Witchy Women

Laurel Hausler has been working her magic on Russian nesting dolls by transforming them into witches with paint, pen, torn paper, and twine.

Laurel Hausler, “Russian Witch Dolls 2”, 2009, mixed media

The little works of art in Laurel’s solo exhibition “A History of Dogs and Witches” last fall cast a spell on many who came into their midst, and she was commissioned to create a second set. Each doll takes on the persona of an unconventionally witchy figure with enchanting attributes.

Laurel Hausler, “Russian Witch Dolls 2” (Doll 1)


Laurel Hausler, “Russian Witch Dolls 2” (Doll 3 - side view)

Laurel Hausler, “Russian Witch Dolls 2” (Doll 5)

Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about Laurel Hausler’s work.

Party Animal

A belated THANK YOU to everyone who came out to our January 17th Open House! It was so great to see many of our U Street friends and meet some of our new neighbors here in Columbia Heights.

Usually this is where I delight you with a number of photographs from the event. Alas, I failed miserably at capturing the afternoon, mainly because I was quite busy meeting and greeting. So, I will leave you with a photo of our resident party animal.

(left to right) Ellyn Weiss, “Genetic Instructions”; Sondra Arkin, “Meadow” & “Wildflowers”; Ming Yi Sung Zaleski, “Pink Monkey”

We hope to host a repeat performance again soon, so please stay tuned for information on future events.

The “O”s Have It

Welcome to the White House President Obama and family! We would be honored to have you visit us at Nevin Kelly Gallery someday.

Ellyn Weiss, “November 5, 2008”, 2008, mixed media on paper, 45” x 120”

Ellyn Weiss writes that the painting above “started before the election but afterward, it got much happier. See all the “O”s?” The work is currently on view at the gallery.

Get Your NKG On

I've included some photos below of an art-laden new Nevin Kelly Gallery. Intrigued, confused, in need of a NKG fix? Stop by our Open House this Saturday, January 17th between 2:00 and 6:00 pm. Take a tour of the gallery, enjoy refreshments, and view new works by many of our gallery artists as well as some Polish favorites.

You know you want to see more! We are located at 1400 Irving Street, NW, #132 in the Highland Park complex directly above the Columbia Heights Metro Station on the Green Line.

Artobama

Celebrate the Inauguration creatively with The Art of CHANGE: An Inaugural Celebration of DC's Creative Communities. Mid-Atlantic arts organizations Artomatic, Inc. and Playa del Fuego, Inc. have joined together to create one of the most distinctive 2009 inaugural celebrations. The event will be held on Tuesday, January 20th at 8 pm at the Warehouse arts complex and surrounding locations on the 1000 block of 7th Street, NW and will feature visual and performing arts, multiple dance floors, fire dancing, and live music. The talented Sondra Arkin and Ellyn Weiss have been given a room on the second floor of the Warehouse to present their own version of Hope/Change. For more information and to purchase $50 tickets go to http://www.artists-ball.org/.

Down Under the Sea

I recently stopped by Sondra Arkin's studio to see a commissioned piece she had just completed consisting of two 48" x 48" encaustic panels.

Sondra Arkin, “Effervescence”, 2008, encaustic on canvas on dibond, 48” x 48” each

Arkin ventured away from her favored bold palette for more subdued hues. She described the work as emitting “effervescence” through the bubbling up beads of wax, a technique she has taken to a whole new level of methodical detail.

Sondra Arkin, “Effervescence” (detail)

Standing before the striking paintings mounted side-by-side on the wall gave me the sensation of staring into a large aquarium.

Sondra Arkin, “Effervescence” (right panel)

New Year, New Gallery

Happy New Year!! We hope that the holidays were good to you!

M.P. Bocianowski, “Wild Boars”, nd, aquaforte/aquatint etching, 9” x 7”

As you probably know by now, the gallery recently relocated to Columbia Heights. We will be celebrating our new space with an Open House on Saturday, January 17, 2009 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. We look forward to welcoming you! More details to come.