Scratch your creative itch at the Gallery Underground!

New!  We now offer Art Classes at Gallery Underground through the Arlington Artists Academy

New Classes at Gallery Underground

To sign up for classes, log on to: http://www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org/classes.html
Beginning Acrylic              $150 for 4 weeks
Class # BJGU01  Thurs 7:00-9:30pm, begins June 6
Interested in art, but have no clue how to begin?  Stymied by what brush to choose, how to mix colors or how to sketch a scene?  Painting is a wonderful way to express yourself artistically – and everyone has to start somewhere!  Take the first step into the world of acrylic painting in this basic techniques class.  Discover the elements of composition, how to use a color wheel to create a harmonious or contrasting finished piece, and how both representative and abstract works share some of the same characteristics.  Find a new way to balance your life by taking the first steps to discover your creative self.  Students will work on one canvas of one representational scene and by the end of the class have a completed painting.  Students should bring one canvas to class, but instructor provides all other materials, including paints and easels.  A $20 materials fee is payable to the instructor on the first night of class.  Class size limited to 8 students.
Location:  Gallery Underground
Instructor:  Bryan Jernigan  Phone:  202.624.3611  Email:  bryan@nafisdc.org
Web:  http://bryanjerniganartwork.wix.com/artwork

Summer Lunch Watercolor Class      $100 for 5 sessions
Class # SH13443  Tues 11:45 - 12:30, June 11 – July 9
This class is designed for people who want to paint but don’t have time in their normal schedule.  Watercolor basics like color mixing, brush handling, water usage, value control, washes, glazes and masking will be introduced with lots of hands-on application so participants gain confidence as they paint beautiful watercolors.  We will complete a watercolor painting in the very first lunch class and at least two more in the five week session.  Each class will build on the previous ones so students experience first-hand the information supplied by the instructor.  Good quality materials are essential in watercolor painting.  In order to hit the ground running and maximize class time as well as save student time and effort, a watercolor palette with paints, brush, paper and water holders will be provided to each student and will be yours to keep.  All other necessary materials will be provided and shared.  A materials fee of $20 is due at the beginning of the first class.  Class size is limited to 8 students to provide individual assistance.
Location:  Gallery Underground
Instructor:  Sandra Hill  Phone:  703.243.8674  Email:  shill495@gmail.com

Watercolor Class   $150 for 6 weeks
Class # MP13361  Tues 6:00-8:30PM  July 9 – August 13
Explore the joy of watercolor through the flow of water, the glow of transparent color, the distinctive qualities of different papers and the immediate gratification of working in this spontaneous medium.  Our emphasis will be on creating vibrant colors, the role of various papers and “tricks of the trade” in achieving textural effects and the unique challenges of controlling water.  Students receive individual attention, demonstrations and critique.  $15 supply fee for fun papers to experiment with.  Class size limited to 8 (minimum 4).  This class is best for adults with some painting experience, although beginners are welcome.
Location:  Gallery Underground
Instructor:  Mary Phelan  Phone:  703.309.4621  Email: themaryphelan@gmail.com

What's hanging above YOUR couch? PART 1

I think it is interesting to find out what artists hang over their OWN living room couches.  To that end we polled the Gallery Underground Artists and discovered that between landscapes, portraits, abstracts and "other" the winner was....  EVERYTHING across the board.  Seems like artists were evenly split between hanging their own art and pieces they just loved or admired.  I asked the artists to send me shots of their own couches.  Here is the first batch!

 Ok, so the first one is cheating a little. Mixed Media artist Anya Getter colorful piece is not exactly hanging over the sofa!   Anya says "My couch backs to the bookshelves, but this is hanging above my table."

Painter Jane Coonce dramatic close-up is from her own yard.   Jane says "The painting is called "Day Lily".  I did it from a close up photograph of one of those day lilies that run rampant through my garden.  

Although the flower is a nuisance because it takes over the whole area, the flower lent itself for a great painting.  So for that, I am thankful.  It's rather large.  (30x40 inches) and it's in oils.

Theresa Wells Stifel's Mixed Media piece "Take 5" is actually a portrait of her teenage son George.  "George's 'leather' jacket is actually made of old sheet music his boots of real leather and his skin and other clothing from fabric.  In fact his t shirt in the painting is a snip out of an outgrown favorite t shirt that George inherited from our good friend Elizabeth Loftis."

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Calling Creatives!!! the Gallery Underground is Hiring an Intern!

Gallery Underground is seeking an intern for Summer 2013. We are looking for motivated and ambitious individuals who are interested in a career in art or gallery management. Must be available  June  - August.

Gallery Underground is a cooperative Arlington Artists Alliance gallery promoting the works of established and emerging regional artists, located in Crystal City, Arlington, VA. Our mission is to make regional fine art accessible to the public through monthly exhibits, special events, classes and workshops.

Intern responsibilities may include the following:  assisting with the planning and implementation of receptions and events and hanging of shows, market research and outreach, social media, brochure and catalogue design, miscellaneous administration and other duties relating to the running of a gallery.

Skills preferred: Excellent computer skills, graphic design, social media, marketing. Candidates should have completed or be in the process of completing a BA in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Marketing or other art-related field. Must bring own laptop.

This is a paid position offering a stipend. Up to 20 hours per week preferred Mon – Fri. Schedule can be tailored to Intern’s needs but regular days/hours preferred.

To apply, please email cover letter and resume to info@galleryunderground.org by June 7, 2013.

A Celebration of Feast in May; there's still time!

There are still 11 days to see the double exhibition at the Gallery Underground in May! Stop by and see us!

 

 

Exhibit: Sharing of Spirit Dates: May 6- June 1, 2013 COST: FREE In celebration of spring, works featured are artists' interpretations of spirit, whether it be spirituality or the spirit of a certain time or place. Artists have been asked to think about this theme broadly and create works of spirit that have deep meaning to them as creative individuals.

 

 

 

 

 

The Opening Receptions for both Sharing of Spirit, a group show by the Gallery Artists, and A Visual Feast, a solo exhibit by well known artist Jane McElvany Coonce were well attended by a vibrant cross-section of artists and the public.  The new Studios Underground were open and inviting the art lovers to view their works in progress and even try their hand at painting and art-making.

 

 

At the beginning of the May the resident artists held another VERY successful paint-in as shoppers and passers-by were drawn in by the talent and variety of the group that are the Artists Underground!

 

The artists will gather at the beginning of the beginning of June to put together their schedule of interactive events.  Stay tuned!!!