HANDMADE MART in Silver Spring, MD SUNDAY!

The Handmade Mart, a sure to be hopping day of craft vendors, music and more, is happening this SUNDAY May 31st in Downtown Silver Spring!! Please stop by the Charm City Craft Mafia booth and say hello! We'll be there with goods from many of our members! 

For more info, vendor list, and tons of Q&A's with the crafters, visit their blog HERE!

Weekend To-Do List!

For the locals:

Friday, May 29th



Indyreader Release Party! @ 2640 St. Paul, starting at 7 PM

The Unbroken Circle of Things @ The LOF/t
truetheatertheater presents The Unbroken Circle of Things, a tale about the unbreakable spirit energy of love. The company of four intermixes costumes, puppets, shadows, jokes, song and dance with live and prerecorded sound to create a captivating 40 minute psychedelic narrative.

Diagnosis: Dyke @ The Creative Alliance
The Charm City Kitty Club present Diagnosis: Dyke- music by Jana Hunter and Mzery Loves Company, Eliza Blaze on hot trapeze, the contortions of Rebecca Nagle, and Ariel Schrag with scenes from her acclaimed graphic novels and more!
Friday May 29- Saturday May 30, 2009
Cocktails: 7pm, Showtime: 8pm

Saturday, May 30th







10 Minute Play Festival @ the Annex (419 E. Oliver St)
$5 at 8 PM and again on May 31st at noon.

Featuring plays by:
Benjamin Beast
Lola Pierson
Dina Kelberman
Lexie Mountain
Bob O'Brien
Connor Kizer
Rjyan Kidwell
Erin Gleeson
Anna Fitzgerald
Evan Moritz




Vive La Decadence! @ the LOF/t (Load of Fun Theatre)
120 W. North Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21201
443-759-8314
Price: $10

This month's installment of Vive La Decadence! features some of our favorite local burlesque, sideshow, and circus performers: Gilded Lily Burlesque's LENA GROVE; The Tilted Torch's MISS JOULE; The Cheeky Monkey Sideshow's THE AMAZING TRINKET; and Trapeze School of New York's LIZZIE LYRA!

**Just Added: Special guest performance by Trixie Little!**

Buy your tickets now: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/67238

Sunday, May 31st:

From Sketchbook to Suspension @ The Mitchell Gallery, St. John's College
Panel Discussion: May 31, 3 p.m.
Opening: May 31, 4-6 p.m.

Helen Frederick, Curator

Exhibiting Artists: Maria Barbosa, MD / Roberto Bocci, DC / Mark Cooley, VA / Eve Ingalls, NY / Helen Frederick, MD / Janis Goodman, DC / Beth Grabowski, NC / Lawrence Hamlin, Ill / Lisa Hill, MD / Cara Ober, MD / Michael Pestel, Conn / Michael Platt, DC / Andrew Raftery, RI / Paul Ryan, VA / Barbara Tisserat, VA / Yuriko Yamaguchi, VA


In Station North, we've got...

Friday, May 29th

Deleted Scenes, Math the Band, Lima Research Society, WEEKENDS @ The Hexagon, 9 PM, $6 BYO

Title Tracks, Cymbal Eat Guitars, Snowmen, Ask The Idea @ Metro Gallery, 8 PM

Major Dude, Feinwood, and Jumbo Lump @ Joe Squared, 10 PM

Saturday, May 30th

DJ Jonny Blaze (Blaze One Records), K Deluxe (Environmental Aesthetics), PR (Environmental Aesthetics) @ The Hexagon, 9 PM, $6 BYO

Charm City Tribal - Drum Circle @ Joe Squared, 10 PM

Whistlin’ Charlie, Person Parcel, and Naked Brunch @ The Wind Up, 10 pm

Jason Willet @ Golden West, 11 PM


And last but definitely not least, to our pals in and around Philly, come check out some of your Mafia faves and other national crafters at



Art Star Craft Bazaar!

I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that y'all break the rainy weather tradition. All signs point to sunshine!

Artist Resume? Do it right.

There's a great post about how to correctly format your artist resume on Bmore Art blog right now.
click HERE for Cara Ober's wise and relevant list-o-tips on revamping your resume for use applying for awards, grants, gallery opportunities, etc.
She also wrote a post on artist statements that's interesting. You can read that HERE.
Thanks, Cara!

Mid-week inspiration

Like many of us, I'm sure, I love to visit Tamara's blog, Block Party Press, for inspiration.  I especially love how she walks her readers through her creative process- it's such a personal thing, and Tamara shares so openly.  

It was a special treat today when I read her post about how she creatively upcycled some catalogs she had laying around.  I immediately thought of the piles of color stacks I've been cutting from catalogs for some time now... thanks for the great idea, Tamara!  This is such a great example of a way to step away from your "marriage" craft and take a little break with a "mistress" craft- as discussed in the comments.  So, if you're stuck in a rut with your spousal craft, hop into bed with something else for a bit, it might inspire you more than you could imagine!  

Rachel Bone at Design*Sponge!

Head over to Design*Sponge's guest blog to learn more about our own local superhero, Rachel Bone of Red Prairie Press!  

Hello Long Weekend!

For those of us who have, shall we say...erratic work schedules, all the talk of "the long weekend" has been a little confusing (weekend? who gets weekends?) but now that it's almost here, it's starting to sink in. There's a lot to do over the next few days!

Here are a few fun, (mostly) outdoor activities to squeeze in between your Memorial Day weekend picnics, parades, and pool parties.

Tonight at the Metro Gallery:


Go see local band Errant Strike (featuring special guests, Katherine Fahey of 2hawks2fishes fame and Caleb Stine of Caleb Stine & the Brakemen) along with Americans In France and Kingsbury Manx.
Doors open at 8pm and the cover is 8 bucks. Money well spent--you don't get to see Errant Strike play too much these days...


Then Saturday morning you'll want to head over to Leakin Park for the Baltimore Herb Festival. This is the time and place to stock up on fresh herbs and flowers to fill out your little city garden. And if you spend more time than you anticipated smelling the lavender and tasting the stevia (so sweet!) you may as well just stick around and experience the “Time & Place” Sundial Sculpture Closing Picnic in lower Leakin Park at Winans Meadow.


For three seasons, “Time & Place” has been marking time and thoughts along the Gwynns Falls Trail and Saturday afternoon you will have the opportunity to celebrate. The closing picnic will include readings from journals, paper sundial workshop, games and good friends. The picnic starts at 2pm and goes until 5pm. There might be hula hoops...

And lastly (though, you know as well as I do that there are a MILLION other things to do around town, but I can only blog so much...) be sure to check out:

24^th Annual Sowebohemian Festival Invites You to B’More Bohemian

Hard economic times cramping your style? Take a trip ‘southwest of ordinary’ to this year’s Sowebohemian Arts and Music Festival. This FREE event, which draws thousands each year, transforms the historic Hollins Market neighborhood into a bustling bazaar, complete with a street café, performance artists and busking musicians.

With over 20 bands on three stages, dozens of food and artisan vendors, sail painting and puppet shows for kids of all ages, and of course, the famous Sowebo poster exhibition, there is something here for everyone.

Kick off your summer on the funky side of MLK – where Sowebohemians of all types celebrate art, music and life together.

And now my friends... enjoy this long weekend.

New Gallery opening on Calvert Street

Looks pretty... click through for more info!  

Craft Draft

You can't hide from the attention you and your fabulous craft draw, so you might as well join the Craft Corps now and tell the world about what you do!


From Vickie Howell, crafter extraordinaire and co-founder of Austin Craft Mafia, comes this intimate chronicle of the lives of crafters from across the country. Remember The National Story Project? It's like that, but about craft.

Vickie writes...

The primary goal of both the blog and the book is to nurture our wonderful community by telling your stories and elevating the perception of the value of craft, all crafts, amongst society. Being creative, as a hobby or professionally, is a gift and deserves to be celebrated. I hope to do that here.

Nice.

Vintage Bead Boutique, re-opened!

Annie's re-opened her bead shop on etsy... such amazing beads!  I love the cabochons...

Weekend Roundup

This week's Midnight Movie at the Charles: Blazing Saddles! $6, Charles St. Theater


The Reception

Directed by Patrick Franklin
Written by Matthew Smith

This Thursday, Friday and Saturday
May 14, 15 and 16
Curtain at 8 pm.


The Protectors: Precious Nature by Melissa Dickenson

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 7-10 p.m.

Gspot Audio Visual Playground
2980 Lower Falls Road
Baltimore, MD 21211

Other art openings this weekend include:
Urban Blight: New Works by Alyssa Dennis

May 15 - June 27, 2009
Opening Reception: Friday, May 15th 7-10pm
Gallery Imperato
921 E. Fort Ave. Ste 120
Baltimore, MD 21230


Picture Plane: featuring Dan Bina, Morgan Blair, Michael Dotson, Allison Reimus, Tim Horjus, Dale Ihnken

May 15th- June 19th
Opening Reception: Friday May 15th, 7 - 9 pm
Nudashank Gallery
3rd Floor H&H Building
405 W. Franklin Street
Baltimore

---
In Station North Music, check out:

Friday:
Bolt Dance Party @ the Hexagon
The Dig (NY), Junestar, Booker Lee and the County Fair @ The Windup Space
Bad Liquor Pond and The Agrarians @ Joe Squared
Taxlo Presents: Black Strobe, Rebotoni, and TaxLo DJs, 8 PM @ Metro Gallery

Saturday:
Blues Control, Chandeliers, Javelin, Dream Neighbor, Polygons @ the Hexagon
Burnworthy and Cathy Mcleoud @ Joe Squared


Wye Oak, Pomengranates, Cakes Of LIght, Ari and the Shanks @ Metro Gallery
1 year anniversary (!!!) party at the Windup Space, featuring jazz by Quartet Offensive and Lafayette Gilchrist early in the evening, followed by Notendo and Food for Animals playing a late show.


Happy Friday! May your weekend be filled with creativity and stimulation!

Apply Now - Crafty Bastards!

"Applications for Crafty Bastards 2009 are now being accepted. The deadline to apply for booth space is July 5, 2009. Get more info and submit your Crafty Bastards application here.

There is a $10 non-refundable application fee. The jury will review and score all completed entries on various criteria from design and craftsmanship to saleability and alternative subject matter. Applicants will be notified of their status by July 20th. If accepted, the booth fee is $120 and will be due July 31st. The vendor list will be announced in August. Crafty Bastards will take place Saturday, October 3rd from 10am-5pm.

In the past we have received between 300 and 400 applications for the 100+ spots available at the show. Vendors from previous years are not given special consideration or guaranteed a space at this years’ show. All applicants are strongly encouraged to submit clear images and descriptive work statements.

Questions? Send them to craftybastards@washingtoncitypaper.com."

Gallery Opening on Friday, May 15

You're invited to the Opening at Gallery 17 on May 15th, showcasing work by CCCM member Val Lucas (Bowerbox Press) and local artist Michael Moore. Val will be unveiling 2 new bird prints- the Tufted Titmouse and the White-breasted Nuthatch. All 6 alphabet bird prints will be on view. Also new are carved woodblocks and their accompanying prints.
The Gallery is located at Utrecht Art Supply, 229 W. Chase Street, Baltimore MD (near the Meyerhoff Symphony.)

From the Press Release:
Gallery 17 will feature woodcuts and watercolors by Val Lucas along with intaglio and silkscreen prints by Michael Moore. Please join us for an artists’ reception Friday, May 15 from 7-9 pm. Works will remain on display through June 30, 2009.

Lucas, owner of Bowerbox Press, combines her woodcuts with hand-set type and digitally designed plates. Her prints are inspired by birds and historical printing techniques.

Moore, an MFA student at Towson University, is intrigued by geometric forms and designs and integrates them into his exploration of intaglio, silkscreen and mixed media images.

***Attendees will receive 10% off non-sale art supplies from 7-9 pm!!!!

To Do This Weekend!

Saturday - May 9th
Mt. Vernon Park, Baltimore
Squidfire's Spring DIY Art Mart
A day of handmade, buying local, and visiting your favorite Baltimore crafters! Charm City Craft Mafia will have a double wide booth, and many of our members will have their own booths as well, along with our friends from B.E.S.T., Squidfire and many more talented artists from all over the country!


Thursday - Sunday May 7-10th
Baltimore (theatres all over the city. Mainly The Charles)
The MD Film Festival
The festival opens tonight and runs all weekend, featuring many themed programs including a handful of short films ("animated," "avante garde" and "return to the world of WTF" are three that sound appealing to yours truly, The annual John Water's pick (this year it's Love Songs by Christophe Honoré), A screening of the silent film Man With a Movie Camera w/ live music from Alloy Orchestra, and a hundred more. The opening shorts program is tonight! For a full schedule & more info, visit HERE

SATURDAY May 9 - 2pm
MAP's 23rd Annual Critics' Residency
Saturday, May 9: Public Forum 2pm / Reception 3:30pm
April 28-June 20, 2009 / Exhibition Dates
This annual program is in it's 20th year! Intended to stimulate critical discourse within the region, this year-long program concludes with an exhibition of artwork selected by critic Vincent Katz during studio visits; a catalogue of critical writing by participating writers, Martin Johnson and Dylan Kinnett, an essay contributed by the critic; and a public forum where participants are invited to exchange ideas about contemporary art with the public.
Artists are Ken D. Ashton, Jessie Boyko, Dottie Campbell, Bernhard Hildebrandt, Gil Jawetz, Bonnie Crawford Kotula, Kim Manfredi, and Lynn Rybicki.
This year’s Public Forum will take place on Saturday, May 9th at 2 pm and will be moderated by Aaron Henkin, co-creator and producer of WYPR's radio arts program, The Signal.

SATURDAY May 9 5-10pm
Rectified opens at Gallery 4 (H&H Building)
A group show featuring Gary Kachadourian, Jackie Milad, Ron Longsdorf & Julianna Dail.
All of the work explores the irony of personaized imagery in our manufactured culture, building on a tradition of using readymade materials and concepts to reformulate our understanding of authenticity.

SATURDAY May 9th
Rebound
A new show at the paperwork gallery featuring work by Valeska Populoh and Rudy Shepherd.
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 9 from 7-9 p.m.
Paperwork Gallery 107 E. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.
107 E. Preston Street / Baltimore, MD
(image taken from www.citypaper.com - taken by Michael Northrup)
Saturday May 9th - 11am
2640 St Paul Street, Baltimore.

DIY FEST - A now annual festival at the 2640 featuring a handmade mart as well as speakers on everything from computer safety to making clothing out of squirrels, according to the in depth CITY PAPER ARTICLE in this weeks issue. Check out that story HERE. and the festival's website HERE.

2009 is the international year of natural fibers!

Did you know?  It was news to me, too!  Via whipup.  

B-More Giving

...with your time. You can sew. Oh, you don't know how to sew? You can sort fabric. You can cut out patterns.



B-More Bags needs seamstresses and experienced sewers! Do something really important this Spring. Do something great.

B-More Bags are designed and hand crafted entirely by volunteers. Each bag is an individual work of art: some are classic, others trendy and a few take a walk on the wild side. We use donated designer fabrics and trims, jewelry and embellishments to create truly unique and functional tote bags, handbags, market bags, dressy bags, “stuff” bags, wine bottle bags, and more. All proceeds from the sale of B-More Bags support the House Of Ruth Maryland’s Emergency Transportation Fund for battered women and their children. Since 2005, B-More Bag sales have raised more than $28,000.

Stop in on one of these May sessions:
Thursday 5/7, Wednesday 5/13, Wednesday 5/20, Saturday 5/23, Thursday 5/28

Getting involved is easy, contact: b-morebags@hruthmd.org.

Weekend Fun

As always, lots to see and do this weekend.

Happy Birthday to our Hampden friend, Shine Collective! Shine will be celebrating their 7th birthday this evening with a reception of new collages by Emily c-d.

Also tonight is Meet the Members, an exhibition featuring work by 10 members of the Hexagon Community. I'll have a small fiber piece there, and I'm completely excited to be showing with my other Hexagon colleagues. Following the reception, the Hexagon is hosting a homemade dance music party in which local electronic musicians will DJ sets of their very own DIY dance tunes!

On Friday and Saturday, come check out the Flower Mart around the Washington Monument in Mt. Vernon. If you're in the neighborhood on Saturday, stop by the Contemporary Museum and be a part of history with their Time Capsule project.


Later on Saturday, you can check out Decoy at the Creative Alliance, featuring work by Kendra Hebel, Robert Horvath, Paul Jeanes, Michael Mansfield, Jenny Mullins, and Kimberly Ruppert.

Open House at Bowerbox Press, May 2

Bowerbox Press is hosting its first Open House tomorrow, May 2 from 11-6!
Come and check out the hundred-year-old Colt’s Armory printing press (is it the only one in Baltimore? quite possibly!), a growing collection of type, and the newest cards, prints and books for sale.
If you’ve never seen a letterpress in action, this is your chance! If you have, come anyway!

Location: 4669 Ilchester Road, Ellicott City MD 21043

Please park on the grass along the driveway. The press is in the basement.