Art Whino invites you to join us for an evening of sensory delights in our Premiere night of a monthly series of Indulge events. This sensational event combines an exciting exhibition of art, a delicious food spread from noted Mie N Yu restaurant, a special drink pairing for each dish, and live music performance by Tamara Wellons. Combining the area’s best art, food, music and drinks, Indulge event celebrates the connection between all of these sensory delights that make life so enjoyable.

Friday, July 9th, from 7pm – 11pm 7-8pm Open to the public Free Food and Drink Tasting. 8pm-11pm Ticketed Main Event. Seated food tasting. Musical performance by Tamara Wellons with guitarist and percussionist. Location: Art Whino Gallery 173 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD 20745 Tickets - $65 in Advance (No tickets sold the day of the event). Admission price includes 3 courses tasting. Also with the price of admission 3 complimentary specially crafted beverages and musical performance by Tamara Wellons. To purchase tickets, email INDULGE@artwhino.com This is a 21 and older event.

Indulge Tasting Menu First Course Firecracker Ahi Tuna Tartar Chili Peppers, Lemongrass, Soy, Habanero Masago Cocktail Pairing: "Peach Martini" Peach Vodka, Splash of St. Germaine, Fresh Sour, Splash of Half & Half Second Course Green Tea Beef Tataki Salad Green Tea Rubbed Local All Natural Tenderloin, Mixed Greens Cocktail Pairing: Chamomile Gin House Infused Chamomile Syrup, Gin, Pink Grapefruit Juice, Fresh Lemon Juice Third Course Karma Sutra Petite Pecan & Chocolate Croustades, Milk & Dark Chocolate Tarts Cocktail Pairing: "Strawberry Martini" Absolut Blue Berry Acia, Absolut, Fresh Strawberries, Fresh Sour

Mie N Yu Indulge your senses with the sights, sounds and flavors of “A Silk Road Celebration” at Mie N Yu. Combining authentic Silk Road cuisine with local ingredients, Mie N Yu’s Executive Chef Tim Miller highlights dishes and techniques from Far East Asia, the Spice Islands, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. Mie N Yu is a truly unique experience, and a wonderful social experiment! Bar Chef Robert Tinney crafts cocktails that make use of the finest liquors and fresh fruits and juices. These luscious libations will tickle your fancy! Guests from all corners of the globe have been intrigued by this oasis of enjoyment in the heart of historic Georgetown. http://www.mienyu.com

Musical Performance by Tamara Wellons Ocha Record's Artist Tamara Wellons is a Metropolitan based vocalist whose addictive blend of soul, jazz and house is fresh, flavorful and classic. Wellons' debut record "Life Is" debuts on Ocha Records, a joint venture between House DJ/Producer Carlos Mena and Osunlade. The album features production by Osunlade, Carlos Mena, Wale Oyejide and Kokayi. Since the March single release of Tamara's single "Oh Well," (voted traxsource.com's Best of 2007 Top 100 Singles ) the songstress has been been busy performing and finishing up the recording of her much-anticipated full LP release. In 2007 Tamara enjoyed success after the "Oh Well" release with performances throughout Washington DC (Mirrors, LIV), New Jersey and Detroit (DEMF), and New York. The single was also featured on the Grammy Award winning DJ, Roger Sanchez Release Yourself Volume 6 Dance Compilation CD and is a play list favorite among numerous djs/podcasts and mix cds. The Bahsonik Remix has proven itself to be a dance floor mainstay among club goers throughout the East Coast region. Tamara's follow-up, "Like Rain" was released this April with mixes by Jihad Muhammad and Nomumbah. This single is "truly on that other level in terms of groove and being motivational, think Soul II Soul meets Jazzanova while hanging out in Brazil and... ” (the Runoff Groove).

Weekend Observation

While working at the gallery this weekend, I decided to take note of how many times an audience member observed how 'refreshing' our space is. It's now Sunday, and I've already lost count as to how many times Art Whino has been associated with 'refreshing,' 'a breath of fresh air,' or simply 'chill.' I may be a new face around here, but I think that has been the general consensus since Art Whino's opening almost three years ago. Our space is dynamic, and filled with a wicked inventory of work that's appreciated en masse by so many different people. Everyone that comes to visit has an interesting story to tell as to what art pieces they enjoy, where they come from, and what work they do themselves, et al. It's so nice to take in all the positivity, and see how the space radiates with good vibes as people get engaged with what they're seeing.

Sticking with the good ju-ju motif; what do you appreciate about Art Whino?

Caught Our Eye

Every day we're bombarded by advertising imagery, promoting products from all sides of the capitalist spectrum, and well--for once, this one caught our attention. A new ad campaign commissioned by EIZO, a company who specializes in producing high-def radiographic imaging equipment, have put a new spin on how their merchandise is presented to the medical community. Like they say in X-Ray departments across the U.S., 'We do it better in the dark,' and this campaign is no different. EIZO, in collaboration with Butter, a German-based advertising agency, has come up with a 2010 calendar featuring digitally rendered X-Ray Pin-Ups. YES! The medical community DOES have some sex appeal! And what better way of spicing things up with a little bit of radiation, and some equally exquisite...structural anatomy?

Ms. June

Ms. September

Upcoming, so break out those calendars!

In anticipation for the coming summer months, Art Whino is gearing up for a ton of exciting events. June 26th, we're traveling to Austin in collaboration with Seventy Seven Gallery to host Personality Instantly: The Art of Nick Morris, whose work "calls to mind a time of artistic girl-next-door pin ups and sleek muscle cars, with a tinge of sci-fi." So if you happen to be strolling the streets of Austin, TX or looking for an excuse for a weekend excursion, you should stop in and check out what's hanging.

We've also partnered up with Mie N Yu restaurant in Georgetown to accentuate our fabulous opening nights! We'll be setting up for a special INDULGE event on July 9th, to feature a variety of Mie N Yu specialties, a bevy of refreshments, live music, good friends, and fine art; what else do you need in life...ehh?

Also in July, we'll be hosting Tatiana Suarez's solo show featuring her Malagueta series. I've been honored with the opportunity to interview Ms. Tatiana, in collaboration with RVA.com, prior to her opening on the 19th; so I will be sure to post our Q & A session as soon as it goes down! In the future, I'd like to interview all of our opening artists featuring a few audience generated questions, if possible. We love seeing our followers getting involved with what we do, so I definitely look forward to seeing your curiosities come through via posted comments!

In August, Art Whino will be in Georgetown to set up the big top for our Urban Carnivale show. We're currently on the hunt for side show performers to feature two levels of freakshow antics, including a trifecta of exhibiting artists, mingled with tarot card readings, street performers, and other strange and fascinating performances. It's going to be a blast, and if you know us well enough--we can throw a party! You're not going to want to miss this!

As you can see, we've got quite the summer line-up! And we're adding even more as we go, so keep checking back a time or two! If any of our readers have any cool events on their itinerary we'd love to hear about them, as well as any other neat stuff you happen to find around D.C., and elsewhere! So hit us up with some links, comments, shout-outs, pictures of you at our events, etc. etc. We'd love to hear from you guys!

--Megan L.

An Important Fundraiser For A Friend and Art Whino Artist This Saturday in Fells Point, MD

Wonderful artist and friend, Sylvia Ortiz, was recently diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. In efforts to raise funds for her chemo treatments, friends have helped put on a fundraiser, this Saturday. Titled "Cirque De Boobles". Artists have been asked to respond to her trademark booble icons.

Please come out and show your support. Its going to be a great show! We will be offering our Tsuchi Collectible Vinyl at the show and 50% of the proceeds will go to the cause. If you cant make it to the show you can buy it online Here.

Saturday, June 19th, from 8pm – 1am Location: CUBE 1611 Eastern Ave Baltimore, MD 21231 ART AUCTION, RAFFLE, DOOR PRIZES, CASH BAR, LIVE MURAL AND BODY PAINTING FREE ENTRY

Designer: DGPH Dimensions: 6 inches Medium: Vinyl Rarity: 500 In 2005 Martin Lowenstein and Diego Vaisberg created DGPH, one of the leading Argentinian design houses that blends art, illustration and animation. Here's what they have to say about Tsuchi: "Tsuchi is Father Earth, the oldest god and wisest being that has ever lived. Seated on his throne in the planet's core, he rules the seas and the land, surrounded by his little minions. His upper half controls all the nice good things that happen in the world, while his bottom half rules the mysterioius dark side. The energy caused by the friction of his internal struggle keeps the planet on its rotation. As long as both sides keep up the fight, life will continue its natural course." 6 inches tall. Edition of 500 pcs. Special powers: Removable crown. Good karma. http://artwhino.com/_product_86080/TSUCHI_Original

Mike Weber's Opening @ Long View Gallery, D.C.

Art Whino Artists Luz Del Mar (left), Josh (center), Rosina (right), enjoy some pudding on opening night.

Style Before Comfort!

Gabriela Gray loads up her car with a brand new Luz Del Mar piece just bought at the gallery. The old saying style before comfort applies as she drives an hour home with a bent neck!

We need SIDE SHOW PERFORMERS!

HERE YE HERE YE....... (Insert image of me screaming in old school mega phone)

We need SIDE SHOW PERFORMERS!

Flame Swallowers, Giants, double jointed contortionists or any amazing strange talent you may have!!!!!

Also need Old School Musical performers ... Banjo, soap box, accordions etc

Email us at info@artwhino.com

URBAN CARNIVAL SHOW AUGUST 7th IN GTOWN. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!

Malagueta: Solo Show of Tatiana Suarez

Malagueta is a fusion of culture, folkloric tales and legends colorfully rendered and set in voluptuous, airy atmospheres inspired primarily by the artists Brazilian heritage.

Saturday, July 17th, from 6pm – Midnight Sketching Session with live model 7-9pm Latin Fusion Band performance starts at 9pm Location: Art Whino Gallery 173 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD 20745 Show end date: August 15th Continuing with the amazing night of sketching of the last show we are pleased to announce we will be having sketching sessions for all our shows! The sketching session begins at 7pm and ends at 9pm and is free. We will have 15 special edition blank sketchbooks for sale at the show as well but you are welcome to bring your own sketchbook. The event is FREE and open to the public.

ARTIST BIO: Tatiana Suarez (b. 1983) is a Brooklyn-based Miami native. This emerging artist is an alumni of the University of Miami's Graphic Design program, and also works as a freelance illustrator. Her charming style is distinctive -- first, the trademark eyes that draw the viewer into a beautiful and surreal world. Suarez takes full advantage of the oil paint's ability to create creamy, soft images on canvas. Rich with symbols that stem from her Brazilian and El Salvadorian heritage, subjects appear as if they are under water, frozen in lovely stillness. The doe-eyed figures look childlike, but also exude sexual overtones, ornamented with plants, insects and other unsettling accompaniments. Beauty is presented concurrently with exotic -- even creepy -- creatures to create enchanted narratives.

Kelly Castillo Recap!

Kelly Castillo making her mark on Mr. Blanky.

Shane and Kelly showing off their FIERCE poses!

Kelly and our guest model, Mourna posing for the camera.

'Don't hate the playa, hate the game!'

Decisions, decisions! So many covers, and they're all originals; you made the right choice, Jason!

Strange reading skills; maybe the type is too big.

Reading time! Thanks, SCION!

Our set-up for the evening.

'...you better like my sketch, or else!'

The first winner of the night with her winning sketch in one hand, and her Bob Dob collectible Vinyl prize in the other!

Luz, her winning sketch, and Mourna.

Alex won! This man has mad sketching skills!

...and he was nice enough to give his killer sketch to Martha!

Showing off her sketching trophy!

Awesome tuneage provided by Vodka & Donuts!

Robin was our first audience model; his posing skills are pretty sick.

I took my turn as an audience model!

Debbie wins!

Another audience model; his pose was pretty intense, it was a hot night!

Sketching away!

Mr. Blanky gettin' some love.

What's cool about this guy is that he just came in off the street and started freestyling with Vodka & Donuts.

Lucan held this pose for 20 minutes! Girl's got skills! This was also our grande finale, with a sweet Tsuchi Vinyl as a prize.

It was also prom night at the Harbor; these guys stopped by to check out the show, and picked up from free SCION merch as well.

Kelly Castillo: Renaissance Reduxx, Opening Success!

Kelly Castillo's solo show premiering her 2010 series, Renaissance Reduxx, was a grand success. A big thanks to all who came out and showed their support, as well as a definite hand of applause for our visiting model, Mourna, without whom our sketching session would not have been such a triumph, and our live music accompaniment; Vodka & Donuts. It was a treat having Kelly here sketching alongside of us, as well. Besides Shane losing his cup throughout the night, I don't think any of us could have asked for a better opening gala.

We had a multitude of winning sketchers who took home prizes, which included special edition sketchbooks featuring designs by the lovely Kelly Castillo, or collectible figurines from our private stash. Our winners were judged depending on personal taste, sexiest or funniest representation, and overall 'mad skills' by both Mourna and our volunteer audience models. It was definitely exciting seeing everyone jumping in and getting in on the action.

The sketching session was such a hit with the crowd, that we're going to continue the tradition with our next opening in July featuring work by the Brooklyn-based Miami native, Tatiana Suarez and her solo series Malagueta.

For more pictures of Kelly's show, and from previous Art Whino adventures, check out our Facebook page!

--Megan Laurine, resident blogger & MC