Opening Night at The Other Art Fair - March 30, 2023

by Gregg Chadwick

🎧 @dublab keeps the energy high at the turntables

Last night the rain cleared just in time for the opening of the latest edition of The Other Art Fair at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. We strolled across the street from my studio at the 18th Street Arts Center and enjoyed seeing old friends and their artwork as well as meeting  artists for the first time and chatting with them about their art and sources of inspiration. Below, amidst their creations are photos of some of the new artists that we met.  

Cortney Herron

Los Angeles

"As humans, we can be all over the place – thoughts and ideas swirling left and right. From the process to the technique, to the finished piece, it’s my artistic mission to capture those unique and special moments that make us feel connected to this abundant world. That unique moment in time where the reality of life – good, bad, and everything in between – is looking at you right in the face. And hopefully you begin to realize how easy it is to see ourselves in each other."

- Cortney Herron

MarySue Chats with Cortney

Marco Comandini

New York/Genoa

Marco Comandini explains that his “What makes us human” project is a series of posters directly influenced by his background as a biologist. Marco says,"As Darwin explained in 'The Evolution of Species', the shark and the dolphin were examples of animals that ended up sharing common features as a result of their ancestors co-existing in an environment that shaped them similarly. In the same way, robots could very well develop the same human emotions that we thought were exclusive to us as they become more and more present in our daily lives."

Arisa Hsiao

Los Angeles

"I gravitate towards silkscreen printing as it’s a medium that blurs the boundary between art and graphic design. My work also exists in the tension between the fabricated and handmade. The precision of the forms is offset by miss-registrations and color shifts from over-printing." 

- Arisa Hsaio

Tessa Alexander

Trinidad

Tessa Alexander is an artist and art educator based in Trinidad. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Cultural Studies. Tessa describes her project as "a troubling of the Caribbean archive and art canon as she investigates the silenced art histories of her foremothers." 

Jeanette Rivera

California

"Society tells us that beauty is perfection and our worth is based on our physical appearance. That is simply not true, true beauty is eclectic and it tell the story of who we are and what we have been through. My hope is to inspire woman to shine , to love themselves and be exactly who they inspire to be." - Jeanette Rivera

Emily Wallerstein

Los Angeles

Emily Wallerstein describes her oil paintings as "representations of the beautiful blur of life - perfect from a distance, but messy and imperfect up close." 

Industrial and Salvage Transportation Paintings by Jasper Latane

Jasper Latane's side gig as an art handler and driver seems to inspire elements of his evocative transportation artworks. 

DATY (Frédéric and Andrea Daty)

Paris/Chartres

DATY, the wife and husband team of artists from France describe their new collection of wall hanging sculptures as "L.A. Greatness and Decadence." Their sculptural work is created from cut and treated steel plates. They explain that "light and shadows animate the metal, changing colors, and giving the impression of constant evolution."

Please Note: In response to queries, I am not exhibiting my artwork at this edition of TOAF, but will in the near future. Working on an exciting new body of work...

FAIR DETAILS

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HOURS

OPENING NIGHT

THURS, MAR. 30: 6 – 10pm

GENERAL ENTRY

FRI, MAR. 31: 5 – 10pm

SAT, APR. 1: 11am – 8pm

SUN, APR. 2: 11am – 6pm

VENUE

The Barker Hangar

3021 Airport Ave.

Santa Monica, CA 90405

Visiting Information

Book Tickets

Service dogs are welcome ;

All other furry friends will need to stay home.

 

Happy Transgender Day of Visibility

On Transgender Day of Visibility, we want you to know that we see you just as you are:

Made in the image of God and deserving of dignity, respect, and support.

We'll never stop working to create a world where you won't have to be brave just to be yourself. pic.twitter.com/g5TTZbv1UW

— President Biden (@POTUS) March 31, 2023

 

Trans Power 

Rommy Torrico

TransLatin@Coalition

Justseeds 

Digital print, 2015

New Jersey

From the Collection of the Center of the Study of Political Graphics which wrote:

"People around the world observe International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) each year on March 31st. TDOV celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments and lives of transgender people. In contrast, Trans Day of Remembrance, celebrated in November, is a day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia. TDOV is a time to bring awareness to the discrimination, poverty, and violence facing the transgender and gender nonconforming community.

While the transgender community has gained greater visibility and representation in the media in recent years, lawmakers in the United States are drafting and passing historic anti-trans legislation. Anti-trans bills have been passed in fourteen states, introducing laws that exclude trans people from accessing gender-affirming healthcare, participating in sports, banning LGBTQIA+ books, and restricting teaching about sexuality and gender in schools before 5th grade. These bills are a horrendous attempt at erasing transgender people from daily life and an effort to deny transgender people their human rights. Today’s headlines demonstrate this, as the hostile right are using the Nashville shooting case to demonize trans people.

On Trans Day of Visibility we must also acknowledge that efforts made in increasing visibility and protections of transgender and gender nonconforming people have only been possible because of the efforts of trans advocates and activists, especially Black Trans women. At a time when trans rights are slipping backwards, it is important to recognize the power in trans existence. Trans people are parents, children, siblings, and friends."

Happy Birthday Vincent Van Gogh!

I've loved this episode of doctor Who since it first aired in 2010. In the episode, the time traveling Doctor and his companion meet the artist Vincent Van Gogh in the past and bring him to an exhibition of his work at the Musee d'Orsay in 2010. Van Gogh sees that his artwork lives on and is cherished by many, including an art curator played by Bill Nighy.

More on - How a very special Doctor Who scene captured the hearts of fans, as told by those who made it - at the link below.
https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-vincent-and-the-doctor-gallery/ 

@vangoghmuseum @vangogh_thelife #art #Athlete #Chances #VanGogh #OnThisDay

U2: ’Songs of Surrender’ & Reflecting on their Musical Legacy | Apple Music

The National - Eucalyptus (Official Video)

Manet's "Spring": The Arrival of a Masterpiece

More on Manet's Spring at: Spring has sprung, and this year we’re taking a look back at Getty’s biggest Spring, which arrived in November of 2014. 

President Biden and The First Lady Host an Arts and Humanities Award Ceremony

Washington, DC—President Joseph R. Biden will present the 2021 National Medals of Arts in conjunction with the National Humanities Medals on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. ET in an East Room ceremony at the White House. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will attend. The event will be live streamed at www.whitehouse.gov/liv.

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, said, “The National Medal of Arts recipients have helped to define and enrich our nation’s cultural legacy through their life long passionate commitment. We are a better nation because of their contributions. Their work helps us see the world in different ways. It inspires us to reach our full potential and recognize our common humanity. I join the President in congratulating and thanking them.”

Below is the list of 2021 recipients:

Judith Francisca Baca: Judith Francisca Baca’s collaborative work has turned forgotten histories into public memory—pioneering an art form that empowers communities to reclaim public space with dignity and pride. 

Fred Eychaner: From dance and architecture to arts education and a lifetime of LGBTQI+ advocacy, Fred Eychaner has helped give millions of people strength to be themselves and moved our country forward. 

 
Jose Feliciano*: Over 60 years, 60 albums, and 600 songs, Jose Feliciano has opened hearts and built bridges—overcoming obstacles, never losing faith, and enriching the goodness and greatness of the Nation.
 
Mindy Kaling: Imbued with humor and heart, Mindy Kaling’s work across television, film, and books inspires and delights—capturing and uplifting the experiences of women and girls across our Nation. 

 
Gladys Knight: Gladys Knight’s exceptional talent influenced musical genres—from rhythm and blues to gospel to pop—and inspired generations of artists, captivated by her soundtrack of a golden age in American music.  

 
Julia Louis-Dreyfus: As one of the most decorated comedic actors of our time, Julia Louis-Dreyfus has blazed a trail for women in comedy and across American life through her commitment to excellence and the power of her example. 

 
Antonio Martorell-Cardona: Transcending generation and genre, Antonio Martorell-Cardona’s art exposes hard truths with whimsy and color, to help us remember and grow, as people and as a Nation.  

Joan Shigekawa: Throughout her career, Joan Shigekawa has championed artists, created global exchanges, and promoted the power of the arts to heal, build strong economies, and help people and Nations reach their full potential. 

 
Bruce Springsteen: One of our greatest performers and storytellers, Bruce Springsteen’s music celebrates our triumphs, heals our wounds, and gives us hope, capturing the unyielding spirit of what it means to be American.

 
Vera Wang: From the runway to red carpets to retail stores, Vera Wang’s modern designs and bridal collections express individualism and elegance, making beauty and style accessible to all.  

 
The Billie Holiday Theatre: Channeling its namesake’s exploration of freedom and identity, The Billie Holiday Theatre cultivates some of our Nation’s most renowned Black actors, writers, designers, and musicians and has expanded the reach of American artistic expression and achievement. 
 
The International Association of Blacks in Dance: Through teaching, training, and performance, The International Association of Blacks in Dance promotes dance by people of African ancestry and origin, explores and exchanges art, spans cultures and generations, and enriches the dance culture of America.

* Will not be in attendance at the ceremony.

The 2021 National Humanities Medal will be presented at the same ceremony 

Join the conversation on Twitter at #ArtsHumanitiesMedal.

About the National Medal of Arts

The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the federal government. It is awarded by the president of the United States to individuals or groups who are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support, and availability of the arts in the United States. Please see additional information and the list of past recipients on the NEA website.

The National Endowment for the Arts manages the nomination process on behalf of the White House. Each year, the Arts Endowment seeks nominations from individuals and organizations across the country. The National Council on the Arts, the NEA’s presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed advisory body, reviews the nominations and provides recommendations to the President, who selects the recipients.

WASHINGTON, DC (March 20, 2023) 

President Joseph R. Biden will present the 2021 National Humanities Medals, in conjunction with the National Medals of Arts, tomorrow, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. in an East Room ceremony at the White House. The 12 distinguished medal recipients include writers, historians, educators, and activists. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will attend the medals award ceremony, which will be livestreamed at: www.whitehouse.gov/live

“The National Humanities Medal recipients have enriched our world through writing that moves and inspires us; scholarship that enlarges our understanding of the past; and through their dedication to educating, informing, and giving voice to communities and histories often overlooked,” said NEH Chair Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo). “I am proud to join President Biden in recognizing these distinguished leaders for their outstanding contributions to our nation’s cultural life.” 

The National Humanities Medal honors an individual or organization whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the human experience, broadened citizens’ engagement with history or literature, or helped preserve and expand Americans’ access to cultural resources.

Here are the 12 recipients of the 2021 National Humanities Medal, with their White House citations:

• Richard Blanco: An award-winning poet and author, professor and public speaker, and son of Cuban immigrants, Richard Blanco’s powerful storytelling challenges the boundaries of culture, gender, and class while celebrating the promise of our Nation’s highest ideals. (Read profile.) 
  
  
  

• Johnnetta Betsch Cole: A scholar, anthropologist, and academic pace-setter, Johnnetta Betsch Cole’s pioneering work about the on-going contributions of Afro-Latin, Caribbean, and African communities have advanced American understanding of Black culture and the necessity and power of racial inclusion in our Nation. (Read profile.) 
  
  
  
• Walter Isaacson: Through the stories of our Nation’s remarkable citizens, Walter Isaacson’s work, words, and wisdom bridge divides between science and the humanities and between opposing philosophies, elevating discourse and our understanding of who we are as a Nation. (Read profile.) 
  
  
  
• Earl Lewis: As a social historian and academic leader, Earl Lewis has made vital contributions to the field of Black history, educating generations of students, while also being a leading voice for greater diversity in academia and our Nation. (Read profile.) 
  
  
  
• Henrietta Mann: The pioneering efforts of Henrietta, Ho’oesto’oona'e, Mann, led to programs and institutions across the country devoted to the study of Native American history and culture, honoring ancestors that came before and benefiting generations that follow. (Read profile.) 
  
  
  
• Ann Patchett: With her best-selling novels and essays, and her bookstore, readers from around the world see themselves in the pages of Ann Patchett’s books that take people to places of the heart and feed the imagination of our Nation. (Read profile.) 
  
  
  
• Bryan Stevenson: An advocate fighting tirelessly for the poor, incarcerated, and condemned, Bryan Stevenson follows the Book of Micah’s instruction to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly as he chronicles the legacy of lynching and racism in America, shining a light on what has been and all that we can be as a Nation. (Read profile.) 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Amy Tan: By bravely exploring experiences of immigrant families, heritage, memories, and poignant struggles, Amy Tan’s writing makes sense of the present through the past and adds ground-breaking narrative to the diverse sweep of American life and literature. (Read profile.) 
  
  
  
• Tara Westover: Tara Westover’s memoirs of family, religion, and the transformative power of education, has moved millions of readers and served as a powerful example of how the humanities can set people—and a Nation—free. (Read profile.) 
  
  
  
• Colson Whitehead: With genre-defying craftsmanship and creativity, Colson Whitehead’s celebrated novels make real the African American journey through our Nation’s continued reckoning with the original sin of slavery and our ongoing march toward a more perfect Union. (Read profile.) 
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• Native America Calling: Through its interactive shows on the radio and online, Native America Calling educates the American public about Indigenous issues while preserving Indigenous history and culture to honor their contributions that strengthen the sacred Nation-to-Nation relationship. (Read profile.)
• Sir Elton John*: An enduring icon and advocate with absolute courage, who found purpose to challenge convention, shatter stigma, and advance the simple truth that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. (Read profile.)
   (*medal awarded separately in September 2022, during a White House event, “A Night When Hope and History Rhyme.”)

The first National Humanities Medal was awarded in 1996. Since then 206 medals have been bestowed—190 to individuals and 16 to organizations—inclusive of this year’s recipients. A complete set of previous honorees is available at this link.

The humanities medal was preceded by the Charles Frankel Prize, first awarded in 1989.  

Join the conversation on Twitter at #ArtsHumanitiesMedal.

The 2021 National Medals of Arts will be presented at the same ceremony. Among the recipients are Vera Wang, Jose Feliciano, Gladys Knight, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.  

Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) supports learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other areas of the humanities by funding selected, peer-reviewed proposals from around the nation that support research in the humanities, nurture humanities infrastructure, and expand the reach of the humanities. Since 1965, NEH has awarded nearly $6 billion to cultural institutions, individual scholars, and communities. The Endowment serves and strengthens the country by bringing high-quality historical and cultural experiences to large and diverse audiences in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five jurisdictions; providing opportunities for lifelong learning, access to cultural and educational resources, and strengthening the base of the human stories that connect all Americans. 

National Endowment for the Humanities: Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities supports research and learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other areas of the humanities by funding selected, peer-reviewed proposals from around the nation. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available at neh.gov.