- You do You - Artomatic DC 2024
Artomatic is a Washington DC tradition going back to1999. The uncurarted art event is a multi-floor experience in unoccupied buildings undergoing transitions. The first one in 1999 was in an old industrial laundromat from which it’s name is derived. More often, the exhibits are in empty office buildings that are given a new purpose temporarily. This recent show included a photographer who previously occupied one of the offices as a government employee. Artomatic, transforms these former office spaces into mini-galleries for artist to express their themselves with their art. The event includes a wide variety of artistic expressions. It is the place where you will see artworks of a full time artist next to works of an aspiring part-time artists. It is a place where the art prices range from $20-$9,000. It is a place where the variety of personal aesthetics and personal convictions are abundant.
In viewing this year’s exhibit, the diversity of the artists and their interests reenforced for me the idea that art is not monolithic, only meant to be viewed in museums. For me it made a statement about the democracy of art, in that everyone has their own unique voice. The types of media was not limited by conventional expectations and neither was the subject matter.
In this year’s event, glass art was represented by many artist. The Washington Glass School is one of the sponsors of the show and it’s history is intertwined with Artomatic because it was founded as a result of the show. One of the founding members of the school exhibited one of their pieces in 2000 and the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum purchased the artwork. The money from the purchase was used to start the Washington Glass School. Other art programs were also represented including artist from the Workhouse Arts Center, which is a former Reformatory in Lorton Va, transformed into an Art Center with artist studios, galleries and classes. Both of these organizations are examples for how Artomatic supports and contributes to the vibrancy of the local art community.
The artists in the show shared their passion for their art whether they were full time artists or not. Not all of the art will appeal to everyone, and it shouldn’t. I overhead a conversation of a couple discussing the potential of buying a small photograph for their bathroom. It was a photograph that was not a standard photo you would expect to be found in a bathroom, but this photo resonated with this couple’s perspective on life. We are all different and the variety of expressions have the potential to connect in different ways. Art can be a catalyst and ignite a conversation, or it can provide a new way of looking at things or appreciating something. Progress is not inevitable, but diversity is the ingredient needed to push the boundaries of any environment towards progress.
Here is a link to see a snapshot of the artists at the show. Below are 7 artists I saw with a little bit of their story.
Photography
Colin Winterbottom is the artist who previously had an office in the Artomatic exhibit building while he was an employee of the Urban Institute. He has has many amazing architectural photos of the Washington DC. He also has many photos of the National Cathedral and he has an amazing time lapse video of the stained glass of the Cathedral.
Glass
Merrilee Harrigan is a fused glass artist and friend of my wife. We often see each other at local art shows where she and my wife are both participating. Merrilee makes jewelry and other art glass objects . She also offers workshops in her Washington DC studio.
Digital Art
Here is the artist, who’s work is found at the top of the article. Leda Black’s work is a celebration and a call to arms. It educates us about of great leaders we should know about and celebrates the known leaders of our time. One of her portraits is of Alice Paul. The portrait is visually striking with the tagline of “Disobey” which brings a a serious historical tone and at the same time is reminiscent of cultural phenomena of “Obey”.
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Stone Mosaics
Marie Connor’s stone mosaics are unusual wall hangings that might need more than a nail to hang, but clearly represent a passions and meditation she wants to share with others.
Portrait Painting
James Flowers works are more visually rich when seen in person because he often paints on metal which brings unique colors and textures. He is a portrait artist for the modern times.
Mix Media
Bobbi Kittner’s mix media works are a celebration of color and texture. The trompe l’oeil effects are joyful. She and her husband, Sam Kittner were both in the show. He is a photographer and both support the local arts community with Kittner Studios.
Minatures
Howard Thomas Hay’s artwork at Artomatic included his "Minatures”. He represents one type of artist who by day leads a 9 to 5 job and then in his free time creates. Most of his career he worked for the Justice Department, but also had many other paths before that. His miniatures are mostly light hearted and offer alternative perspectives on different topics.