Professional Development Series: Finding the Right Open Calls, Residencies, & Galleries for You
One of the most challenging and exhilarating things about working in the arts is that success is unique and varied: there is no one route to success and there is no one definition of success. Among so many different open calls, how can you identify and procure the opportunities that are right for you?
In Part 1 of this three-part professional development series, join art world experts and practicing artists Bill Carroll, Director of Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts’ Studio Program and Kelly Olshan, NYFA Program Officer in Career Advice and Training, who will dive into these topics in conversation.
Post-Grad Artist Talk: Julia O'Bryan
Thanks everyone for your patience as we sorted out the livestream issues! Please enjoy the recorded conversation with Spring 2022 Post Grad artist Julia O'Bryan and Curator of Exhibitions Leslie Mounaime.
Hear her speak about how his residency inspired his work and process. With a BFA in Ceramics from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX, hear about her recent explorations in different techniques and how her work has evolved over time.
Julia will be working in Studio #319 for the rest of June.
About Julia:
Julia O’Bryan is a graduate of Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. Her work stems from her childhood growing up in southwest Missouri as well as from her struggle with an aggressive auto-immune disease. Her work is an accumulation of her experiences; from her childhood, from her struggle with an aggressive autoimmune disease, all of the things that have made her who she is. Based on the destroying and scarring found throughout her lungs and body from her struggle with her autoimmune disease, the coral is a reflection of the beauty that can be seen through decay. The wide range of color throughout the coral on her work is meant to reflect the passage of time through the “bleaching” effect it creates. Gold accents throughout the work is meant to draw attention to the beauty in the human body over time and the beauty through brokenness that can occur throughout life.
Tonight for The Late Shift: Art & Technology, we welcomed @nova_labs for a host of hands-on STEAM demonstrations. We are here until 10 pm, so join us!
#torpedofactory #artsalx #visitalx #freeindc #alexandriava #techart #makersgonnamake #makers
This week, join us for a free webinar on the application process for the 2022 Open Call for Resident Artists.
These are an optional training for prospective applicants to learn about the Submittable application platform. It’s also an opportunity to ask application-related questions directly to staff.
Both webinars have the same information and shall have no bearing on the jurors’ scores.
Click the link in the bio to RSVP.
The deadline to apply for the 2022 Open Call for Resident Artists is April 19, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.
#torpedofactory #artsalx #opencallforartists #callforart #dcarts #acreativedc #opencall #webinar #arlingtonarts #dmvartist #blackartist #artistsoninstagram
Post-Grad Artist Talk: Mrinal Joshi
Join us on Sunday, March 27th at 2pm on Facebook for a live artist talk with 2022 Post-Grad Resident, Mrinal Joshi, as his three-month post-grad residency comes to a close. Joshi talks with moderator Leslie Mounaime, curator of exhibitions, about his experiences during his time in the Post-Grad Studio #319.
Mrinal will speak about how his residency inspired his work and process. With two degrees in Studio Art and Graphic Design from Spring Hill College, hear him discuss his continued exploration his interest in the marriage of western art and contemporary visual culture, and how that relationship is further shaped in the age of digital media.
Mrinal will be working in Studio #319 through March.
About the Artist:
Mrinal is an artist and graphic designer based in Washington, DC. Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, he emigrated to the U.S. at the age of 14. Mrinal’s artistic practice lies at the intersections of his lifelong fascination with culture and the collective consciousness.
Mrinal holds two degrees in Studio Art and Graphic Design from Spring Hill College (2018). He has participated in several juried exhibitions throughout the country. Mrinal is currently a graphic designer with the in-house creative team at the Nature Conservancy. In his free time, he can be found reading, cooking, going to museums, hanging out or simply vibing.
Find him online:
Website: 111rinal.com
Instagram: @111rinal
Virtual Gallery Talk: Sweet Tooth
Target Gallery's current exhibition, Sweet Tooth, is a group exhibition that explores indulgence, craving, and desire. On view through March 6.
We are living in socially isolating times and many people are coping by indulging in desires or fixating on them. Sweet Tooth acknowledges these urges and spotlights artists’ responses.
Artists on view are: Grace Bromley, Erika Cleveland, Nicole Di Fabio, Christina Dietz, Eleanor Glattly, Lindsay Hall, Jim Joint, Brenda Jones, Erik Kamenski, Christopher Lane, Beverly Logan, Markella Lousidis, Susan Makara, Nicole Maloof, David Mann, Rosemary Meza-DesPla, Kirsten Rae Simonsen, Jennie Thwing, Joel Vincii Ulm, and Ashley Jaye Williams
The juror for this exhibition was Naomi Christianson, DC-based artist and curator
2021 Post-Grad Residents
Target Gallery presents the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s 2021 Post-Graduation Residency co-hort: Eliza Clifford, Lindsey Kircher, Nicole Wandera, and Daniel Varillas.
The Post-Grad Residency provides a unique experience at a critical juncture in an emerging artist’s career after they graduate their BFA or MFA program, allowing them unlimited studio access and the ability to engage with the community outside of academic context.
The work on view in the exhibition spotlights the work and creative endeavors these four residents created during their three-month residency in studio #319.
Join us for a reception and artist talk on Sunday, January 9th at 2pm where we will also be introducing the new 2022 co-hort.
Post-Grad Artist Talk: Daniel Varillas
Join our live artist talk with 2021 Post-Grad Resident, Daniel “Danny” Varillas, as his three-month post-grad residency comes to a close. Varillas talks with moderator Leslie Mounaime, curator of exhibitions, about his experiences during his time in the Post-Grad Studio #319.
Hear him speak about how his residency inspired his work and process. With a BFA in Graphic Design from MICA, hear about his recent explorations have gone into new mediums such as fiber and weaving on a loom as well as his interest in identity and family history.
Danny will be working in Studio #319 for the rest of the year.
Tonight we welcomed @alexcitytitans strings students to perform for Holiday Festival 2021!
@alxholidays #torpedofactory #alexandriava #artsalx #musiceducation
Alexandria City High School Symphony performs tonight for Holiday Festival 2021!
Santa’s arrival with Alexandria Fire Department.
Happening tomorrow night, Saturday 12/4! As part of the 2021 Holiday Festival, we will have video projections on the waterfront side of Torpedo Factory Art Center starting at 5:30 to coincide with the Boat Parade.
Thanks to artist Monica Stroik @m_stroik for coming back to provide this visual treat for the first time since 2019! It will be a night to remember!
Holiday Festival is all afternoon at Torpedo Factory Art Center from 2-8pm, with open studios & galleries, art projects, hot chocolate, a brass band, and of course SANTA CLAUS!
#torpedofactory #artalx #alxholidays #buyart #shopsmall #loveva #buyhandmade #supportlocalartists #shoplocal #shophandmade
Get ready! Santa Claus is coming back for the 2021 Holiday Festival this Saturday December 4!
He’ll arrive by fireboat at 3:30, and then ride the torpedo bike (made by Chris Erney in Studio33) into the Art Center. And YES — there will be Visits with Santa in the 3rd floor Santa Lounge. 🎅🏻
**Reserve your visit with Santa** – In order to prevent the spread of COVID 19, visits with Santa will be scheduled in ticketed time windows running every 15 minutes. Visitors interested in reserving a guaranteed time slot will be required to book tickets at a designated ticketing booth on-site in Torpedo Factory Art Center.
Reservations open at 2 pm on the day of the event, Saturday, December 4. Tickets are FREE and will be provided at the time of reservation.
Visitors unable to reserve a time slot will be able to wait in a "standby" line operating on a first come first serve basis and subject to the availability of each reserved time window.
#torpedofactory #artalx #alxholidays #buyart #shopsmall #loveva #buyhandmade #supportlocalartists #shoplocal #shophandmade
Have you been eyeing that one piece at the Art Center, but just haven't bought it yet? Don't wait any longer, because Art Fest is coming!
Find something authentically Alexandrian to bring home. Bragging rights at no extra cost.
Treat yourself or get a jump on holiday shopping. Find exclusive discounts throughout the building for Art Fest buyers. Plus enjoy expansive Potomac views in the Art Fest lounge and enter to win more beautiful work in the raffle.
Tickets start at $15. Silver and Gold-level tickets give you access to the 6 p.m. talk with D.C. Walls festival founder Kelly Towles.
Visit torpedofactory.org/artfest or click the link in bio.
#torpedofactory #artsalx #alexandriava #dcarts #exploredmv
In an abundance of caution, Torpedo Factory Art Center will be closed all day Saturday, October 30. Please watch this space for updates.
#torpedofactory #artsalx #alexandriava
Torpedo Factory Art Center is closing early today at 1:30 p.m. in an abundance of caution due to the risk of flooding. We hope to reopen the building tomorrow, but it will not be at the regularly scheduled 10 a.m. Watch this space for updates.
Please share this information with others to help spread the word to others.
#torpedofactory #artsalx #visitalx #alexandriava
It’s not every day kids get to try out a real loom. Art Safari magic in the making.
Alexandria’s Poet Laureate KaNikki Jakarta leads a reading with three of the region’s finest poets: 13 of Nazareth, C. Thomas, and Kim B. Miller.
Virtual Artist Talk with Eliza Clifford
As her three-month post-grad residency comes to a close, Eliza Clifford talks with moderator Leslie Mounaime, curator of exhibitions, about her experiences during her time in the Post-Grad Studio. Hear her speak about how her residency inspired her work and process and hear more about her explorations in printmaking have gone into new mediums such as fiber and cyanotypes as well as her interest in sustainability, identity, and the intimates spaces that make up home.
The Late Shift Online: Art & Allies 3
Join us from the comfort of your home for a special live virtual panel conversation.
Titled “Arts and Allies,” this is the third in a series of art talks started last year focused on BIPOC artists and their experiences providing and receiving allyship to other minority artists in the Alexandria/DC region, as well as their accounts of the arts scene — where it’s improved, where it needs improvement, and where it can go from here.
Join our team as the newest property manager and artist relations lead. Please share.
Details available via https://torpedofactory.org/jobs.
#artsalx #torpedofactory #dcarts #artjob
Because of the rain we moved inside from the Union Street side of the Art Center to say goodbye to an old friend. Last month, a collision irreparably damaged the loading dock roll-up door, home to the popular mural “Beaded Curtain” by artist Erin Curtis. Leave your comments in the chat as we bid farewell to the work while hearing about the upcoming plans for a new mural project.
Interested in learning more about this call for art and other art opportunities? Sign up for our newsletter at torpedofactory.org/artopps #artsALX
Target Gallery presents an all-media group exhibition that marks one year since COVID-19 led to shut-downs and major shifts in the U.S. This exhibition provides catharsis and an opportunity for artists to share how this year has influenced their artist practice. All works are connected to events that have happened since March 2020. Enjoy this livestream of the gallery talk with several participating artists in the show, as well as the exhibition juror Nancy Daly. #artsALX
Today for Work in Progress Wednesday, we spotlight potter Tracie Griffith Tso (Studio 19 and 22).
#repost @traciegriffithtso
Started firing a load of pottery yesterday to have some new dishes to take to the Torpedo Factory Saturday! Get a sneak peek over my shoulder and share a potter's favorite moment: unloading treasures from the kiln!
@torpedofactoryartists #torpedofactory #chinesebrushpainting #etsysellersofinstagram #sumie #sumink #pandastory #pandacub #pandanation #pandalove #cutepanda #pandagram #pandas #potterykiln #seaotter #endangeredanimals #endangered #endangeredspecies #animalart #alexandriava @scopegallery #torpedofactorystudio22 #kiln #kilnreveal
Happy Independence Day!
Just a quick reminder that Torpedo Factory Art Center is closed today for the holiday. 🇺🇸
Have a safe and happy 4th with your loved ones today. 🎉
#artsalx #torpedofactory #july4th #alexandriava #exploredmv
Lindsey Kircher: Post-Grad Resident Artist Talk
Target Gallery’s 2021 solo exhibition recipient is artist Ọmọlará Williams McCallister (pronouns: O/love/beloved) who will be presenting a multisensory installation, We, Too, Sing America, which will include visual, sound, and interactive elements like today’s durational performance. Visit daily at noon through July 18 to watch live.
The installation is a continuation of the artist’s ongoing fiber-based series Domestic Work, which confronts the extraction of emotional labor, caretaking and other domestic work from Black women that is expected, depended upon, normalized and then erased in public and private spaces.
“We, Too, Sing America will be a memorial to the small everyday acts that we have undertaken to support ourselves and each other as we have collectively moved towards building a better future and weathered the storms of COVID, of white supremacist anti-Black terror, of all of the intersecting forms of oppression that we face/d over these past many months. In this work I will use accumulation and repetition of ritual acts, art objects, images, and sound to explore the relationship of the individual act, individual person, individual moment to the collective, and to collective world building.”
— Ọmọlará Williams McCallister