Curator Displays D.C. Talent at Gallery B on Wisconsin Avenue

Opening Reception for D.C. NOW Exhibition This Friday

• ByEvelyn Rabil for Bethesda Patch
• April 12, 2012

Morton Fine Art brings a mobile art exhibit to Gallery B this month, showcasing work by contemporary D.C. area artists. The exhibition, DC NOW, opened last week but the opening reception will take place during the Bethesda Art Walk on Friday.

“DC NOW is a wonderful opportunity to expose Bethesda residents to our regional fine art superstars,” said curator Amy Morton, founder of Morton Fine Art. “Many of the artists featured in the exhibition are also museum-credentialed.”

One such artist is Maya Freelon Asante, whose latest mono print series is on display for the first time at Gallery B.

Maya Freelon Asante, "Bloom Where You're Planted", condensed tissue paper sculpture, 17"x13"

“I use tissue paper and the ink from bleeding tissue paper to make mono print,” Asante explained. “It’s basically a unique art image created by pressing another type of medium on top of paper.” She made her latest series by spinning the paper on a potter’s wheel to give it a vortex effect.

DC NOW is Morton’s fifth “*a pop-up project” (yes, there is an asterisk in the name), a temporary exhibit she sets up in vacant fine art galleries. This is her first project highlighting artists exclusively from the D.C. region.

“I think Amy picked some of the most dynamic and interesting artists working now,” Asante added.

The youngest artist, Victoria Shaheen, graduated from the Corcoran College of Art and Design last year and has several pieces on display including a three-part work of wood, live grass and ceramics, Morton said.

“I am also showing two oversize mixed media on Mylar pieces by artist GA Gardner who was born in Trinidad. He strikes a wonderful aesthetic experience by creating an interesting, intricate abstract landscape,” she said.

Morton covets two of the pieces in the exhibit for her personal collection, she confided, but did not disclose which ones. All the artwork is for sale and ranges from $150 to $9,250.

“I think the tone set in DC NOW is one of diversity, substance and original voice,” she said. “I like that each artist’s work is entirely distinguishable from the next so there is something to suit everyone’s art preferences.”

Gallery B at 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Suite E, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. until April 29. The opening reception is Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.