How to Turn a plan ole bathroom into a fabulous living space.

Who would have thought that one day a bathroom, with minimal facilities and plain white washed walls would be transformed from a place to spend only a few minutes, to a room where you can spend the night or just take a nap or just hang out.
That was the inspiration that Deborah M. Carroll Anzinger and Richard Lyew devised to build the new "Inhabit" space at Pyramid Art Center this month.
Funny story how they got together. It all started in high school in Jamaica, but after many years, and old friend saw Richard in the airport and later told Deborah, who is a painter that works in large format, about spotting Richard. Deborah tracked Richard down and convinced him that he needed to collaborate with her to do a project. Richard is working as a architect in Rosslyn, so it was a piece of cake for him to help Deborah with designing this great space where visiting artists could spend time while they are creating Art. We all know that once you get involved in a project the minutes turn into hours, which turn into days. You lose all track of time and then realize that many hours have gone by and you haven't even had a chance to take 5 minutes to rest and relax.
The project was sort of like, a reality show where you only have a certain amount of money to transform one room into the Taj Mahal. Richard devised a blank board hanging on the wall where you might hang your work to dry, to a drop down cot that is supported by two tables that turn into storage containers. The space is so diverse, a cabinet that you might think might be someplace to house the rolls of tissue, is actually a unit that can house your paintings or supplies or even your toothbrush. Go figure.
The room continues to have the white washed look, but open the doors and cabinets and you will see that they are all painted vibrant colors to give that bathroom type feel to making you feel like you are a guest at the Mariott or Hilton. "Ahh, Room Service, can you send me a tray of cheese and a bottle of your best.................................... Check it out, but knock first.

Baby it's cold outside!

Brrrr!
Pyramid Atlantic will be closed from December 19-January 2.
Enjoy your holidays and see you in 2011!

A Visit from Charles Cohan

Charlie Cohan has been working fast and furiously this past week on an art commission for the Raleigh-Durham airport. I say fast because he had nine [125 lb. glass] panels to print during his week here. I say furiously because I've never seen Charlie work any other way. Annie Albagli, one of our teaching artists-in-residence, has been assisting him.

It's fun having him back, as the last time he was here was in 2008, when he taught a workshop and had a exhibition upstairs. He will be with us for a few more days-so stop in, say hello, and see his very cool prints.

More Than Words Show

MORE THAN WORDS:
When: On December 15th 2010 from 3:30 to 4:30
Where: At Silver Spring International School
Come and see the art work of the Art club at Silver Spring International School.
As part of the teaching- in- residence program, Trisha Gupta and Annie Albagli have been teaching an afterschool printmaking program.
"This semester we have been focusing on linocuts and negative and positive space. It is really great that the students have access to printmaking. When I was a student I did not even know what printmaking was. Printmaking really improves craft, encourages patience, and is so important to understanding reductive carving techniques. These skills really are valuable and help kids understand art better."
The more than words program is a breach from the page, when teaching traditional poetry. It allows kids to learn and read about poetry while working on art. After reading The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe, students talked about emotions and to evoke thoughts using visual imagery. These ideas evolved, and the kids have created work based off of their own experieneces. Come and see the show and support the kids.

On a gold road to finding Paradise an interview with Anne Albagli

AN INTERVIEW OF PARADISE: A collaborative site specific installation with artist, Joshua Goode, featured at the 11th Biennial Print and Book Conference. This installation featured 'Paradise' by Anne Albagli and "Lost" by Joshua Goode. Over ten unique monotyped prints of flora hung in an 8ft high geodesic dome, with soil and rocks layered at the bottom. Harpist, Devorah Schiff, played excerpts of the music she plays to patients in hospitals throughout the exhibition.

What type of dome did you build and why was the dome construction important?


For the installation, Paradise Lost, I built an 8ft high Geodesic dome. For this installation it was important that the dome was sturdy, could support my prints, and support the wear and tear of viewers going through the dome. It was also important that the dome could be transportable and fabricated in a minimal amount of time. After much research and building several moquettes, I figured that building a geodesic dome from Acrylic rods would be the best for this installation both visually and practically.


How did you create your prints?


All of the prints hung in the dome were unique monotyped prints created on the etching press (in Pyramid's beautiful etching studio!). Before printing I created these silhouetted images of flora from acetate. Once these were created I soaked my paper, mixed up the colors I wanted, inked up the shapes, and sent it all through the press multiple times. The fun part of this was the spontaneity and experimentation of what occurred with each print. Some of the fun things discovered during the process: printing the ghosts of the forms helped create depth, the colors and shadows made when shapes overlapped, and the new textures created within a confined shape when mineral spirits were added.


I know that your piece had an auditory element with a harpist. Why did you want an instrumentalist?


It was not so much that I wanted an instrumentalist, as that the harp was exactly the instrument the installation needed. The installation, Paradise Lost, (simply by the title) already comes with many narratives and religious connotations associated with it, as does the harp. Many different religions have various associations with the harp and I wanted these associations to be alluded to in the installation. However, Devora Schiff plays the harp for a different reason. She plays to patients in the hospital and it has proven that the harp has many healing benefits see: http://bedsideharp.com/index.php/harp_therapy/ (the group she is a part of). I thought this was an interesting component especially as it related to the other dome.


Describe the relationship between the paradise domes.

When Joshua Goode and I decided to do this installation, we pretty much decided to create heaven and hell, while drawing from personal and more universal narratives... and Paradise Lost was the result. While there was much planning done individually for this installation, there were some great surprises that occurred once it was installed- for example hearing the harp music travel into Josh's dome gave it a whole other feeling and created a different relationship as you traveled between the domes.


Describe the role of the gold road.

In creating "paradise" I thought about how I wanted the viewer to interact with the piece - was it enough for them to just see the prints? to hear the music? to smell the soil laid on the ground? I decided I needed them to help the piece evolve, that their presence pushed the piece forward and gave it purpose. When we enter sacred spaces there are often rituals performed there. I thought it was interesting to force the viewer to literally see the installation from another perspective and to reflect on their own life in relation to the installation. I also thought the sort of bowing motion created when viewers wrote on the gold road was an important part of the piece.

Whistle while you work in a cool Pyramid Atlantic apron!

These artistic Aprons, designed by Pyramid Screenprinting and Letterpress regular, Sarah Hanks, will surely be a big hit with your artist, obsessively clean, or foodie friends.
Made of durable and water resistant fabric, these aprons are ready for layers of ink. We have them in tan or white (shown), and at $20, you can get one in both colors!
Stop by the studio to purchase yours. Or, if you would like us to ship one to you, contact Gretchen at gschermerhorn@pyramid-atlantic.org, for arrangements.

Down and Dirty in the Dark Room

Executive Director Jose Dominguez is not afraid to roll up his sleeves to get the job done. The sometimes scary screenprint dark room recently received a new industrial power washer, tabletop....and a mop-up. Thanks, Jose!

New Work by Resident Artist Aziza Gibson-Hunter

Check out Aziza Gibson-Hunter's great progress with her work this fall. Inspired by the landscapes of Japanese artist Chuta Kimura, Aziza has been working hard making her own paper and creating bold, powerful landscapes full of depth. Check them out here.

Smiles at Screenprint Society

The first and third Thursday evenings find Pyramid humming, especially in the screenprinting studio. We love the camaraderie and collaboration that happens with the ever changing roster of printers.

Sock it to me! Pyramid Atlantic Letterpress Blog!

Our Letterpress Associates, Julia, Melanie, and Leslie, have recently created a new blog devoted to all of the great letterpress action that goes on here.
Check it out!

We couldn't do it without you!

Pyramid Atlantic would like to give a great big thanks to all of our new and renewing members:

Gloria Askin
Maria Barbosa
Philip Barlow & Lisa Gilotty
Lynn Bonde
Ruth Boorstein
Yolanda M. Branche
Amy Branson
Sarah Brooks
Erin Brophy
Karen O. Brown
Rebecca Camicca
Irene Chase
Brian Chibbaro
Eunice Corbin
Karen Craig
Frauke De Looper
Katherine Dunn
Sylvianne Experton
Simone Fary
Greta Matus Ferber
Sheryl Fiegel
John Fletcher
Martha C. Galvin
Sallee Garner
Sally Gilbert
Steve Godwin
Jana Goldman
Judith Goldstein
Rosabel Goodman-Everard
Neil Greentree
Peggy Greenwood
Anne K. Griffith
Jane Griffith
Ava Gupta
Anne Harlan
Carina Herman
Natasha Hurwitz
Nancy J. Kaufman
Peter Koffsky
Angela Astoria Kurtz
Lucinda Leach
Terresa Leopold
Allan & Carol Leventhal
Beck Levy
Melissa Livingston
Ebby Malmgren
Jay Marks
Sushmita Mazumdar
Juraj Mihalik
Lori Milani
Taralee Morgan
Adrienne Moumin
Bob Muens
Sarah Noreen
Frederick Nunley
Sue Pierce
Jenny Pierson
Pauline Rakis
Kimberly Rattley
Beverly Ryan
Jurg & Linda Siegenthaler
Katie Skica
Bettina Smith
Silvana Solano
Cloud Spurlock
Elizabeth St. Rain
Brenan Swartz
Helga Thomson
Caroline Thorington
Sharon Williams-Matthews

To get in on all of the exciting events Pyramid offers, and at the same time support the organization, please visit the membership page on our website.

Flippin' Out in November

There is a treasure to be found at Pyramid Atlantic during the month of November. It's not in a box or hidden anywhere. It's right there, bright as day, just waiting to be discovered. This special treasure comes in the form of an artist named Carla Nicolas. Carla is only here for the month of November to make an edition of 100 flip books, and they are amazing. If you had the pleasure to sit in on her demonstration during the book arts fair, you were delighted with her presentation of showing us her book that she will be making during November. Carla comes from a small town in Spain called Zaragoza, near Barcelona. Carla finished her studies about book arts (etching and printing only) in 2008 and studied last year in the Massana School of Barcelona. Carla created her own etching studio in Zaragoza in 2009 and works as a printing assistant in an Argentinean artist who lives in Zaragoza.
When I asked her why she was here at Pyramid working, she told me that there are is nowhere to work like this where she lives. She would have to travel to Barcelona to work in a studio like this. She is so excited to be here. Please stop by and visit her and get a peek at this special treasure!
Oh, and join us at Pyramid Atlantic, November 24th, 6:30pm, where she will giving a free artist lecture. You won't want to miss this opportunity to hear about her process and inspiration!

PA Letterpress Calendar for sale!

UPDATE (11/17):  The calendars are sold out!! Thanks to everyone that participated and/or purchased one. Email me at letterpress@pyramid-atlantic.org if you'd like to be informed about similar projects in the future!

The 2011 PA Letterpress Calendars are finally available for purchase online at the Pyramid Atlantic website (sales page). The calendars are also available for purchase at ArtSpring, the Pyramid Atlantic Community Arts Store located at 821 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring MD 20910.

In case you didn't already know, the calendar was created by members of the PA letterpress community. Each page was designed and printed by a different artist on Pyramid's Vandercook presses. All proceeds from the calendar sales go directly to Pyramid.

Here are some fantastic photos of the calendar pages, taken by Alyson Hurt (she designed the January page):

And here's a fun little video taken by Bridget Stoyko while printing the second color of her March design:

And lastly, some photos of our calendar assembly session taken by Alyson, Erin Brophy (February) and me on our iphones:

Hurray for The Book (R)evolution!

Pyramid Atlantic Art Center would like to thank the sponsors, lecturers, demonstrators, exhibitors, and volunteers for a wildly successful Book Arts Fair!
If you couldn't make the event, check out the photos below, taken by Neil Greentree

Coming Soon: 2011 PA Letterpress Calendar!

For the second year in a row, we've been lucky enough to have dozen talented designers/printers willing to donate their time, sweat and tears to create the Pyramid Atlantic Letterpress Calendar. Each designer was given a month, paper size and the freedom to design their page however they wanted. It's been so exciting to see the finished pages as they begin to appear in the Letterpress Studio! Drop by and take a peek - and come to the Pyramid table at the Book Arts Fair to buy one!

Get up Close and Personal with Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson, Book Artist/Paper Engineer

The Corcoran College of Art + Design and the Graduate Art and the Book program is proud to present a visit with paper engineer artist, Paul Johnson.

October 29, 2010

The Armand Hammer Auditorium

The lecture will start at 5:30 pm in the auditorium at the Corcoran Museum at 500 17th Street, DC. There will be a question and answer period directly following the talk. The lecture is open to the Corcoran population and the general public.

–All Welcome.

The Backpack Journalist visits Pyramid Atlantic

Sabeth
http://vimeo.com/channels/75194#1596..
Bill Gentile, The Backpack Journalist, is a pioneer in the field of Backpack Journalism™. He is a Journalist In Residence at American University in Washington, DC. visited and talked to Sabeth about her work at Pyramid. Check out the video. You can sign up for a class and see what awesome ideas and skills she can teach you to enhance your creations. Great for Book Arts, Prints, and textiles.

PRINTMAKING

Woodcut Portraits with Sabeth Jackson $200
November 13 & 20, 10am-4pm
For Class Description and Registration, click here

Thanks to our members!

As part of the Annual Appeal, Pyramid Atlantic thanks its members with handsome handmade bookmarks. Pyramid's fall interns and volunteers have been hard at work making paper out of cotton rag and old bedsheets. Quickly becoming expert paper makers, they have made over 100 sheets of paper-about a third of the way there! After the paper is pressed and dried, it is screen printed with the Pyramid logo, cut into strips, and trimmed on three sides, leaving an attractive deckle edge to peep out of a favorite read. We thank our members for their continuing support making what we do possible.

(Top: Wet paper being pressed. Bot: Mike makes paper like a pro.)

Conversations with Aziza and Chuta Kimura

Aziza Gibson-Hunter, one of Pyramid’s fall resident artists, sits with a pile of splayed books as she sketches and researches Japanese landscape artist Chuta Kimura. “I feel like I’ve been in conversation with this man,” Aziza relates. Actually, she has been in conversation with him for ten years, always returning to one Kimura catalog of landscapes of France. This fall, Aziza, always a figurative artist, is challenging herself to talk back with a series of landscapes inspired by Kimura.

Like Kimura, Aziza’s subject is the familiar landscape. Even so, this project presents unfamiliarity for Aziza as she has no previous interest in making landscape works. She decided she needed to be shaken up out of her normal working style, and through it, Kimura “is really giving me an education.” From studying Kimura’s work, his calligraphic line quality and the “gem-like” colors, Aziza is seeing how to break up the space of the landscape much like that of the figure. “You have to move into uncomfortable spaces and try something new."

She plans to make 10 large pieces on handmade paper, incorporating screenprints, monotype, painting, and other processes. As she tests the reaction of layered inks and different papers, Aziza’s conscious interrupts the working process asking, “Who do you think you are that you can be able to sit down and rock this thing?” But as she continues working, she does. The creative process usually has its own objectives, so check back to see the progress that Aziza makes in a few weeks!

Vandercook Maintenance with Paul Moxon this Sunday!

Vandercook guru Paul Moxon is coming to Pyramid all the way from Mobile, Alabama this weekend! He'll be teaching a short version of his popular Vandercook Maintenance class, which you can register for here.

In the class (which I took a year or two ago and really enjoyed), Paul walks students through the process of taking apart a Vandercook and putting it back together! It's a great way to build confidence about working with machines, and of course these beautiful machines in particular. It's also a great way to get a sense for which things to tinker with when you're troubleshooting printing problems. And if you've ever fantasized about clearing out a place in your garage for a Vandercook, he provides information about sizing up presses to judge their value, and how to move them safely.

Paul runs the Vanderblog, the most thorough collection of information on Vandercooks on the web or otherwise, prints under the name Fameorshame Press, and teaches workshops like this one around the country. He's also a jokester and a fun person to learn from. Hope to see you on Sunday!


We'll get these babies whipped into shape!

Woodcut portraits workshop

Earlier this month I taught a workshop here at PA on woodcut portraits--we had a great time and I thought I'd share some of the photos. A few of us chose self portraits, and one person chose to carve a portrait of one of her garden rabbits. If you're interested in learning to make a woodcut keep an eye out for the next class (Saturday November 13 and 20 from 10-4).

The BIG READ Kickoff Event with Edgar Allan Poe

One man show Edgar Allan Poe will be at Pyramid Atlantic tomorrow, Saturday Sept. 25 at 8 pm. Learn about Poe's life, listen to poems, watch short films, and see the gallery as part of the Big Read's kick off event. Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Big Read initiative (Sept. 25- Nov. 14) celebrates the joy of reading in an effort to restore the pastime and celebrate literature. Don't miss this exciting event!

Friday-Free-Fun-Night for Members

This month we have a very exciting activity planned for members!

Free Blocking Printing lesson with Sabeth Jackson
Friday September 25, 2010 from 6:00 - 8:00PM

Come and learn how to make hand carved stamps for printing on fabric and paper with Relief Printing Associate Sabeth Jackson!

You will get to experiment with image transfer, carving a block, and hand printing. You can bring your own image for the block (no larger than 4"x 5.5"), or you can use the materials provided. No tools or experience necessary, just bring your crafty-self, and have fun!

Due to popular demand, Friday's free block printing class is full. Stay tuned for next month's free workshop. Again, this is a Pyramid Atlantic Member's only event. Become a member! and get on board for the next free block printing workshop! Email Sabeth to RSVP for the class.

Thanks to our new and renewing members

Pyramid Atlantic would like to extend a warm welcome to the following people whose memberships demonstrate their support of our mission.

Kimberly Hedges
Jim Kuhn
Jane Pomeroy
Douglas Kingsbury
Joan Belmar
Allan Akman
Jessica Beals
Michael & Susan Crane
Dennis Deloria
Brenda Devrouax
Ghandi Brigade Incorporated
Ellen Hill-Godfrey
Marilyn Grelle
Melvin and Juanita Boyd Hardy
Karen Hardy
Lisa Hill
Lynne & Joseph Horning
Deidre Jacobs
Richard Kamenitzer
Theano Nikitas
Karen O'Brien
Lona Piatigorsky
Tracy Laurel Pilzer
Joan M. Weiss
Valentine Wolly
Sarah Tanguy
Anne Clewell
Anne Dykers
Kate Littleboy
Martha Berry
Kristine Deninno
Stephanie Sherwood
Robin Hudspeth
Charann White
Sabina Modeste
Tanekeya Ward
Monika Pamp
Megan Moriarty
Anne Marie Foulger
Victoria Gadson
Chloe Bush
Shosh Goller
Tzippora Lasdun
Matthew Hyson
Terry Sitz

For information on how to become a member and membership benefits, go to our membership page on our website

Allan's Ice Cream Print

Screenprint Society regular Allan Akman has finished a 14 color screenprint masterpiece at Pyramid. Using Photoshop to separate the colors on a family photo, Allan has perfected his registration and halftone technique. This image pictures his 2 sons and is titled "Brothers". Well done, Allan!

The original photo and the final print on red. Allan experimented with different backgrounds.

Pyramid Welcomes Fall Interns!

Welcome Fall 2010 Interns!  Michael, Sada, and Jessica are all very excited about getting involved with all facets of Pyramid Atlantic. DC-based graphic designer Michael (right), international student Sannah (mid) from Korea, and local college grad Jessica (left) make up this fall's team.

Pyramid's multifaceted programs and projects keep interns on the move. This fall, the biggest job is preparation for the Book Arts Fair in November.  Additionally, varied activities like greeting visitors, assisting artists, designing collateral, completing classic admin duties, tweeting, and even making paper are all in a day's work. Interns also create their own artwork in preparation for an exhibition as a culmination of the experience.

The interns hold wooden letters used in fine printing.  Soon they will learn to use them!

               

Will you help us be the best?

The 2nd Annual Express "Best Of" Contest

Best Venue In The DC Metro Area

Pyramid Atlantic Art Center has been selected as a Top 5 finalist in the second annual Express "Best of" contest by the readers of the Express and ExpressNightOut.com for Best Venue in the DC Metro Area.

Beginning on Sept 7, 2010, there will once again be a chance to vote, but this time, it's for the best.

Only one winner will be selected in each category, and named as the best in our area. Voting will continue through Sept 30. Winners will be announced on October 22 in a special "Best of" section in Express.

Vote for Pyramid Atlantic. All voting takes place online at http://www.expressnightout.com/bestof/

Image Credit: Matthew Sole

Workshop spotlight

photo: Jake Muirhead

Chine Collé Workshop
Saturday, September 18 from 10am-4pm
Melanie Lower, instructor
Add texture, color and nuance to your intaglio prints using the little known technique of chine collé. With chine collé part or all of an image is printed on a delicate paper, which pulls finer detail off the plate, and is bonded to a heavier paper. We will see examples, discuss ways to incorporate the technique into your own works, learn to trace and cut to size Japanese paper, print and bond papers, and experiment with various papers and configurations. Workshop for those with some etching experience wishing to enrich and further develop their etchings. Please bring already etched plates.
Tuition: $120 (plus $25 materials fee, payable to the instructor)

A Special Thanks

The gold star for volunteering this summer is a tie, awarded to Aureline Kwengang and Linda Gueyong. They have had a hand in almost everything this summer-from papermaking, printing annoucements, running errands, cleaning and organizing, and working at ArtSpring-they've done it all with a smile and a sense of humor. Thanks so much ladies!

The perfect tote

Elizabeth Graeber, illustrator and screenprinter extraordinaire at Pyramid Atlantic, designed and printed these cute little totes.


As a special offer, you too can have one for only $10!
To purchase, contact Elizabeth.
Alternatively, you can come on in to our studio just about any Tuesday or Thursday afternoon, and catch her in person printing away!

Friday-Free-Fun-Night for Members

This month we have a very exciting activity planned for members!

Bookbinding Bonanza with Patty Lee
Friday August 27, 2010 from 6:00 - 8:00PM

Come and learn how to make a hardcover accordion book with our bookbinding associate, Patty Lee!
You will get to experiment with paper-cutting, xylene transfer, and pop-ups. You can bring your own decorative paper or images, or you can use the materials provided. No tools or experience necessary, just bring your crafty-self, and have fun!
Again, this is a Pyramid Atlantic Member's only event. Become a member!

Email Patty with your RSVP and questions at
bookmakerpa@gmail.com.

Studio Space Available

Pyramid Atlantic is currently offering a private studio space for an artist (or artists) to share.
The 10' X 12' studio space has large windows and is WiFi accessible. Artist(s) will have 24 hour studio access, free parking and utilities.
Monthly rent is $300.

Artists working in the mediums of papermaking, printmaking, book making and digital media are encouraged to apply. Unlimited use of printmaking facilities and equipment is available for an additional $100 a month.

Artist interested in applying for the private space should submit:

*A resume of artistic experience
*A one-page Artist Statement
*Up to 10 images saved in jpeg format
*A slide list identifying the name of each image, medium, dimension

and date created

All materials may be emailed to jdominguez@pyramid-atlantic.org or mailed to Jose Dominguez, Executive Director, 8230 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
All applications must be received by Sept 12, 2010

We love our members!

Pyramid Atlantic would like to thank all of our new members:

Tia Blassingame
Cindy Chang
Susan Cohn
Fran Durako
Zoya Gleizer
Dorothy Haldeman
Kimberly Horner
Megan Kelley
Maria Marable-Bunch
Christine Picone
Kaj Rozga

Join the growing number of Pyramid members who enjoy exploring the exciting realm of unique art! You will also receive invitations for fun events like Lynette's papermaking activity (pictured above)
To become a member, visit our membership page on our website

Pyramid Atlantic Book Arts Fair, November 5-7

The exhibitors for the Book Arts Fair have been confirmed!

Abecedarian Gallery , www.abecedariangallery.com

Katie Baldwin

Sarah Bryant, bigjumppress.com

Thomas Bucci, www.thomasbucci.com

Brian Cohen, www.bridge-press.com

Aaron Cohick, newlightspress.blogspot.com

Ceci Cole Mcinturff, www.87florida.com

Melinda Cross, bostonpapercollective.wordpress.com

Maureen Cummins, www.maureencummins.com

Steven Daiber, redtrilliumpress.com

Dean Dass

Frances Durako, www.crookedletterpress.com

Leilei Guo, leiart.turnpiece.net

Kate Hanson

Lisa Hasegawa, www.ilfant.com

Joyce Hesselberth

Paul Johnson, www.bookart.co.uk

Ellen Knudson, www.crookedletterpress.com

Val Lucas, bowerbox.com

Kerry McAleer-Keeler, www.corcoran.edu

Robert McCamant, www.sherwinbeach.com

Jake Muirhead

Center for Book Arts, www.centerforbookarts.org

Elissa O'Loughlin

Jessica Peterson, www.papersouvenir.com

Robin Price, www.robinpricepublisher.com

Debra Riffe, www.debrariffe.com

Ellen Sheffield

Diane Stemper, www.cbas.org

Washington Printmakers Gallery, washingtonprintmakers.com

Vincente Vertiz Pani, www.vicentevertizpani.com

Robert Walp, www.chestercreekpress.com

Wayland House, www.waylandhouseart.com

Crissy Welzen, www.21steditions.com

Jody Williams, www.flyingpaperpress.com

Thomas Williams, www.thomasparkerwilliams.com

Women's Studio Workshop, www.wsworkshop.org

Caroline Ziegler, www.candycoated.etsy.com

For more information regarding the fair, visit the Book Arts Fair Website

We hope to see you there!

Yearbook!!!

Stop by pyramid this Thursday at 3 pm and enjoy cupcakes while checking out a copy of the summer yearbook.

Affectionately,
The Interns

Talk and hands-on activity with Laura Kinneberg

You are invited:
Wednesday, August 11, 7pm-
Current Keyholder Artist-in-Residence, Laura Kinneberg, will talk about her work and present a free hands-on activity:
"Rock, Paper, Scissors"
Participants will screenprint templates onto paper and then cut and fold the geologically-inspired forms. Laura will provide the silkscreen burned with 2-3 templates, ink, and a limited supply of paper. These forms can be turned into mobiles, chandelier-like decorations or even lanterns.

Laura Kinneberg has been fascinated and inspired by geology since her first childhood rock collection. In the past, gravel has been a material central to her work. Recently at Pyramid Atlantic she has developed a series of prints and objects about local fossils and minerals. Laura has exhibited in Texas and the DC area and currently teaches at the University of the District of Columbia.

Yay for us!

(From the Maryland State Arts Council website)

Silver Spring arts center gets NEA Big Read award!
Pyramid Atlantic , a nonprofit arts center in Silver Spring's arts and entertainment district, is one of 75 nonprofits across the U.S. that is receiving a total of $1 million in grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in connection with the NEA's fifth annual Big Read project, a yearly effort that spotlights reading as a vital element of American culture.

Each grantee receives an award ranging from $2,500 to $20,000. Pyramid, the only Maryland organization to receive a Big Read award, was awarded $17,050. Founded in 1981, Pyramid is “dedicated to the creation and appreciation of hand papermaking, printmaking, digital arts and the art of the book.”

The Big Read, which runs from September to June, can include a spectrum of events and activities – panel discussions, lectures, public readings, film screenings, theatrical readings and exhibits – tied to one of 31 pieces of U.S. and world literature provided by NEA. Pyramid will focus on Edgar Allan Poe.

NEA partners with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest to present The Big Read, with support from W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the Boeing Company, the Poetry Foundation and the Ford Motor Company.

Goodbye to our Summer Interns

Saying goodbye to our summer studio interns is a happy/sad occasion. Happy because we know that their time at Pyramid was just the beginning of making their mark in the art world, and we were proud to be a part of it. Sad because they have all been so fun getting to know, and we hate to see them leave. What's next for them?
Ethan will plans to return to Rutgers University in the fall. In the spring he will go to France to study at the Pont-Aven school of contemporary art.
Sarah plans to travel to Europe for a month.
Catherine will be returning to William & Mary for her Senior year, where she will be finishing her degree in Studio Art, with a printmaking concentration, and minor in marketing. She also plans to get more time in swing dancing. After that, she may take a year to travel, get a job, and art-residency hop before going to grad school.
Maxine will be heading back to St. John's college in Santa Fe for her Senior year of studies.

We couldn't have done it without you guys! Thanks so much!
Please join us Thursday, August 12th, at 3pm for a thanks and goodbye party.

Artist Opportunity

Montgomery College is now offering an artist residency through the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Arts Center. The residency is designed to enrich the arts program at the college and selected applicants will receive a working studio space at no cost.

More information, including application procedures, can be found at: http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/Departments/artstp/gallery/air.html

Barter

Nothing like trading services and skill sharing, and DC artist Blair Murphy, came up with this grand idea:
Barter , a non-monetary silent auction organized by Blair Murphy as part of Washington Project for the Arts’ Coup d’Espace series. You got to bid on the goods and services by offering a good or service in exchange. The auction closed at midnight on July 21 and the participants who put items up for auction had until July 23 to choose which bid they wanted to accept.
I just received word that I won the studio visit with contemporary curator Laura Roulet! She has a great eye and vision, and puts together beautiful exhibitions. I look forward to getting her feedback on my work. In exchange, I am going to teach her how to do an intaglio print from start to finish.
Pyramid artist, Jessica Buckley, bid and won a poem or story from Silvana Straw. In exchange, she is giving Silvana a painting.
Exchanged items and certificates representing exchanged services will be installed at the WPA office for the closing reception on July 30.

Artist lecture with Cara Hunt

Cara Hunt, originally from New Zealand, and currently a Pyramid Atlantic keyholder artist-in-residence, will be presenting a free lecture on her work and process. Specifically, she will giving a tutorial on how to create repeating patterns from motifs. How exciting! Please come!
Wednesday, August 4, 7pm
Pyramid Atlantic Art Center
P.S. she also is having an exhibition at Kefa coffee house in August . If you can't make it to her lecture, go check out her show.

New Artist Residency Opportunity

Pyramid Atlantic is very excited to announce our latest residency opportunity!

(In)Habit Artist Residency

October 1-December 15, 2010
Application Deadline: August 15
Notification: September 1
Stipend: $500

Are you a visual artist?
Did you build a loft in your college dorm room?
In your studio or home, do you enjoy arranging furniture in a creative and efficient way?
Has anyone ever said that you are a ‘think outside of the box’ type of person?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, we have an artist residency opportunity for you!

Program Summary
The (In)Habit Artist Residency Program seeks an innovative artists or collaborative team for a creative residency at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, in Silver Spring, Maryland. We are looking for artists who will design and build a sleeping area (within 72 square ft. space). Proposals for a loft, a Murphy bed, or similar possibilities are encouraged, but keep in mind that whatever built needs to be accessible to artists of varying physical abilities and ages. In exchange artist will receive free access to all of our studios, which include: printmaking (letterpress, screenprinting, etching and relief), papermaking and a bindery. Work produced by resident artist(s) will be exhibited during their residency period. Artist may choose to inhabit/sleep in space during the residency period. Space must be completed by December 15. All furniture built for space will become property of Pyramid Atlantic.

For an application and more information, please see our website
for specific questions, please contact Gretchen at gschermerhorn@pyramid-atlantic.org