Artomatic - Press Releases

Artomatic 2008 attracts record-breaking 52,500 visitors

muckraker — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:41:44 -0500

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

For immediate release: June 23, 2008

Artomatic, the Washington, D.C. area’s homegrown arts extravaganza, came to a triumphant close this month, setting new records and breaking new ground for artists in the region.

Held May 9 through June 15 in D.C.’s NoMa neighborhood, Artomatic 2008 attracted a record 52,500 visitors, more than any previous Artomatic event. Hosted by the NoMa Business Improvement District (BID), Artomatic included art, performances, workshops and special activities.

“Artomatic 2008 was a phenomenal event and it exceeded even our expectations,” said Veronica Szalus, Artomatic president. “We are glad to be able to provide this opportunity for artists and to enrich the D.C. creative community.”

In all, about 1,540 individual artists took part in Artomatic — also a new high. The total included 740 visual artists — such as painters, sculptors and photographers — who showed thousands of artworks. The event also included individual 800 performing artists, such as dancers, poets, theatre groups, drummers, comedians, fire troupes and musicians.

Highlights of Artomatic 2008 included an art-themed fashion show, blood drive, art car foot race, marketplace, book signings and on-site tattoo parlor. One of the more popular attractions was a display of dioramas from the Sunday Source Peeps Diorama Contest held by The Washington Post. Artomatic visitors cast their vote for their favorite diorama during the event, naming “The Trojan Peep” by Virginia and Marge Haufler as the Artomatic Peeples Choice Award winner.

For the first time, Artomatic had a full schedule of free children’s events every weekend, including popular workshops on mobile-making, Peeps dioramas, drawing and sculpting. More than 20 children’s events were held, attracting hundreds of participants and budding artists. Adult educational workshops and lectures were also held, focusing on topics such as art collecting and photography techniques.

Presented regularly since 1999, Artomatic transforms an unfinished indoor space into an exciting and diverse arts event that is free and open to the public. Volunteers worked for three months to convert 225,000 square feet of space on 10 floors of the Capitol Plaza I building into a temporary arts and performance space. In contrast, it will take about two weeks for Artomatic to deconstruct and vacate the space.

Although Artomatic is leaving NoMa, Elizabeth Price, president of the NoMa BID, promised it won’t be the end for arts in the D.C. neighborhood, which is currently hosting a summer-long James Bond Film Festival.

“The NoMa BID was proud to host this year's record-breaking Artomatic, which brought tens of thousands of people to NoMa for the first time while creating a new sense of vibrancy through artistic expression,” Price said. “The BID will continue to attract high-energy arts and entertainment events to this emerging new neighborhood.”

As a nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers, Artomatic depends on the generosity of its donors, sponsors and participants to run its events. In addition to the NoMa BID, partners for this year’s Artomatic included VEF-VN Capitol Plaza I LLC, Miller and Long Concrete Construction, the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities. For a full list of sponsors and supporters for Artomatic 2008, visit http://artomatic.org/about/credits .

“We are extremely grateful to our sponsors for their support and generosity,” said George Koch, Artomatic’s chair. “Without the assistance of these partners, Artomatic would not be able to continue.”

Organizers are now working on plans for the next Artomatic event, with dates and location to be determined. Previous Artomatic sites have included a former museum, government offices and a home improvement store. This year was the sixth Artomatic event, which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2009.

To stay up to date year-round on Artomatic, visit www.artomatic.org and sign up for the newsletter.

Hi-res photos from this year’s event are available now for press use and can be downloaded online. For a password to the press photos Web page, contact one of the media liaisons listed at the beginning of this news release.

###

About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org

Artomatic’s Final Weekend June 13-15 Features Art in Fashion, Tours, Flamenco

muckraker — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:07:47 -0500

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

For immediate release: June 11, 2008

This weekend is Washington’s last chance to visit Artomatic as the five-week homegrown arts extravaganza goes out on a high note on Sunday, June 15.

In addition to disfree plays and sales by over 700 visual artists, the weekend’s activities include tours, flamenco and Indian dance performances, a children’s mask-making workshop, film, fire-dancing, and performances by dozens of bands. All events are free and open to the public. Weekend highlights include:

Friday, June 13: Book signing by PostSecret author Frank Warren; a movie on witchcraft; an original play titled “Sole Survivors” accompanied by a mariachi band; comedy by Off the Wall; flamenco by Suspiro Andaluz; a baseball painting party; and live music by the dead husbands, Attention Shoppers!, PupTent, 302Acid, and other local bands.

Saturday, June 14: Sculpt-a-story and seed mosaic workshops for children; the first-ever fire-themed Art in Fashion show; Tehreema Mitha Dance Company performing dances from India; the ever-popular Flights of Fire; and live music by Yumi, Randy Colors, Elikeh, DoS, and more. Free tours of Artomatic at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Sunday, June 15: Artomatic’s final day will include a mask-making workshop and storytelling for children ages three and up; jukebox movies; CityDance Ensemble, and live music by Icarus Rising, Society of Strangers, Betsy Wright, and other performers.

Artomatic is open Wednesdays and Thursdays as well, so be sure to check the Artomatic Web site for schedules for those days. Also on Thursday nights in the NoMa neighborhood is the James Bond Film Festival, with free films beginning at dusk. This Thursday’s movie is “Diamonds are Forever.” For a schedule of festival movies, visit www.nomabid.org.

All Artomatic events are free. For the full weekend schedule, visit the Artomatic calendar at www.artomatic.org/event. For more on children’s activities, visit www.artomatic.org/kids.

The NoMa BID is hosting Artomatic 2008 at the Capitol Plaza I building, located at 1200 First Street (1st and M Streets), N.E., in Washington, D.C., just one block west of the New York Avenue Metro station. Artomatic hours are Fridays and Saturdays: noon–2 a.m.; Sundays: noon–10 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays: 5 p.m.–10 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Artomatic’s closing day is June 15.

For more information, call the Artomatic info line at 202-339-9007. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take Metro to Artomatic.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic transforms an unfinished indoor space into an exciting and diverse arts event that is free and open to the public. In addition to displays and sales by hundreds of artists, the event features free films, educational presentations and children’s activities, as well as musical, dance, poetry, theater and other performances.

ARTOMATIC
May 9–June 15
1200 First Street, N.E.,
(Corner of First and M Streets)
Washington, D.C.
(New York Avenue Metro station: Red line)
Free, but donations accepted

HOURS
Wednesday–Thursdays: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fridays–Saturdays: Noon to 2 a.m.
Sundays: Noon to 10 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

###

About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org

PostSecret Book Signing, Tango, Marketplace highlights of June 6-8

muckraker — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:10:11 -0500

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

For immediate release: June 3, 2008

Got a secret? Local artist Frank Warren’s got thousands of them -- and will be sharing them from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 6, at Artomatic, the Washington, D.C. area’s homegrown art extravaganza hosted by the NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) Business Improvement District (BID).

Launched at Aromatic in November 2004, PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on homemade postcards. About 200,000 secrets have been shared. Copies of one of Warren’s bestselling books, which contain images of some of the many postcards he has received, will be available for purchase during the Artomatic signing event. Warren will also be signing books on June 13.

Another highlight of Artomatic’s fifth weekend in NoMa is a Marketplace on Saturday, June 7, a one-time-only special sale of works by some of Artomatic’s 700-plus visual artists.

Among the dozens of free live performances and activities to be held throughout the weekend will be:

• Friday, June 6: Flights of Fire; Craigslist! The Musical; Contradiction Dance; tango dancing by Milonga; music by Evan Bliss & The Welchers; and the Spooky Movie Festival.

• Saturday, June 7: Free photography workshop and children’s workshop on making Peeps dioramas; Street Dance All-Stars; improvisational comedy by YAP and 5-6-7-8; PDF Fire Enclave; Libertine Burlesque; and music by Hypnotic Gurus, Free Lobster Buffet, Legs Diamond and others.

• Sunday, June 8: Kids vs. parents art challenge workshop; jukebox movies; music by The Druthers and Uninterrupted; and more.

Artomatic is open Wednesdays and Thursdays as well, so be sure to check the Artomatic Web site for schedules for those days. Also on Thursday nights in the NoMa neighborhood is the James Bond Film Festival, with free films beginning at dusk. This Thursday’s movie is You Only Live Twice. For a schedule of festival movies, visit www.nomabid.org.

All Artomatic events are free. For the full weekend schedule, visit the Artomatic calendar at www.artomatic.org/event. For more on children’s activities, visit www.artomatic.org/kids.

Seeing all that artwork can work up an appetite, so check out D.C.’s latest craze in street vending, On The Fly. On The Fly’s bright green electric vehicle will be parked in front of Artomatic and at the James Bond Film Festival, serving great food from some of D.C.’s favorite local restaurants like Julia’s Empanadas, Rocklands BBQ and more.

The NoMa BID is hosting Artomatic 2008 at the Capitol Plaza I building, located at 1200 First Street (1st and M Streets), N.E., in Washington, D.C., just one block west of the New York Avenue Metro station. Artomatic hours are Fridays and Saturdays: noon–2 a.m.; Sundays: noon–10 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays: 5 p.m.–10 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Artomatic’s closing day is June 15.

For more information, call the Artomatic info line at 202-339-9007. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take Metro to Artomatic.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic transforms an unfinished indoor space into an exciting and diverse arts event that is free and open to the public. In addition to displays and sales by hundreds of artists, the event features free films, educational presentations and children’s activities, as well as musical, dance, poetry, theater and other performances.

ARTOMATIC
May 9–June 15
1200 First Street, N.E.,
(Corner of First and M Streets)
Washington, D.C.
(New York Avenue Metro station: Red line)
Free, but donations accepted

Artomatic weekend highlights include Mambo Sauce, Peeps, Artomatic 500

muckraker — Tue, 27 May 2008 12:56:07 -0500

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

For immediate release: May 27, 2008

The ever-popular Peeps will take center stage on Peeps Day, Saturday, May 31, at Artomatic, the Washington, D.C. area’s homegrown art extravaganza hosted by the NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) Business Improvement District (BID). Peeps Day, held in conjunction with the winners of The Washington Post’s Sunday Source Peeps Diorama Contest, will include a “meet the artists” Peeps Party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., along with a children’s tour and workshop from noon to 2 p.m.

Another highlight of Artomatic’s fourth weekend in NoMa is the first-ever Artomatic 500 on Sunday, June 1, during which Artomatic’s participating artists will run wearing homemade decorated cardboard “vehicles.” Winners will be selected based on “some combination of garishness and ingenuity yet to be determined,” said organizer Sal Ferro.

Among the dozens of free live performances and activities to be held throughout the weekend is an appearance by the popular band Mambo Sauce at 10 p.m. on Saturday. The go-go band is well-known for its Billboard chart-topping song “Welcome to D.C.,” which has been used as the official introduction song for Washington Wizards home games.

Artomatic’s displays by over 700 visual artists on 10 floors will continue as well. Additional weekend highlights include:

Friday, May 30: Dance by Joy of Motion and Mavi/DCTribal; open screening and “jukebox movies;” music by Skydivers, The Mesmers, Mike Clayberg and Caryn Fox.

Saturday, May 31: Free workshops on field sketching, art collecting and creating Peeps dioramas; children’s collage workshop and Peeps workshop; improvisational comedy by Yap and 5-6-7-8; outdoor fire performance by Fire Conclave; music by Mambo Sauce, Alejandro Alegria, Birds and Buildings, Flip Red, Bliss, Lil SoSo Productions, Ronald Mulero, DJ Grun and others.

Sunday, June 1: Artomatic 500; free workshops on large format photography and mobile-making; poetry and prose by Kathy Morris; and live music by Daniel Gage, Michael Blumenstock, Raucous Caucus Brigade, Alexis George, Pet Parade and House of Echo.

Artomatic is open Wednesdays and Thursdays as well, so be sure to check the Artomatic Web site for schedules for those days. Also on Thursday nights in the NoMa neighborhood is the James Bond Film Festival, with free films beginning at dusk. This Thursday’s movie is Thunderball. For a schedule of festival movies, visit www.nomabid.org.

All Artomatic events are free. For the full weekend schedule, visit the Artomatic calendar at www.artomatic.org/event. For more on children’s activities, visit www.artomatic.org/kids.

Seeing all that artwork can work up an appetite, so check out D.C.’s latest craze in street vending, On The Fly. On The Fly’s bright green electric vehicle will be parked in front of Artomatic and at the James Bond Film Festival, serving great food from some of D.C.’s favorite local restaurants like Julia’s Empanadas, Rocklands BBQ and more.

The NoMa BID is hosting Artomatic 2008 at the Capitol Plaza I building, located at 1200 First Street (1st and M Streets), N.E., in Washington, D.C., just one block west of the New York Avenue Metro station. Artomatic hours are Fridays and Saturdays: noon–2 a.m.; Sundays: noon–10 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays: 5 p.m.–10 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Artomatic’s closing day is June 15.

For more information, call the Artomatic info line at 202-339-9007. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take Metro to Artomatic.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic transforms an unfinished indoor space into an exciting and diverse arts event that is free and open to the public. In addition to displays and sales by hundreds of artists, the event features free films, educational presentations and children’s activities, as well as musical, dance, poetry, theater and other performances.

ARTOMATIC
May 9–June 15
1200 First Street, N.E.,
(Corner of First and M Streets)
Washington, D.C.
(New York Avenue Metro station: Red line)
Free, but donations accepted

Cheer on your favorite “driver” at the first-ever Artomatic 500

muckraker — Tue, 27 May 2008 10:50:48 -0500

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

For immediate release: May 27, 2008

Didn’t make it to the Indianapolis 500 this weekend? Then come out to Artomatic on Sunday and cheer on your favorite race-car “driver” during the first-ever Artomatic 500.

With cardboard cars, enthusiastic artists and Artomatic’s trademark colorful creativity, the Artomatic 500 race promises to be a zany, fun-filled event.

Artomatic 500 participants — all of whom are artists in this year’s Artomatic in Washington, D.C. — will strap on their homemade, decorated cardboard vehicles, line up at the starting line and then run like crazy. The event is a cross between the Indianapolis 500 and an art car parade, “just without actual cars," according to race organizer Sal Ferro, co-chair of Artomatic’s Marketing and Development Committee.

"Our vehicles won't have any engines or wheels, but they will be loud anyway,” Ferro said. "And you don't have to go all the way to Indiana or Texas to enjoy them.”

Spectators, cheerleaders and pit crews are welcome to attend the race, which will be held Sunday, June 1, at 2 p.m. just outside the Artomatic building.

Among the rules for the race, all cars must be made primarily of cardboard and no engines of any kind allowed. Winners will be determined by a judging team using points based on “some combination of garishness and ingenuity yet to be determined,” according to Ferro. The event will include a five-lap main event, a drag race and some surprises.

For more information on the Artomatic 500, e-mail Ferro at ferro.sal@gmail.com.

This year’s Artomatic is hosted by the NoMa Business Improvement District (BID). Up to 1,000 local and regional artists are exhibiting their works and performing on 10 floors (more than 200,000 square feet) of the Capitol Plaza I building at 1200 First Street, N.E.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic transforms an unfinished indoor space into an exciting and diverse arts event that is free and open to the public. In addition to displays and sales by hundreds of artists, the event features free films, educational presentations and children’s activities, as well as musical, dance, poetry, theater and other performances.

For a full list of all Artomatic activities, visit the online event calendar at www.artomatic.org/event. The site also contains a catalog of artists taking part in Artomatic with images of their work as well as videos and music from performers.

For directions and hours, call the Artomatic infoline at 202-339-9007. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take Metro to Artomatic.

ARTOMATIC
May 9–June 15
1200 First Street, N.E.,
(Corner of First and M Streets)
Washington, D.C.
(New York Avenue Metro station: Red line)
Free, but donations accepted

HOURS
Wednesday–Thursdays: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fridays–Saturdays: Noon to 2 a.m.
Sundays: Noon to 10 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

###
About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.

Join in the Peeps art fun at Artomatic this Saturday, May 31

muckraker — Tue, 27 May 2008 10:46:55 -0500

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

For immediate release: May 27, 2008

The fun of Artomatic comes together with the marshmallow-sugary goodness of Peeps this Saturday, May 31. In honor of the three dozen Peeps dioramas on display at this year’s event, Artomatic is holding a day of Peeps art-related events aimed at both kids and adults.

Artomatic is playing host to finalists from the second annual Sunday Source Peeps Diorama Contest held recently by The Washington Post. Dioramas on display include this year’s contest winner, “The Tomb of Peepankhamun” by Laura Sillers, as well as other finalists, such as “Nightmare in Pink" by Peter Byer and “Peeps Attacks!” by Chris Engnoth and Garrett "Buzz" Shea.

“The Peeps dioramas are incredibly popular,” said artist Michele Banks, Artomatic Peeps show coordinator and co-chair of the Artomatic Visual Arts Committee. “It’s definitely one of must-see attractions at this year’s Artomatic.”

This Saturday, Artomatic visitors can get up and close with the diorama-makers from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at a special “meet the artists” Peeps Party. Get inside tips on what it takes to make an award-winning diorama and find out just how difficult it is to hot-glue gun clothes onto Peeps — all the while mixing and mingling with other Peeps diorama fans.

Kids and families will be able to join into the Peeps fun with a special children’s tour of the dioramas and Peeps diorama-making workshop. The kids events, both of which are free, will be held Saturday, May 31, from noon to 2 p.m.

A second Peeps diorama workshop, taught by Sunday Source contest winner Sillers, will be held Saturday, June 7, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. To RSVP for any of the kids Peeps events, visit www.artomatic.org/kids.

The free events will include Peeps treats, compliments of Just Born, the manufacturers of Peeps. The company said it is “excited” that Artomatic is featuring Peeps in its event.

“We have discovered just how creative Peeps fans are and now more people will be able to appreciate Peeps artwork,” according to a statement from the company.

The dioramas can be viewed anytime on the 10th floor during Artomatic regular hours. While there, visitors can cast a ballot for their favorite diorama in the Artomatic Peeple’s Choice Awards. The winner of the vote will be announced at the Saturday night Peeps Party.

To see the slideshow of contest finalists, visit The Washington Post Web site.

This year’s Artomatic is hosted by the NoMa Business Improvement District (BID). Up to 1,000 local and regional artists are exhibiting their works and performing on 10 floors (more than 200,000 square feet) of the Capitol Plaza I building at 1200 First Street, N.E., Washington, D.C., 20002.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic transforms an unfinished indoor space into an exciting and diverse arts event that is free and open to the public. In addition to displays and sales by hundreds of artists, the event features free films, educational presentations and children’s activities, as well as musical, dance, poetry, theater and other performances.

For a full list of all Artomatic activities, visit the online event calendar at www.artomatic.org/event. The site also contains a catalog of artists taking part in Artomatic with images of their work as well as videos and music from performers.

For directions and hours, call the Artomatic infoline at 202-339-9007. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take Metro to Artomatic.

ARTOMATIC
May 9–June 15
1200 First Street, N.E.,
(Corner of First and M Streets)
Washington, D.C.
(New York Avenue Metro station: Red line)
Free, but donations accepted

HOURS
Wednesday–Thursdays: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fridays–Saturdays: Noon to 2 a.m.
Sundays: Noon to 10 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

###
About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.

PostSecret artist Frank Warren to sign books at Artomatic June 6 and 13

muckraker — Tue, 27 May 2008 10:44:12 -0500

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

For immediate release: May 27, 2008

Local artist Frank Warren, the talent behind the well-known PostSecret project, will be signing copies of his books at Artomatic.

Launched at Aromatic in November 2004, PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard. About 200,000 secrets have been shared. PostSecret has attracted interest from around the world, and the project’s Web site, www.PostSecret.com has been visited by millions.

Copies of one of Warren’s bestselling books, which contain images of some of the many postcards he has received, will be available for purchase during the Artomatic signing events. All proceeds from the book sales benefit Artomatic.

The PostSecret signings will take be held in the Artomatic’s 11th floor store on:
• Friday, June 6 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and
• Friday, June 13, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Visitors to Artomatic can also watch a video presentation of some of the PostSecret postcards Warren has received in the Artomatic Film and Video Theater, which is located on the ninth floor. The videos will be shown before and after the two book signings.

This year’s Artomatic is hosted by the NoMa Business Improvement District (BID). Up to 1,000 local and regional artists are exhibiting their works and performing on 10 floors (more than 200,000 square feet) of the Capitol Plaza I building at 1200 First Street, N.E.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic transforms an unfinished indoor space into an exciting and diverse arts event that is free and open to the public. In addition to displays and sales by hundreds of artists, the event features free films, educational presentations and children’s activities, as well as musical, dance, poetry, theater and other performances.

For a full list of all Artomatic activities, visit the online event calendar at www.artomatic.org/event. The site also contains a catalog of artists taking part in Artomatic with images of their work as well as videos and music from performers.

For directions and hours, call the Artomatic infoline at 202-339-9007. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take Metro to Artomatic.

ARTOMATIC
May 9–June 15
1200 First Street, N.E.,
(Corner of First and M Streets)
Washington, D.C.
(New York Avenue Metro station: Red line)
Free, but donations accepted

HOURS
Wednesday–Thursdays: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fridays–Saturdays: Noon to 2 a.m.
Sundays: Noon to 10 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

###

About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.

Dance, Film, Comedy, Spoken Word Highlight Artomatic’s Third Weekend in NoMa May 23-25

muckraker — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:25:40 -0500

For immediate release: May 21, 2008

NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762
Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748

Artomatic, the Washington, D.C., area’s homegrown art extravaganza, offers more than 60 live performances and activities during its third exciting weekend, May 23-25. In addition to displays by more than 700 visual artists, this weekend will include dozens of free films, music, poetry, dance and musical performances. Highlights will include:

Friday, May 23: A short film festival beginning at 7 p.m. will be followed by a first-come, first-shown open screening from midnight until 2 a.m. Other Friday night events include a Night of Comedy, a dance performance by the International Capoeira Angola Foundation, participatory bellydancing with Romka and Bellatrix, and live music by King Vitamin, Eightyfive, Gina DeSimone and the Moaners, Future, Whiz Bang Three, The Van Allen Belt and more.

Saturday, May 24: Saturday Artomatic attendees can take in “Culture Shock,” a performance by The FreeStyle Movement, an arts advocacy and youth support program sponsored by The Black Leadership Council for Excellence, and then join performers from the 5th Annual East Coast Dance Competition for a late night after-party. There’s also a dance performance by Quantum Leap Lifestyles, Joy of Motion’s Dance Center Youth Company Showcase, a Spoken Word Workshop for children, a Photography 101 Workshop and comedy by Anupama Pillalamarri. Live music performances include Sejayno, Flex Mathews, Brown Monkey Music, Surgery and Sonic Circus.

Sunday, May 25: From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Artomatic will present a workshop on the historical photographic process called wet-plate collodion (fee for participation). Margot MacDonald, Airport Boulevard, Big Bang TV, Oh No Not Stereo, The Bourbon Dynasty and SAW Showcase will provide live music throughout the day.

Artomatic is open Wednesdays and Thursdays as well, so be sure to check the Artomatic Web site for schedules for those days. Also on Thursday nights in the NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) neighborhood is the James Bond Film Festival, with free films beginning at dusk. This Thursday’s movie is Goldfinger. For a schedule of festival movies, visit www.nomabid.org

All Artomatic events are free. For the full weekend schedule, visit the Artomatic calendar at www.artomatic.org/event. For more on children’s activities, visit www.artomatic.org/kids.

Seeing all that artwork can work up an appetite, so check out D.C.’s latest craze in street vending, On The Fly. On The Fly’s bright-green, electric vehicle will be parked in front of Artomatic and at the James Bond Film Festival, serving great food from some of D.C.’s favorite local restaurants like Julia’s Empanadas, Rocklands BBQ and more.

The NoMa Business Improvement District (BID) is hosting Artomatic 2008 at the Capitol Plaza I building, located at 1200 First Street (1st and M Streets), N.E., in Washington, D.C., just one block west of the New York Avenue Metro station. Artomatic hours are Fridays and Saturdays: noon–2 a.m.; Sundays: noon–10 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays: 5 p.m.–10 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Artomatic’s closing day is June 15.

For more information, call the Artomatic info line at 202-339-9007. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take Metro to Artomatic.

####

About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.

NoMa James Bond Film Festival continues with “Goldfinger” on May 22

muckraker — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:05:08 -0500

For immediate release

NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

The summer-long James Bond Film Festival, hosted by the NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) Business Improvement District (BID) in Washington, D.C., continues this week with a free showing of “Goldfinger” on Thursday, May 22 starting at dusk.

The film will be shown outdoors at the intersection of Florida and New York Avenues, N.E. The site is located directly across Florida Avenue from the New York Avenue Metro station on the Red Line and the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives headquarters, and is close to Artomatic. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and walk, bike or take Metro.

On the Fly, DC’s latest craze in street vending, will have its bright green electric vehicle on-site serving great food from some of the city’s favorite local restaurants, such as Julia’s Empanadas, Rocklands BBQ, and more.

The James Bond Film Festival will be held each Thursday night through Aug. 28, rain or shine, with each film showing preceded by an Odd-Job and other Bond character look-alike contest. The film series will take place on the future site of MRP Realty’s Washington Gateway project, a one million square foot mixed-use project that will begin construction later this year. A movie schedule and map are available at www.nomabid.org.

Mix, mingle and meet the artists at Artomatic on Friday, May 16

muckraker — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:24:40 -0500

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

For immediate release: May 14, 2008

Ever wonder how artists come up with ideas? Or how they create their sculptures or paintings? Make plans to come out to Artomatic on Friday, May 16, for Meet the Artists Night, when many of this year’s Artomatic participants will be on hand from 7 p.m.–10 p.m. to talk with visitors and show off their works.

This year’s Artomatic has more to see than ever before. Ten floors of work, including ceramics, sculptures, installations, paintings, fiber works, murals and photography are on display, and in many cases, the work is for sale.

Visitors on Meet the Artists Night will be able to sample the fun, creative energy that is Artomatic. A full schedule of free events is planned for Friday, including films, dance, poetry, music and even fire dancing. Live music will kick off at 6 p.m. and run through 1 a.m., with performances by James Stephen Terrell, Movimiento, Collider, DJ Sequoia and others.

Artomatic artists are encouraged to throw a mini-gallery opening in their space on Meet the Artists Night and to be on hand to answer questions about their work. Due to legal restrictions, no outside alcohol is allowed at Artomatic at any time. Both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are sold at Artomatic’s first and 11th floor bars.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic is the Washington, D.C., area's one-of-a-kind multimedia arts event. About 700 visual artists and 300 performers are participating in this year’s Artomatic. Presented in collaboration with the NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) Business Improvement District (BID), Artomatic 2008 is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors during its five-week run. The event is being held at the Capitol Plaza I building, which is located at 1200 First Street, N.E., just one block west of the New York Avenue Metro station, in Washington, D.C.

For a full list of all Artomatic activities, visit the online event calendar at www.artomatic.org/event. The site also contains a catalog of artists taking part in Artomatic with images of their work as well as videos and music from performers.

For directions and hours, call the Artomatic infoline at 202-339-9007. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take Metro to Artomatic.

ARTOMATIC
May 9–June 15
1200 First Street, N.E.,
(Corner of First and M Streets)
Washington, D.C.
(New York Avenue Metro station: Red line)
Free, but donations accepted

HOURS
Wednesday–Thursdays: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fridays–Saturdays: Noon to 2 a.m.
Sundays: Noon to 10 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

###

About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.

Comedy, Indie Film Festival, Meet the Artists Night highlight Artomatic's second weekend

muckraker — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:02:21 -0500

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

For immediate release: May 13, 2008

Artomatic, the Washington, D.C., area’s homegrown art extravaganza, offers more than 60 live performances and activities during its second exciting weekend, May 16-18, 2008. In addition to displays by over 700 visual artists, this weekend will include free films, music, poetry, dance and musical performances. Highlights will include:

Friday, May 16: The Flights of Fire fire-dancing troupe returns to perform outside from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., while inside the building there will be a “Night of Comedy” and Meet the Artists Night, where visitors will get to interact with hundreds of artists participating in this year’s event. In addition, attendees can enjoy live music performed by Movimiento, Mostly Monkee, Pygmy Lush, Collider, Caberet Heaven and other cutting-edge bands.

Saturday, May 17: Artomatic will host a self-portrait workshop for children and a piñata-making workshop for children and adults on Saturday morning. During the afternoon, everyone can participate in Community Drum Circle! Evening activities include the D.C. Independent Film Festival, a performance by Guy Nyame African Cultural Dance Company, several poetry readings, a special meet-up for bloggers and live music by Circle of Saints, Ephemeral Sun, Fire Wheel, IZZ, American Sinner, Allie & The Krunch, Konduit, Kinetic Element, and others.

Sunday, May 18: There’s no rest for Artomatic artists and performers who will be offering a mobile-making workshop, poetry readings and live musical performances by Albatross, 7 Door Sedan, play with me, Dan Mazer and Aaron Tidd.

Artomatic is open Wednesdays and Thursdays as well, so be sure to check the Artomatic Web site for schedules for those days. Also on Thursday nights in the NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) neighborhood is the James Bond Film Festival, with free films beginning at dusk. This Thursday’s movie is From Russia With Love. For a schedule of festival movies, visit www.nomabid.org.

All Artomatic events are free. For the full weekend schedule, visit the Artomatic calendar at www.artomatic.org/event. For more on children’s activities, visit www.artomatic.org/kids.

For more information, call the Artomatic infoline at 202-339-9007. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take Metro to Artomatic.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic transforms an unfinished indoor space into an exciting and diverse arts event that is free and open to the public. In addition to displays and sales by hundreds of artists, the event features free films, educational presentations and children’s activities, as well as musical, dance, poetry, theater and other performances.

ARTOMATIC
May 9–June 15
1200 First Street, N.E.,
(Corner of First and M Streets)
Washington, D.C.
(New York Avenue Metro station: Red line)
Free, but donations accepted

HOURS
Wednesday–Thursdays: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fridays–Saturdays: Noon to 2 a.m.
Sundays: Noon to 10 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

####

About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.

About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

Bloggers: Join us at Artomatic Saturday, May 17

muckraker — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:32:12 -0500

For more information, contact Angela Kleis 703-963-6771

Do you blog? Then pack up your laptop and come out and meet other D.C.-area bloggers during the spectacular that is Artomatic as we host our first-ever Blogger’s Night.

From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, bloggers can get an inside look at Artomatic, the Washington, D.C.-area’s arts extravaganza. Join your fellow DC-bloggites in the NoMa lounge on Artomatic’s 12th floor for a meet-up and mini-tour.

You’ll have a chance to swap ideas with Artomatic artists, including Erin Antognoli, Michael Auger, Jennifer Beinhacker, Angela Raincatcher, Kerri Sheehan, Paul Roe of Britishink and Jack Whitsitt. If you blog, you’re invited.

Pizza (aka blogger fuel) will be provided courtesy of Uno Chicago Grill at Union Station. Free wireless will be available, so you can send your thoughts straight into the blogosphere live from Artomatic.

Artomatic is located at 1200 First Street, N.E., just one block west of the New York Avenue Metro station, in Washington, D.C.

Blogger’s Night is hosted by photographer (and blogger) Angela Kleis, an Artomatic participant and our very own blogger liaison. Read Angela’s personal invite to bloggers below, and drop her a line at akleis@gmail.com. if you need more details.

Presented in collaboration with the NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) Business Improvement District (BID), Artomatic 2008 is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors during its five-week run. The event is being held on 10 floors — more than 200,000 square feet — of the Capitol Plaza I building.

For a full list of all Artomatic activities, visit the online event calendar at www.artomatic.org/event. The site also contains a catalog of artists taking part in Artomatic with images of their work as well as videos and music from performers.

For directions and hours, call the Artomatic infoline at 202-339-9007. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take Metro to Artomatic.

Blog Artomatic and keep the ‘virus’ alive
“Artomatic is viral. With over 1,000 artists, this high-energy, non-stop event is a one-stop for who's who, who's next and who just wants to have fun with their art in the D.C. area. Just type "Artomatic 2008" into any search field and hit enter. How many pages of links do you get? This writer can report 75 pages referencing Artomatic. That's a lot by any standard. Artomatic news can be found all over the Internet from every conceivable outlet — from participating artist Web sites to friends of participating artists to news outlets and bloggers. Yes, Bloggers.

The bloggers and artists who help spread the word about Artomatic via their Web sites and online journals are an integral part of its success. As a thank you for their continued help spreading the Artomatic “virus,” we have invited a diverse group of visual artists to speak about their current Artomatic show on Artomatic's Blogger’s Night.

Join us for a mini-tour and artist discussion to learn about the inspiration behind the exhibits from the artists themselves. Then, WRITE! Help keep the Artomatic virus contagious. Write about your thoughts and experiences at Artomatic — good or bad. Because, quite frankly, we don't feel 75 pages of links is enough.” — Angela Kleis

ARTOMATIC
May 9–June 15
1200 First Street, N.E.,
(Corner of First and M Streets)
Washington, D.C.
(New York Avenue Metro station: Red line)
Free, but donations accepted

HOURS
Wednesday–Thursdays: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fridays–Saturdays: Noon to 2 a.m.
Sundays: Noon to 10 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

###

About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.

Artomatic offers free events for kids every weekend

muckraker — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:50:36 -0500

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

For immediate release: May 8, 2008

If you’ve got a budding Frida Kahlo or Pablo Picasso in your family, Artomatic will the place for your kids to be this summer. The five-week event will include more than a dozen free children’s activities, including hands-on workshops, tours and other arts-related attractions. And that’s in addition to the thousands of artworks that will be on display.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic is the Washington, D.C., area's one-of-a-kind multimedia arts event. More than 1,000 artists — including about 700 visual artists and 300 performers — are participating in this year’s event. For the first time, Artomatic will be hosting a full lineup of events designed especially for younger artists.

Free children’s activities are scheduled for every weekend of Artomatic, which will be held May 9–June 15. The kids events kick off Saturday May 10 with storytelling at noon and continue with drawing, dolls, portraits, poetry and more on subsequent days. Kids will get to express their creativity through hands-on activities such as making their own mobiles, seed mosaics or fanciful paper hats.

“Artomatic is for everyone in the community, including children, so we’ve designed a full slate of events just for them,” said Fran Atkinson, Artomatic children’s activities co-chair. “Today’s creative kids are tomorrow’s artists.”

While at Artomatic, kids should check out the 10th floor, which is home to more than three dozen Peeps dioramas. Artomatic is once again hosting finalists from the Sunday Source Peeps Diorama Contest held by The Washington Post. On Saturday, May 31, from noon to 2 p.m., children can take part in a tour of the Peeps dioramas and a free Peeps diorama-making workshop. A second diorama workshop will be held June 7. The dioramas can also be viewed anytime during regular Artomatic hours.

Families will also want to browse the wide range of artwork on display at Artomatic. Artomatic will include nine floors of visual artwork, including ceramics, sculptures, installations, paintings, fiber works, photography and murals. Artomatic is unique in that it is an inclusive and open art event, showcasing works from a range of performers and artists. Artomatic is an open, unjuried event. Not all artwork may not be suited for children, so parents should use their own judgment as they accompany their families during the event.

Parents who bring their children to Artomatic will want to pick up a copy of the Kidsomatic Self-Tour Guide, which includes a list of artworks that appeal to kids, as selected by Artomatic children’s events organizers. Copies of the guide will be available on the first floor.

All Artomatic children’s events are free, but space may be limited. To RSVP and reserve a space, visit www.artomatic.org/kids Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent during kids activities. For questions on more information on the children’s schedule, e-mail e-mail Fran Atkinson at msazuri@msn.com.

Presented in collaboration with the NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) Business Improvement District (BID), Artomatic 2008 is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors during its five-week run. The event will be held on 10 floors — more than 200,000 square feet — of the Capitol Plaza I building. The building is located at 1200 First Street, N.E., just one block west of the New York Avenue Metro station, in Washington, D.C.

For a full list of all Artomatic activities, visit the online event calendar at www.artomatic.org/event. The site also contains a catalog of artists taking part in Artomatic with images of their work as well as videos and music from performers.

For directions and hours, call the Artomatic infoline at 202-339-9007. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take Metro to Artomatic.

ARTOMATIC 2008 CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
Schedule subject to change. Check the Artomatic Web site for class updates and descriptions: www.artomatic.org/kids. Children’s events meet at the Artomatic education room on the seventh floor.

Saturday, May 10
Noon–2 p.m.
Storytelling

1-5 p.m.
Mural painting

3-5 p.m.
Art Dolls

Sunday, May 11
1–2:30 p.m.
Expressive Drawing

Saturday, May 17
Noon - 2.p.m
Piñata Workshop

NEW TIME (Moved to 5/18 at 4–6 p.m.)
Mobile Art by Paul Sikora

2:30 p.m.-4 p.m.
Self-Portraits

Saturday, May 24
2 p.m.–4 p.m.
Spoken Word Workshop

Saturday, May 31
Noon - 2 p.m.
Peeps Tour and Diorama Workshop I

2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Collage/Mixed Media

Sunday, June 1
4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Mobile Art

Saturday, June 7
Noon-2 p.m.
Drawing Your Dreams

3-5 p.m.
Peeps Diorama Workshop II

Sunday, June 8
1-2:30 p.m.
Kids and Parents Art Challenge

Friday, June 13
Time TBD
Dance & Vocal Orientation

Saturday, June 14
Time TBD
Dance & Vocal Workshop

Noon-2 p.m.
Seed Mosaics/Seed Rattles

2 p.m.-3 p.m.
Fanciful Paper Hats

3 p.m.-5 p.m.
Sculpt A Story

###

About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.

Win a $200 gift certificate during Artomatic raffle

muckraker — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:59:27 -0500

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

For immediate release: May 8, 2008

Artomatic visitors looking for that perfect piece of art for their home or office will have an extra incentive to pick out their favorite at this year’s event.

As part of an Artomatic-sponsored raffle, visitors will have a chance to win a $200 gift certificate that can be used to purchase any art for sale at Artomatic.

“With more than 700 visual artists showing thousands of artworks, including paintings, photography, glass, ceramics, sculptures and fiber works, Artomatic will be an art-lovers paradise,” said Artomatic artist Liliane Blom, who is coordinating the raffle. “The raffle will provide an extra incentive for visitors to find an artwork that they love and make it their own.”

Raffle tickets are $5 each and will be sold during Artomatic, which will be held May 9–June 15. Odds of winning are 1:80, with half of raffle proceeds benefiting Artomatic. Tickets will be sold at the Artomatic store, located on the 11th floor, and by roaming volunteers.

Raffle drawings will be held every time 80 tickets are sold, meaning there may be multiple drawings and multiple winners. Drawings will be held Fridays at 9 p.m. in the Artomatic store. Winners need not be present to win. Full details on the raffle are available at the event.

“The only hard choice for the winner will be deciding which artwork to use their $200 gift certificate on,” Blom said.

Artwork on display at Artomatic cannot be removed during the course of the event, so purchasers will need to wait until after June 15 to hang their new art at home. Visitors wishing to purchase art should contact the artists directly.

This year’s Artomatic is hosted by the NoMa Business Improvement District (BID). Up to 1,000 local and regional artists will exhibit their works and perform on 10 floors (more than 200,000 square feet) of the Capitol Plaza I building at 1200 First Street, N.E.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic transforms an unfinished indoor space into an exciting and diverse arts event that is free and open to the public. In addition to displays and sales by hundreds of artists, the event features free films, educational presentations and children’s activities, as well as musical, dance, poetry, theater and other performances.

For a full list of all Artomatic activities, visit the online event calendar at www.artomatic.org/event. The site also contains a catalog of artists taking part in Artomatic with images of their work as well as videos and music from performers.

For directions and hours, call the Artomatic infoline at 202-339-9007. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take Metro to Artomatic.

###

About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.

Artomatic CD release party to be held May 8 at Ibiza

muckraker — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:37:16 -0500

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

For immediate release: May 8, 2008

Come and get an earful of some of the musical performers that will rock Artomatic this summer at a free CD release party tonight, Thursday, May 8.

From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Ibiza Night Club will play host to some of the bands that are on this year’s Artomatic CD compilation. Live music will be provided by BanjerDan, Lou Black, 302acid, The Splints, James Terrell and Free Lobster Buffet. Ibiza is located at 1222 First Street, N.E., Washington, D.C., adjacent to the site of Artomatic 2008 and close to the New York Avenue Metro station.

Ibiza party-goers will be able to check out the 17-track Artomatic 2008 CD, which will also be available at the official Artomatic store during the event. The launch party is a musical preview of this year’s Artomatic, which opens to the public at noon on Friday. With more than 100 musical performances scheduled for May 9 to June 15, Artomatic will be the place for free live music in Washington, D.C.

Both Artomatic and Ibiza are located in the NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) neighborhood, which is also the site of the James Bond Film Festival. Free and open to the public, the outdoor festival will feature 16 of the best Bond flicks from 1962 through 2006. The film festival will also kick off tonight at dusk — around 8 p.m. For a schedule of festival movies, visit www.nomabid.org.

This year’s Artomatic is hosted by the NoMa Business Improvement District (BID). Up to 1,000 local and regional artists will exhibit their works on 10 floors (more than 200,000 square feet) of the Capitol Plaza I building at 1200 First Street, N.E.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic transforms an unfinished indoor space into an exciting and diverse arts event that is free and open to the public. In addition to displays and sales by hundreds of artists, the event features free films, educational presentations and children’s activities, as well as musical, dance, poetry, theater and other performances.

For Artomatic directions and hours, call the event infoline at 202-339-9007. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take Metro to Artomatic.

For a full list of all Artomatic activities, visit the online event calendar at www.artomatic.org/event. The site also contains a catalog of artists taking part in Artomatic with images of their work as well as videos and music from performers.

###

About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.

May 10 Artomatic blood drive benefits the Blood Donor Center at Children's National Medical Center

muckraker — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:33:03 -0500

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

For immediate release: May 8, 2008

On May 10, from noon until 4 p.m., Artomatic will be sponsoring a blood drive to benefit the Blood Donor Center at Children's National Medical Center.

The drive will take place on the grounds of the Capitol Plaza I building, site of this year’s Artomatic. The Capitol Plaza I building is located at 1200 First Street, NE, Washington, DC, 20002 (New York Avenue Metro stop, M Street exit). Children’s National Medical Center will be bringing a bloodmobile to collect donations on-site.

“Artomatic is a community arts event, and this is one of the many ways that we are giving back to our community,” said Artomatic artist Kerri Sheehan, who is helping coordinate the blood drive.

The Blood Donor Center team at Children’s National Medical Center collects approximately 2,800 whole blood donations and 750 platelet donations per year. But as the number of patients treated at the medical center continues to grow, the need for blood donations is greater than ever. Blood and platelets are in constant demand for victims of accidents, cancer treatments, blood diseases and many types of surgery. Each pint donated through the drive may help three or more patients at Children’s National. While all blood centers have a constant need, Children’s National Medical Center is the only hospital in the region dedicated exclusively to pediatrics and has specialized needs for transfusion services for children.

On May 10, Children's National Medical Center is hoping to collect more than 30 units of blood through the Artomatic blood drive, and that could help save lives of up to 90 children.

Donors will be able to give blood on a walk-up basis on Saturday, but you can make sure you are first in line by reserving a timeslot. To make a reservation, visit www.childrensnational.org/donateblood, enter the sponsor code “art”, select the Artomatic drive and reserve your time.

This year’s Artomatic will be hosted by the NoMa (north of Massachusetts Avenue) Business Improvement District (BID). The much-anticipated art event will run from May 9 through June 15, 2008. Up to 1,000 local and regional artists will exhibit their works on 10 floors (more than 200,000 square feet) of the Capitol Plaza I building.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic transforms an unfinished indoor space into an exciting and diverse arts event that is free and open to the public. In addition to displays and sales by hundreds of artists, the event features free films, educational presentations and children’s activities, as well as musical, dance, poetry, theater and other performances.

For directions and hours, call the Artomatic infoline at 202-339-9007. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take Metro to Artomatic.

###

About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested more than $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.

About Children’s National Medical Center: Children's National Medical Center, located in Washington, DC, is a proven leader in the development of innovative new treatments for childhood illness and injury. Children’s has been serving the nation's children for more than 135 years. Children’s National is proudly ranked among the best pediatric hospitals in America by US News & World Report and the Leapfrog Group. For more information, visit www.childrensnational.org.

Artomatic Opens in NoMa May 9: Opening weekend packed with free atttractions!

muckraker — Sat, 03 May 2008 12:12:54 -0500

For immediate release: May 1, 2008

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

Artomatic, the Washington, D.C., area’s homegrown art extravaganza, opens to the public at noon on Friday, May 9, with art, performances and special events, including the fire-dancing troupe Flights of Fire and performance art in the form of a new TV game show, “The Road to Success!” in just the first weekend.

Live music will range from acoustic and folk rock, pop, jazz, funk, oldies, and rockabilly to experimental, indie, new wave, and “electro-acoustic psychedelic world dance music.”

The NoMa (north of Massachusetts Avenue) Business Improvement District (BID) is hosting Artomatic 2008 at the Capitol Plaza I building, located at 1200 First Street (1st and M Streets), N.E., in Washington, D.C., just one block west of the New York Avenue Metro station.

“NoMa is ready to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to Artomatic so they can see the transformation that is under way in NoMa,” said Elizabeth Price, President of the NoMa BID. “NoMa is currently a hotbed of construction activity and now, thanks to Artomatic, the neighborhood will be bursting with the energy and excitement that only the artistic community can create.”

Highlights of Artomatic’s opening weekend include:

• Unveiling of nine floors of 2-D and 3-D visual arts presentations by more than 700 local and regional artists.
• Flights of Fire – a fire dancing performance to be held outside at 9 p.m., Friday, May 9.
• “Electro-acoustic psychedelic world dance music” by Baltimore’s Telesma at 9 p.m., Friday, May 9.
• A Latin dance workshop with professional dance instructor Ibis Villegas, featuring salsa, merengue, samba, and other styles at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 10.
• Progressive rock by Guardians of Iridescence at 8 p.m., Saturday, May 10.
• “The Road to Success,” performance art by Carolina Mayorga in the form of a new TV game show at 8 p.m., Saturday, May 10.
• New wave/indie rock by Plastiq Passion, an all-girl band from Union City, New Jersey at 11 p.m., Saturday, May 10.
• An expressive drawing workshop with Giliah Litwack at 1 p.m., Sunday, May 11.
• "In-your-face" jazz/jam music "with a touch of funk" by Bethesda, JD-based Bassment Breaks at 4 p.m., Sunday, May 11.

A full schedule of events is available at www.artomatic.org/event.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic transforms an unfinished indoor space into an exciting and diverse arts event that is free and open to the public. In addition to displays and sales by hundreds of artists, the event features free films, educational presentations and children’s activities, as well as musical, dance, poetry, theater and other performances.

“This is the biggest Artomatic ever, with an abundance of exhibits and performances that will be open to all — from recognized artists to undiscovered talents,” said George Koch, Artomatic chair. “You won’t want to miss opening weekend, and once you’ve experienced Artomatic, you’ll want to keep coming back for more.”

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About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.

About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

SPECIAL MEDIA INVITE: Media VIP Preview May 9

muckraker — Sat, 03 May 2008 12:03:42 -0500

Note: This event is open to media and invited guests only. Artomatic opens to the public and for artists at noon.

Friday, May 9, 11 a.m.
Artomatic
Capitol Plaza I, 1200 First St, N.E.
Washington DC 20002
New York Avenue Metro, Red Line
Free parking for media event only

Come see what over 1,000 artists have created for Artomatic 2008 – the biggest Artomatic ever – before the doors open to the public at noon.

Talk directly with invited artists and enjoy hors d’oeuvres catered by B. Smith’s and Capitol City Brewery and listen to music by some of the many musical groups scheduled to perform at Artomatic. In partnership with the NoMa Business Improvement District, Artomatic 2008 will transform over 200,000 square feet of unfinished building space into an extravaganza of creative expression.

From May 9 through June 15, some 50,000 people are expected to visit this venue with the works of hundreds of Washington, D.C. area artists; free musical, dance, and theater performances; holiday celebrations; films; educational presentations and workshops; children’s activities; and much more.

RSVP at http://www.nomabid.org/artomatic

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic is the Washington, D.C., area's one-of-a-kind multimedia event. More than 1,000 artists — including about 700 visual artists and 300 performers — have already signed up to take part in Artomatic, and registration is still open for performers.

ARTOMATIC
May 9–June 15
1200 First Street, N.E.,
(Corner of First and M Streets)
Washington, D.C.
(New York Avenue Metro station: Red line)
Free, but donations accepted

HOURS
Wednesday–Thursdays: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fridays–Saturdays: Noon to 2 a.m.
Sundays: Noon to 10 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

###

About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.

Excitement building for Artomatic 2008

muckraker — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:17:14 -0500

For immediate release: April 29, 2008

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
NoMa BID media contact: Leslie Braunstein, 703-234-7762

Artomatic opening day is Friday, May 9

There’s less than two weeks until opening day for Artomatic 2008, and excitement is building for the arts spectacular of the summer. With more than 100 free events, activities and performances planned over 28 days and nights May 9–June 15, Artomatic is a can’t-miss attraction.

Presented in collaboration with the NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) Business Improvement District (BID), Artomatic 2008 is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors during its five-week run. The event will be held on 10 floors — more than 200,000 square feet — of the Capitol Plaza I building. The building is located at 1200 First Street, N.E., just one block west of the New York Avenue Metro station, in Washington, D.C.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic is the Washington, D.C., area's one-of-a-kind multimedia event. More than 1,000 artists — including about 700 visual artists and 300 performers — have already signed up to take part in Artomatic, and registration is still open for performers.

“We will be putting on quite a show this year, and as our largest event ever, Artomatic will be an event that no one will want to miss,” said Veronica Szalus, Artomatic president. “It’s a good thing Artomatic will be open for weeks, as visitors will want to come again and again.”

From paintings, sculptures and photography to music, film, dance and other performances, visitors to Artomatic 2008 will have a wealth of attractions to choose from. Special events will include Meet the Artists Night on Friday, May 16, where visitors can mix and mingle with Artomatic participants, as well as socials and an art-themed fashion show.

Free children’s activities will be held every Saturday beginning at noon, including kids tours, mobile-making and a diorama workshop. Artomatic will also include educational arts workshops for adults, such as sessions on collecting art, grant writing and drawing.

Other highlights of Artomatic 2008 will include:
• a Victorian tattoo parlor, built entirely on site;
• a one-day marketplace;
• comedy, theater and fire dance performances;
• films and poetry readings;
• performances by dozens of local bands on two stages;
• Artist Socials on Sunday, May 18, and Thursday, June 12;
• a community blood drive on May 10; and
• food sales by On the Fly and Thursday pizza nights in conjunction with Papa John’s.

“As host to both Artomatic and the James Bond Film Festival, NoMa will be Washington, D.C.’s premier neighborhood for free arts and entertainment this summer,” said Elizabeth Price, president of the NoMa BID.

Artomatic will once again be hosting finalists from the Sunday Source Peeps Diorama Contest held by The Washington Post, and visitors will be able to meet the diorama-makers during a special Peeps Party on Saturday night, May 31.

Also of interest to Artomatic visitors will be the wide array of visual artwork on display on nine floors, including ceramics, sculptures, installations, paintings, fiber works, photography and murals. Artomatic is unique in that it is an inclusive and open art event, showcasing works from a range of performers and artists — from emerging artists showing their works for the first time to longtime professionals established on the art scene. Visitors can browse Artomatic and discover new artwork and — in most cases — buy the art that’s on display.

For about three months, volunteers have been working to transform vacant floors at the Capitol Plaza I building into an arts space. The building, designed by renowned architect Shalom Baranes and owned by an affiliate of The Polinger Company, was newly completed, so Artomatic organizers had to get creative and build temporary display “walls.” They also strung lights and power cords to illuminate the space. In total, the work included about two miles of string lighting, 100 pounds of screws and 250 plugs and outlets — all of which was installed thanks to 100 volunteers and 1,000 labor hours donated by Miller & Long.

“It takes an army of artists to get Artomatic up and running, and this year we are particularly grateful to the dedicated volunteers — as well as our partners and sponsors — who helped transform this space,” said Jim Tretick, a member of Artomatic’s Board of Directors. “It is amazing how much we’ve been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time. It’s really come together.”

For a full list of all Artomatic activities, visit the online event calendar at www.artomatic.org/event. The site also contains a catalog of artists taking part in Artomatic with images of their work as well as videos and music from performers.

For directions and hours, call the Artomatic infoline at 202-339-9007. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take Metro to Artomatic.

Press images: Hi-res images of work by Artomatic artists are available for use by the media. For a password to the Artomatic press images Web page, e-mail Marina Reiter at reiter.marina@gmail.com.

ARTOMATIC
May 9–June 15
1200 First Street, N.E.,
(Corner of First and M Streets)
Washington, D.C.
(New York Avenue Metro station: Red line)
Free, but donations accepted

HOURS
Wednesday–Thursdays: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fridays–Saturdays: Noon to 2 a.m.
Sundays: Noon to 10 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

###

About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow our creative economy. The nonprofit Artomatic organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

About the NoMa BID: NoMa is an emerging mixed-use neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Private developers have invested over $1 billion in 2007–2008 alone, with plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space in the 35-block area covered by the NoMa BID over the next 10 years. For more information about the BID, including an interactive development map, see the BID Web site at www.nomabid.org.