Artomatic - Press Releases

Artomatic 2009: Media advisory

muckraker — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:58:31 -0500

For immediate release: April 20, 2009

Artomatic 2009: Celebrating 10 years of bringing art and community together across the District

WHO: In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Artomatic will be bringing its trademark one-of-a-kind multimedia arts event to Half Street’s 55 M St, SE in D.C.’s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood in 2009. In 2008, Artomatic attracted 52,500 visitors and 1,540 participating artists.

In conjunction with the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District and Monument Realty, Artomatic will be presenting more than five weeks of art, music, theater, workshops and more — all of it free for visitors. Artomatic is a nonprofit organization headed by a volunteer Board of Directors. It is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

WHAT: 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 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 over the course of five weeks. Artomatic is an unjuried event and registration is open to all artists, from professionals to beginners.

WHERE: 55 M Street, S.E. (at the corner with Half Street above the Navy Yard Metro) Washington, DC 20003
Metro stop: Green Line, Navy Yard, Ballpark exit

Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood is a vibrant new mixed-use community and riverfront destination located between the U.S. Capitol Building and the Anacostia River and between Barracks Row Main Street and South Capitol Street.

Artomatic 2009 is being held in a 275,000 square feet LEED Silver Class A office building developed by Monument Realty.

WHEN: May 29–July 5, 2009
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays 12 noon – 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 12 noon – 1 a.m.; Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

MEDIA:
Annalisa Meyer, (202) 828-5069 or annalisa.meyer@fleishman.com
Marina Reiter, (202) 271-4748 or reiter.marina@gmail.com

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Artomatic 2009: Background

muckraker — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:53:17 -0500

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 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.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Artomatic will be bringing its trademark one-of-a-kind multimedia arts event to Half Street’s 55 M St, SE in D.C.’s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood from May 29–July 5, 2009.

Located between the U.S. Capitol Building and the Anacostia River and between Barracks Row Main Street and South Capitol Street, the Capitol Riverfront is a vibrant new business center, urban neighborhood, entertainment district and waterfront destination. Artomatic 2009 is being produced in conjunction with the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District and Monument Realty.

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, please visit www.artomatic.org or contact Annalisa Meyer at (202) 828-5069 or annalisa.meyer@fleishman.com or Marina Reiter at (202) 271-4748 or reiter.marina@gmail.com.

The Capitol Riverfront
The Capitol Riverfront, “The Front,” is Washington, D.C.’s new neighborhood on the river, a growing district-within-the-District that extends the city’s skyline to the water’s edge.

Located just five blocks south of the U.S. Capitol Building, The Front is leading the way in green innovation and offers the best in city living with the extraordinary advantages of riverfront living; distinct industrial heritage; and access to what matters: unique parks and trails, sports and entertainment, exceptional value, and proximity to Capitol Hill.

The Capitol Riverfront is home to a community of 35,000 day-time employees in 6.2 million square feet of office including the U.S. Navy and U.S. Department of Transportation, 2,000 residential units, a 200-room hotel, and the 41,000-seat Nationals Park. The Front is setting a new standard for 21st century communities. For more information, please visit www.capitolriverfront.org or contact Claire Schaefer at (202) 465-7087 or claireschaefer@capitolriverfront.org.

Monument Realty
Since its founding in 1998, Monument Realty has consistently been one of the most active real estate firms in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Monument Realty is noted for its expert achievements in property transactions, development, leasing and management. The firm’s highly regarded portfolio includes office, hotel and residential projects – many of which have earned industry awards and recognition. Monument has developed more than 5 million square feet of office space, nearly 5,000 residential units and three luxury hotels.

Half Street is the most notable mixed use project within the Monument portfolio. Half Street’s 55 M Street, SE is the proud host of Artomatic 2009. This newly constructed building with 275,000 SF of Class A office space is located above the Half Street entrance to the Navy Yard Metro Station and one block from Nationals Park. The structure is post-tensioned concrete, with exterior finishes of glass, terra cotta, and metal panels with three levels of underground parking. An application for LEED Silver certification is pending with the USGBC.

Environmentally conscious design features include a green roof and a LID streetscape concept that captures rainwater to irrigate street trees and plantings and reduces storm water run-off. The project delivered in April 2009 on budget and ahead of schedule. For more information, please visit www.monumentrealty.com or contact Natasha Stancill at (202) 777-0145 or nstancill@monumentrealty.com.

Artomatic 2009: Leadership and partner biographies

muckraker — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:48:03 -0500

ARTOMATIC

Veronica Szalus
President
Veronica Szalus is an industrial designer and the Director of Exhibits at the National Children’s Museum (NCM) where she is responsible for project conceptualization, strategic planning, art direction and exhibit development. Ms. Szalus came to NCM from Hixon Design Consultants in New York where she worked on projects such as Vanderbilt Hall Market at Grand Central Terminal, Pfizer World Headquarters lobby renovation and various exhibits for the United Nations. She has worked as a freelance designer on numerous projects including Bang Salon and the Black Fashion Museum in Washington DC, Explore-It-All in Maryland, and Light Projects in New York.

Ms. Szalus has designed stage sets for Fraudulent Productions, an avant-garde non-profit theater group in Washington DC and Opera Enterprises in New York City. She is a co-chair of the American Association of Museums PIC-Green Communications Committee and has been active in a number of community organizations including Hell’s Kitchen Neighborhood Association, she was a local council coordinator for Move On and has worked with the Arlington County’s Victim Witness Program as a graphic designer.

Ms. Szalus worked with a team of architects and interior designers on the design, layout and implementation of the exhibit system for Artomatic 2000 and designed and installed the environmental graphics and wayfinding system for Artomatic 2002. Ms. Szalus is currently serving as President of Artomatic’s Board of Directors and has shown her artwork at Artomatic, the Montpelier Arts Center, the Ellipse Art Gallery and the Studio Gallery.

George Koch
Board Chair
Mr. Koch currently serves as Chair for Artomatic, Inc. He facilitated the Artomatic Steering Committee in first four Artomatic events which provided a forum for all area artists and performers to convene perform and exhibit, strengthening the visibility, cohesion, and marketplace of Washington's arts community. In 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2007 Artomatic energized Washington artists and performers and demonstrated the city's creative energy, captured media attention, and drew residents from the tri-state area. He serves as a member of the planning committee for Creative DC a new cultural initiative in the District of Columbia.

Mr. Koch is a painter and founder of A. Salon, Ltd., an artist's service organization in the District of Columbia. Mr. Koch served in various leadership positions with A. Salon until 2000. Mr. Koch is a founding member and currently serves on the board of the Cultural Development Corporation. He was a founding board member of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington and previously served on the board for three terms. He was recipient of the Cultural Alliance’s first Tony Taylor Award.

Mr. Koch served as a member of the District of Columbia Arts and Humanities Transition Team in the first Barry administration and has completed five terms as a Commissioner with the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities. His last appointment was completed in 2007. During his tenure he served as Treasurer and Chair of the Nomination Committee and the Arts Space Committee for the Commission. During his five terms of service on the Commission he has served as commissioner convener for the Visual Art, Design, and Media panels and the special Design Advocacy project Design DC. He has served four times as the convener for the Annual Mayors Arts Awards Panel.

Mr. Koch chaired the Arts and Culture Committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO, for ten years. Under his tenure the Arts and Culture Committee sponsored Arts DC in cooperation with the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities. During the ten year life of Arts DC Mr. Koch served as its Chair. The Arts and Culture Committee championed and sponsored the creation of the D.C. Film Office.

Mr. Koch served five terms as an officer of National Artists Equity Association and the Artists Equity Fund. Mr. Koch was a member of the National Policy Committee on the Originating Artist established by the American Council for the Arts in 1985. During his tenure with National Artists Equity he also served as President of the U.S. Committee of the International Association of Art. He led the U.S. delegation to the 10th Congress of the International Association of Art in Helsinki, Finland in 1983 and the 12th Congress in Madrid, Spain in 1989.

CAPITOL RIVERFRONT BID

Michael G. Stevens, AICP
Executive Director
Mr. Stevens is the executive director of the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District in the southeast waterfront area of Washington, DC – one of the city’s most rapidly developing business centers and urban riverfront neighborhoods. He also recently helped coordinate the Center City Action Agenda 2007 – a planning process to create a new strategic framework to guide development and public investment in downtown DC and its adjacent center city neighborhoods over the next ten years.

Mr. Stevens has been involved in the economic development, urban planning/urban design, and downtown/neighborhood development fields for the majority of his 30-year career. His work experience has included public planning agencies, private architectural and planning firms, nonprofit organizations, and business improvement districts. He recently served as the President & CEO of the Washington, DC Economic Partnership and helped build the organization as a partner in the District’s economic development initiatives.

As Vice President of Development for the Center City Commission BID in Memphis, TN, Mr. Stevens was project manager for numerous downtown development projects including the new AAA baseball ballpark (AutoZone Park), as well as the administration of the agency’s financial incentives. He helped create the first BID in Jackson, MS as a part of the implementation agenda of that city’s Downtown Urban Design Plan.

Mr. Stevens has participated in numerous downtown redevelopment efforts for cities such as Wichita, KS; Lubbock, TX; Dallas, TX; Nashville, TN; Memphis, TN; Jackson, MS; Washington, DC; and San Antonio, TX.

He holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning/Urban Design from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, and a BA in Urban Sociology from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS.

MONUMENT REALTY

Michael J. Darby
Principal and Founder
Michael J. Darby is the principal and founder of Monument Realty, one of the top-performing and most active real estate firms in the Washington, DC area. Since founding the company in 1998, Monument has developed more than five million square feet of office space, nearly 5,000 residential units, and three hotels valued at more than $5 billion.

Mr. Darby has built Monument into a full service real estate firm with expertise in financing, project management, construction management, asset management, commercial leasing, residential sales and leasing and property management.

Through his dynamic leadership and visionary thinking, Mr. Darby has been a driving force in Monument’s success, including such high-profile projects as Half Street, Columbia Center, 901 New York Avenue and Franklin Square North. One example of his bold approach to development is Monument’s multiple award-winning The Odyssey Condominium in Arlington, Virginia, which features striking architecture, expansive floor plans, luxury amenities, and stunning views of the city across the Potomac.

An active member of the Washington region’s construction and development industry for more than 20 years, Mr. Darby served as a senior vice president for Akridge prior to founding Monument. He also directed a number of major downtown development projects while at CarrAmerica, including such landmark restoration projects as the Willard Hotel and the Southern Railway Building. Mr. Darby began his career in his native Australia, working with a Melbourne-based general contractor, and holds a degree in Construction Engineering and Business Development from the University of Melbourne.

Douglas D. Olson
Executive Vice President
Douglas Olson, executive vice president of Monument Realty, has been a leader in the Washington metropolitan real estate community for more than 20 years. He is a partner in the firm and serves on the Management and Executive Committees. Mr. Olson’s astute knowledge in the areas of property acquisition, development, leasing and marketing has contributed to the success of many of Monument Realty’s most significant business development opportunities and partnerships.

Mr. Olson joined Monument Realty in 2002. He oversees the acquisition of existing assets, plays a key role in procuring strategic development initiatives and third-party ventures, and directs the marketing and leasing of the firm’s comprehensive commercial portfolio. Prior to joining Monument, he worked with CarrAmerica Realty Corporation for ten years preceded by five years with the brokerage firm of Smithy Braedon Company.

Mr. Olson is past president of the Greater Washington Commercial Association of Realtors and has served consecutive terms on the Board of Governors of the Washington Building Congress. He has also served on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Downtown DC Business Improvement District, and was a mayoral appointment to the Interactive Downtown Task Force. A native
Washingtonian, Mr. Olson is a recipient of the DC Building Industry Association’s President’s Award, recognizing distinguished service to the industry and the community. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the Indiana University Kelly School of Business.

About Artomatic

muckraker — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:42:17 -0500

Artomatic creates community, builds audience and expands economic development by transforming available building space into a playground for artistic expression. Open-entry events showcase creative work including visual art, music, performance, film, and fashion. Artomatic is a non-profit organization 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.

Artomatic began in 1999 in the historic Manhattan Laundry building in Washington, D.C. A dozen or so artists originally toured the empty building and within a month, 350 artists had cleaned, lit, painted and curated its 100,000 square feet. Over 20,000 visitors attended the first Artomatic over six weeks.

Artomatic grew organically as buildings were made available by community developers. Music and performance of all kinds were added. In 2000, 665 artists exhibited and 200 performed at the old Hechinger’s building; more than 1,000 artists and performers took part in 2002 at the Southwest Waterfront and even more in 2004 at the former Capitol Children’s Museum in Northeast. Artomatic was held in Virginia for the first time in 2007, occupying a former Patent and Trademark Office space in Crystal City, Arlington. It drew over 40,000 visitors.

In 2008, Artomatic was held in the NoMa neighborhood in Washington, D.C., attracting a record-breaking 52,500 visitors, more than any previous Artomatic event. In all, about 1,540 individual artists took part in Artomatic 2008 — 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. Attractions included a full line-up of educational and children's events and an on-site tattoo parlor.

In 2009, Artomatic expanded its reach beyond its single event with the Art of Change ball, held to celebrate the 2009 inauguration, and the Luck of the Draw, a Valentine's weekend art event. Artomatic's main 2009 event will be held May 29-July 5 at Half Street’s 55 M Street, S.E., in D.C.'s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. This will be the 10th anniversary Artomatic, and seventh main event.

Artomatic is socially organic and completely open-entry; there are no juries or curators. In addition to the volunteer Board of Directors, a Steering Committee works to produce the event and ensure the broadest possible artistic representation in the D.C. metropolitan area.

For more information:
Find us online at www.artomatic.org; Facebook; MySpace; YouTube; Twitter; Flickr; LinkedIn. Sign up to receive ArtoNews with the latest on Artomatic at www.artomatic.org.

For media inquiries about Artomatic 2009 please contact Annalisa Meyer at (202) 828-5069 or annalisa.meyer@fleishman.com or Marina Reiter at (202) 271-4748 or reiter.marina@gmail.com.

Artomatic is run entirely by participating volunteers, and new participants are sought year-round. To volunteer and help make plans for Artomatic 2009, e-mail volunteer@artomatic.org.

About the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood

muckraker — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:37:36 -0500

The Capitol Riverfront, “The Front,” is DC’s new neighborhood on the river, a growing district-within-the-District that extends the city’s skyline to the water’s edge. Located just five blocks south of the US Capitol Building, The Front offers the best in city living with the extraordinary advantages of riverfront living; distinct industrial heritage; and access to what matters: unique parks and trails, sports and entertainment, exceptional value, and proximity to Capitol Hill.

Life At the ForeFront
In the Front, DC’s businesses and residents are active participants in a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape a new community. The Front is leading the way in green innovation and setting a new standard for 21st century communities. Here green is more than a color—it is a lifestyle evident in sustainable development, transportation access, walkability, active public parks, and community values.

The Front is already home to a mixed-use community of 35,000 daytime employees in 6.2 million SF of office including the U.S. Navy and U.S. Department of Transportation, 2,000 residential units including apartments, condos, co-ops and townhouses, a 200-room Courtyard by Marriott, and the 41,000 seat Nationals Park.

A Vital RiverFront
The river and its renewal are at the heart of the Capitol Riverfront, offering impressive vistas and unique opportunities to unwind or recharge with nature. The Front is a place for an active and healthy lifestyle offering a 20-mile riverwalk trail that when completed will be a pedestrian/bicycle promenade providing spectacular views of the river and the city’s skyline. In addition, four new public parks and piers for boat docking will provide a variety of river access, open space, and recreational amenities. One of those parks, Diamond Teague Park, opens in April of 2009.

A Front Row Seat At Everything That Matters
The Front is a mixed-use, walkable neighborhood offering proximity to Capitol Hill, entertainment, and an urban riverfront experience. The US Capitol Building is just five blocks away. Barracks Row Restaurant district and Eastern Market are minutes away. The river and all its opportunities for recreation, commerce and transportation is at the front door. The Front easy to get around with direct access to I-395 and I-295; MetroRail’s Green line at the Navy Yard Station or Blue/Orange Line at the Capitol South Station; the Circulator Bus to Union Station; e-cruzers lunch shuttle, and bicycle lanes/trails. The Front is home to vibrant life with lunchtime concerts and evening movies, a bustling farmers’ market, rooftop happy hours, community events, Nationals Park and of course the 10th anniversary Artomatic.

Be Out Front. The Capitol Riverfront.

For more information:
Please visit www.capitolriverfront.org or contact Claire Schaefer at (202) 465-7087 or claireschaefer@capitolriverfront.org.

For media inquiries about Artomatic 2009 please contact Annalisa Meyer at (202) 828-5069 or annalisa.meyer@fleishman.com or Marina Reiter at (202) 271-4748 or reiter.marina@gmail.com.

About Monument Realty

muckraker — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:33:09 -0500

One of the top performing real estate firms in the Washington metropolitan region, Monument Realty is noted for its expert achievement in property transaction, development, leasing and management. The firm’s highly regarded portfolio includes commercial office, hotel and residential projects – many of which have earned industry awards and recognition. Established in 1998, Monument Realty has quickly moved to become one of the region’s most prominent and prolific real estate firms. Monument has developed more than 5 million square feet of office space, nearly 5,000 residential units and three luxury hotels.

Monument’s earliest successes immediately drew attention to the firm’s most vital attributes: creativity, drive, tenacity and a clear understanding of the complexities of a fast-moving, demanding business. The firm has secured a leading position in the nation’s top real estate market and is known for a nimble yet exacting approach to real estate investing and responding to client needs. The firm’s diverse, in-house skills are supported by strong, interactive relationships with real estate professionals, design consultants, construction experts, leasing specialists and other key players in the Washington market.

Washington’s dynamic market is a fitting locale for Monument’s broad-ranging expertise and resourceful outlook on real estate operations. Industry leaders look to Monument for its agility in crafting strategies that respond to the challenges of a competitive development environment. The company’s acute market knowledge and energetic, hands-on approach provides real estate solutions that achieve client satisfaction while optimizing financial results for investors, time after time.

Half Street is the most notable mixed use project within the Monument portfolio. Half Street’s 55 M Street, SE is the proud host of Artomatic 2009. This newly constructed building with 275,000 SF of Class A office space is located above the Half Street entrance to the Navy Yard Metro Station and one block from Nationals Park. The structure is post-tensioned concrete, with exterior finishes of glass, terra cotta and metal panels with three levels of underground parking. An application for LEED Silver certification is pending with the USGBC. Environmentally conscious design features include a green roof and a LID streetscape concept that captures rainwater to irrigate street trees and plantings and reduces storm water run-off. The project delivered in April 2009 on budget and ahead of schedule.

Success like this and with other notable developments and transactions has resulted in numerous awards, including “Trendsetter of the Year” (Transwestern Commercial Services & Delta Associates), and “Developer of the Year” (Greater Washington Commercial Association of Realtors).

For more information:
Please visit www.monumentrealty.com or contact Natasha Stancill at (202) 777-0145 or nstancill@monumentrealty.com.

For media inquiries about Artomatic 2009, please contact Annalisa Meyer at (202) 828-5069 or annalisa.meyer@fleishman.com or Marina Reiter at (202) 271-4748 or reiter.marina@gmail.com.

Save the date: Artomatic 2009 registration opens Friday, March 27

muckraker — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:16:41 -0600

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
Capitol Riverfront BID media contact: Claire Schaefer, 202-465-7087
Monument Realty media contact: Natasha Stancill, 202-777-0145

For release: March 2, 2009

Calling all D.C.-area artists: If you want to be a part of this summer’s coolest arts event, it’s time to mark your calendars. Registration will open online Friday, March 27, at noon for artists who want to participate in Artomatic 2009.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Artomatic will be presenting art, music, theater, workshops and more from May 29 through July 5 in Washington, D.C. The five-week event, held in conjunction with the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District (BID) and Monument Realty, will take place at Half Street’s 55 M Street, S.E. The new building is located at the Navy Yard Metro stop in D.C.’s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood.

Artomatic registration will open March 27 for visual artists — such as painters, photographers, sculptors and graphic designers — as well as performers — such as those who present music, dance, theater or poetry. Artomatic is an unjuried show, so all artists are welcome to participate. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and will end once space and performance slots are filled.

Visual artists, who will have their work on display throughout the entire run of the event, are required to work three shifts to help run Artomatic 2009. Further details on registration fees, exhibit space, installation and hours of the event will be on the Artomatic Web site at www.artomatic.org by March 27. Details for performers will also be available on the Web site.

For registration questions, e-mail register@artomatic.org. To volunteer, e-mail volunteer@artomatic.org.

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 by hundreds artists, the event features free films, educational presentations and children’s activities, as well as musical, dance, poetry, theater and other performances. Last year’s Artomatic attracted about 1,540 artists and 52,500 visitors.

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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 the 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 Capitol Riverfront BID: The Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District (BID) is dedicated to making the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood clean, safe, friendly and vibrant; to creating the best quality of life in the neighborhood; and to attracting office tenants, residents, retailers and visitors. For more information, visit www.capitolriverfront.org.

About Monument Realty: Monument Realty is an award-winning full service real estate firm. The firm's diverse portfolio includes mixed use, office, residential and hotel properties. Monument Realty has developed more than 5 million square feet of office space, nearly 5,000 residential units and three hotels valued at more than $5 billion. For more information, visit www.monumentrealty.com.

Artomatic 2009 to be held in D.C.’s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood

muckraker — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:51:18 -0600

Artomatic media contact: Marina Reiter, 202-271-4748
Capitol Riverfront BID media contact: Claire Schaefer, 202-465-7087
Monument Realty media contact: Natasha Stancill, 202-777-0145

For immediate release Feb. 12, 2009

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Artomatic will be bringing its trademark one-of-a-kind multimedia arts event to Half Street’s 55 M Street, S.E., in Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood in summer 2009, the arts organization announced today.

In conjunction with the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District (BID) and Monument Realty, Artomatic will be presenting more than five weeks of art, music, theater, workshops and more — all of it free for visitors. Located between the U.S. Capitol Building and the Anacostia River and between Barracks Row Main Street and South Capitol Street, the Capitol Riverfront is a vibrant new business center, urban neighborhood, entertainment district and waterfront destination.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Artomatic on this unique arts event. With both Artomatic and Major League Baseball within blocks of one another, the Capitol Riverfront will be the go-to location for summertime entertainment in 2009,” said Michael Stevens, executive director of the Capitol Riverfront BID. “Artomatic sets the stage for the type of future festivals and entertainment that you will see in the Capitol Riverfront at the three new parks — Diamond Teague, The Yards Park and Canal Park — which begin opening spring 2009 through 2011.”

Artomatic 2009 will be held at 55 M Street, S.E., a new 275,000 square feet LEED Silver Class A office building developed by Monument Realty. The building, currently under construction, is located atop the Navy Yard Metro stop and within a block of Nationals Park, home to the Nationals baseball team.

“We are pleased to be hosting Artomatic at 55 M Street for its 10th anniversary,” said Michael Darby, principal of Monument Realty. “It is not only a great opportunity to promote the neighborhood and attract new visitors but also to bring some very talented artists to the Capitol Riverfront.”

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 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 2008, held in D.C.’s NoMa neighborhood, attracted a record-breaking 52,500 visitors and 1,540 participating artists.

The 2009 Artomatic event promises to be an equally appealing destination for D.C. area arts fans as well as those looking for summer entertainment, said Artomatic President Veronica Szalus.

“The D.C. area has a vibrant, energetic arts scene and we are excited to be able to showcase that talent and share it with the community,” Szalus said.

Artomatic 2009 will be held May 29 to July 5. The event will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 1 a.m., and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. Artomatic will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission to Artomatic is always free for visitors.

Registration for participation in Artomatic will open in March and will be open to all artists — including painters, photographers, sculptors, graphic designers, musicians, poets, actors and dancers. Artomatic is an unjuried event, so all artists are welcome, from professionals to beginners. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will end once space is filled. To be notified of the date when registration will open or to stay up on other Artomatic news, sign up to receive ArtoNews, the Artomatic newsletter, on the Artomatic Web site.

Artomatic is run entirely by participating volunteers, and new participants are sought year-round. To volunteer and help make plans for Artomatic 2009, e-mail volunteer@artomatic.org.

“Artomatic 2009 will fulfill 10 years of commitment to the growth of our cultural community and help fuel our creative economy,” said Artomatic Chair George C. Koch.

More details on the event will be available on the Artomatic Web site, www.artomatic.org, in coming weeks.

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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 the 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 Capitol Riverfront BID: The Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District (BID) is dedicated to making the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood clean, safe, friendly and vibrant; to creating the best quality of life in the neighborhood; and to attracting office tenants, residents, retailers and visitors. For more information, visit www.capitolriverfront.org.

About Monument Realty: Monument Realty is an award-winning full service real estate firm. The firm's diverse portfolio includes mixed use, office, residential and hotel properties. Monument Realty has developed more than 5 million square feet of office space, nearly 5,000 residential units and three hotels valued at more than $5 billion. For more information, visit www.monumentrealty.com.

Luck of the Draw: Valentine's weekend art and music event

muckraker — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:02:48 -0600

For immediate release: Feb. 10, 2009

Media contacts:
Artomatic: Patrick Oberman, 202-413-0956
Capitol Riverfront BID: Claire Schaefer, 202-465-7087
Pink Line Project: Philippa Hughes, 202-489-9793

Artomatic, the Pink Line Project and the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District are excited to announce Luck of the Draw, an art and music experience over Valentine’s weekend in the new Capitol Riverfront Neighborhood.

Luck of the Draw will transform selected units, lounges, courtyards and the parking lots at Velocity Condominium, Axiom at Capitol Yards and Onyx on First residential buildings with photography, installation art, graffiti artists, live music, DJs and dancing to create a three-day neighborhood art and entertainment event.

Start the night at the Velocity Condominium’s entertainment tent on Half Street between L St and K Streets S.E., and then head over to Axiom at Capitol Yards at 100 I (Eye) St. S.E. and Onyx on First at 1100 First St . S.E. Draw playing cards at each location and, in traditional Washington, D.C., style, barter, trade and negotiate with others for the best five-card poker hand to enter a raffle and win an iPod Nano. Beverages and snacks will be available at the venues as well.

Come out for something different this Valentine’s weekend. Luck of the Draw is free and open:
• Friday, Feb. 13: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 14: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 15, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“Luck of the Draw will be a great opportunity to enjoy local artists as well as showcase the Capitol Riverfront’s new apartment and condominium buildings,” said Michael Stevens, executive director of the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District. “This event kicks off our partnership with Artomatic, leading up to hosting Artomatic 2009 in the Capitol Riverfront.”

Velocity Condominium, Axiom at Capitol Yards and Onyx on First are located within a two block walking distance around the Navy Yard Metro. Limited street parking is available for cars. More information about each building is available at Velocity Condominium, Axiom at Capitol Yards and Onyx on First.

Artomatic will be bringing its trademark one-of-a-kind multimedia arts event to Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood in 2009 for the 10th anniversary Artomatic celebration. Details for Artomatic 2009 event in the Capitol Riverfront will be announced shortly. Artomatic 2008 in NoMA attracted a record-breaking 52,500 visitors and 1,540 participating artists.

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About Artomatic: Artomatic is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts event. In partnership with the development community, Artomatic transforms 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. For more information, visit www.artomatic.org.

About Pink Link Project: The Pink Line Project supports outstanding artists who contribute to excellence in the arts in Washington, DC. The Pink Line Project fosters intellectual and artistic innovation through programs and events that are fueled by the transformative power of art. For more information, visit www.thepinklineproject.com.

About the Capitol Riverfront BID: The Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District is committed to making the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, located south of the U.S. Capitol Building and near the Nationals Park, a vibrant new business center, urban neighborhood, entertainment district, and waterfront destination. For more information, visit www.capitolriverfront.org.

Art of Change inaugural ball announced for Jan. 20

muckraker — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:43:22 -0600

For Immediate Release: Monday, Jan. 5, 2009

Contacts:
Veronica Szalus, Artomatic, (703) 371-8475
Dave Diller, Playa del Fuego, (240) 723-6763

Artomatic, Inc. and Playa del Fuego, Inc. – institutions of the mid-Atlantic arts community – have joined together to create this year’s most distinctive inaugural celebration, the Art of Change (www.artists-ball.org), on Jan. 20 at 8 p.m.

With the generous support of corporate sponsor Scion (www.scion.com) as well as location sponsors the Warehouse Arts Complex (www.warehousetheater.com) and Douglas Development (www.douglasdevelopment.com), this event brings Washington, D.C., a unique opportunity to celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama as president. Tickets are available immediately for $50 at www.artists- ball.org.

Occupying three separate venues on the 1000 block of 7th St., N.W., in downtown Washington, D.C., the Art of Change will feature visual and performing arts, multiple dance floors, fire dancing and live music. DJs from across the mid- Atlantic region will be spinning an eclectic mix of musical styles on two dance floors, and in the Art of Change Galleries, displaying artworks created for this celebration. The Variety Stage will showcase performances all night long, including live music, comedy, belly dancing and spoken word poetry. And outside, attendees will enjoy fire-dance performances while dancing to up-and-coming DJs in the heated White Tent.

George C. Koch, chair of Artomatic Inc.: “The Art of Change is an example of the collaborative spirit within the creative community and it speaks to the desire of artists to be a full partner in the change that is taking place in our country and our community. The Art of Change brings together the progressive and creative communities to support a new vision for our creative economy.”

Dave Diller, president of Playa del Fuego Inc.: "We're so glad to be working in partnership with Artomatic and all of the Art of Change supporting organizations from across D.C.'s arts communities. Our organizations have long sought to break down the barriers to participation in the realm of art, and with this celebratory event we look forward to a bold new era of similar efforts in the realm of government."

In the spirit of community organizing and collaboration that President-elect Obama has come to represent, the Art of Change is being planned in collaboration with a number of supporting organizations. These include DC Burners, Dance Afire, Bethesda Theatre, Cultural Attaché, Washington Project for the Arts, 4&9 Productions LLC, Brightest Young Things, the Pink Line Project, Capitol Riverfront BID and Pecha Kucha.

This collaborative ethic also facilitates social engagement by making us all responsible for the creation and maintenance of our shared culture. We encourage all attendees to contribute by performing, displaying art, volunteering, or donating to make this event a success.

For more information visit www.artists-ball.org.

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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.

Playa del Fuego is a nonprofit, participant-directed organization whose mission is to hold interactive events that promote artistic creativity and freedom of expression.