Citizen Artists

Artist Resource: DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities

2008-06-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

I'm reprinting here a Call for Entries from DCCAH.

Images of Washington
Deadline: Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 5:30 pm

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) is purchasing artwork that captures archetypes of Washington DC. Subjects include specific neighborhoods, parks and circles, festivals, gathering places, or cultural events. Less obvious motifs include downtown redevelopment, restaurants, shops and businesses, work places, or Metro stations. Artists should consider a broad range of subject matter as long as the works have an unmistakable subject reflecting life in the District. Artists should also consider submitting images of Washington that depict the changing neighborhoods and the parts of the city that are disappearing. The Committee is very interested in depictions of all wards of the city. The collection serves to honor and embrace life in the District.

This opportunity is open to all artists who reside and have their studio in the District of Columbia.

For more information and to download the Call to Artist, please visit www.dcarts.dc.gov or to request an application in HTML format, email Beth Baldwin at Beth.Baldwin@dc.gov or call (202) 724-5613.

Building Cultural Bridges

2008-03-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

A new group of talented emerging artists have joined Empowered Women International for our Spring Training for Success (TFS) program. One of the most valuable assets that these women will gain from TFS is a professional and social network of artists who trying to reach the same goals and aspirations. When EWI talks with community members and potential donors about our work we ask them to imagine an America where we harness the talents, skills and culture of all of our citizens. Through our training programs, public performances and special events we, in our own way, are doing our part to value diverse cultures and build understanding in our community. We're excited to be part of a new directory from the Institute for Cultural Partnerships that highlights programs from all over the country with the same vision, goals and aspirations as EWI. It's inspiring to be a part of a network of organizations working to build cultural bridges. We hope to learn from other projects doing similar work throughout the country, and are continually working to build new partnerships to share the work of our talented artists with our communities.

For more information about the Newcomer Arts and Culture Directory visit the Institute for Cultural Partnerships website at www.culturalpartnerships.org.

Call For Artists: Treasure Postcards '08

2008-01-27T11:13:00.000-08:00

TREASURE POSTCARDS'08 | emphasizing the importance of arts in empowering women, creating awareness on vital issues related to girls and women, & celebrating their achievements

Arts4Development invites FEMALE artists from across the globe to celebrate the 2008 International Women's Day* with us by sharing their visual voices/expressions/perspectives, and donating their postcard-sized artwork.

The postcard sized artworks may highlight issues like:

Women's rights
Local and global collaboration to end poverty
Addressing violence against women
HIV/AIDS and illiteracy
Education/skill development and economic empowerment
Success Stories/Achievements
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
or any other issue you think would fall within the framework of TreasurePostcards'08.

The artwork medium could be photography, painting, mixed-media, collages of various materials, illustrations combined with poetry, anecdotes, caricatures, and others. The postcards (exactly 4.5 x 5.5 inch or 14 x 10.5 cm in size) can be designed in portrait/vertical or landscape/horizontal format.

For more information about your submission visit: http://www.art4development.net/tpp.html.

EWI Artists Resource: Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce

2007-12-17T17:10:00.000-08:00

EWI Artists if you are looking for ways to network with other designers and get engaged in building a stronger DC fashion scene you should consider attending the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Soiree. This first of it's kind trade association will work to promote the interests of the fashion industry in DC and support the work of emerging designers and small fashion businesses.

This event is being held Wednesday, December 19, 2007 from 6-9pm.
Fly Lounge, 1802 Jefferson Place, Washington, DC
202-828-4433

Isabel Allende: Inspiring Female Artist

2007-12-11T13:33:00.000-08:00

Isabel Allende is a Chilean-American journalist and novelist. At an event sponsored by The Museum for Women in the Arts, Allende speaks eloquently about her work as a writer, immigrant, and American citizen. Click on the link below to watch a video of the interview held at OAS this past November.

In conversation with Marie Arana, Editor of the Washington Post “Book World”

MOCA DC Holiday Show Featuring EWI Artist Marina Reiter

2007-12-05T19:54:00.000-08:00

Artist Marina Reiter, known for her abstract paintings, will be venturing into the world of sculpture for MOCA DC's Member Holiday Show. She describes her sculptures as, "more of a continuation of her biomorphic series dealing with the feelings of disconnect, reaching out, isolation, relationships, abandonment and constant search for some special connection."

Marina has been working with MOCA DC for over a year now. As for their shows she says, "they are always fun and very international. A great mix of art and people!"

Join Marina and other MOCA DC Member Artists for the fun at an Artist Reception this Friday night beginning at 6pm. You'll find "Lullaby A Kiss Goodnight" (pictured above) and other pieces that would make great holiday gifts in a variety of mediums.

MOCA DC is located at 1054 31st St., NW, Canal Square in the heart of Georgetown Gallery.

The exhibit is open through December 29th.

Artist Resource: Micro Loans

2007-12-04T13:12:00.000-08:00

As you already know we have many talented women entrepreneurs who have chosen the path to success by completing EWI's Training For Success Program. They have the talent and the tools to turn their art into a sustainable livelihood. What may be missing is the financial resources to get the business off the ground. If you are one of our artists...check out this great community resource:

In our quest to continue to provide support, information and services to our TFS graduates we've done some research and have found a program that may be able to assist you with your "next steps" towards success. The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership offers a Microloan Program that targets women entrepreneurs and minorities. The program offers loans up to $35,000 for equipment, inventory, supplies and working capital. Small business planning and workshops are also available.

Check them out at http://www.alexecon.org/microloan.html.

EWI Featured In Greater DC Cares Holiday Gift Giving Guide

2007-12-03T14:34:00.000-08:00

In the generous spirit of the Holiday Season many people are searching for meaningful gifts to give to their loved ones. EWI is thrilled to be listed by Greater DC Cares as an organization that provides gifts that have a positive impact on society as well as being cherished by those who receive them. Check out our online gallery and give a gift that changes womens' lives. You'll find fine arts and crafts made by immigrant and refugee emerging artists. www.ewint.org.

Empowered Women International Honored in the Catalogue for Philanthropy ! Greater Washington 2007-08: Human Services Organizations

2007-11-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

EWI has been chosen, from hundreds of applications, to be featured in the Catalogue for Philanthropy in 2007-2008. This honor recognizes us as, "One of Greater DC's best small charities". The Catalogue is like a Who's Who in DC's nonprofit world spotlighting the best of those working tirelessly to make our community a better and more positive place for ALL residents.

Immigrant and refugee women artists come to America looking to fulfill the American dream. A bridge needs to be built to transfer successful experiences in their native countries to successful ones here at home. With the help of innovative community organizations, such as the Catalogue for Philanthropy, EWI can continue to train a multicultural group of talented emerging artist entrepreneurs in the life and business skills necessary to be self-sustaining artists. Acting as a small business center, EWI provides intensive training, business services, and mentoring. Artists leave EWI with the ablity to set realistic goals, create budget and marketing plans, and measure their results. This knowledge has transfered into new careers, increased income and exhibitions in galleries, shops, and arts centers including the Smithsonian Museum, National Geographic, the World Bank, and various embassies in the District.

Let your philanthropy join theirs and you can change a life!

Empowered Women International -- Catalogue for Philanthropy GREATER WASHINGTON 2007-08: HUMAN SERVICES

Virginia Landscapes

2007-11-07T08:45:00.001-08:00

Local artist Wynn Creasy's use of vibrant colors and her passionate Virginia Landscapes are on display in her solo exhibit at the Durant Center in Alexandria through January 2008. You can meet the artist at a reception this Friday, November 7, 2007 from 6:30 until 9 pm. You'll enjoy the artist's latest work, share some warm apple cider on a crisp fall evening and get to know both the artist and her paintings. In partnership with the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, 10% of the sales from the exhibit will go towards supporting their art programs in Alexandria.

Virginia Landscapes
November 2, 2007 – January 2, 2008
Arist Wynn Creasy
Oscar Durant Center
1605 Cameron Street
Alexandria, VA

Wynn was honored in 2006 with EWI's Artist of the Year Award and has assisted EWI in recruiting talented local artists to our Training for Success Program. Congratulations Wynn and we wish you much continued success as an artist and entrepreneur.

Holiday Shopping With A Purpose

2007-11-06T18:19:00.000-08:00

We are excited to be selected once again by Ten Thousand Villages of Alexandria for a community shopping night. This Saturday, November 10, 2007, from 6-8pm they will be generously donating 20% of their sales to Empowered Women International!

It really couldn't be a better match. Ten Thousand Villages and EWI are both onto a great idea. Both organizations understand that the arts can be used for economic development, and that supporting artists and artisans from around the world in building small enterprises is important work. EWI works with a multicultural group of local emerging artists to help build sustainable livelihoods. Our artists bring with them cultural assets from all over the world and help make our community a more diverse and rich place. Similarly, Ten Thousand Villages works with a global network of artisans. They ensure that their artisans receive a fair wage for their goods on the global market and bring us unique gifts and handicrafts through their retail stores. Empowerment through the arts, isn't it a wonderful thing?

Come shop and learn more this Saturday. Ten Thousand Villages of Alexandria is located at 915 King St. in Alexandria, VA.

ElderFairies Visit Gallery Indigo

2007-10-24T16:52:00.001-07:00

If you haven't been there already you should check out Sheryl Gordon's solo exhibition of Elder Fairy illustrations at Gallery Indigo. Even better, meet the artist at her reception on October 26th from 6-9pm. Visiting fairies include Gormanste (illustration on the left) ElderFairy Healer of Hearts with a Tattered Hole.

Sheryl is one of EWI's emerging artists whose work explores the juxtaposition of fantasy and reality. As a fantasy artist and illustrator Sheryl has created designs and illustrations for organizations and individuals in the New England area. This event is the first solo exhibition of her Elder Fairy illustrations and is borne out of synchronistic events. Nina Tisara of Gallery Indigo and Gordon are both recent graduates of EWI's Art Marketing course. The class work included development of a business plan and Marga Fripp, founder of EWI, linked Tisara's decision to reopen Gallery Indigo with Gordon's plan to promote her ElderFairy theme.

In another example of synchronicity, both Gordon and Tisara were separately encouraged to take the EWI training by artist Wynn Creasey, a previous EWI graduate.

Congratulations on your continued success Sheryl and Nina.

Gallery Indigo is located at street level on 1607 King Street, 2 blocks east of the King Street Metro Station. The gallery is open weekdays from 10am-6pm, and Thursdays from 10am-9pm. For more information call 703-838-8098.

Fall Fashion Event

2007-10-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

Fall fashion is upon us and silk artist Rabia Naeem's work is hitting the runway. Rabia has been selected as one of sixteen artists featured at the Julia A. Purnell Museum fashion show. Whimsical fashion and romantic styles will be on display at Once Upon a Runway: Tradition & Innovation will be October 20th in Snow Hill, MD.

You can find Rabia's delicate hand painted silk scarves on the runway or at A Woman's Story Gallery in Alexandria, VA.

The cost of tickets is $35 each or two for $65, and includes a luncheon. Reservations are required. To reserve seats, contact the museum at (410) 632-0515 or mail@purnellmuseum.com. Proceeds from the show will benefit the museum's educational programs.

We're Celebrating Our Fifth Anniversary! RSVP Today!

2007-09-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a fun event! We're expecting over 100 people to be there to celebrate five years of exciting events, talented artists, dedicated community sponsors, loyal volunteers, and life changing community programs.

This multicultural feast for the senses will be held at Casablanca Restaurant who will be preparing a sumptuous Moroccan dinner complete with a traditional belly dancer. Entertainment includes EWI Artist Princess Ayo who will be sharing her dynamic spirit and the art of Nigerian storytelling with the crowd.

The guest of honor for the evening has been featured in the Washingtonian magazine as one of the "Immigrants (who) have changed the face of Washington". Argentinian-born female entrepreneur, and CEO of SSI business solutions, Alicia Vicentini will inspire us with words about her own path to success.

When and Where:
Casablanca Restaurant
October 30, 2007
7:00pm-9:00pm

You may purchase tickets by clicking here or RSVP by calling 703-778-6310.

EWI Artist Presents "Nostalgia"

2007-09-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Last week I dropped into the Durant Center to attend the kick-off to our fall business training program. It was great meeting a new group of talented artists exploring the possibilities of transforming their artistic talents into a business. The Durant Center was the perfect location to hold this training because an alumna of the business training program is exhibiting at the Durant Art Gallery. For me, there was a moment of full circle continuity for our organization as we start new relationships and maintain cherished connections from our past.

Nihal Kececi has spent a lifetime bridging the worlds of science, engineering and arts. She has worked as a design engineer, research scientist, and lately a software system analyst. She holds a B.S. in Physics, and a M.S. in Nuclear Engineering, and is the author of many technical articles. She worked as a system design engineer and at the same time participated in many art exhibitions in Turkey, Canada, Germany and USA. Her exhibit "Nostalgia" will continue to be presented at the Durant Art Gallery through October 31st.

Durant Art Gallery
1805 Cameron St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.519.3494

International Women Abstract Artists

2007-09-07T14:12:00.001-07:00

I am really excited because Empowered Women International is co-sponsoring an event featuring artists Shela Qamer, Maria Santiago, and Marina Reiter. There is a reception tonight for the exhibit at Kefa Cafe in Silver Spring.

Our Inner Worlds:
From the Perspective of International Women Abstract Artists
September 4 - October 6, 2007
Space 7:10 at Keba Cafe
963 Bonifant St., Silver Spring
301-589-9337

Grey Look
Maria Santiago