Saturday, April 21, 2007

National & Global Youth Service Day Weekend 2007

Serve DC helps organize a huge event each April called National & Global Youth Service Day (N&GYSD)—a weekend dedicated to youth and their involvement in their communities. It is also the largest service event in the world, proving that youth really do care about their communities. In 2006, more than 9,000 DC youth and their families participated in N&GYSD.

Here is a list of projects taking place in Washington DC.

The Opening Ceremony for National & Global Youth Service Day was held at King Greenleaf Recreation Center on Friday, 20 April, from 4 - 6 pm. During which time youth painted a mural to celebrate the event and the spirit of volunteerism in Washington DC.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Happy 15th Anniversary, Chris & Dan

Cherry 2007 . 8 - 10 June . WDC


Friday's Photo of the Week . 20 April 2007

FRESHFARM Farmer's Market returns to Penn Quarter on Thursday afternoons & evenings

FRESHFARM Markets began as a program in the Public Education Division of American Farmland Trust. And was incorporated as an independent, nonprofit organization in Washington, DC, receiving 501(c)3 status.

In 1997, the first FRESHFARM market opened in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC, and in 1998, a second market opened in St. Michaels, MD. The Dupont Circle market has expanded from a customer base of 21,000 to more than 100,000 and has been named by The Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times of London as one of the top farmers' markets in the country.

In 2003, a new market was added in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington, DC. In 2004, a market opened at H Street NE. And in 2005, new markets opened in Foggy Bottom and Silver Spring, MD. In June of 2006, a farmstand, in partnership with Kaiser Permanente, was created in Camp Springs, MD.

Each Thursday, from 5 April until 15 November 2007, FRESHFARM Markets will be at Penn Quarter on 8th Street between D and F Streets in NW WDC, from 3 until 7 pm.

My first visit to the FRESHFARM Market at Penn Quarter was on Thursday afternoon, 19 April 2007, which is when the above photo of Jim and Alice Breger of Anchor Nursery, from Galena MD, was taken taken.

Though, over the years, I have photographed the FRESHFARM - Dupont Circle Market several times I was not aware of its history, until recently. This FRESHFARM - Penn Quarter - WDC - 19 April 2007 photoset represents the launching of my now ongoing FRESHFARM Farmers Market project.

AIDS Walk Miami, this Sunday, 22 April

The 19th Annual AIDS Walk Miami benefiting Care Resource kicks off from the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, 2000 Convention Center Drive, precisely at 9:00 am this coming Sunday morning, April 22.

All participants should be there by 8:00 am to get registered or checked in and get their commemorative AIDS Walk Miami T-Shirt before heading out.

There is still time to register and collect donations, just click here www.aidswalkmiami.org now for information and look for a special AIDS Walk Miami report on NBC Channel 6 and on Telemundo this coming Saturday morning.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Know a young artist who needs $500?

To kickoff NWLC’s 35th anniversary celebration, we’re excited to announce a national art contest for students 13-19 years old! The winner will receive an award of $500 and their work, along with other chosen works receiving honorable mention recognition, may be featured in NWLC materials and on its web site.

NWLC is looking for visual artwork, such as photography, painting, Flash animation, and other web-based media, that creatively depicts the contest’s theme of “expanding the possibilities for women and girls".

The deadline to enter the contest is June 30, 2007. Please encourage any creative 13-19 year olds you know to enter, and help us get the word out to any students, teachers, principals, school administrators, parents, community activists, and anyone else that may be interested!

We hope to receive some fantastic submissions as NWLC celebrates 35 years of expanding the possibilities for women and girls, and also to be able to recognize some fabulous young artists. You can find full contest details here, or contact Jillian Holzer at (202) 588-5180 or jholzer@nwlc.org for more information.

Urban Fusion - TONIGHT @ Zanzibar featuring Green Tea

Urban Fusion...An Eclectic Experience Concert Series Event
www.urbanfusiontbse.eventbrite.com
Thursday, April 19th
Zanzibar on the Waterfront 700 Water Street, SW
6:30p-Midnight

It's going down TONIGHT @ Zanzibar on the Waterfront 700 Water Street, SW. Doors open @ 6:30p...Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Spoken Word, Comedy all under one roof performed by the hottest artists in the Mid-Atlantic Region!! Hosted by comedian, Eddie Bryant (BET's 'Comic View', TVOne's 'Coming to the Stage') with Special Guest appearances by: Woody and Jazz formerly of Dru Hill and Chi, formerly of Ruff Endz...

Tickets are only $10 in advance via online registration @ www.urbanfusiontbse .eventbrite. com and until 7:30p on day of event; $14 after...

Complimentary Alize' from 6:30p-7:30p; Complimentary Buffet; Gift Bags (Alize' items, cds, posters); Meet & Greet w/Woody, Jazz and Chi... Bring a non-perishable food item for donations to the Capital Area Food Bank ...Bring your friends, laugh, mingle, jam, get free(!!!!) stuff and witness one of the hottest concert events of 2007!!!!

2nd Annual ACE Organic Wine Tasting - Friday, 11 May

According to Miles Grant, Chair of Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment, details have just been unveiled for the second annual Organic Wine Tasting! Last year's event at Potomac Overlook Nature Center sold out, so this year they're moving it to a bigger, more Metro-accessible venue - The Arlington Arts Center and will take place on Friday, 11 May from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Click photo for details and tickets.

Tiësto's "Elements Of Life" ... out 10 April!

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams 'coming out' at Logan Circle on 14th Street

According a Washington Blade promo that I received yesterday, Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams (MG+BW) is celebrating the opening of its much anticipated furniture store in the Logan Circle area with 20% off all special orders through Sunday, 13 May 2007.

I began photographing the 'coming out' and 'arrival' of MG+BW on 14th Street in February 2007. And would capture its staff on Tuesday, 03 April 2007, preparing for its grand opening.

Mitchell Gold has been in the news recently with the releasing of a new book, Let's Get Comfortable.

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams is located at 1526 14th Street between P and Q Streets, NW, WDC. Telephone 202-332-3433. Hours: Mon - Sat 10 - 9 / Sun 12 - 6.

Click photo to access my ongoing MG & BW - Logan 14th Street project which is part of my Windows of the World and 14th Street (WDC) Home Furnishing District projects.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Step Up 2007's "National Day of Climate Action" Rally @ Gateway Park in Rosslyn

On Saturday afternoon, 14 April, I attended a Step Up 2007 "Creating A Climate of Change" Rally at Arlington's Gateway Park in Rosslyn VA which was one of 1300 such rallies held on the National Day of Climate Action.

Sponsored by the Sierra Club, Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment, Arlington Coalition for Sensible Transportation, and Coalition for Smarter Growth, with promotional support by 94.7 The Globe featured speakers included the following:

1. Congressman Jim Moran at 8th District of Virginia
2. Paul Ferguson - Arlington County Board Chairman
3. Lisa Renstrom - President of the Sierra Club
4. Scott Skalar - President of The Stella Group, Ltd.
5. Wendy Rieger - NBC4 Going Green Reporter
6. Jim Doughtery - ____
7. Martin Ogle - Event organizer and long-time advocate for energy and conservation
8. Miles Grant - Chair, Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment

Click photo of Martin Ogle to access my Step It Up 2007 - Global Warming Rally - Gateway Park . Arlington VA . 14 April 2007 photoset.

Lenore Nolan-Ryan, South Florida's very own food artist ... with a global flair

Born in Miami Beach, Lenore spent storybook time at her dad's casino in pre-Castro Havana, learned to cook and sing from a mother she adores. And, after years in San Francisco, chose to open one of the region's most highly-regarded catering businesses. Living in San Francisco for twenty years she owned and operated a restaurant, catering company and retail gourmet market.

Lenore Nolan-Ryan now resides in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida where, through her highly acclaimed catering business she caters to some of South Florida's finest. And operates the Lenore Nolan-Ryan Cooking School.

I first met Lenore during my November 2005 visit to Lauderdale when out taking pictures of the aftermath of hurricane Wilma. Having worked in Washington DC's highend catering industy from the early 80's until recently beginning with Design Cuisne, Windows, Susan Gage and Occasions - and, in that order, Lenore Nolan-Ryan more than sparked my interest.

Since then I have mentioned to Richard that should I relocate to South Florida or visit Lauderdale for an extended period of time, Lenore would be one of the first people that I would contact regarding work in the catering industry.

When staying in Lauderdale By The Sea for the 2007 Winter Party Festival and revisiting Silver Shears Barber Shop for a spring haircut I made a point to stop in at Lenore's Cafe, which is just a few doors down from the barber shop.

Before I had time to reintroduce myself, she remembered me from before. Mentioning that I was down for the Winter Party I inquired if I could take a few photos of the shop and, perhaps, of her - for posting to my blog. In the process of preparing several items for an evening event she suggested that a better time, to capture her, would be between 2 and 3 pm.

With their consent, at that time, I took two photos of Christina prepping for the afternoon event. And returned later in the afternoon to capture Lenore standing in front of the finished products which included a crudite salad and a fruit and cheese board.

It was then and there and, during the course of our conversation, that I decided ... Lenore is exactly the kind of caterer, entrepeneur and, more importantly, individual that I would like to associate with, in the future.

Once back at the apartment, in Lauderdale By The Sea, I took the time to visit her website. And was, and as I still am, "blown away!".

While she had mentioned to me in November 2005 that she had just recently began to hold cooking and catering classes I had no idea of her unique contributions to the industry.

Which, rooted in Catering also includes a Cooking School, a cook book, TV appearances on Money Talks and Mr. Food (to name a few), and a contributing columnist to Mature Resources magazine.

I've known, worked for and associated with some of the most important and influential caterers of our times. And, the time has long since come for a change.

Lenore, is exactly the kind of caterer but, more importantly, individual that, for several years, I have hoped to associate with.

I will begin that process during my next trip to Lauderdale by taking a few of her cooking and catering classes.

Sometimes a singing chef, Lenore, recently created a READY-TO-GO "Heat & Eat" hors d'oeuvres menu.

Where else can you find a freezer full of sumptuous hors d'oeuvres, hearty, low fat, and healthy entrees, splendid blended sauces and soups? Feeding your family and entertaining can be as easy as stopping by and picking up your favorites. From Lenore's freezer to your table, Lenore makes it affordable, easy, and delicious!

Lenore Ryan-Nolan, by far, is one of the most innovative and progessive food artists that I have ever met.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Camille Mosley-Pasley's "Mama Love" @ Artomatic 2007

My first Artomatic 2007 Featured Artists installment brought attention to Geoff Ault, an artist that I have known for many years. My second Artomatic 2007 Featured Artists installment focuses on the powerful exhibition and documentary project by photographer Camille Mosley-Pasley. Who I do not know, nor have ever met. And whose work I had never seen ... until my 14 April 2007 visit to Artomatic 2007.

In May of 2005, Camille Mosley-Pasley began inviting women of the African diaspora to be photographed with their infants, as well as asking their thoughts on ‘mama love.’ Over 100 mothers from around the world participated in the project, ranging from single teens to married professionals. Some are first time mothers, others have many children.

Located on Artomatic 2007's 6th floor at Space: Blue 6B40, a black and white photography exhibition that celebrates the essence of maternal love, Mama Love, by Camille Mosley-Pasley is A MUST SEE!

Click photo to view my Camille Mosley - Pasley's Mama Love - Artomatic 2007 photoset which is included in my Artomatic 2007 Collection.

View more images from the "Mama Love" collection at Mosley-Pasley's flickr photostream.

In ongoing documentary projects exploring Anacostia, in SE WDC, Mosley-Pasley is one of three participating artists at Transcendence: A photographic dialogue on human existence.

Founder of Anacostia Fine Art, a Resource Network for the Arts, Mosley-Pasley is also an exhibitor at Eastern Market's Gallery 5.

Contact info for Mosley-Pasley is here.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Free DC's "Break These Chains" Emancipation Day 2007 tribute to 3100 "freed" slaves

Organized by Anise Jenkins of Stand Up For Democracy in commemoration of Emancipation Day 2007 a coalition of Free DC - STATEHOOD NOW! chain-linked activists, including Ayo Handy Kendi of the African American Holiday Association, marched down 14th Street from Franklin Square Park to the John A. Wilson Building at Freedom Plaza to join up with the DC Vote's Voting Rights Rally before The March onto the US Capitol's Reflecting Pool.

Adorned in slave clothing and chains, the "Break These Chains" Rally paid respect to the 3100 slaves that were freed on 16 April 1862 when President Abraham Lincoln signed The District of Columbia Emancipation Act, ending slavery.

Click above photo of Anise Jenkins to view Emancipation Day 2007 "Break These Chains" photoset and DC Emancipation Day 2007 Voting Rights March collection.

Geoff Ault exhibits at Artomatic 2007

I began my documentation of Artomatic 2007 on Saturday afternoon, 14 April when after the Step It Up "Global Warming" Rally at Gateway Park in Rosslyn that I decided when visiting Artomatic at 2121 Crystal Drive in Crystal City that I would launch my Crystal City BID project with an exploration of the Crystal City Shopping Mall which will be included in my ongoing Saturdays at Shopping Malls Project.

Though it was my hope to visit Daniel Lobo's "Back To Work" installation at Artomatic (which I have learned is on the 8th floor) due to some racial matters that occured on the 6th floor and the fact that my camera malfunctioned, again, I never made it to the 8th floor. Nor to Daniel's installation. And, in fact, "madder than hell" departed much sooner than I had hoped.

However, just as I was about to exit from Artomatic's 6th floor, to return home, I ran into and old friend Geoff Ault. Who, at the time, was manning the front entrance.

I've known Geoff Ault and his partner Paul Baytop since my days with Herb Lehner which date back to the fall of 1978. And, perhaps, even before when I'd see them 'out and about'.

I actually included images of Geoff and Paul and Geoff and Cliff in my Some Hands Saint-At-Large Black Party 2006 exhibition and subsequent "I Love New York" photo monage video.

While I knew that Paul was an artist I did not know that Geoff was, as well. Since he could not leave from 'manning the front entrance' Geoff directed me to visit his exhibition in 6D11.

As I entered 6D11, two floral images, caught my attention and drew me into the room. After taking a few shots, from the hallway, I entered 6D11 which is where The Work of Geoff Ault is displayed on the left wall. Captivated, his images brought to mind Robert Mapplethorpe.

A digital artist whose surreal dream-quality images touches on the abstract and sensual side of the human experience, originally from the Chicago area, Geoff moved to Washington, D.C. in 1957.

In high school, he studied under Leon Berkowitz, a well known Washington Color Field School artist and teacher. While working and attending school at George Washington University, Mr. Ault attended classes at the Corcoran School of Art where he studied photography with Mark Powers, He also studied printmaking at GWU under Fuller Griffith.

With a background in computer programming and information systems, Mr. Ault developed an interest in computer graphics and web development. He attended classes for Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, HTML and computer animation at GW's Center for Professional Development to further enhance his abilities as a self-taught Photoshop user. Mr. Ault resides on Capitol Hill with his partner of 30 years, two dogs and a few cats. He is leaning toward retiring to New Mexico within the next few years where he hopes to take advantage of the beauty of the western landscape in his artwork.

When visiting Artomatic 2007, may I suggest that you stop in art 6D11 a take a peep at The Work of Geoff Ault. If, by chance, you should miss Geoff Ault at Artomatic 2007, he will be on display, in May 2007, at Hoopla Traders on Barracks Row in SE WDC.

Captured during my Saturday, 14 April 2007 visit, Geoff Ault represents the first featured artist of my Artomatic 2007 collection.

Voting Rights March is on ... rain or shine (or wind)!

The Voting Rights March is on TODAY rain or shine (or wind) . . . so please be sure to dress appropriately.

The meeting point is Freedom Plaza at 13th and Pennsylvania Avenues, NW at 2:30 p.m. The best Metro stops are Metro Center or Federal Triangle.

After some quick speeches by Mayor Fenty, Chairman Gray, and Congresswoman Norton we'll march down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol and rally in support of efforts to give DC a real vote in the House of Representatives.

If you can't get out of work to make the march, please consider leaving early and meet us at the Capitol reflecting pool at Pennsylvania and 3rd Street NW around 4:00.

We can't have people sitting on the sidelines today!

Please stand a stand for the District of Columbia and take to the streets. I'll see you there!

Mike Panetta
U.S. "Shadow" Representative (D-DC)
www.freeandequaldc.com

Sunday, April 15, 2007

The Private Life of Robert Mapplethorpe

A blog reader, Et Cetera, from Chicago sent Living with Legends: Hotel Chelsea Blog a link to an article that he wrote about The Private Life of Robert Mapplethorpe.

As someone who knew Mapplethorpe on more than just a passing basis I found Et Cetera's posting enlightening.

In particular, his expose pertaining to Dexter Dalwood’s painting of Robert Mapplethorpe’s humble beginnings. Which, located on Bond Street in the East Village, was a place that I visited and had relations with Mapplethorpe several times. Before his move to the Cheslea area.

I also was glad to learn of BLACK, WHITE + GRAY: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe. Which I had not heard of but, hope to obtain a copy of, it will be included in the 25 April - 6 May 2007 Tribeca Film Festival.

Thanks, Et Cetera, from someone who was a part of Robert Mapplehorpe's private life.

The History of the Frisbee

The Frisbie Baking Company (1871-1958) of Bridgeport, Connecticut, made pies that were sold to many New England colleges. Hungry college students soon discovered that the empty pie tins could be tossed and caught, providing endless hours of game and sport. Many colleges have claimed to be the home of 'he who was first to fling.' Yale College has even argued that in 1820, a Yale undergraduate named Elihu Frisbie grabbed a passing collection tray from the chapel and flung it out into the campus, thereby becoming the true inventor of the Frisbie and winning glory for Yale. That tale is unlikely to be true since the words 'Frisbie's Pies' was embossed in all the original pie tins and from the word 'Frisbie' was coined the common name for the toy.

Read more.

When clicked, photo links to a newly launched Frisbee - Lafayette Park WDC series.