February Second Saturday at the GallAerie: Dana Ellyn (Paintings)

As mentioned in my last weeks posting, this Saturday, 9 February 2008, Dana Ellyn will be holding a one night only solo show at The GallAerie, a small grassroots showing space in Mt. Pleasant.

Click the image to view Dana's Evite for details.

Arena Stage Temporarily Relocates to Crystal City

Last fall, Arena Stage temporarily relocated to Crystal City while its 6th Street, SW, WDC location undergoes renovation. Future plans also include stage performances at the Lincoln Theater on U Street in NW WDC.

Arena Stage renovated the Crystal City theater specifically to accommodate patrons and productions for the next two and a half seasons while Arena’s new home is being built. The theater itself is roughly the same size as the Kreeger, though the lobby is larger than the former space.

Productions began in Crystal City with Ella starting on December 28, 2007 with no anticipation of changing any existing performance dates for the rest of the 2007/2008 season except for The Mystery of Irma Vep which will now run from June 6, 2008 through July 13, 2008. Production dates for Kiki & Herb: Alive on Broadway may also change, but you will be kept informed. In the interim, please see the "Plan Your Visit" section of the website for Frequently Asked Questions, directions and other relevant information.

Situated in the heart of Crystal City, Arena Stage is NOW temporarily located at 1800 S. Bell Street in Crystal City / Arlington VA.

Julio's Barber Shop / Crystal City Mall

After my 5 February 2008 visit at the Crystal Flight Artists Studio Viewing Window I stopped in at Julio's Barber Shop, which is just a few feet away, for a much needed haircut.

At $13 (not including tip) and such quick, efficient and polite service ... may I suggest that if you are in the Crystal City area and are in need of a trim ... why not take a stroll over to the Shops At Century / 2461 S. Clark Street Building to get a peek at the Crystal Flight artists in action. And then stop in at Julio's Barber Shop.

Yes We Can Can

Upon receiving an email from my friend Billy Warhol linking to the Yes We Can - Obama video ... would it not be an excellent idea if a similar video was made using the Pointer Sisters' "Yes We Can Can".

Colin Powell's Fateful Lies ... 5 Years Later

Five years ago, the final path to war in Iraq was paved with lies from then-Secretary of State Colin Powell. This excerpt from Neck Deep examines the oratorical techniques that Powell used to sell his false United Nations testimony as truth.

My Crystal Flight / Artists Studio Viewing Window Photos & Video

Here are my 5 February 2008 photos and video compilation from yesterday's visit to the Crystal Flight Artists Viewing Window in Crystal City.

Unite: SLDN's 16th National Lobby Days & Gala

With your help, SLDN will hold 2 Lobby Days and a Rally on Capitol Hill, on Thursday & Friday, 6 - 7 March 2008 to draw attention to the urgent need to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Register today!

If you can't join SDLN for Lobby Days, be a part of the high-impact Friday, 7 March 12:30 - 1:30 pm Rally on the US Capitol's West Lawn to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell!" ... when energizing speakers with advocates from around the country call on Congress to lift the ban. Take an hour out of your day to add your voice to this high-visibility event.

And then on Saturday evening, 8 March, Unite: SLDN's 16th National Dinner & Silent Auction will be held at the National Building Museum featuring guest speaker Tipper Gore and Army Sergeant Darren Manzella.

RSVP NOW!

Crystal City BID Launches Crystal Flight with A Colorful Opening Party

On Jan. 29. Sponsors, artists, and other VIP guests attended the artful event receiving a sneak peek of the planes, before the artists inject their color and vibrant designs starting February 1. The artist will work through the winter in time for them landing on the streets in April.

Lowe Enterprises Real Estate Group generously provided the workshop space to store and decorate the planes, Miller and Long donated the concrete bases to have them installed on the streets, and JK Moving and Storage, Inc. provided the critical technical support for the handling of the planes and will put them on the streets in April. For a list of participating sponsors and artists click here.

50 planes, 50 artists, 50 sponsors - all symbolizing that Crystal City is truly taking off.

Crystal Flight – See the Planes, See the Progress – Online or Live! Keep up with the excitement around this project by visiting the Crystal Flight Blog, which will regularly capture the activity from the sponsors, artists and the community impact. You can also view the artists in action via a studio viewing area located at 2461 S. Clark Street.

Click image to view Crystal City BID's article in the February 2008 Spotlight Crystal E-Newsletter pertaining to Crystal City Flight.

3 Weeks Until the 2008 Winter Party Festival / South Beach

There are just 3 weeks left before the 2008 Winter Party Festival at South Beach.

Launched in 1994 as a one-time charity dance event on the sands of beautiful South Beach, Winter Party Festival has evolved into a six-day festival benefiting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community on the national and local levels. Over 10,000 guests from all over the United States and abroad attend at least one of the 20 events - including music, fashion, art, comedy and more -- that take place in Miami and Miami Beach.

The Festival climaxes with the Winter Party Beach Party, a dance event on the sands of South Beach that draws a crowd of more than 5,500 revelers. The 15th Annual Beach Party will be the centerpiece of the 2008 Winter Party Festival.This fabulous celebration, benefitting the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, is also an important fundraiser for the LGBT community. To date, the Festival and its sister event, the Miami Recognition Dinner, have raised over $1.6 million for organizations serving the South Florida LGBT community. No matter where your interests lie, the Festival offers something for you. Winter Party Festival - it's MUCH more than a day at the beach.

Opening on Saturday, 23 February, here is the schedule for the 2008 Winter Party Festival. Which will close on Monday, 3 March.

Click the above image of Steve Lee dancing with a friend at the 2007 Beach Party to view my 2007 Winter Party Festival flickr photo collection.

Keith Boykin launches The Daily Voice - Black America's Daily News Source

Today, Monday 4 February 2008, marks an important day in the history of the black press as Keith Boykin launches The Daily Voice newspaper.

In its debut issue, prominent black women take center stage.

Boykin says in his final blog posting "The Daily Voice is not a gay site. Or a straight site. But rather it's a place for all of us to come together in the African American community. Whether you're male or female, gay or straight, young or old, Republican or Democrat, we want to hear your voices. I see this as a space where Rev. Jesse Jackson may contribute one day and then Clarence Thomas the next. (And you all know what I think about Clarence Thomas.)".

Hallelujah! This, indeed, is a most important day in the history of black press.

DJ's picked for 2008 Heritage Pride 22nd Dance On The Pier

In the Thursday 31 January 2008 Weekly Newsletter Mark Nelson Events informs us that under the banner/theme of "Live Love Be" the NYC Heritage Pride organization has selected djs Joe Gauthreaux & Tracy Young for the 22nd Annual Dance On The Pier which will take place on Sunday, 29 June 2008, from 4 - 10:30 PM.

Though the website is currently under reconstruction NYC's 2008 Pride Week is 22 - 29 June.

I, particularly, like the NYC Heritage Pride 2008 "Live/Love/Be" artwork. I wonder who the artist(s) was/were who designed it. I always like to keep up on these kind of things.

Mark Nelson Events is one of two NYC gay oriented events businesses/organizations that I suggest gay event coordinators keep abreast of.

Winter Party Festival 3rd Annual South Florida LBGT Family Pride Picnic - TY Park / Hollywood FL . 24 February 2008

This year, the Winter Party Festival's 3rd Annual South Florida LGBT Family Pride Picnic will be held on Sunday 24 February 2008 at TY Park, Pavillion #8, in Hollywood FL.

The 12 noon 'til 5 pm free event for parents and kids, new friends and old, complete with food and festivities ... TopeeKeegee Yugnee (TY Park) is located at 3300 North Park Road (just off I-95 at Sheridan Street) in Hollywood FL. Here is a map.

Click the image to view my 3 March 2007 2nd Annual South Florida LGBT Family Pride Picnic at TY Park photoset (some which may be viwed at the Winter Party Festival website). And my 2007 Winter Party Festival photo collection.

WDC's St. Patrick's Day Parade - Sunday, 16 March 2008

Scheduled for a 12 noon step off at the corner Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW, the theme of this year's WDC St. Patrick's Day Parade which will take place on Sunday, 16 March 2008, is "A History of Strength".

With no entry fee for marching units, inquiring participates must apply by completing one of three applications, available for download from the website.

Whether submitted electronically or by regular mail, your application must be received before February 15, 2008. It is very important that your application include a brief one-paragraph description of your unit. If you are submitting a paper application, use the back of the form; if by email, include the description in the message. What you write will be announced to all who are watching the parade from the reviewing stand. If you have an email address, please include it on your application.

There are three ways to register your unit for the 2008 parade:

1. Fill out the online registration form

2. Download and follow instructions on this pdf form (Acrobat reader required)

3. Download and follow instructions on this Microsoft Word® form (Allows for emailing filled-out application)

Please review the Parade Policies and Rules. Violation of these policies will result in immediate ejection from the parade.

Click the above image to view my WDC 11 March 2007 St. Patrick's Day Parade photo set, which is still under construction.

Koreatown / Manhattan

When, last week, that I inquired of his delineation between Times Square and Midtown, saying that that he has always regarded them as one in the same, Richard suggested that Times Square / Midtown area began in proximity of Macys, around 34th Street, and ended at the beginning of Central Park.

Saying that while I understood that the two areas overlap and are very much inter-related from my days in NYC with Frank back in the 80's when we referred to the area between 31st and 34th Street as Herald Square ... Midtown, for me, may would be from 34th or 35th to 42nd. And 42nd to 59th would be Times Square.

Herald Square would be along the Sixth Avenue and Broadway corridors whereas, the 7th and 8th Avenue corridors, from 31st to 34th or 35th, may would be Madison Square Garden. While the same area along 9th Avenue up to 42nd Street may would be referred to as the Clinton area. Which is situated between Chelsea and Hells Kitchen along 8th and 9th Avenues.

Anyway ...

When posting the above never before seen March 2006 image and using the opportunity to learn more about Herald Square I learn that the corner of Sixth Avenue and 31st Street, as the beginning of Herald Square, is also the beginning of Koreatown / Manhattan.

Click the above imge to view my March 2006 NYC flickr photo set.

2008 White Party Launches New Website

The 24th Annual White Party Week website is now LIVE and features a sleek, clean all new look, with easy navigation and lots to see and do.

Explore the shops for exclusive White Party music, clothing and jewelry. Visit the photo page that contains links to pictures from the 23rd Annual White Party as well as pictures from prior years and be sure to keep up to date with White Party's latest news by checking out the News page, this page updates often so bookmark it now and keep checking back.

Visit the new White Party website now and enter the "Win Two VIP Tickets to White Party" contest. Just click on the TICKETS link on the navigation bar and enter your information. You and a friend could be our exclusive VIP guests to the 24th Annual White Party in November.

DJ Paulo Rated as 2007 BEST DJ ON THE EDGE

When the EDGE / New York staff got together to bring you the Best of Nightlife 2007, the new resident at New York’s much-coveted gig Work at Stereo, DJ Paulo, was rated as THE BEST DJ ON THE EDGE.

I, myself, which recently downloaded several of his mixes from his website ... including Erotic Tribal After Hours / August 2006, GIMME MORE TRIBAL (Part 1) / December 2007 and GIMME MORE TRIBAL (Part II) / December 2007 understand why.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 01 February 2008

Billboards . Times Square / NYC

Friday Afternoon, 14 February 2003

35MM Film Revisited Project

2008 Friday Photos of the Week

August 2008 24th Annual Gay (Male) Naturists Gathering Registration NOW OPEN

Dana Ellyn included in tonight's DC GreenheART Exhibit

Dana Ellyn's 18 x 24 oil on canvas "Adoration of St. Padua (Patron Saint of Barren Women)" will be included in tonight's (one night only) “DC Greenheart Exhibition” new paintings, drawings, and photographs by 19 local artists priced at $500 or less. Art will showcase environmental awareness with a touch of Valentines Day inspiration. 10% of all sale proceeds will benefit http://www.earthecho.org/ in support of saving our planet.

The one night only DC GreenheART Exhibit opening reception will take place TONIGHT, 1 February 2008, from 7 until 10 pm at Lofts 11 at 1125 11th Street, NW, WDC. The opening night party is free to attend but please RSVP to rsvp@taurusdev.com.

Having embarked on a brand-new series for 2008, "The Year of Presidents", Dana will be holding an OPEN STUDIO on February 16th (Presidents Day Weekend) to officially unveil the series.

Next Saturday, 9 February 2008, Dana Ellyn will be holding a one night only solo show at The GallAerie, a small grassroots showing space in Mt. Pleasant. It's a one night only event so please, no procrastinating! Free to attend, no RSVP necessary - just come out and enjoy the party. It starts at 8 and goes until late. The GallAerie is located at 1644 Newton Street, NW, WDC.

01 February 2008 / Black History Month

On 01 February, White Crane Magazine /Gay Wisdom For Daily Living reminds us that not only was the great American poet, novelist, playwright, short story writer, and columnist LANGSTON HUGHES born in Joplin, Missouri in 1902 but that in 1960 four African American students sat down and ordered coffee at a lunch counter in Woolworths in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Visit Gay Wisdom & Culture.

Artomatic Happy Hour - Science Club - Wednesday, 6 February

Artomatic Happy Hour at The Science Club, 3rd Floor, next Wednesday, 6 February 2008. From 6 - 8 PM. The Science Club is located at 1136 19th Street, NW, WDC.

Artomatic Happy Hour happens the 1st Wednesday of every month. The next meet up will be Wednesday, March 5, at The Science Club.

US Supreme Court Police

Established in 1949, the Supreme Court of the United States Police is a small federal law enforcement agency headquartered in the District of Columbia, whose mission is to ensure the integrity of the constitutional mission of the Supreme Court by protecting the United States Supreme Court building, the Justices, employees, guests, and visitors.

Read more at Wikipedia.

Though I have captured the USSCP and MFL many times over the years - not to mention that and one of 2006 MFL USSCP which was published on page 57 of Souls: A Critical Journal of Black Politics, Culture, and Society . Volumer 8, Number 2, Spring 2006 issue was also featured as the front cover of Racializing Justice, Disenfranchising Lives: The Racism, Criminal Justice, and Law Reader (Critical Black Studies) book, released in September 2007 I did not know the correct acronym for the agency, until yesterday, which was when I searched GOOGLE.

Unfortunately, when I photographed at the Supreme Court, over the years, my experiences have always been text book examples of racializaing justice. As was the case on Tuesday evening, 22 January 2008 with a white female and male feminist and then black male USSCP officer.

Click the above photo view my USSCP 2008 photo set and Cop Duty 2008 collection.

Manhunt & Apex presents dj Hector Fonseca at this Friday's "Cherry's Official ManHunt Party"

What do you get when you mix HECTOR FONSECA, one of the hottest DJs from New York, with APEX, one of the hottest dance clubs in DC? You get DC's Official ManHunt Party. There will be hot guys galore, giveaways from ManHunt & CHERRY, and our good friends at Apex will be donating a portion of the door to The Cherry Fund! As an added bonus, if you buy your CHERRY PASS at Apex this Friday, we'll knock the $9 cover charge off of your pass price, so you only pay $121! So come on by, and start getting pumped for CHERRY!

Excerpted from Cherry Fund Newsletter / Update dated 31 January 2008.

Split This Rock Poetry Festival / WDC . 20 - 23 March 2008

Author Ed Hamilton & "Legends of the Chelsea Hotel" Thursday's Reading at the Dupont Circle Olsson's Featured in WDC's Local Press

As reported in my 19 January 2008 blog posting, author and blogist Ed Hamilton will appear at the Olsson's / Dupont Circle South on Thursday evening, 31 January 2008, at 7 PM. Where, at a book signing, he will read from his latest book "Legends of the Chelsea Hotel".

I've just received news that articles pertaining to "Legends" and Ed Hamilton will be featured in Thursday's issues of the Washington Post Express and Washington City Paper.

Here is an excerpt from the City Paper.

The New York that made the Chelsea Hotel a bohemian mecca vanished a long time ago - frankly, if the best music to come out of it lately is the Libertines and Ryan Adams, bring on the wrecking ball. But it’s hard to argue that Ed Hamilton isn’t doing the world a service by serving as the storied joint’s self-appointed historian. In his book Legends of the Chelsea Hotel, Hamilton profiles and collects stories about Chelsea residents past and present like Arthur Miller, Michael Alig, and you-know-who; on his blog, Hamilton mostly bemoans every move made by the Chelsea’s new management team, from the hold music (“a bad recording of the Velvet Underground”) to the policy against unsupervised children in the lobby (“It’s a shame because the Chelsea Hotel in the old days was welcoming to all age ranges”). In other words, he’s exactly the kind of pain-in-the-ass old-timer who’ll never vanish from New York. Hamilton discusses and signs copies of his work at 7 p.m. at Olsson’s Books & Records, 1307 19th St. NW. Free. (202) 785-1133.

Author / Activist Mark Thompson's Fellow Travelers Exhibition

Touring LGBT community centers around the country, Fellow Travelers: Liberation Portraits by Mark Thompson, en exhibit sponsored by White Crane Institute was at the Gay Center in NYC from late March until early May 2007.

Derived from a 2005 'word and picture' film project by that same name, the photography exhibition is a collection of 14 stunning black & white images of Gay liberation pioneers taken by Mark Thompson, one of the foremost chroniclers of the movement.

After travelling to Philadelphia in October for Gay History Month at the William Way Center, Fellow Travelers was on display at A Cup of Joe in Salt Lake City during the month of December 2007 and, apparently, for a few days in January 2008. Where, in conjunction with the exhibit, several Queer Spirit events were held including Gay Soul Making / Mark Thompson and a weekend mini-retreat featuring Mark Thompson and Shoshone ceremonialist, Clyde Hall, who is one of the subjects in Thompson's exhibit.

With plans currently in development for exhibitions in Portland OR, Modesto CA, Detroit and Chicago donations to the White Crane Institute in support of the traveling exhibition are more than welcomed.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 25 January 2008

WMATA Rail - Gallery Place / Chinatown Station

NW WDC . Thursday, 24 January 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Tasting at Artfully Chocolate / Del Ray - Wednesday, 30 January 2008 - 6:30 PM

Featuring special deals, exceptional champagne and exquisite new chocolates from the brilliant Christopher Blume of Christopher's Confections, a TASTING will be held at Artfully Chocolate / Del Ray on Wednesday evening, 30 January 2008.

Beginning at 6:30 pm, this event is free. However, space will be limited. To ensure that there will be enough tasty treats for everyone, please RSVP by email no later than Friday, 25 January to mkj116@hotmail.com.

Artfully Chocolate is located at 116 E. Del Ray Avenue in Alexandria, VA. Telephone at 703.635.7917.

Now Is The Time To Send Birthday Wishes to Dr. King

This is a very important month - the month we remember Dr. King's birthday.

To help the Foundation celebrate this important occasion by sign the online birthday card today.

When you sign the card your name is added to the list of thousands who are remembering this important man and the invaluable legacy he left.

Born in Atlanta and on his 79th birthday, Dr. King's life and message are as relevant now as they were 40 years ago when an assassin's bullet prematurely ended his life.

By signing the card your signature is the first way you can honor his life and legacy.

But there's another way for you to help right now.

Add your name to the Founding Roll of Honor by making a secure online contribution of $79 or more to the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project.

The first Memorial to a person of color on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. you may remember, the Foundation must raise $100 million to formally break ground.

Having raised $87 million to date, just $13 million more must be raised before the Foundation can build the dream.

Now is the Time to:

Sign the special online birthday card to honor the legacy Dr. King has left, and make a special gift of $79 this month which is just $1 for each year since Dr. King was born to add your name to the Roll of Honor and help create a permanent place for Dr. King's legacy on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Happy 114th Birthday To My Great Grandmother, Violet Biscoe

At the age of 105, my great grandmother, Violet Emma Dove Biscoe, passed in November 1998. Today, on 21 January 2008 I will celebrate her 114th birthday.

David Comb's Most Famous Painting is Now 3-D!

When passing the Chelsea Hotel during my Labor Day Week 2007 visit to NYC I had the pleasure of capturing the artist David Combs as part of my ongoing Street Artists series.

In an email, he now informs me that his most famous painting, "Red Chelsea" is now available as a 22 x 30" 3-D lenticular!

The first collaboration between Combs and Depthography (R. Anthony Munn & Sara Cook) and after decades of research, development and seven hundred man hours ... because of the nature of 3-D ... the product must be seen in person to appreciate it.

Combs' 22 x 30" 3-D "Red Chelsea" may be viewed at Dan's Guitars in the Chelsea Hotel on 23rd near 7th Avenue in NYC. Or email David Combs at david@davidcombsart.com to set up an appointment.

Number 5/50 is not only a fantastic piece of work but a great investment. Be one of the first to get your hands on one of the most exciting pieces of artwork to come out of the Chelsea Hotel ever!

My Second 2008 FLANEURISM Video of the Week

"Trapped" Video Walk / WDC

... to the Corcoran Gallery of Art / Annie Leibovitz

Saturday Afternoon, 12 January 2008

Elvert Xavier Barnes Projections

background music featuirng:

"La Liberate" / Tangerine Dream

"Downtown" / Petula Clark

"Trapped" / 2 PAC

click image

Ed Hamilton, Author of "Legends of the Chelsea Hotel" Book Signing & Reading At Dupont Circle Olsson's

The Chelsea Hotel recently made news as money hungry corporate types ousted long-time proprietor Stanley Bard and his family.[In} danger of losing the artists and outlaws that made it the cities "rebel Mecca", author and Chelsea Hotel resident Ed Hamilton recently released his book Legends of the Chelsea Hotel: Living with the Artists and Outlaws in New York's Rebel Mecca. The book, an extension of the Hotel Chelsea Blog, started as a chronicle of the outrageous events that always seem to happen at the hotel, but with the removal of the Bards, may be a eulogy of sorts.

For Hamilton, Legends Of The Chelsea Hotel is also something of a labor of love. The book begins with the residents gathered in the hallway of the hotel after a fire that may or may not have been started by the hotel's telephone operator — who is herself a rather eccentric character. Sadly, it ends with the inevitable realization that like so many other things these days, the Chelsea is about to become the latest victim of gentrification — despite the rich history detailed here.

While Hamilton has been on a book signing and reading tour mostly in NYC since Legends Of The Chelsea Hotel late October release I am pleased to report that Ed will be in WDC on Thursday evening, 31 January 2008, for a 7 PM book signing and reading event at Olsson's Books & Records at Dupont Circle (South).

Here are some reviews:

• “One of the recurring pleasures of Ed Hamilton’s Legends of the Chelsea Hotel is his sly rendering of its former proprietor, Stanley Bard, an eccentric patron of the arts…There’s something remarkable about the way the author manages to celebrate the Chelsea’s singular atmosphere without ever forgetting how toxic the air is for many of the people who come desperate to breathe it…What really resonates in the book, what makes it so sorrowful at times, is Hamilton’s evocation of all the young and old hopefuls who have just enough ambition to push their lives past the point of no return. Legends comes close to convincing you that, as destructive drugs go, self-delusion has heroin beat.”—New York Times Book Review, October 28, 2007
• “"Legends of the Chelsea Hotel" is a collection of bizarre tableaux -- aging actresses, bathroom high jinks, ghosts and tricksters. It is full of affection for a passing era. Surrounded by creeping gentrification, the Chelsea may not long remain affordable to the kinds of characters Hamilton describes.” — Los Angeles Times, January 6, 2007
• “The stories in this book are far too numerous to recount here. But let us just say if you have an appetite for true stories about the famous (and some not so famous) that range from the somewhat bizarre to the downright insane, then this book will leave you breathless. With the truly odd collection of punk rockers, beat poets, and other colorful characters who populate the pages of Legends Of The Chelsea Hotel, your perverse satisfaction is guaranteed.” — Glen Boyd, www.blogcritics.org, December 08, 2007
• “Hamilton's best sketches come from direct observations and firsthand experiences — and don't worry, there are plenty of them. In "Expert Advice on Combating Terrorism," for example, he takes a break from writing his novel to transcribe construction workers bothering him outside his window. The result is a concise and accurate portrayal of what it is to live in post-9/11 New York as it builds itself into something new.
  Maybe now he can get back to writing that novel. He certainly has enough material — he just needs a quiet place to write.” — Philadelphia City Paper, December 4, 2007

The book signing and reading event begins at 7 pm on Thursday evening, 31 January 2008 at Olsson's (Dupont Circle South) which is located just a few feet south of the Dupont Circle South Subway Station exit at 1307 19th Street, NW, WDC. Telephone 202-785-1133.

Fetish Photographer Adam Kozik Work Included in LA's Antebellum Gallery "S&M For Valentine Day" Group Exhibition

Though I first became acquainted with Adam Kozik when he contacted me on 13 December 2007 regarding my connection to Robert Mapplethorpe who his work is often compared to ... I wanted to make sure that my blog posting pertaining to Kozik's inclusion in LA's Antebellum Gallery "S&M For Valentine Day" Exhibition was in conjunction with the Mid Atlantic Leather Weekend.

Born in Chicago, in 1970, Adam Kozik's work is of thee classical tradition. After attending The American Academy of Art in Chicago, where he studied painting and drawing, Kozik moved to New York City in the 1990s where his interest in photography grew.

Kozik traveled to Europe in 2001, and lived in Paris for six months where he was introduced first hand to the style of classic mannerism, which continues to serve as a mainstay in his work today. In order to create his own images he turned to photography. Interested in portraiture, when returning to Chicago, he found an entirely new world for the photographer with gallery associations, commissions, and future artistic course.

Adam had his first shows in the spring of 2007 in Chicago, with two galleries showing his homoerotic works. Adam’s diverse works - S&M, floral images, still lifes, and commissioned portraits - are brought together by the photographer’s constant approach to clarity and honesty.

Here are some Press Reviews regarding his work.

Though he and his partner are in the process of relocating BACK to NYC from Chicago, in the midst of putting the final touches on the prints that will be included in the "S&M for Valentine Day" Group Exhibition at the Antebellum Gallery in LA Adam says "After exhibiting relatively small prints in the past year, this will be the first exhibit where all of the pictures are 13" x 19". I'm using a fiber based inkjet paper. The tones are real warm and rich - it's very nice paper, though quite expensive .... The result is the nearest that I have seen to produce similiar silver gelatin darkroom prints. Even though the process is entirely digital. The quality of the finished print is almost as important to me as taking the picture."

Owned and operated by Rick Castro, the Antebellum is a casual space for art and engaging conversation. Antebellum Gallery is intended as a hybrid of artistic, cultural, and political iconoclasm.

ANTEBELLUM GALLERY presents "S&M: an exhibition of sadomasochistic art" will feature the works of Mitchel Evans, Adam Kozik, Aj Epstein, Marsorama, Rick Castro, Tony Ward, Dillinger, Ashley, Buck Angel Elayne Angel, Dave Naz, Domasan, Edward Lucie-Smith, Fakir Musafar, Robert Maplethorpe, Herb Ritts, Steven Meisel, Joel-Peter Witkin, Pier Paolo Pasolini & More.

Opening on Valentine Day, 14 February 2008, with a 6 - 9 pm reception ($5 admission) the exhibit will be on display until 15 March 2008.

Rick Castro's Antebellum Gallery is located at 1643 N Las Palmas Avenue in Hollywood, CA. Telephone at 323.856.0667. Email at antebellum@earthlink.net.

A contributing artist to the Tom of Finland Foundation (Los Angeles) and Leather Archives & Museum (Chicago) Adam Kozik can be reached by email via his contact page.

Or, if you are 18 years of age or older, and are interested in being photographed by Adam Kozik, please submit inquiry (with JPG image) and brief self-bio by email at adam@adamkozik.com.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 18 January 2008

Richard Dertadian In Search of Arshile Gorsky

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Midtown . 11 West 53rd Street . NYC

Wednesday afternoon, 6 September 2007

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

I. M. Pei and MoMA Curator Barry Bergdoll Reflect on the Life, Design & Architecture of Marcel Breuer at National Building Museum's Lecture Series

I. M. Pei, Founder of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners and reknown architect of WDC's L'Enfant Plaza Promenade Complex, Waterfront Mall and the National Gallery of Art - East Wing Building joined Museum of Modern Art's Architect & Design curator Barry Bergdoll on stage last night at the National Buiding Museum's lecture and symposium series to discuss and reflect on the life, design and architecture of Marcel Breuer.

One of the most influential architects of the 20th century, the 6:30 until 8 pm lecture was held in conjunction with Marcel Breuer: Design and Architecture Exhibition of the Vitra Design Museum, Germany which opened on 3 November 2007 and will be on display at the National Building Museum until 17 February 2008. Available online, the exhibition catalogue may also be purchased from the National Building Museum's Gift Shop.

Having embarked, in recent months, on an ongoing Southwest Federal Center Project I was delighted to learn that Breuer had been the architect of the HUD Office Building. Other Works of Breuer in WDC included the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and the Hubert Humphrey (HEW) Building at Independence Avenue at 3rd Street in SW WDC.

Though this was my first, it will not be my last lecture / symposium that I will attend at the National Building Museum.

Click the above photo to view my "Marcel Breuer: Design and Architecture" Lecture - National Building Museum - 17 January 2008 photoset.

Here is my video compilation which represents the first of my ongoing Architecturally Speaking Series.

CALOR is this Sunday night with DJ Paulo!

DC Photographer Frank Muzzy's "Bear" Images Featured On Cover & Inside of Winter 07/08 Issue of White Crane Journal

Though bears had been contemplated for the Winter 2005 issue of the White Crane Journal DC gay photoartist Frank Muzzy was smitten, a few months ago, when the editors of White Crane requested his permission for use of his Red Bear self-portrait for the cover of then upcoming Winter 2007 / 2008 issue of White Crane Journal.

A gay journal magazine dedicated to exploring Gay wisdom, White Crane Issue #75, THE BEARABLE RIGHTNESS OF BEING features two images from Muzzy's Bear To Bare Series.

While Muzzy's self portrait, Red Bear, graces the cover his "Mid-Morning" is featured in the Taking Issue section.

Created by Robert Barzan in the Summer of 1989 as the White Crane Newsletter, White Crane Journal is a quarterly forum for exploring Gay Culture and Wisdom.

An independent thought-provoking journal of gay thought published four times a year, White Crane Journal relies on the support and contributions of subscribers to keep going.

Here is where you can find locations in your local area that carry White Crane. Since I live in WDC, I'll be stopping in at Lambda Rising at 1625 Connecticut Avenue, NW, to pick up a copy for inclusion in my Magazine Collection.

Contact Frank Muzzy at muzzydc@verizon.net.

My newly launched MASS TRANSIT EXPLORATION blog

Though still UNDER CONSTRUCTION, this past week, I launched my MASS TRANSIT EXPLORATION blog.

My First 2008 FLANEURISM Video of the Week

Since January 1992 which was shortly after I received a Minolta as a Christmas gift photo walks have represented a most important aspect of my photography.

When in Fort Lauderdale over Memorial Day Week that both my cameras where in for repair I purchased a Canon Power Shot. Since then videography has been an important element of my photo walks and mass transit series.

In connection with my "New Memories / New Year 2008 Campaign" my "FLANEURISM: Walk Away / Video Walk - WDC - 07 January 2008" Projections Project, highlighting flaneurism and mass transit exploration, represents my first 2008 FLANEURISM Video of the Week.

Two other similar video projections projects that I shot during this past week are:

• WMATA - L'Enfant Plaza Station . SW WDC . 04 January 2008
• FLANEURISM: Ricochet Video Walk / Corcoran / WDC . 08 January 2008

Friday's Photo of the Week . 11 January 2008

Men At Work / Waterfront Mall (Demolition)

Southwest Community / DC 2008

4th & M Streets, SW . WDC

Tuesday, 08 January 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

2 WILD CHERRY Events THIS WEEKEND in WDC

Gearing up for the 2008 Cherry Weekend two events will be held THIS WEEKEND in WDC.

On Saturday night, 12 January 2008, in connection with the Wild Cherry Series, the Cherry Fund / Cherry Events will present DJ Revive, whose name is actually Chris Guénard, from New Orleans at the Be Bar.

Tickets are $5 at the door benefitting The Cherry Fund. VIP Tickets are available at $10 which includes a promo CD and t-shirt. Cherry Weekend (April 17-20, 2008) passes & tickets will be available for purchase.

Be Bar is located at 1318 9 th Street, NW, WDC.

On Sunday, 13 January, Delirium Sundays at Pasha will host a Special Cherry Preview Dance Party, benefitting Cherry Weekend featuring DJ Alexander from LA.

Delirium Sundays at Pasha takes places on the second floor of the former Mr. P's, at 2147 P Street in NW WDC, this Sunday's Special Cherry Preview Dance Party open its doors at 8 pm. The music goes until 2 am. General admisssion is $10.

Winter Party Festival Early Bird Special Ends Monday!

To have the most fun possible at Winter Party Festival and save a little money at the same time ... purchase one of the multi-event passes by Monday, January 14! Passes always save you anywhere from $45 to more than $400, but you can enjoy additional savings during the early bird special.

Two passes, the Florida Resident Pass and the New Generation 21-25 Pass, are only available until January 14. But only purchase these passes if you qualify, as you'll be required to show a valid government-issued ID at all venues.

A new pass for those of you who like to get the party started and not stop, The Climax 24-Hour Pass includes three events that will take you from noon on Sunday to noon on Monday and maybe even later. This new pass is $150 and includes the 15th Annual Winter Party Beach Party, Orbit and BPM: Red Eye. This pass is available only until Monday, January 28.

Winter Party Festival isn't just a mind-blowing celebration, it's also an essential fundraiser for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and organizations that serve the Miami-Dade LGBT community. It takes over 400 volunteers to produce the more than 20 events on the Festival's line-up. These terrific people -- serving as greeters and bartenders, staffing the Welcome Center, working behind the scenes at receptions and fashion events, monitoring shuttle buses and setting up and striking more than 20 events -- help ensure that more money is available for the benefit of all of us.

If you'd like to contribute some of your time to Winter Party Festival, sign up at VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION.

HOST HOTEL RATES INCREASE ON JANUARY 29!

The Doubletree Surfcomber is THE hotel of choice during Winter Party Festival. The Festival Welcome Center is located in the hotel, only steps away from the magnificent pool, site of the ever-popular Under One Sun Pool Party. Hotel guests receive two complimentary tickets per room to this spectacular event.

Room rates are $299/king and $319/double through January 29, after which the rates increase by $20. To reserve your room, please call 305.532.7715, ask for reservations, and mention Winter Party Festival 2008 to receive the special rate or visit the Doubletree Surfcomber website.

Here is the Entertainment List and Schedule. And Travel Information and official photos from last year.

Click the above photo by Elvert Barnes to view images from his 2007 Winter Party Festival photo collection at flickr.

3rd Annual Just Circuit Awards Ballot Deadline - 14 January 2008

Last year, over 2000 JustCircuit members took the time to vote in the 2006 JustCircuit Awards. Their interest and participation in honoring the best in the Circuit was simply...amazing!

Here is the link which will enable you to access your ballot for the 3rd Annual JustCircuit Awards. Please click this link and follow the instructions provided to vote your ballot. Should you have any questions regarding your ballot, user-name or eligibility, please email JCAwards@JustCircuit.com.

Deadline for ballot submission is at 11:59 PM on 14 January 2008 and no ballots will be accepted after that time.

Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer's Life, 1990–2005 at the Corcoran closes 13 January

Tony Moran's "The Event 2008" NOW AVAILABLE at Masterbeat

Paladino Casting Call for BMXers & 'freelance' X-treme Sports Videographers in the WDC area

I received an email yesterday in my YouTube account from Emily Derr of Paladino Casting pertaining to a casting project for the Reebok website.

Paladino Casting is in search of people with interesting and unusual athletic skills, in particular, BMXers and 'freelance' extreme sports videographers in NYC, WDC and Barcelona who would be interested in having their images and/or videography featured on the Reebok website.

Based in NYC, Paladino Casting is currently making plans to visit WDC in the next few weeks for the purpose of scouting 'potential' subjects. While Paladino Casting hopes to spend a day or more videotaping and photographing BMXers in action at various locations in the metropolitan area - interested BMXers and 'freelance' x-treme sports videographers may also upload their projects to YouTube.

While union members or those under contract are welcomed to inquire and will may will be accepted, this particular project may be better suited for those who are non-union or are not under any specific contract.

In any case, it is important to obatain a signed model release from any subject and/or videographer involved in the project.

Contemplating visiting WDC next weekend or, perhaps, the weekend after ... Kristen Paladino has asked for my assistance in connecting her with BMXers and those who videotape them in the WDC area. However, since the cold weather is setting in and the BMXers (mostly from the suburbs) that I am familiar with frequent Penn Quarter, Navy Memorial, Freedom Plaza and Shaw Skate Park & Recreation Center in WDC it was my suggestion that she wait until the weather is warmer.

From conversations that I have had with the various BMXers, over the years, there are several BMX locations out in the suburbs that I have never visited.

So, if you are a BMXer or a 'freelance' x-treme sports videographer in the WDC area and wish to inquire further regarding this Paladino Casting project please telephone 212-741-2224. Or email Kristen Paladino at kristen@paladinocasting.com or Emily Derr at emily@paladinocasting.com.

In addition to that which you'll find at the Paladino Casting website here is a link to information pertaining to Kristen Paladino's casting background.

Click the above image of BMXer Eric, from Fairfax VA, to view my BMX - Penn Quarter photoset.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 04 January 2008

Creating New Memories / 2008

41st Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Roots of Virginia Culture

National Mall . WDC . 28 June 2007

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Photographer Gerald Mocarsky's "Men Who Dance With Men" featured in January 2008 IN THE LIFE "Wide Stance" Episode

In the "IN THE LIFE" January Program Alert I learn of photographer Gerald Mocarsky whose "Men Who Dance With Men" historiographic project captures provocative images of men dancing together. From socials for senior citizens to ballet and hip-hop dancing, he uses his art to celebrate the honesty and beauty of coming to terms with oneself.

When viewing the JANUARY 2008 - WIDE STANCE video and then Mocarsky's website I was glad to observe another photographer who has similar interest and foci as I.

While my ongoing "And Without Apologies", "Out In The Life", and "Dancing The Night Away" series and Winter Party Festival 2007 Beach Party and 2005 Manhunt Pool Party collections attempt to document and celebrate 'gay life' my Movement Choreophotography Project captures folks of any and all sexual orientations, religious affiliations and political persuasion including those at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, in Dupont Circle, at Malcolm X. Park and the Black Family Renion or the Downtown Holiday Market 'dancing in the street'.

When observing Mocarsky in action on the WIDE STANCE video and viewing his work at his website ... I said to myself "George, I know exactly what it is that you are doing because I, too, have the same interests and similar foci.

IN THE LIFE's January episode, Wide Stance, features a diverse collection of stories, from a look at a film that examines biblical language about homosexuality, to a photo essay of men dancing together. We'll hear what it's like to be a gay rapper, take an unflinching and historical look at public sex and entrapment, through the lens of the Senator Larry Craig scandal. Throughout the show, the ever-controversial Margaret Cho, and lesbian comic Kate Clinton, go head-to-head in conversation.

To see when IN THE LIFE airs in your area, visit the Show Schedule finder.