Arts in Foggy Bottom celebrated the return of its award-winning Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit on Saturday, May 1 with an opening day tour and reception much to the delight of the enthusiastic and large crowd of more of more than seventy people who gathered on the corner of New Hampshire Avenue and I Street to be part of the festivities. Co- Directors Mary Kay Shaw, Jill Nevius and Jackie Lemire welcomed attendees to the biennial exhibit and introduced curator Shirley Koller.

Winner of the Mayor’s Arts Award for Innovation in the Arts, Arts in Foggy Bottom has again created a vivid exhibit featuring the talents of seven new and eight returning Washington artists – several of whom were on hand to discuss their remarkable
sculptures during Saturday’s tour. Koller and artist Sam Noto led tours that stopped at each of the fifteen residencies where a sculpture was installed. Sculptors in this year’s exhibit include Richard Binder, Alan Binstock, Mike Brining, Jeff Chyatte, Chas Colburn, Patti Porter Firestone, Nancy Frankel, Seth Goldstein & Paula Stone, Don Herman, Mariah Josephy, Craig Kraft, Philippe Mougne, Sam Noto and Mike Shaffer.

Attendees were eager to learn not just about each sculpture, but also about how Koller handpicked each piece and determined their location in the neighborhood. During the tour, Koller expressed how exciting it was to work with each artist in choosing the most dynamic pieces.

This exhibit is an incredible way to showcase Washington’s artists and the power of art in a community which generates conversation and engages residents in the area… ~ Shirley Koller

The artists themselves were also pleased to interact with the crowd and share their stories behind each sculpture. Retired engineers and husband-and-wife team Seth Goldstein and Paula Stone created Vinesque, made entirely out of Oriental Bittersweet vines. They were led to this type of design after becoming certified Weed Warriors, enabling them to combine their love of nature with sculpting. Jeff Chyatte shared how his sculpture Genesis represents connections in society and the desire to build a stronger foundation for future generations.

In addition to increased participation from residents, The River Inn joined the exhibit. This marks the first time that sculptures are on display on a corporate property. Two sculptures from Philippe Mougne (Helios) and Garrett Strang (Incision) have been installed in front of the Inn on 25th Street.

The celebration continued after the tour with a reception at the Watergate Gallery and Frame Design where additional works from the artists are on display inside the gallery for the duration of the exhibit as well.

The exhibit continues until October 23 and artist-led tours will be offered on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. The next tour is June 12 and will lead by Paula Stone (Vinesque). Brochures may be picked up at each sculpture site for a self-guided tour anytime and include a corresponding map.

Enhancing the artsgoing experience is Guide by Cell, a feature being offered for the first time where visitors can dial 202.595.1187 from their cell phone and hear each artist describe their piece.

For more information on the exhibit, artists and upcoming events visit the Arts in Foggy Bottom page here on this website. ~ FBN