What Justin’s up to this April

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Justin

Hello everyone! This month is a short newsletter:

What’s Justin up to this April?

As many of you know, I seek to integrate arts initiatives into community revitalization. I run Soulstrong Arts Blog, I’ve held artist talks surrounding my Artist in Residence at Gateway Arts Center, and I am fortunate to work with both M-NCPPC’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Division at the Brentwood Arts Exchange as an Administrative Assistant, as well as with the Hyattsville & Gateway Community Development Corporations as the Content Manager for MyGatewayArts.org. As summer is approaching, I am locating arts-administrative jobs and opportunities in the DMV so I can continue to grow my craft and be part of the change I wish to see. While still creating art, my main efforts are now to find my next step and continue on my journey towards urban planning.

A big thank you to those who came to an intimate and delightful Artist’s Talk at Urban Eats Café and to the RAW: DC Stimulus showcase last month. I’ve sold artwork since then, and now have video, stills, and promotional photos up of my work from both events, available on my Facebook fan page. I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to stay connected with the venues that have helped me find my way. Speaking of which: This Thursday, RAW: DC hosts its April showcase, Menagerie; and this Friday, Hillyer Art Space hosts its April Soapbox, featuring Jessica Hirst and Paula Kellinger with a beforehand roundtable dialogue. I will be speaking alongside previous performers, Devon Hopkins and Sebastian Rousseau. Please join in on the conversation! Lastly, this weekend, Eames Armstrong, Hillyer Art Space’s Performance Art Coordinator, is exhibiting as part of the Open Studios at 52 O Street. If you’re free, please consider coming out to these events!

Please continue to stay active and optimistic in your pursuits. Remember, you stay strong by engaging your soul in balancing the things that bring you happiness with the essentials of life. Let yourself be active, seek balance, and keep working hard.

 

 


Watch my RAW Artist’s Interview online at http://youtu.be/v08S2ZDNxsk

 

Thanks for reading!

Have a good day :-)

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Justin Fair Artist’s Talk Tonight 3/21 @UrbanEatsCafe at 6:30pm

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Justin

Please join me next Wednesday, March 21st, at 6:30pm at Urban Eats Café in Mount Rainier for an Artist’s Talk, where I will share my drawings, paintings, and (maybe!) some performance work. I look forward to seeing friends and family, hearing your feedback on my work over the last year, and listening to your advice on my goals for the future. The event is free and open to all.

The evening will end a little after 7:30pm, but I invite you to stay for Urban Eats’s Weekly Poetry Night that starts at 8pm. Urban Eats is a new restaurant and has music nights, poetry sessions, happy hours, and more. As the weather gets nicer and nicer, please enjoy an evening next week at this great café, and enjoy the gorgeous trees blossoming across Route One.Similarly, to commemorate the 100th Cherry Blossom Festival that starts on Monday, my Cherry Blossom Festival prints will also be on sale for $30 at the Talk.

Please give me a call at (443) 850-0474 if you need help finding parking in the neighborhood, taking the bus (81, 83, 86, T18, F1, or Route1Ride 17), or if you arrive early and want to explore the Gateway Arts District‘s theatre, galleries, restaurants, and shops (especially 34th Street!).  
Lastly, a big THANK YOU to everyone who attended RAW: DC’s STIMULUS Showcase to support my live performances and visual artwork. It was a thrilling, new venture. I got to meet a number of great artists and supporters.

Thanks for reading!
Hope to see you on the 21st!

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Resonance: Reflections on “Conduit” and Residency at #GatewayArts Center

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Justin

In reflecting upon my residency at Gateway Arts Center, I am deeply honored and thankful to have received such constructive feedback. Open feedback is a gift given my work’s focus on dark themes, to receive positive and negative responses. Simone at Busboys and Poets says visual artists aren’t used to getting immediate feedback and applause like performing artists do. As such, please be vocal and encouraging! I work in both mediums, and have had to both wait and immediately hear my audience’s responses. Since I seek feedback, the most rewarding is to hear reflections days after and be asked questions. I have to read between critics’ words and lines to guide my work so that I can find a stimulating place that bridges both mediums as well as connects with the audience.

Since I have performed Conduit, I have been asked if I would perform it again. I am happy to say I am not interested in revising anytime soon. The work evolved from an initial purpose, to an interpretive dance chronicling a process of purging and regaining stength, to two separate adaptions created to flesh out two movement styles. Continue reading →

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What Justin’s up to this March (Next Thurs 3/8′s RAW:DC STIMULUS at 8pm!)

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Justin

March News

A big THANK YOU to everyone who attended my Artist’s Talk at Gateway Arts Center as exiting Artist In Residence last Saturday. Thanks to all who sent break-a-leg wishes; I’ll try to avoid the stairs again this Thursday, March 8th at 8pm at RAW: DC’s STIMULUS Showcase, where I’ll be performing and exhibiting artwork.

Please join me for the March showcase of DC artists collaborative, RAW: natural born artists. “RAW’s mission is to provide up-and-coming artists of all creative realms with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity so that they might be seen, heard and loved. RAW educates, connects and exposes emerging artists in 22 artistic communities nationwide through monthly showcase events.” There will be live performances, artwork on display, jewelry and other crafts for sale, a fashion show, and more. Advance tickets are available online NOW for $10 ($15 at the door). Be sure to click the drop-down menu that says “General Admission” and select my name, Justin Fair, to indicate the artist you are supporting. If you’re driving there and pay online, make sure you click the widget “Central Parking” for a $9 flat rate coupon! If you can’t come, I ask that you donate or purchase a ticket that I can giveaway.This event is being held at Café Asia, a hip and vibrant restaurant and lounge that supports the Arts!

In addition to RAW, I am thrilled to announce that Mount Rainier’s Urban Eats Café will host my next Artist’s Talk on Wednesday, March 21st, at 6:30pm. If you were unable to attend my last event, want an excuse to get a fresh cup of french-pressed coffee, or have a craving for a tasty burger, mark your calendar for this event. The day before marks the start of the 100th Cherry Blossom Festival. In commemoration, my Cherry Blossom Festival prints are now on sale for $30. These prints will be on exhibit during this talk!

Upcoming Events and Projects

1) RAW:DC’s STIMULUS at Café Asia 

–> Thursday, March 8th, at 8:00pm

At RAW, in addition to selling artwork, I will perform from Series, a collective body of visual and performing pieces that includes adaptations of Love Myself, Demons, Lights, as well as my other works. In addition, remaining works from my Catharsis & Crucial Steps series, as well as select paintings, including the first of my Rejuvenation series will be for sale. Note the closest metro is Farragut West! Please try to arrive by 8pm! RAW:DC's Stimulus, March 8 @ 8pm @ Café Asia

2) Celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival, on sale for only $30!

Until the end of April, Cherry Blossom Festival, is on sale 25% off for only $30. Please visit my portfolio at www.justinfair.com/portfolio to view the piece and purchase it in advance! Visit the festival’s website to read about one of our nation’s gems, the famous Cherry Blossoms!! Cherry Blossom Festival, 2010

3) Artist’s Talk at Urban Eats Arts and Music Café 

–> Wednesday, March 21st, at 6:30pm 

This will be a casual, intimate gathering of friends. I’ll have new works from Rejuvenation, my new series of mixed media (paint/charcoal/pastel/crayon), available. The event is open to all and free. Make an event of it and stay for Urban Eats‘s weekly poetry night that starts at 8pm!

 

Thanks for reading!

Hope to see you on the 8th!

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Introducing: Artwork Store at http://justinfair.com/shop Keyword VALENTINE

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Justin

I am proud to launch my new artwork store at http://justinfair.com/shop. Now visitors can purchase artwork for sale online via Paypal.

Use the keyword VALENTINE at checkout to get 50% off!!

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This Sat 2/25 @ 1pm: My Artist’s Talk at Gateway Arts Center, plus Invitation to @RAWartistswdc STIMULUS on 3/8

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Justin

Artist’s Talk…
As my Artist In Residency at Gateway Arts Center ends I invite you to attend my final Artist’s Talk this Saturday, February 25th at 1pm 

Location: 3901 Rhode Island Ave, Brentwood, MD 20722 (2nd fl, entrance on 39th Street)
*Parking is available in the neighborhood. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at (443) 850-0474.

Time: 1pm

Date: 2/25/12, this Saturday

At 1pm, I will perform Conduit and host a discussion afterwards. In addition, paintings, drawings, and prints will be on sale for half-price! I began the three month Artist-in-Residency at the start of December, and I am forever thankful for the opportunity. Thank you to all who have supported me during this experience. I have had the pleasure of meeting many great people, have had unique opportunities to exhibit my work, and have been able to transform both my art and experiment as I refine my artistic outlook and approach during the process. This will be a casual, intimate gathering of friends and family. Refreshments will be provided. The event is open to the public and free! For a sneak preview of some art items available for purchase, please visit my artwork online.

Afterwards, I invite everyone to head downstairs to the Brentwood Arts Exchange (M-NCPPC) to visit the Rivers and Memories exhibition and to listen to E.J. Montgomery’s Artist’s Talk that starts at 3pm.

–

Plus, mark your calendar! On Thursday, March 8th at 8pm, I’ll be performing and exhibiting at RAW:Washington DC’s STIMULUS Showcase. Please buy tickets online to attend and support this great cause and awesome artist event!

Steve Bennett Photography, Feb 2012
Photoshoot with Steve Bennett Photography, Feb. 2012, see more here.
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Take Crucial Steps this Valentine’s Day! Give Art at 50% off, until 3/1!

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Justin

"Jumpers" (unframed shown), $50 framed

Jump for Joy this Valentine’s Day!

I’ll be selling paintings, drawings, and prints half-priced for Valentine’s Day!
Now thru March 1st!

The sale prices start at $25! Catharsis and Crucial Steps drawings are now $50 each, prints begin at $25, and earlier paintings and drawings range from $25-$60!
Browse online now! Even more works plus a sneak preview of my new collection, Rejuvenation, will be on exhibit as well at my February 25th Artist’s Talk at Gateway Arts Center at 1pm.

"Folklore" of "Catharsis" Series, $50 framed

 "Cherry Blossom Festival", $30
Folklore of Catharsis Series, $50 framed Cherry Blossom Festival, $30
Sick (Swept Away 2 of 3), $60
What Love Is of Crucial Steps Series, $50 framed Sick (Swept Away 2 of 3), $60 framed

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Let art be yours this holiday!

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What Justin’s up to this February! (Mark your Calendar: Sat Feb 25 1pm! New time, 1 pm!)

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Justin

February News

“Become transformed and become free” is the message behind Conduit, one of the pieces I’ll be performing at my Artist-In-Residency Closing Artist’s Talk, Saturday, February 25th, at 1pm at Gateway Arts Center. The new time is 1 PM.

This month is about new beginnings and happy endings. I am sad to say goodbye to an amazing opportunity; and yet, I am excited about new possibilities. My Artist-In-Residency will be ending this month, and it was an experience I will always cherish. Thanks to everyone who came to support the group exhibition, my solo exhibition, and the Fall Open Studios.

I am now working as the MyGatewayArts.org Content Manager for the Hyattsville & Gateway  CDCs (Community Development Corporations). Another major milestone this month is the one year anniversary of Soulstrong Arts Blog. Soulstrong is a project I began to encourage discussion about our local art scenes, to inform the public about art and design-related events, and to explore neighborhoods in the DMV that recognize and cultivate artistic endeavors.  Working in this new position and continuing my own goals thrill me that I can connect in a new way with my community and learn about others’ passions and views on where they work and live.

So…if that’s enough talk for now, there will be more on the last Saturday of this month! I’ll be selling many of my artwork half-price at my studio (see below) and look forward to seeing old and new friends!

Current Projects

1) Artist In Residence Closing Artist’s Talk at the Gateway Arts Center

–> Saturday, February 25th, at 1:00pm 

Please join me for my concluding Artist’s Talk as the Artist In Residence at Gateway Arts Center, Saturday the 25th of February at 1:00pm. This will be a casual, intimate gathering of friends and family. We will discuss past works, created over the last three months, and discuss various perspectives and inspirations about the creative process of creating art. I am also working on a new series of mixed medium (pastel, crayon, charcoal, acrylic) drawings entitled Rejuvenation, which will be on sale. Refreshments will be provided! The event is open to all and free!

2) I’ll be selling paintings and drawings half-priced (just in time for Valentine’s Day!) starting Monday the 13th thru Wednesday the 29th!

I will be selling drawings and paintings at 50% off! The sale prices start at $25! Catharsis, Crucial Steps, and prints and earlier drawings will be on exhibit and on sale! A sneak preview of my new collection, Rejuvenation, will be on exhibit as well. Check out my website at http://justinfair.com/portfolio and feel free to contact me about any work that you may be interested in!

3) Soulstrong Arts Blog Anniversary, beginning new studio visits!

To celebrate the one-year birthday of Soulstrong Arts Blog, my social advocacy project, I will publish articles of studio visits that I have enjoyed over the last year. This includes artists like Joren Lindholm at Harmon Art Lab, Liz St. Rain of Milkweed Studio at Gateway Arts Center, Erica Riggio of Riggio Design, Cheryl Edwards of c.d. edwards studio, and more! Blog posts are coming soon to www.soulstrong.com.

4) “Gateway on Foot” Series with MyGatewayArts.org

As part of my position as Content Manager for MyGatewayArts.org, I will be interviewing local business owners so our community can hear more about each business in order to promote patronage across the Gateway Arts District. I am looking forward to debuting this guest-written series that will feature stimulating literary, photo, and video testimonials of local quality restaurants, theatre houses, cool hangouts, galleries, salons, and more. Currently, www.MyGatewayArts.org is under construction, but once it is updated, I can’t wait to start publishing information on our great local businesses.

Thanks for reading!

Hope to see you on the 25th! Say hello if you can’t come!

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Down for repairs

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Justin

JustinFair.com is currently under construction

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Live Performance @HillyerArtSpace’s “Soapbox” Thu 1/19, starts at 7pm

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Justin

My friends, please join me next Thursday, January 19th, 2012 at the Hillyer Art Space for their January Soapbox performance art series. Please join me as I perform one of my newest performance art pieces live, called Conduit, at the Hillyer Art Space. I am very fortunate and honored to be invited to perform alongside two fellow performance artists (Carolyn Becker and Celeste Merie Welch) in the first of Hillyer Art Space’s 2012 Soapbox series. The Soaphox series is a monthly performance art series at Hillyer Art Space, which seeks to bolster and expand performance art in and around Washington, D.C. $5 suggested donation. For more information, please click here. The Hillyer Art Space is located at International Arts & Artists (get directions). Please RSVP on the Facebook event page to let us know if you’re coming! Continue reading →

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