Hitchhiking All 50 States, Ian Krammer Stops In At Dupont Cicle

Hitchhiking across America with hopes of visiting all 50 states and writing about his experiences, Colorado State University graduate Ian Krammer stops in at Dupont Circle during his recent stay in Washington DC.

In the September 2010 AOL Travel article "How to Travel for (Almost) Free" by Jordan Simon which explores couchsurfing, in paragraph four, Ian says "I make a new friend in every town".

As I prepare this blog posting I am reminded of Justin Sailor who in September 2006, kicked off his year long Hometown Invasion Tour by Jeep.

Taken in connection with my ongoing Street Musicians (Buskers) 2011 series at Dupont Circle on Thursday morning, 28 April 2011, click the image to view my Ian Krammer (Hitchhiking All 50 States) photo album

316 Names To Be Engraved at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

When on Friday, 13 May 2011 that the 23rd Annual Candlelight Vigil is held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC Kirk Bockman and James Lee of Great Panes Glass (Colorado) will have added an additional 316 names to the East Wall in commemoration of the National Police Week 2011 event.

While in years past names were added to both walls of the Memorial, this year, due to the Memorial Restoration Project new engravings will not occur on the West Wall. And during the engraving process the East Wall, from 20 April thru 1 May 2011, will not be accessible to the public.

Taken during my Thursday, 28 April 2011 visit to The Memorial click the image to view my 2011 National Police Week Engraving of the Names photo album which includes this video of Kirk Bockman.

Though still under construction, when completed, my National Police Week archival project will chronical my annual documentation of the event dating back to 1994.

2011 Free Summer Saturdays Kicks Off at the Corcoran over Memorial Day Weekend

As reported in the Tuesday, 26 April 2011 ENews the Corcoran will kick-off its 2011 FREE SUMMER SATURDAYS on 28 May over Memorial Day Weekend and will last until 3 September of Labor Day Weekend.

Taken during my 19 June 2010 Free Summer Saturday visit click the image to view my Corcoran Gallery of Art 2010 photo album.

ROGER GASTMAN’s Spring Update! Where’s the Cake?

The much anticipated "The History of American Graffiti" by Roger Gastman and Caleb Neelon was released on 5 April 2011 by
HarperCollins.

And curated by Jeffrey Deitch, Aaron Rose and Roger Gastman the "Art in the Streets" exhibition opened last weekend at MOCA in LA.

With much more other news, click the banner to read Gastman's 22 April 2011 R. Rock Enterprise Spring Update.

33rd Easter Sunrise Service 2011 at the Lincoln Memorial

The 33rd Annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial will take place this Sunday, 24 April 2011 at 6:30 am on the National Mall in Washington DC.

Hosted by the Capital Church of Vienna VA this year's event will feature Dove Award winner Sue Dodge and the Resurrection Choir and Orchestra.

Visit Capital Church / Easter for more information.

Click the image to view my 32nd Easter Sunrise Service / Lincoln Memorial 2010 photo album.

Niki de Saint Phalle Sculptures Return to New York Avenue Sculpture Project For A Second Time

After its first opening on 28 April 2010 as the debut installation of the National Womens Museum of the Arts New York Avenue Sculpture Project I first captured the four monumental Niki de Saint Phalle Sculptures in May of 2010.

As reported by Wendy's Wonderings & Wanderings blog, the first installment of the sculptures was on display through the end of October 2010.

I was pleased to learn in March 2011 from a Downtown DC BID Update that the sculptures had returned just in time for the 2011 National Cherry Blossom Festival event.

When reporting on their return for a second time in as many years, Afterhood blog, sheds light on the fact that decorated with thousands of tiny glass tiles the statues are too delicate to withstand winter’s freeze and thaw. And, therefore, like its first installment in 2010 the second installment which opened on 26 March 2011 will be on display through the end of October 2011.

Click the image to view my Niki de Saint Phalle Sculptures / New York Avenue Sculpture Project Installation #2 photo album.

Crystal City's RED DRESS 5K Friday Race Takes Place Tomorrow

The 4th installment of the April 2011 Crystal City 5K Fridays Run series takes place tomorrow, 22 April, rain or shine.

Stepping off at 6;30 pm from 2121 Crystal Drive (Park Two) in Arlington VA, tomorow's RED DRESS RUN is part of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest man and woman in a red dress, as well as the best dressed man and woman.

Taken during last year's Red Dress Race of Angela Fox, President/CEO of Crystal City BID just before she entered the courtyard and crossed the finish line, click the above image to view my 23 April 2010 Crystal City Red Dress 5K Friday Race photo album which is from my 23 April 2010 Red Dress Race docu-project.

And here is my April 2010 Crystal City 5K Fridays Run docu-project.

DC City Paper's 14 April 2011 article on Capital Bikeshare

Since picking my camera from Ritz Camera repair on 31 March 2011 one of my new foci has been of Capital Bikeshare which should not be confused with SmartBike DC which launched in the spring of 2008 and, according to 14 April 2011 City Paper / DC article by Lydia DePillis entitled Bikesharing is Bikecaring went defunct in October 2009.

After reading the article while waiting for my dentist to call me into his office this afternnon I now understand why so many Capital Bikeshare locations have popped up. While I will never be able to photograph them all it would be because I haven't tried.

Taken this afternoon at the P near 15th Street, NW, Washington DC location, next to Whole Foods Market, click the image to view my Capital Bikeshare photoset.

Miss Pixie's Third Thursday Sale, Dance Performances, and More!

Thursday, 21 April 2011 is the THIRD THURSDAY SALE at Miss Pixie's in Logan Circle at 1626 14th Street in NW Washington DC.

Open from 11 am until 7 pm all items are on sale at 10% off.

Click here to read the entire Wednesday, 20 April 2011 Miss Pixie's Newsletter.

Click the image to view my Miss Pixie's photoset at Flickr. And here is my Miss Pixie's album at Ipernity.

Works by Greg Minah, Mars Tokyo, and Andrew Wapinski at Gallery Plan B thru 15 May 2011

The works of three artists, described as process driven, will be on display at Gallery Plan B from 13 April thru 15 May 2011.

Greg Minah manipulates the flow of several layers of paint to create woven surfaces. Mars Tokyo offers a unique view of global coastlines in her works on paper. Andrew Wapinski layers pigment, resin, and gold leaf resulting in dazzling, monumental works.

With an opening reception held on Saturday, 16 April 2011, Gallery Plan B is located at 1530 14th Street, NW, Washington DC.

Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 12 noon until 7 pm and Sunday from 1 till 5 pm.

Taken on Wednesday, 20 April 2011 click the above image to view my Gallery Plan B photoset at Flickr. And here is my Gallery Plan B album at Ipernity.

Steve & Phil's GUERILLA GARDEN at Dupont Circle / East

Though I have captured Steve & Phil's Garden at Dupont Circle / East many times over the years it was not until today that I learned, according to Grown In The City blog, that it is form of guerilla gardening.

And according to the Prince of Petworth blog, so is the Sunflower Garden at the corner of 16th and P streets which along with Steve & Phil's Garden I have included in my ongoing community gardens series.

When I see Steve or Phil again I'll be sure ask if they regard themselves as guerilla gardeners.

Click the above image to view my 15 April 2011 Steve & Phil's Garden photos.

Renovated Skate Park Reopens at Shaw Recreation Center

After my first visit in April 2007 I had not been to the Shaw Skate Park at the Shaw Recreation Center until this past Friday, 15 April 2011 when during a ritual spring photo tour of the Shaw area that I noticed that the skate park had been renovated.

While the Thursday, 17 March 2011 ribbon cutting ceremony was postponed due to vandalism the Borderstan blog reports that skate park officially reopened on Friday, one week later.

Located at the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and 11th Street in NW Washington DC the skate park is opened from dawn to dusk.

Here are my 15 April 2011 Shaw Skate Park photos.

DC DPW Graffiti Removal Team

When last week that I was focusing on the graffiti tags on 14th Street in the Logan Circle area of NW Washington DC which has been one of my ongoing themes for many years I was delighted to happen upon two DC DPW Solid Waste Management employees in the process of removing graffiti from 1409 14th Street.

To request removal of graffiti from your property by the DC Department of Public Works (DPW) visit their website.

Click above image to view my 2011 Writing On The Walls Flickr album. And here is my 2011 WOTW at Ipernity.

Last week for FotoDC FLASH Photography Exhibit at Crystal City

This week is the last week to experience FLASH which opened on 17 March 2001. The month-long event created by FotoDC and sponsored by the Crystal City BID in the 12th and 13th penthouse floors of 2450 Crystal Drive in Arlington, VA. The show encompasses two curated photography exhibitions, a library of photography books, and a lounge for refreshments and discussion.

Gallery hours on Wednesday and Thursday are from 5 until 10 pm. On Friday from 5 pm until 12 midnight and Saturday from 12 noon until 11 pm.

In addition, two closing dance parties will take place this coming weekend. Featuring the wrap music of DJ Fatback the FLASH DANCE will take place on Friday night, 15 April 2011 from 9 pm until 12 midnight. At $20 per person click here to RSVP.

Hosted by Bisnow and featuring the music of DJ Adrian Loving the CLOSE OUT DANCE PARTY will take place on Saturday night, 16 April 2011 from 8 pm until 11 pm.

Taken during my Sunday, 10 April 2011 visit to Crystal City click the above image to view my April 2011 FotoDC FLASH Photography Exhibit / Crystal City photo album which is still under constructon.

Lenore Nolan-Ryan: Spring Newsletter & Cooking Class Schedule | Wednesday, 6 April 2011

Click image to read the Lenore Nolan-Ryan Spring Newsletter & Cooking Class Schedule dated Wednesday, 6 April 2011 provided by iContact Community.

My "Breathing!" Trance (Running Music) Mix In Celebration of Crystal City 5K Fridays Run 2011 Series

This Friday, 1 April 2011, Crystal BID and Pacers Running Stores will kick-off the 3rd Annual Crystal City 5K Fridays Run 2011 series which will take place each Friday during the month of April.

Having captured two runs from the April 2010 series and in celebration of the 2011 event click the cd cover to listen to my "Breathing!" trance (running music) mix which features this tracklist.

Hopefully, my camera will be back from Ritz Camera repair by Friday's race so that I can participate in the “Flickr Flash” photography contest that will feature the first two 5K Friday races.

Feel free to support this artist by purchasing my 2011 Photography Calendar featuring images from the April 2010 Crystal City 5K Fridays Run Series which is available from Elvert Barnes Photographic Creations at Lulu.com

ArtFestival.com presents April's Art & Craft Festivals!

Click banner for Howard Alan Events / Art Festival Newsletter dated Tuesday, 29 March 2011.

My "I'm Coming Out!" House / Gay Circuit Mix In Celebration of Cherry Weekend 2011

Each year since 2003 I've made a point to revisit my documentation of the April 2000 Millennium March on Washington for Equality. Usually by developing unprocssed rolls of film from the event I have created never before seen virtual exhibitions that coincide with the anniversary of the historic event.

While never before seen images will not be featured this year and as I have done in the past two years in celebration of the 2011 Cherry Weekend event in Washington DC click the cd cover to listen to or download my "I'm Coming Out" house gay circuit mix which features this tracklist.

Though still under constructon my April 2000 MMOW project when completed will serve as a virtual exhibition of all the images that I took of the event.

My 2009 and 2010 Cherry Weekend mixes were Cherry Morning and Forever Young, respectively. For more of my gay circuit mixes visit the Elvert Barnes Mixology.

This year's Cherry event takes places from Thursday, 31 March and goes through Sunday, 3 April 2011.

My "Spring Breeze" Trance Springtime Mix in Celebration of the 2011 National Cherry Blossom Festival

The 2011 National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks-off this evening on Thursday, 24 March at 6:30 pm with the Stand With Japan Rally at the Washington Monument, followed by a walk around the Tidal Basin in the spirit of hope and rebuilding.

In celebration of the 2011 National Cherry Blossom Festival event whose theme is 'The Nation's Greatest Springtime Celebration' click the cd cover to listen to and/or download my March 2011 "Spring Breeze" trance mix which features this tracklist.

Russell U. Richards (RUR) documentary and art show!

Hello everyone,

Leah Stoddard, adjunct curator of contemporary art for the Taubman Museum, interviews me in this terrific documentary by David Eklund that aired on Channel 13 in Charlottesville.

The interview touches on my current exhibition of figurative artwork "Russell U. Richards Gets Real", that is up for one more week at the McGuffey Art Center. If you haven't seen the show, please come have a look before March 27, as it's likely to be my last art exhibition in Charlottesville for some time! I'm really excited about this show, as it introduces a whole new body of work, in a new style, based on figure drawings done from live models. A few of the new works can be seen on my blog.

Again, thanks to all that pledged to the Kickstarter campaign for my short film "Fiji Mermaid".

In coming months I intend to focus on filming the remainder of the live action, and to putting the finishing touches on my previous sci-fi short "Bride of the Fly". If anyone is interested in assisting with these productions in any way, please get in touch. Big things are happening with these movies, so stay tuned!

Lastly, I'd like to put out there that I am available to design posters, T-shirts and rock art, and paint portraits, figurative or erotic pieces on commission. Hand-rendered graphic art is becoming increasingly rare in these days of Photoshop and clip art, so please contact me here or (434) 825-0557 if you'd like to discuss commissioning something unique!

Thanks again for your interest and support, and be well,

Russell
Russell U. Richards