Art League Gallery Dark Matters Frank Fierstein Introspective Black and White Photography Exhibition December 6 - January 7 Frank Fierstein believes that in order for something to exist, it needs to have an opposite. Light cannot exist without darkness, as good cannot exist without evil. The images in his exhibit, “Dark Matters” at The Art League Gallery, explore the life of “the shadow;” the deeper, darker side of our personality that most of us are afraid to acknowledge, let alone understand.
“Dark Matters” evolved subconsciously. Fierstein believes that the series stemmed from growing up in inner city Baltimore, his exposure to a rough environment and witnessing the darker side of the human psyche. “The premise of “the shadow” is that it has a life of it’s own. It represents the dark, unconscious part of our minds, our personalities. Most people are afraid to recognize and understand their darker side, but it is part of who we are. We have to balance the good and the bad, and if we explore this dark, mysterious side, we may find that it isn’t as bad as we fear,” explains Fierstein.
First Annual McLean ArtFest Calls for Entries
MCLEAN, Va. -- McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) is seeking entries to its first annual MPA ArtFest, a one-day juried fine art and craft show scheduled for Sunday, October 14, 2007 rain or shine. MPA is a non-profit visual arts center known for its high quality professionally-curated exhibitions and its community art education programs which are offered with the Corcoran College of Art and Design. MPA ArtFest will feature the work of a select group of 40 local and regional visual artists. Deadlines for entries are June 30, 2007. The entry form may be found on www.mpaart.org .
With a confluence of education, affluence and artistic interest, the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area has evolved into a dynamic visual arts center, notes Nancy Perry, executive director of MPA. “We’re thrilled to bring a new offering to our local community. We think MPA ArtFest is poised to become a major event in the Mid Atlantic Arts Community,” said Perry.
The first annual MPA ArtFest will feature a wide selection of art priced for all levels of collectors. Theatrical and musical performances, children’s art activities, art demonstrations and a wide assortment of refreshments will be featured during the festival which runs from 10 am to 5 p.m. in the McLean Central Park. The park is located at the corner of Dolley Madison Boulevard and Old Dominion Drive. In case of inclement weather, MPA’s ArtFest will be held in the McLean Community Center, which is adjacent to the park.
The one-day MPA ArtFest will be co-sponsored by a variety of local arts and civic groups including the McLean Community Center, the Fairfax Park Authority, the McLean Chamber of Commerce, and the Dranesville District Supervisor’s office.
Founded in 1962, MPA is a non-profit visual arts center designed to exhibit the work of emerging and established regional artists. Recently designated as a museum partner by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, MPA’s mission is to bring the visual arts into the community by promoting awareness and understanding of contemporary art. MPA artfest benefits MPA’s exhibition and education programs.
There are no fees for the Call for Entry. Accepted artists will pay a $150 participation fee with 100 percent of sales to be retained by the artist. For more information including entry formats, contact: Julie Lansaw: julelansaw@aol.com. Or visit www.mpaart.org .