With easy access to Washington’s internationally known museums such as The National Gallery of Art, the Corcoran Gallery and the Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, there would seem little reason for resident lovers of art to head 40 miles north to Baltimore for a creative fix.
In fact, there are two great reasons for a 2010 visit: The Contemporary Museum and the American Museum of Visionary Art (AVAM) – both novel and forward moving.
The Contemporary Museum, as its mission statement notes, “promotes the arts and culture of our time by producing and presenting new works, new thinking and new practices that are immediately relevant.” Additionally, the museum has earned international acclaim, not only for its exhibitions and innovative programming, but also for its unique collaborations with artists, curators, critics and community members.
This year the Contemporary celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a year-long,
“Project 20 Exhibition” that commemorates past exhibits while continuing to embrace all of the newest and best in contemporary art.
“I invited 20 people from the museum’s past, curators, directors and artists who had significant projects here to select one artist to be in this series of exhibitions,” said the Contemporary’s executive director,” Irene Hoffman. “We were able to bring a lot of people back into the fold and connect with new artists.”
Beginning today, Washingtonians will experience the exciting and electrifying exhibit, “Participation Nation: Art Invites Input,” a showcase of new works by the Los Angeles art collective, Finishing School, Neighborhood Public Radio (Albuquerque, Chicago and San Francisco) and by conceptual artist Lee Mingwei, whose works are based on collaboration between himself and the public.
District and area residents may be familiar with Baltimore’s inner harbor, having visited for an Orioles game, or trips to the National Aquarium and Science Center.
But how many look up over the impressive Federal Hill Park and notice the brightly colored, 55 foot-tall, wind powered whirligig that serves as a beacon to the world of unique art housed in the American Visionary Art Museum?
Within the walls of an architecturally magnificent 35,000-square foot main building and a tall sculpture barn (once a warehouse) with adjacent sculpture garden, are thousands of displays by “brut” or “outsider” artists. These interchangeable terms refer to self-taught individuals, usually without formal training, whose works arise from a vision deep within and somehow finds its way to the creative act itself.
“Many people come not necessarily being familiar with the term ‘visionary’ as it pertains to art [but] they know it when they see it,” said AVAM spokesperson, Pete Hilsee. “The artwork and the artists’ stories have a way of reaching people here.”
Particularly exciting is the current exhibit, “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”, a re-examination, through outsider art of our national values.
Laughter, tears and lively debate are encouraged when visiting.
“There’s no ‘hushing’ at this museum,” Hilsee said.
