Category Archives: artomatic

Free Range Crazy, Knitting,

Oh my but do I have stories for you, kids. Right now, however, I have a headache, I need a shower, and I need to head to Artomatic for a manager’s shift. Artomatic is closed to the public now. Only participating artists are allowed in the building right now and they must show ID. Photo ID. Legal photo ID.

I finished the Sunkist Cardi today, after it dries and I sew the button on it I’ll post pictures. I don’t think I’ll take any knitting with me tonight. It’s too hectic to sit and knit while I manage and I really don’t think I should have sharp objects while I’m there. The temptation would just be too great. I’m pretty sure there are only so many times you can tell a grown man to get out of the dumpster before you completely lose it.

In the meantime, why don’t you check out the remarkable comments spawned by a post Ta-Nehsi Coates wrote about Mayo v Miracle Whip over at The Atlantic. It’s fun.

This is the end, my friends…

This is it, the last day of Artomatic 2009. By the 4th weekend we’d surpassed our previous visitor numbers. By the time this – our 6th, and final, weekend, began – we’d surpassed an attendance number the Board never thought possible. As soon as we release the numbers, I’ll post them.

In the meantime, you have 10 hours left to take in all of the sites, sounds, and, increasingly, smells, of Artomatic. When the event closes tonight there’s an after-party at Molly Malone’s. It’s not over ’til George Koch sings.

Then, you can get a couple day’s rest before Thursday night’s Capital Fringe Festival kickoff.

From Zombie Prom – Rebecca and Sherill

I think this is my favorite pic of Sherill and I at Zombie Prom. I’m so glad I asked Spiggycat to snap our picture, she’s a genius with portraiture. That dress weighs over 5 pounds, now I remember why I never wear it – it’s exhausting!

Husband went low-fi. He wore some gauze to hold his decaying limbs on and pinned a nametag to his shirt that said “Rob.”

The Benefactor

In Friday’s Washington Post the Reliable Source reported on the mysterious letters being sent by someone calling themself “The Benefactor.”

Suspiciously, a letter alleging to be from the Benefactor showed up at the office on Friday. In the opening shift confusion the envelope was dropped into the mailbox for Board members with my name on it. I’m not clear whether a volunteer read it, didn’t understand it and wrote my name on the envelope or whether it arrived pre-addressed. (It only had my first name). That’s all I know, so here’s a picture of the letter:



The Benefactor, originally uploaded by meanlouise.

Is it real? Is it a hoax? The letter (which was slipped under the office door sometime Friday) reads:

June 19, 2009

To Whom It May Concern:

I wish to convey my regrets for any concern I have caused the artists of Artomatic. I meant no harm. You may well imagine my surprise at seeing my small gesture reported upon in the Washington Post.

Allow me to explain myself. Since the passing of my husband of 43 years I have not been as socially active as I once was. My daughter, Margaret, accompanied me to the Artomatic Fair some weeks ago. I was enchanted by the work I was able to view. I was not able to tour the entire show but the work that I saw touched my heart and brightened my day. My income is limited so Margaret suggested I send a small token of my appreciation to some of the artists who touched me most.

I have asked Margaret to leave this note with the Directors of Artomatic. I do so hope that I have caused no lasting distress to all of the delightful artists in your show.

I wish you well in all of your future endeavors.

With warmest regards,

The Benefactor