to compare or contrast them or to create an interesting effect)[1]

In the language of art and art history ‘juxtaposed’ is a significant word. Any student of art history learns very early on that placing two artworks next to each other can open up incredible ways of thinking and allow us to notice things that we might not have before. Juxtaposing helps to define certain elements, ideas, and styles. Juxtaposed works can reveal otherwise subtle or hidden meanings. Yet the definition of the word juxtapose is a surprisingly simple one. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines juxtapose as “to place (different things) side by side (as to compare or contrast them or to create an interesting effect).” That’s it. To place things side by side. What can we learn when we place one thing next to another?

The works in this exhibition encompass the subtlety and complexity that can unfold from the simple act of “placing side by side.” Whether it be a literal placement of two disparate visual elements side by side as in the case of Megan White and Nora Burghardt’s Topos series, or Pam Rogers’s Rescue and Contiguous; or the juxtaposition of tone between the visual and the content as in Caroline Wayne’s Pretty Real series, Miranda Brandon’s Erasure, or Theresa Divine’s ‘Til Disability Do Us Part & In Sickness And In Health, these works present a juxtaposition that gives us pause, allows us to access difficult content, and dig into the more complicated meanings at hand.

Many of the works in this exhibition use juxtaposition to present hard truths with which we must grapple. In Ryan Lewis’s and Travis Donovan’s works, for example, juxtaposed elements call attention to identity, and how easily (or not easily) one fits within the structures of our society. Society, and a reminder of the structures of power that continue to plague it, are also on display in Nadia Estela’s Vis Insita and Lex Insita. Lyle Rushing, Christina Reed, and Brian McClear remind us that sometimes what is juxtaposed is our highest ideals as a society—justice, equality, freedom of expression—and the actual lived reality for many of us.

It is my hope that these works, ‘placed side by side’ not only “creates an interesting effect,” as in the dictionary definition of ‘to juxtapose,’ but also provides an entry into the complex, challenging, thoughtful (and thought provoking) narratives that each work brings out through its own juxtaposition, as well as through being placed in context with each other. The dictionary definition of ‘to juxtapose’ belies the incredible depth of knowledge and understanding that can arise from two things placed side by side. The works in this exhibition redefine this simple action into one far more significant.

—Megan Rook-Koepsel

[1] From the Merriam-Webster online dictionary (www.merriam-webster.com)

Image Credit: Travis Donovan, Skeletor, ceramic, 2017

Workshop: Community Writing with CBAW

No creative writing experience required! Join Community Building Art Works for their a creative writing workshop in collaboration with the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Led by accomplished authors, these workshops focus on the craft of writing as a tool for introspection, communication, and connection. Bring a pen, a notebook, and an open mind! Tickets are free, but CBAW appreciates a donation of $5-10 to support their program.

Light refreshments will be provided. Doors at 6:30 pm; workshop begins promptly at 7 pm.

 

Workshop is held on the second floor in the Riverview Room (208)

 

Register

 

 

About the Facilitator:

 

Seema Reza is the Chair of Community Building Art Works and the author of “When the World Breaks Open,” a memoir of essays and poetry published by Red Hen Press in Spring 2016. Based outside of Washington, DC, she coordinates and facilitates a unique multi-hospital arts program that encourages the use of the arts as a tool for narration, self-care and socialization among a population struggling with emotional and physical injuries. Her writing has appeared in print and on-line in Entropy, The Feminist Wire, Bellevue Literary Review, The Offing, Full Grown People, and The Nervous Breakdown among others. Her second book, a collection of poetry is forthcoming from Write Bloody in 2019.

Torpedo Talks: Dejan Jovanovic

Dejan Jovanovic (Studio 15) has been an artist for more than 20 years. He has spent his life immersed in applied art and high craft. Trained as a sculptor in Serbia, he has been established in the DC area since 2002, where Dejan Studio Jewelry began.

“My inspiration comes from the natural world and the metals I use to create my organically inspired, textured wearable art. My pieces are subtly textured in a combination of colors to reveal the quality of the metal, creating harmony by the interplay of the various elements.”

Dejan draws inspiration from nature and the universal language of shape and form, translating subtle organic shapes and asymmetry into his pieces. His work demonstrates his exploration of ancient metalsmithing forms and techniques which he revives with a modern, sophisticated sensibility. His pieces embody a sense of both elegance and rarity.

From as early as he can remember, he was fascinated by creating shapes and had the freedom to enjoy creating in his father’s sculptor’s studio. He also trained as a sculptor at Belgrade University School of Applied Arts in Serbia and graduated top of his class. He later received his Master’s of Fine Arts in metal design from East Carolina University School of Art and Design in North Carolina.

RSVP

 

 

About Torpedo Talks

These monthly conversations highlight the unique voices that make the Torpedo Factory Art Center such a dynamic institution.

To find out more about Torpedo Talks, please view our list of upcoming 2018 Torpedo Talks or visit our archives.

 

The Late Shift: Summer Fling

Close out summer with a good ol’ fashioned dance party covering the nearly five decades of the Art Center. ??

Enjoy feel-good pop hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and more. Put on your boogie shoes or blue suede shoes and get footloose with us! ? ? ?

Retro dress highly encouraged.

  • Reception for Illuminate, a special glow-in-the-dark exhibition in the Target Gallery. Hands-on project and additional artists comments at 8 pm
  • Hands-on workshops for New Art/New Voices with emerging artists Han Sol JeonMichelle Chen, and Shani Shih in the New Project Studio (Studio 8)
  • Show your Art Center school dance spirit! Stop by our “School Spirit Banner-Making Mural project” and contribute to your decade’s Late Shift: Summer Fling banner
  • Make a Late Shift corsage at a DIY table before dancing all night on our Summer Fling dancefloor
  • Take a photo with your sweetheart at a “Late Shift: Summer Fling” selfie station
  • Hands-on art project with sculptor and art school graduate Sara Roberts in the Post-Grad Residency studio
  • “Summer Fling” Video art projection on the waterfront side of the Torpedo Factory Art Center building from 8:30pm – 10pm, provided by video artist/comic book artist/musician Nguyen Khoi Nguyen
  • Filmmaker/Video artist and Visual Arts Coordinator at the Strathmore Gabrielle Tillenburg invites you to walk down memory lane as she projects a looping video installation of every major prom/homecoming/school dance scene from the past 40 years of American cinema and television, titled “Enchantment Under the Sea”
  • In Site 2 Community Gallery, visit Off the Grid, created by Kelli Schollard-Sincock of Inspiration Matterz.
  • Pop-up art demonstrations throughout the building.
  • DJ Starchild spins a special 3-hour retro “Summer Fling” set from 7 pm – 10 pm, featuring hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and today.
  • Who will be the “Late Shift: Summer Fling” King and Queen? Find out how you can nominate yourself or a friend — details on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
  • Three floors of art studios and galleries to explore all night.

FREE, but RSVP requested.

RSVP

 

The Late Shift: Bright Nights

Summer is the time for get-togethers and music after-hours.  Tonight, the Torpedo Factory Art Center keeps its doors open late and comes alive with performances and art to celebrate the night on the waterfront.

  • Be among the first to see Illuminate, a special glow-in-the-dark exhibition in the Target Gallery. Gallery opening starts at 7 pm with comments at 8 pm.
  • One night only! Find site-specific illuminated work by Andreas Schenkel, Michael West, and Steve Wanna throughout the building.
  • Join the gallery reception for New Art/New Voices and meet emerging artists Han Sol Jeon, Michelle Chen, and Shani Shih as well as juror Amy Lokoff in the New Project Studio (Studio 8).
  • In Site 2 Community Gallery, find a moving body of drawings created by art students at the Alexandria Detention Center and the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. The reception for Off the Grid is also an opportunity to meet and hear from Kelli Schollard-Sincock of Inspiration Matterz, who has been teaching the inmates how to create these incredibly moving and detailed portraits.
  • Meet sculptor and recent graduate Sara Roberts as she begins her three-month stay in the Post-Grad Residency studio.
  • Video artist Monica Stroik provides an art projection on the waterfront side of the Torpedo Factory building from 8:30pm – 10pm
  • Welcome Discover Graphics Atelier’s (Studio 202) Artist-in-Residence, Mel Parada, an artist and adjunct graphic design professor at George Mason University, 7 pm – 10 pm.
  • Pop-up art demonstrations throughout the building.
  • DJ Franklin spins a special 3-hour “Bright Nights” set from 7 pm – 10 pm.
  • Three floors of art studios and galleries to explore all night.

FREE, but RSVP requested.

RSVP

The Late Shift: Bright Nights

Target Gallery’s summer exhibition, Illuminate, plays with the dynamics of light in the darkness. The gallery opening comes alive with performances and art to celebrate the night on the waterfront.

Illuminate

Exhibition Dates: July 20 – September 2, 2018

Opening Reception: Friday, July 20 7 – 9 pm | Gallery Talk 8 pm

Target Gallery presents Illuminate, a special glow-in-the-dark exhibition that is focused on the relationship between art and light. The lights will be turned off in the gallery, turning the viewer’s attention to the illuminated artwork whether it be through the lighting of video, light installation/sculpture, or use of black light mediums.

The juror for this exhibition was Emily Smith, Executive Director of 1708 Gallery in Richmond, VA.

Featured Artists: 
Sarah Clough, Baltimore, MD
David Gladden, Salisburg, MD
Nora Hartlaub, Manteo, NC
Karen Lemmert, Baltimore, MD
Lucas Martinez, Valencia, Spain
Andreas Schenkel, Alexandria, VA
Emma Shapiro, Glasgow, VA
Joana Stillwell, Washington, DC
Steve Wanna, Mount Rainier, MD
Michael West, Potomac, MD
Art Vidrine, Alexandria,VA

Image Credit: Karen Lemmert, “Dual Translational Progression”, 2017, acrylic and aluminum sheet, diochroic film, stainless steel fasteners, lighting assembly

Torpedo Talks: Matthew Harwood

The first Torpedo Talk of the new season highlights the work and career of Matthew Harwood (Studio 222). His work is influenced by his formal training as an architect. Learn about his current projects and hear vignettes from his long history at the Art Center.

Off the Grid

On View in Site 2 Community Gallery

OFF THE GRID: Creating Change Through Art Instruction & Inspiration

Reception: Friday, July 20 7 – 9pm, with opening remarks at 7:30pm

“Off the Grid” is an exhibition featuring the artwork created by Northern Virginia inmates under the volunteer instruction of Kelli Schollard-Sincock (aka Ms. Kelli) of ‘Inspiration Matterz’. The students in Ms. Kelli’s classes range in age, background, and experience, most having never drawn before. She uses a step-by-step process utilizing a griding system to teach the basics in observation and interpretation of line, tone and texture. The artwork displayed in this exhibition is just a small sampling of an enormous body of work that has been produced over the past year by her students. (*Out of respect of privacy for the students, names are simplified to their initials.)

Give Now to Inspiration Matterz

Donated of art supplies are also accepted.

Wish List

  • Pads of Bristol Board Drawing Paper (various sizes)
  • Pads of Drawing Paper (NOT SPIRAL BOUND)
  • Pads of tracing paper
  • Packages of carbon paper
  • Packages of standard printing paper (white and colored)
  • Cardboard backed canvases (variety of sizes)
  • Smudge sticks (packages are best – we go through tons of these)
  • Erasers: gum, kneaded, and white (we use them all)
  • Drawing Pencils: (specifically 8B, 4B, 2B, HB, 5H, and 6/7H) All drawing pencils greatly appreciated!
  • Paint Brushes in a variety of sizes
  • Acrylic Paint sets (especially black, white, red, yellow, blue)
  • Legal Size Manilla Folders

For Inquiries on the Exhibition

Contact: Leslie Mounaime, Target Gallery Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 703-746-4590


About the Curator

Kelli Schollard-Sincock is a Volunteer Art Instructor at both the Alexandria Detention Center and the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. She began developing her art curriculum at the Alexandria Detention Center on a trial run in 2017. Within a year her program has grown to include the Fairfax Country Adult Detention Center now serving approximately 85+ students per week. Kelli began this program as a way to give back to her community and to teach self-empowerment through tangible working skills. As much as she enjoys seeing the beautiful work produced by her students, her greatest sense of fulfillment is witnessing the pride in accomplishment by her students and ultimately to watch them become teachers themselves. Teaching art within the jail system poses many challenges including restrictions on materials and tools. Both the Alexandria and Fairfax facilities have been extremely encouraging and cooperative in aiding the program to grow and develop. Since its inception, the Inspiration Matterz art courses has worked with well over 200+ students. Kelli is a certified Forensic Sketch Artist through the Stuart Parks Forensics Associates. She holds a Bachelor’s of Art degree in Interdisciplinary Art from the University of Washington, and has recently completed the Bachelor of Fines Art’s program in Printmaking at George Mason University.

About Inspiration Matterz

Inspiration Matterz is the brainchild of Kelli Schollard-Sincock and is currently in the works to become a non-profit with the intention of serving the less fortunate within her community through art instruction. She is indebted to and greatly humbled by the support she has received from her community through donation of materials, legal services, monetary support, and the provision of classroom opportunities from so many people including: The Alexandria Detention Center, The Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, The Del Ray Artisans, The Reston Buy Nothing Group, Cooley LLP Legal Services, Thomas J. Long Foundation, Cathy Fisher of Fisher & Kong LLP, and Leslie Mounaime Director of the Target Gallery at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. She is especially thankful to her family for their continued and unwavering support of her program.

 

This exhibition is supported by the Del Ray Artisans.

Del Ray Artisans