Tom Walsh's New Paintings (Preview) & Studio (Holiday) Sale

Coordinated by his life-partner Tony Carcaldi who is a sales associate at The Washington Design Center on Saturday afternoon, 9 December, I had the pleasure of attending Tom Walsh's annual New Paintings Preview and Studio (Holiday) Sale opening reception at Walsh's main studio which is located on the third floor of the Thomas Law House in the Tiber Island complex.

Trained in painting and printmaking at the prestigious Philadelphia College of Art and Philadelphia's Tyler School of Art, Thomas Walsh, returned to painting about five years ago after having retired from a life-long career in graphic design.

A resident of the SW WDC community, Mr. Walsh works primarily with acrylic paints, experimenting with color, light, and translucency. When viewing his work at his Thomas Law House Studio I could not help but imagine his paintings integrated with the writings of artists such as Patti Smith and Susan Sontag.

Though he mentioned that he has a second studio, I was not able to locate it on his website. His Thomas Law House Studio is located at 461 N Streets, SW, in the Tiber Island complex directly across from the Southwest Waterfront MPDC HQ.

To schedule an appointment contact Tony Carcaldi at 202-479-4698 or DivineMamaC@aol.com.

When clicked, the above photo of Tom Walsh (l) and Tony Carcaldi (r) links to my 9 December 2006 Tom Walsh New Paintings (Preview) and (Holiday) Studio Sale photoset.

Robert Parry's Tribute to Gary Webb

Gary Webb's Death: American Tragedy

Two years ago, journalist Gary Webb -- his career and his life in ruins -- killed himself. Though a terrible personal tragedy, Webb's suicide also marked the last page of a dark chapter in American journalism, the end result of his punishment at the hands of colleagues for helping expose the Reagan administration's contra-cocaine scandal.

DCFD - Engine 16, Tower Ladder 3 (Midnight Express)

When posting pictures earlier today that I took on 2 November of DCFD Engine 16 I'd learn that the firehouse and quarters located just north of Franklin Square at 1018 13th Street in NW has its own website, Midnight Express.

When ever I have walked pass this particular firehouse as well as a few others I've always wanted to introduce myself to the staff and inquire if I may include them and the firehouse in an ongoing documentary project. After visiting Midnight Express which brings attention to Baltimore-based artist Robert McClintock who has released several works of art featuring D.C.F.D. Engine Company 16 and Tower Ladder 3, I feel very confident in approaching them.

And as a result, I have created the DCFD Engine 16, Tower Ladder 3 photoset.

NGA Sculpture Garden Ice Skating Rink

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden ice-skating rink is open mid-November through mid-March, weather permitting. View magnificent works of sculpture while skating in the open air and enjoying music from the state-of-the-art sound system.

This never before seen photo was taken on 21 January 2006.

Downtown Holiday Market @ Penn Quarter . 11 - 22 December

For the second year in a roll, Diverse Markets Management will produce the Downtown Holiday Market, from 11 - 22 December 2006. While the 2005 DHM event was held at the old Convention Center site, this year it will be held on historic F Street between 7th and 8th Streets in the Penn Quarter area. Grand opening takes place on Monday, 11 December at 4 PM.

Visit more than 40 local artisans offering diverse and hand-made gifts such as jewelry, pottery, paintings, photographs, textiles and more. Plus, prepared food offerings of preserved smoked seafood; The Tender Rib's sandwiches, chili, and soups; baked goods, hot cocoa and cider to sip. There will be even be seasonal decorations of wreaths, garland and potted trees for sale.

It will be a festive occasion on opening day with live music, celebrities, and both Mayor Williams and Mayor-elect Fenty! But all 12 delightful days will offer special activities and treasures. With over 100 different exhibitors participating in the event overall, the selection of goods will vary daily.

A jam-packed entertainment schedule (pdf) is sure to spread cheer with festive tunes for the holiday shoppers. And, each day we'll give away a prize from a market exhibitor or Downtown business. Visit the market and drop your business card at the Downtown SAM info kiosk for your chance to win!

Have a musical talent or handy craft of your own to share? Exhibitor and entertainment spaces are full for this year. Please e-mail Ashley@downtowndc.org with your full contact information and craft or musical offering if you would like to receive notice when applications are available for next year's market.

Michael Berman is Executive Director at Diverse Markets Management. Email diversemarkets@yahoo.com, telephone 202-543-3370 or visit contact.

Or visit www.downtowndc.org/holiday_market. Located in the Penn Quarter area of NW WDC on F between 7th and 8th Streets in NW WDC, Downtown Holiday Market 2006 will operate from 12 noon until 7 pm from 11 - 22 December 2006.

08 December Friday's Photo of the Week

Dinner . 1301 . River Park . SW WDC . Thursday, 7 December 2006

2006 Friday's Photo of the Week

Eileen Ivers - 'An Nollaig - An Irish Christmas' - MD, VA

It was during the Labor Day Saturday, 2 September 2006 Planet Arlington World Music Festival at the Netherlands Carillon - Iwo Jima Grounds in Arlington, VA that I would first hear Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul.

'An Nollaig - An Irish Christmas', Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul's new Christmas show will be in the Baltimore/Washington DC area on the following dates:

Thursday, December 14 - PM
The Lyric Opera House
Baltimore, MD
BOX OFFICE: 410-547-SEAT

Friday, December 15 - PM
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
BOX OFFICE: 703-993-2787

Eileen & Immigrant Soul will be joined by the Conta Nova Choir and the Broesler Irish Dancers. Do not miss this opportunity to bring your family and friends to a wonderful evening of Irish music, song and dance celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

CLICK HERE to purchase the new CD 'An Nollaig - An Irish Christmas'

Patti Smith's "A Pythagorean Traveler" exhibition at Robert Miller Gallery

New work by Patti Smith, entitled "A Pythagorean Traveler" will be on display at the Robert Miller Gallery, in Chelsea NYC, from 1 December 2006 - 13 Jaunuary 2007. The show includes recent photographs as well as an installation piece, a composite of objects, drawings, and a vintage silk cloth that has been inscribed by the artist. Patti Smith has exhibited her drawings with Robert Miller Gallery since the late seventies. This is the gallery's second exhibition featuring her photographs.

Robert Miller Gallery is located at 524 West 26th Street in Chelsea NYC. Phone 212-366-4774. Fax 212-366-4454. Email rmg@robertmillergallery.com. Hours: Tue-Sat 10-6

Street Musician & Blues Artist Vladimir featured in Chelsea Now

When In NYC for the 2006 Saint Black Party and in the process of my 25 March 2006 NYC street photography I'd capture street musician and blues artist Vladimir, at the corner of 23rd Street and 7th Avenue in Chelsea.

In the 1 - 7 Devember 2006 issue of Chelsea Now, journalist Lawrence Lerner sheds light on Vladimir's story who, a graphic designer and photo re-toucher by trade, fell on hard times three years ago when he was laid off and subsequently had a mild heart attack.