Little Salon Visits Mount Pleasant

The Little Salon is hosting a night of poetry, visual arts, and music this Wednesday, right here in Mount Pleasant. Read more about the Little Salon here. This event is their first of 2015 and will be hosted at 1644 Newton St NW. It's this Wednesday February 25 from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Donations accepted. For more info check out the event page.

From the organizers:

"Here it comes: the 2015 season of Little Salon. We're starting the year at a house in Mount Pleasant, where we'll bring ya the poems of Dan Brady, the prose of Michelle Dove, the photography of Duilio Passariello, and the tunes of Djesben.

Doors open at 7pm for the photos and the socializing. Swing by as close to 7pm as you can. The performances will begin at 8pm. As always, BYO favorite B. (And your favorite friend, too.)

We're strongly requesting $20(+) cash donations to support the event and artists — and to one day build a website where we can archive the awesome creativity on display at these things. Really hope to see you then."

Mount Pleasant Art Walk is May 5th - 31st

This is always a really cool event and since there are always new, talented students, each year offers another reason to participate and support.

This is the 14th iteration of the Mount Pleasant Art Walk and as usual, neighborhood businesses have stepped up to act as the venues. The art will be on display during normal business hours at each location until May 31. The opening reception is TONIGHT.

From the organizers:

"This year's Fair features artwork from eight (8) schools located in and around Mount Pleasant and young patrons of Mt Pleasant Library. Art is displayed in the Mt. Pleasant Library and in businesses along the Mt. Pleasant Street, NW commercial corridor. Student artists from pre-K through high school have created artwork in a variety of media around this year's theme: "New in Mt. Pleasant!"

The Arts Fair OPENING RECEPTION AND AWARDS NIGHT is open to the public and will be held on Monday, May 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Library.

Art will be displayed in 16 businesses: Angelico Pizzeria, Dollar Star, Dos Gringos Cafe & Ice Cream Parlor, El West, Flying Fish Coffee & Tea, Frugalista, Heller's Bakery & Cafe, Las Americas Dental Health, Lia Café Brazil, Mt. Pleasant Care Pharmacy, Old School Hardware, Tex-Mex Burrito, Beau Thai, Don Juan Restaurant, Past Tense Studio, Each Peach Market, as well as the Mt. Pleasant Library at 16th and Lamont Streets.

THE EXHIBIT WILL BE UP FOR THE MONTH OF MAY.

The Mt. Pleasant Youth Arts Fair features artwork from Asian American LEAD, Bancroft Elementary School, Bell Multicultural High School, Lincoln Multicultural Middle School, Latin American Youth Center Art and Media House, Rosemount Center, Sacred Heart School, MundoVerde Bilingual Public Charter School, and Mount Pleasant Library patrons.

The Fair is sponsored by the MOUNT PLEASANT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION and FRIENDS OF MT. PLEASANT LIBRARY."

Your Body of Art: Tattoo Lecture at Smithsonian

Photo/Tattoo by Kurt Fagerland

One of my favorite tattoos was done by friend and master artist Amy Black of Richmond VA. If you know me, you know that I really love it and take good care of it; as would anyone who made a big, awesome, artistic investment like this one. I love getting tattooed and the only restriction is, well, $$$. And time, I guess. 

A few months ago, Ms. Black was a panelist of an event hosted by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts called "The Art of Tattoo." This presentation examined the historical affections of popular tattoo symbols. No kid gloves; the Museum was treating tattoos and body art like any other legitimate visual art forms. I think it's very cool that major institutions of art and culture are beginning to take a serious look at tattoo culture in a smart and engaging way.

The conversation has  now reached DC. The Smithsonian Institution is hosting a tattoo themed talk next week. "Tattoos: Your Body of Art" is scheduled for Thursday April 18, 2013 at the Ripley Center (1100 Jefferson Drive, SW). The program is $20 for members and $30 for general admission.

The conversation looks to be pretty wide ranging and includes a tattoo anthropologist / television show host and the owner of DC's British Ink, among others. You will get to listen to some great stories and inspiration and perhaps have a chance to share your own. 

Just as an aside; sometimes there isn't a story behind a tattoo. And that's OK. I have a few without "a story." People get upset that there isn't deep meaning each individual piece. OK. Get over it. Every now and then you dream a weird idea and boom, a week later it's right there on your forehead. Nah, just kidding. I usually wait at least a month.

On the flip side, others I have are rich with historical significance and a couple have some personal connection to friends and family. Either way, the art has to shine through. That's what this talk is about. I love hearing people spin a yarn about their tattoos. Storytelling with visuals.

Here are the details for the Smithsonian talk:

What: Tattoos: Your Body of Art Evening Lecture. 

When: Thursday, April 18 - 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - $20 Members / $30 Gen. Admission

Where: S. Dillon Ripley Center. 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW. Metro: Smithsonian (Blue/Orange Lines)

Mount Pleasant Children's Puppet Hour

The Mount Pleasant Children's Puppet Hour returns this Saturday. The location is Saint Stephen's Church located at 16th and Newton Sts NW. From the organizers:

"It's time for the 5th Mount Pleasant Children's Puppet Hour! We have a great line-up of performers and shows:

Melissa Klein presents "The Paper Bag Princess"
Michael Cotter of Blue Sky Puppets presents "Will Anything Go Right for a Little Bear?"
David Greenfieldboyce presents "Little Cloud" with music by Christian Crowley
Jeanine Padgett and Jim Sheehan present "Vent"
Wit's End Puppets present "Coyote Places the Stars"

And music from Seth Buchsbaum, Alicia Koundakjian and Justin Moyer

4:00 Saturday, February 16th
Saint Stephen's Church, 1525 Newton St NW
Suggested donation $5

Like us on Facebook to hear about upcoming events!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mount-Pleasant-Childrens-Puppet-Hour/326086867452529

For more info, email puppet_hour@yahoo.com"

PS There's a great benefit show (benefiting Fort Reno music series) in the same space later that evening. Good friends Gist and Möbius Strip are playing. Very cool.