Celeste’s Journey Completes City Hall Artwork

Ali and Bonnie With Celeste. Photo by Stepanie Fitzgerald

The second part of Rockville’s newest work of art, the Spirit of Discovery, was installed on the lawn of City Hall last Thursday, December 16, 2010. The snow storm made the drive from Northern Virginia slightly precarious, but artists Bonnie Fitzgerald and Ali Mirsky carefully navigated the truck around the Beltway from Bonnie’s studio in Vienna to complete the artwork on schedule.

Celeste In Place For Transport. Photo by Stephanie Fitzgerald.

Celeste Being Carried. Photo by Stephanie Fitzgerald.

Celeste Arrives In Front of City Hall. Photo by Stephanie Fitzgerald

If you have seen the 170-square-foot glass mosaic depicting a spinning nebula on the facade of City Hall which was installed last month, you might not have realized the Spirit of Discovery was not complete. The artwork is comprised of two separate but connected pieces. In the garden area below the mosaic, a sculpture of a young girl now looks up at the nebula through a telescope. The artists named her “Celeste”. She weighs about 350 pounds and has a welded armature with a unique polystyrene sculpted base coated in several coats of concrete covered by pieces of glass. She looks to the future with an old-fashioned telescope - a salute to the past and discovery in the future.

Celeste Complete. Photo by Stephanie Fitzgerald.

Bonnie explains what the artists hope we will take away from viewing the artwork:

Rockville was founded and built in the spirit of discovery. Every time you look at the installation it looks different, always something new to discover about the artwork. Because of the materials we used the reflection will always be different. Hopefully Celeste inspires an interest in science and an interest in embracing discovery. Ideally a passerby would be able to admire the artwork solely based on the quality of the art, the colors and the sculptural form, which we feel is easily relatable. This is not conceptual art, the message is simple and the sculptural form really helps paint that picture, regardless if the viewer knows the mural is a nebula. It is contemporary art. There is a story; it speaks to the past and present, but regardless if you know the story or not, one will still be able to enjoy the intricate details and beautiful colors of the mosaic. We hope that our work will intrigue the viewer and cause them to take a moment to pause and absorb the artwork.

Celeste Standing. Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

When Ali and Bonnie originally presented the installation concept for Spirit of Discovery to the Art Commission they used the tag line:

Rockville: where opportunity and discovery intersect

Since the Spirit of Discovery was commissioned to commemorate all of the City’s 150 incorporated years, the artists took a thorough and creative look at Rockville, as Bonnie explains:

After a lot of research into Rockville’s past and present we learned Rockville has always been a place of great opportunity. And needless to say there are countless “things” to discover about Rockville, from interesting people to physical beauty, cultural activities, a commitment to education and community - just to name a few.

With this tag line, these artists might have solved our branding quandary which they couldn’t help but notice and would like to help resolve.

Telescope. Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths.

Now that the installation is complete, Bonnie admits to missing the work. Perhaps this is why the artists are toying with the idea of continuing their work with Celeste by creating an interactive social media presence so that Celeste could give science lessons or talk about outer space. If such a project involved local schools, kids could be inspired beyond her physical space at City Hall. In my mind, I could see such a project involving the Science Café and the effort to build a Science Center in Rockville. If Rockville Central can help, we’d be all over it!

Celeste Finally At Home. Photo by Stephanie Fitzgerald.

Celeste is certainly a welcome addition to the City of Rockville and I look forward to discovering with her in the future.

Pumphrey Lot, CCT And A Lack Of Consent At The Mayor and Council Meeting 12-13-10

Artwork model from Deirdre Saunder

In addition to providing information on the proposed ice rink’s demise and possible new grocery store in Town Square, Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting included discussions about other changes in Rockville and we’ll try to give you the rundown here on Rockville Central.

Death Ray
First of all, we all need to know that the General Services Department is working on a solution for the “death ray” reflection from the new District Courthouse and they will let the City know as soon as they have something solid!

New Courthouse Square Park Plaza Artwork (Say that one a few times quick!)
When the warm weather hits next summer, watch where you’re walking. This new artwork will be installed on the walking surface of the circular plaza area surrounding the “Spirit of Rockville” fountain-sculpture in front of the Redbrick Court House. This new endeavor, which is kid-proof and skateboard safe, will combine the work of two different artists into one. By unanimous decision, the Mayor and Council approved the award of $35,000 to Deirdre Saunder of Potomac for her porcelain and glass tile artwork and the new walkway will be installed April or May of next year.

Pumphrey Funeral Home Can Build A Parking Lot
By a split 3-2 decision, the Mayor and Council approved the proposed Zoning Text Amendment from Applicant William A. Pumphrey. The proposed ordinance was first introduced at the meeting on December6 and it allows Pumphrey’s to add parking on the empty lot which they own next to their building. Councilmembers Pierzchala, Gajewski and Britton in favor and Mayor Marcuccio and Councilmember Newton opposed.

Corridor City Transitway
Although the City’s official stance has been to support light rail rather than bus rapid transit for the CCT, City Manager Scott Ullery pointed out that light rail would entail intersection closures and a lot of horn blowing as the trains go through. The King Farm community has started to respond. At this point, the MD Transit CCT Coalition endorses light rail and the Smart Growth Advisory Group endorses rapid bus transit. The City will continue to support the CCT but will reconsider whether to endorse a rail or bus option as more information becomes available. Most of the right of way has been obtained for the planned route through Rockville. Based on presentation a few weeks ago, Councilmember Piotr Gajewski commented that they were not able to articulate any advantages for the light rail other than it somehow makes the transit more permanent.

The Growth And Water Elements
For months the Mayor and Council have been working on the two Elements required by the State of Maryland which needed to be amended into our Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP). After all the discussion and testimony (especially on school growth and capacity) both the Municipal Growth Element (MGE) and Water Resources Element (WRE) were officially and unanimously approved with very little fanfare.

Consent Agenda

Although items can be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion and a separate vote, all the items remained on the Consent Agenda. Councilmembers Britton, Gajewski, and Peirzchala voted in favor, while Mayor Marcuccio and Councilmember Newton voted against. (3-2 for approval).

Here are the items:

A. The removal of three Art in Public Places sculptures recommended by the Cultural Arts Commission: “Ballgame,” the painted aluminum and steel sculpture located at Dogwood Park; “Eleven Triangles”, the wood sculpture located at Rockmead Park; and “Four Piece Construction/Variations on a Triangle” the painted muslin sculpture located in the Social Hall. All had deteriorated and been restored in the past but the condition of the sculptures merited their disposal.

B. Contract award to the sole bidder, AshBritt, Inc. of Pompano Beach, Florida (which came to our assistance last year) for emergency snow/debris related equipment rental and manpower for an amount not to exceed $2,000,000.00 per fiscal year. This company has the manpower and also equipment (such as generators) to get the City through storm emergencies and disasters. Orders only need to be placed as an emergency need arises and there is no obligation on the part of the City to procure any minimum dollar amount of services. Approval of this contract to puts a system in place in case we need it.

C. Contract award to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder, CFI Construction Corporation of Rockville in the amount of $4,757,000 for the construction of improvements to the Gude Drive Maintenance Complex. The Gude Drive Maintenance Complex houses the Operations Divisions of the Departments of Public Works and Recreation and Parks. The facility was originally built in 1972 and has not been significantly upgraded over the past 38 years. It is greatly in need of renovation and modernization. The facilities, maintenance buildings, offices, parking areas, at the complex support the staff and equipment that provide many of the most important City services to Rockville residents, including streets and sidewalk maintenance, water/sewer systems maintenance, refuse collection, stormwater maintenance, motor vehicle maintenance, snow plowing, parks maintenance, athletic field maintenance, facility maintenance, forestry, horticulture, right-of-way maintenance, and emergency response.

D. Contract award for the Glenora Tributary Middle Stream Restoration Design Services Bid to Charles P. Johnson and Associates, Inc. (CPJ) in the amount of $205,162 to enhance the Watts Branch Watershed through stream restoration, wetland enhancement, reforestation, and protection of adjacent utilities. This project was recommended in the 2001 Watts Branch Watershed Study as a crucial component to the long-term health of the watershed. This study was recommended by the Watts Branch Partnership and adopted by the Mayor and Council on August 6, 2001.

E. Architectural/Engineering Design Contract Award to WGM of Annapolis for the Phase II Construction Administration of the Gude Drive Maintenance Facility Improvements Project in the amount of $115,300. The Gude Drive Maintenance Facility Improvement Project funds the modernization and expansion of the City’s maintenance facility. The existing facility is in need of expansion, structural rehabilitation and modernization, and requires many improvements to bring the facilities fully into compliance with current building, life safety, accessibility and other applicable codes and standards. Having been originally constructed almost forty years ago, the facility is far too small for the current size of the staff, amount of City vehicles and equipment, storage needs, etc.

F. Contract extension to Specialized Engineering in the amount not to exceed $150,000 through June 30, 2011 for supplemental inspection services. Public Works continues to utilize consultant inspection services from Specialized Engineering as a supplement to City staff. This extension simply approves additional spending authority through the remainder of FY11 in the amount not to exceed $150,000 for a total FY11 authorization of $240,000. The funding for this contract extension will be from the following CIP projects: Asphalt Maintenance 0A11 $110,000; Concrete Maintenance 0C11 $10,000; Cabin John Sewer Rehab 4A45 $10,000; Watts Branch Sewer Rehab 7B45 $10,000; and Sidewalks 6B21 $10,000.

Near the end of the meeting during Old and New Business, Councilmember Mark Pierzchala noted the vote for the Consent Agenda was 3 to 2. He asked for clarity on this matter because if an item should be taken away from the Consent Agenda then it can be removed.

Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio responded that she was voted against the Consent Agenda because it was “a lump” then added she was voting against 8c and 8e about the Gude Drive Maintenance Facility. Both were part of the bond issue.

Councilmember Pierchala continued the discussion by noting that Mayor Marcuccio and Councilmember Newton also voted against all of the bonds in a recent decision and he didn’t comment at the time because he was just so stunned. There were six components on bond issue and it would have been useful to know which projects were voted against. Heading into the next meeting when Councilmember Gajewski was away and they had to vote on the senior center expansion contract, he thought it would die 2-2 but it passed 4-0. There were six items on the bond issue and Councilmember Pierzchala would like to know which were not acceptable. One was on refinancing and it saved the City money. The dissenting votes must not have been about the Senior Center because it passed. Another part of the bonds was the new police station. His sentiment was that the Mayor should be clearer.

Mayor Marcuccio responded that she couldn’t recall exactly what he was talking about and she would need a list. As for the senior center, it received considerable funding from the Department of Aging so that at least that picked up some of the funds. The Mayor indicated she would be happy to go back and look at the vote concerning the bonds. Councilmember Pierzchala said that for clarity it should happen.

During the discussion Mayor Marcuccio then added that she doesn’t want to borrow money. Councilmember Pierzchala pointed out the City of Rockville is still AAA and not over borrowing. Borrowing money is a very appropriate way to pay for the improvements. If the Gude Drive facility is renovated, it will last another 40-50 years. Referring to the public work employees he noted, “These are the people who dug us out of 60 inches of snow last year. They deserve good working conditions.” If we’re not going to use bonds then we need to find another way to pay for the improvements because that facility has to be updated. That’s what we owe our employees:

Four of us attended the awards ceremony last week and we had people in safety boots and overalls coming up for awards. They are on the streets everyday and they need good working conditions.

Mayor Marcuccio responded that we are in an economic decline in our country and we need to be careful about how we spend our money, “I am thinking of the fiscal responsibility of the City.” She has heard the argument that we should borrow when the interest rate is low but “maybe we put it off for a year.” The City should not be pressured by low interest rates. She said she is not going to change her mind.

Councilmember Pierzchala believes, “The City can handle it” especially since we heard tonight that the Gude Drive bid came in half a million dollars under the amount expected.

Councilmember Bridget Newton commented that the City could maybe do something else.

Councilmember Pierzchala countered that he has not heard any other suggestions. He wanted to know how long we allow the facilities to continue in disrepair. Although the Mayor said she was being “financially responsible” to not borrow at this point and time, he did not agree:

The City is in strong financial condition. To not take advantage of low construction costs at this moment. To not put our employees in safe working conditions just doesn’t compute. I’m sorry I just find it very cynical.

City Hall Dons New Artwork

Spirit of Discovery Installation photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

When the artists competing for the bid to commemorate the City’s 150th Anniversary at City Hall were given two potential locations for the artwork, Bonnie Fitzgerald and Ali Mirsky knew they could create art for both spaces and stay within the project’s $75,000 budget. They won and now we are all winners too.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Today the artists and their helpers installed the first part of the Spirit of Discovery. Even before it was completed, this glistening, shining mosaic was already bringing the building to life. Depicting a spinning nebula, the final frontier, it will never look the same twice. The dynamic interplay of the stained glass, glass tiles, recycled bottle glass, and fused glass will reflect light differently at different times. As the artists described, “The artwork will cast shadows and reflect brilliantly depending on the weather, position of the sun and moon and of course the time of day.” The iridescent coating on the black glass also adds to the changing color scheme to create movement and energy.

Measuring approximately 170 square feet, the artwork is dimensional and layered. The mosaics were mounted on a new material used for airplane and marble construction so the lightweight panels allowed the grouting of the mosaic on a flat surface in the studio. This morning the panels were bolted and attached to the building with ease.

The second part of the Spirit of Discovery is a sculpture of a young girl looking at the nebula through a telescope. Bonnie calls her “Celeste” and she’ll look to the future while her telescope acknowledges the past with an old-fashioned design. She’ll be installed on a cement platform by the City of Rockville sign on Maryland Avenue in a couple of weeks.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

The artists interviewed city officials and local merchants then researched city history to create the design.

Bonnie previously designed and installed the popular fish fountain in Rockville Town Square at the corner of Maryland Avenue and Middle Lane outside Gordon Biersch. Her warm and welcoming spirit brings a conversation and her artwork into full color. She explained that as soon as she met Ali, she recognized her talent for mosaics and knew they needed to collaborate. Both believe that working together as a team has brought out the best in them. You can tell when you see the Spirit of Discovery.

Art Thrives With New Galleries And Exhibits At VisArts

Glass Box Gallery Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

What if it’s 3 o’clock in the morning and you want to visit a gallery exhibition in Rockville? You can!

Last week VisArts opened three new spaces including the Glass Box Gallery, located in the window of the VisArts TOO shop facing Gibbs Street. Visitors can peer at the large screen 24 hours a day and experience a silent video production. Although VisArts always presents a cosmopolitan vibe, this never-ending tech exhibit brings a very urban feel down to the street. The current exhibit, Mascara, focuses on one eye as makeup is rubbed away. We couldn’t help but watch more than one loop while trying to understand the circumstances.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Every month the new Spotlight Gallery will display the work of a different Montgomery County Public School Art Teacher. VisArts carved this special gallery out of the space in the back of the VisArts TOO shop. The Spotlight provides a wonderful opportunity for teachers to share their work and encourage the pursuit of art. This incredibly public space provides an opportunity for all of us to view and purchase artwork from these educators, but in particular it provides a rare opportunity for students to appreciate the display and sale of art by someone they know. The first exhibit features Angela White’s oils on canvas and cigar boxes in a series entitled Sea Over Land. Described as “Inspiration beyond the classroom”, the monthly shows will inevitably inspire us all.

Family Gallery by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

The second floor family studio has moved down the hall which opened up its former space to some fresh possibilities as an exhibit area called the Portfolio Gallery. To celebrate the opening, Mariah Anne Johnson created a site-responsive installation using the colors of the room and inspiration from the season. The use of fabric in her artwork began almost by accident after she continually combed through thrift stores purchasing fabrics with diverse patterns. Instead of cutting the fabric, the folds and combinations became whole in her projects. With a background as a painter, Mariah uses fabric to replicate the layering which occurs in the painting process to create abstract art designs. Her delightful personality shines through every piece.

Mariah Anne Johnson Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

“As you look around the room, there is just one story after another about both the people and the photographs,” explained the Carl D Brandt about the Best of the Silver Spring Camera Club exhibit presented by the Washington School of Photography in the main Kaplan Gallery. He trusted us with his tender story and enthralling photography descriptions. When he met his wife in a photography club in 1963, he asked her to marry him six weeks later. Together they shared a lifetime of photography until her passing unexpectedly during surgery last year. The exhibit includes some of Carl’s best photographs from across all the years. While catching Lightening in 1950, he ran the risk of being electrocuted. Meanwhile his Chinese Dragon displays the performers in bright sunlight in DC with the background digitally pasted out to black for an amazing contrast.

Carl D Brandt Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

This exhibit includes vibrantly uplifting colors, captured expressions, and nature’s moments. Douglas Walters’ close ups of morning lotus and dancing leaves transform these natural objects into flowing objects reminiscent of imaginary playgrounds. Carolina Simon’s close ups bring you to the surface of another planet, especially with Spiny Menace. Twilight Pleated Wave also embraces roller coaster movement and waves. Although their close-ups masterfully elevate objects to artwork, many of the photographs from the DC area also bring a different perspective to everyday places. If you have any interest in photography, this exhibit is for you.

VisArts TOO Shop Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

All of the VisArt galleries bring innovation and community alive. Now there are even more reasons to go down to the end of Gibbs Street. Remember the VisArts TOO Shop for your holiday shopping, including animal ornaments.

VisArts at Rockville directions and hours are available here.

Discounted Fiber Art Sale This Saturday

Artist Zita Simutis. Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

People are going to be lined up at the door before the Wearable Art/Fiber Art Show and Sale even opens. That’s how popular this one-day event has become.

Where else can you get one-of-a-kind handcrafted fiber art at a discount? Usually these pieces are for sale in studios and galleries. You can save on wearable art, jewelry, scarves, shawls, hats, wall hangings, hand-dyed yarn, and hand-dyed fabric.

You never know where this show will lead you. Four years ago Zita M Simutis visited the show and was inspired. She saw real felt for the first time and said, “I have to do that.” Now she’s a member of the Fiber Art Studio in VisArts at Rockville, producing wonderful felt pieces.

Wearable Art Fiber Art Show and Sale
Saturday, November 6, 2010
9:30 AM until 4 PM
Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, 10701 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville MD (directions)

The Back Room will have overstock supplies and equipment for weaving, knitting, spinning, dyeing, surface design, and quilting. They’ll be racks of thread and yarn along with buckets of beads for sale.

Janet Stollnitz, one of the founders of the event, said the sale was originally held in Garrett Park but moved to Saint Mark’s last year to have more room. Having a suitable space for the Back Room is the most important part of choosing the location.

All of the artists are members of the Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery. This is the one time the artists from the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria venture across the river to sell their work. These are good pieces of quality work. Almost everything will be sold by the end of the day so arrive early, very early!

Weekend to Weekend Pick 10/28/10: Glenview Mansion Art

Art exhibit openings provide an opportunity to speak with artists to learn about their methods and discuss the creative process. Since many work alone in their studios, they relish the chance to interact and explain the intricacies of their creations. The Glenview Mansion Art Gallery gives regional artists the chance to sell their work and meet the public. Usually on the first Sunday of the month, the City hosts an opening reception with musical entertainment. Free to the public, the event always lifts the spirits. This month should be no exception.

Meet the Artists & Opening Reception

Sunday, November 7, 2010
1:30 - 3:30 PM
Glenview Mansion Art Gallery
With a Sunday Afternoon Concert Featuring the U.S. Navy Band – Chamber Ensemble from 2 to 3 PM.

This month’s artists:
Michael Ian Goulding – gelatin silver photographs
Jackie Hoysted – acrylic on pastel paper
Mara Odette – sculpture
Hussein Saidi – mixed media collages

The Exhibit will be on display in the Mansion from November 7th to 30th.

Gallery Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 AM to 4:30 PM; Tuesday, Thursday, 9 AM to 9 PM.
Closed official holidays.

Contributor Opinion by Eric Raynor: ERCA Response To East Rockville Art Decision

Below is a letter from the East Rockville Civic Association (ERCA) submitted to the Mayor and Council yesterday concerning their vote at the Mayor and Council Meeting on Monday to approve artwork for the property behind the East Rockville sign by the Rockville Metro Rail Station.

At our monthly meeting on October 12, 2010, members of the East Rockville Civic Association (ERCA) reviewed and discussed the proposed sculpture (aka “The Blossom” by East Los Streetscapers) planned for placement at the corner of Park Road and S. Stonestreet in East Rockville, across the street from the Rockville metro station parking lot.

We understand that opinions about public art are highly subjective and that not everyone will or can agree on what is aesthetically appropriate; nevertheless, ERCA members are displeased with this choice of artwork, and do not feel it befits our residential neighborhood. In fact, the consensus opinion at our meeting was that we would rather not have any public art at that location; we’d prefer to just have enhanced landscaping. (For the record, ERCA members did not like any of the three proposed artwork options that were on view at city hall; members felt that none of the options adequately capture or reflect the character of our residential neighborhood. )

ERCA members are also concerned about the process by which art is chosen and placed in our (and other) residential neighborhoods. We don’t recall ever having been specifically asked if we even wanted artwork at that location, and we feel that the process to select and approve this artwork has been too rapid and without adequate neighborhood/community input. Where in this process is there an opportunity for the community at large to say we’ve taken a vote and we don’t like any of the proposed options and feel that none of these should be selected?

We are, however, mindful of the fact that you have already voted 4 to 1 in favor of this project the night before we had an opportunity to discuss it. Therefore, if it is too late to cancel this project, we respectfully request that this artwork be considered for placement in some other area within the city – perhaps a municipal or corporate location, which we think would be a more appropriate setting for this artwork.

On behalf of ERCA I will be happy to further discuss this matter with you and/or city staff. Thank you for your consideration.

Eric Raynor
President, East Rockville Civic Association (ERCA)

This is a Contributor Opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such pieces for consideration — the more voices the better. Simply send them to [email protected]. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

Please also note that Rockville Central does not endorse candidates in election campaigns. Supporters of all candidates are encouraged to submit opinion pieces for consideration.

Art Demos At Rockville Memorial Library

Judith Heartsong in her studio

VisArts goes next door to a neighbor! Several artists are bringing their skills to the Rockville Memorial Library for a very special program, Reading and the Arts: An End of Summer Celebration for Children and Their Families on August 21, 2010 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

Two separate programs will include story readings from art-related picture books. The first story time will be in the morning at 10:30 AM and the next at noon. The art demos will follow the storytimes.

At 11 AM until noon, the first set of demonstrations will feature Karen Askin showing basic wheel and clay techniques, Judith HeartSong demonstrating watercolor still life, and Anne Sanderoff-Walker showing weaving techniques on a studio loom as she makes a scarf. If you are interested in reading more about Judith and Anne’s work, read my Rockville Living article Handcrafted Locally And Destined to Last A Lifetime where I featured their work.

Anne Sanderoff-Walker with her loom

The second set of demonstrations, beginning at 12:30 PM, includes Eileen Martin’s fused glass, Bertrand Mao’s Chinese calligraphy and traditional Chinese painting, and Janet Barnard’s table loom weaving. When I’ve visited Eileen’s studio I’ve stared in awe at how she masterfully bends glass.

All these passionate artists are sure to inspire the kids AND the adults. Together they are crossing innovative frontiers in the art world. Free opportunities to witness their talents should never be missed.

Sponsored by the Rockville Chapter of the Friends of the Library and VisArts, the event will also include snacks and prizes. Registration is not necessary.

Why Is There A Penguin In Town Square?

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You can’t help but notice the big white penguin in front of the Rockville Memorial Library. What on earth is it doing there? When I first spotted it, I looked around for a sign or plaque. I checked to see if there were any other penguins stoically perched under trees, then I snapped a picture.

At home I start wondering if anyone knows. I googled “penguin in Rockville Town Square” without really expecting to find an answer but what do you know? On the Senior Artists Alliance website I find an announcement from Irma Spencer:

Two of my outdoor pieces are spending five months leased to the city of Rockville. My “Penguin of Summer” can be seen in the Rockville Town Center plaza, under a tree, surveying his strange warming environment and watching children play in the fountain. He will reside there until November.

The Rockville Park, home of the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre and the Glenview Mansion, has 6 sculptures on its grounds. My painted yellow round piece, “Happy Daze” is on the grass facing the entrance road.

So the “Penguin of Summer” artist also has a piece in Sculpture on the Grounds. Mystery solved, but the penguin is really Silver Spring’s mascot.

Slipping Into A Brief Summer Encounter With Art

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Each year Sculpture on the Grounds is my own personal summer fling. The sculptures linger on the lawns of Rockville Civic Center Park for casual hot weather encounters, but you know that by the time the cold weather arrives, they’ll be gone forever.

The exhibit of six large-scale sculptures opened last Sunday, June 6, 2010 and the artwork will be on the Civic Center grounds until October 17th.

This year’s selection includes:

“Elements” by Jeff Chyatte of Washington, DC
“Out of Nature” by Hanna Jubran of Grimesland, NC
“Happy Daze” by Irma Spencer of Potomac, MD
“”Doorways and Roadways” by William Wood of Fairfax, VA
“Giant Fern” by Don Herman of Potomac, MD
“Sir Ned and the Southern Cross” by John Mors of Arlington, VA

The serene and scenic park setting always emboldens the artwork. As you walk around each piece the surface changes in its own right but then the completely different view of the setting adds another layer of perspective. Shade, light or sky creates a new experience from every side.

The Sculpture on the Grounds exhibit is part of the City of Rockville’s Art in Public Places program, which provides funding for public art as a cultural enrichment for the community.

"Wearable Art/Un-Wearable Fashion" Unfastens Our Finery

At >Visarts, the edgy exhibit, Wearable Art/Un-Wearable Fashion, turns the concept of clothing inside out.

Jan Mandel

Jan Mandel, an internationally collected Sculptural Jeweler who was a juror for the exhibit, said it demonstrates a new “shift” in society. Due to the financial crisis people are being forced to think outside the box as they did in the early 1920’s. Back then, wealth changed and people redefined what was possible. This special exhibit in Rockville is the first in the DC area to explore wearable art in such a cutting edge manner.

You’ll find dresses incorporating newspaper with cd’s and soda labels with garbage bags. Is the financial situation that bad? If it is, you can always make a shirt out of cigarette boxes.

Because the dress recycled a handmade artifact, my favorite was Marie Bergastedt’s Undercover Waltz ($1,500) made of an antique silk quilt, recycled cotton, velvet, wire, and embroidery thread. Along with recycled items, the exhibit also interprets nontraditional materials. Alanna Buedding’s Kai Qunzi (NFS) used reclaimed leather lacing and rivets from an old factory which had been hand punched and riveted to create the loose, see-through action of the dress. The artist provided the measurements for this remarkable piece and I miss being able to fit into it by one. I won’t say which one.

Undercover Waltz

The Weekly Washing by Lil Schaer of Switzerland gives a doily of an underwear giggle. ($370/piece) Interestingly enough, the Penny Loafers cost more than a penny ($9,500). You might be able to glean the fashion fun which awaits your visit to this exhibit.

Last Friday’s opening reception was packed. The Friday night events at Visarts are often popular but this was a big crowd. Some of the pieces were modeled during a show. A photographer was also on hand to shoot pictures of stylist fashions.

One of the galleries at Visarts has been converted into a working studio for fabric artists and many of their supporters came to see the new space. We’re very lucky to have so many working artists right in our City.

Wearable Art/Un-Wearable Fashion is on exhibit at Visarts until June 19, 2010. Click here for location and hours.

Bang On The Drum All Night

Have you ever dreamed about drumming? >Rockville Central friend and VisArts Studio Artist, Judith Heartsong, tells us that February’s Art After Hours at VisArts Rockville is a drum fest. Bring along your own small drum or rattle to “beat the winter blues”. If you don’t have your own percussion instrument, they will have some on hand.

Do you want to know the absolute best part? Nancy Nuttle is leading the session. I spent years in her Music Together classes with both my sons. This drumming circle won’t turn you into a rock star drummer, but Nancy certainly taught me how to loosen up and appreciate making music with my kids. The drumming is from 7 to 8 PM.

Nancy says:

I am a trained Health Rhythms facilitator and have been teaching music for 25 years. Health Rhythms Recreational Music Making encompasses enjoyable, accessible and fulfilling group music-based activities that unite people of all ages regardless of their challenges, backgrounds, ethnicity, ability or prior experience. RMM ultimately affords unparalleled creative expression that unites our bodies, minds and spirits. No music skills required.

In case you haven’t attended, Art After Hours is free. VisArts swings wide their doors and all the artists open their studios from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. You can see these artists creating and purchase their work just in time for Valentine’s Day. Speaking with the artists, hearing about their techniques, and appreciating the joy of their work is such a fulfilling experience. The arty atmosphere makes for a fine date. I can’t recommend VisArts enough.

Get together with your friends and enjoy one of the most unique Friday nights in the Metro DC area right here in our wonderful City.

A Tea Party!

>Not that kind!

For months, VisArts has been collecting tea pots from well-known artists for their biggest fundraiser of the year, a High Tea Party and Sale of Artful Teapots to be held on Sunday, October 25 from 1 to 4 PM.

You’ll be able to purchase teapots, tea bowls, tea cups, and tea sets from 95 American and Canadian artists at this elegant event in this beautiful 28,000 square foot art center. All funds raised will benefits VisArts’ Education and Outreach Programs which have served the metropolitan DC area for more than twenty years.

Photo from VisArts

International tea ceremonies will be demonstrated in the Portfolio Gallery. Xuti, in conjunction with Eric Serritella, will be brewing and serving Chinese Gongfu Style tea.

Getting into the spirit of the fundraiser, artist Judith Heartsong has been painting eight fanciful teapot designs in her VisArts studio which will translate into note cards for sale in her studio during the Art of Tea.

Tickets are $60 and can be purchased in advance by contacting Callie Prassinos at 301-315-8200, ext 105. If you don’t decide in advance or find a friend at the last minute, tickets will also be available at the door.

Quite The Show At VisArts

I must admit a prejudice, when I hear an exhibit is a “members show” I don’t hold very high expectations. Usually the show pulls from a small pool of artists so there’s not a wide range of talent. >Camouflage at VisArts obliterated my bias.

The show is comprised of the work from the members of Visarts. Anyone can join and receive a discount on classes and shop purchases. The exhibition was juried by Rex Stevens from the Maryland Institute College of Art and includes photographs, collages, oils, simple graphite drawings, fused glass, and imagination.

Here’s a fun twist. You can bribe the judges to pick your favorite for Best In Show. Donate a dollar for every one of your votes, pencil in your choices on the tally sheets, and the judges will pick the artwork with the most votes.

We were lucky enough to meet Sterling “Rip” Smith who lived in Rockville for 17 years but now resides in West Virginia. Last year he came to visit and was blown away by VisArts and our new Town Center. He joined VisArts to support their impressive programs. His two photographs catch the eye. View From The Court ($150) stretches out the columns of the Supreme Court portico with the Capital building in the distance. Rip explained his process. The finished product is actually a blending of five photographs taken at different exposures, so that the entire view is un-shadowed and detailed.

Herb Perone’s photographs exude sexuality. You can’t miss it. You can’t walk away. He captures the look, the feel and the daring of an available woman without regard for norms. The woman in Color Me Blue ($350) is enticing, inviting, textured, and true. The Cat Woman (($350) is one sexy kitten.

VisArts continues the dialogue with artists by encouraging visitors to send letters to the artists. After you answer one of the questions, you place the note in the mailbox and all of the responses will be delivered at the end of the show.

• What did you notice first?
• Is there a part you don’t understand?
• Is something missing?
• Does it remind you of anything?
• Should it be bigger or smaller?
• Do you want to keep looking at it?

Down the hall a second exhibition entitled Unique Visions provides the studio artists from VisArts with a chance to spread their wings. The most shining example is Mimi Harris. Her whimsical necklaces are featured in this month’s Washingtonian magazine, but her contributions to the exhibit go beyond necklaces to reach the ceiling and adorn the walls. How could we not notice Judith Heartsong’s Can You See Me ($1,400), an extremely red peacock? Kathie Perry Lynch’s Can’t See The Forest For The Trees ($950) is a glass panel with depth of sky and birch trees reminding me of my property in the Catskills. The recycled men’s neckties woven on a floor loom by Johnnie Gins are always eye-catching and her Family Ties ($325) is no exception. (Yes, you can bring in ties and she’ll make a very personal one for you.) Alan Sislen’s archival pigment prints ($295 each) feature a curved building which is artwork all on its own making the photos beyond unusual. Although you can visit these artists in their studios and purchase their work, the exhibit combines their gifts in a unique flourish.

The kid’s room, besides having a wonderful painting by Judith Heartsong called Bright Birthday Flowers, provides shapes to trace and masks to make. Children can camouflage themselves and read some books.

The only thing camouflaged is a true understanding of the talent in these exhibitions. Bribe away – it’s for a good cause.

Both exhibits are on display until September 5, 2009. Check the VisArts website for summer hours and changes due to special events.

Sculpture On The Grounds

Every summer I enjoy walking around the >Civic Center Park to view the Sculpture on the Grounds exhibit. With the pleasant weather this summer, the experience has been even more of a treat. (more…)