The new year lands on the wrong day. January 1 is in the middle of winter and feels like an inauspicious time for new beginnings. Maybe it comes from years of starting school in the fall, but that’s when I find myself eager for new projects and experiences. This year I’m getting my wish.
Artomatic is returning to Frederick in just a few weeks. If you visited or participated in Artomatic@Frederick 2011 you know what I’m talking about.
If not, imagine hundreds of artists showing work in a wide range of media and styles. There will also be live music, film screenings, drawing sessions with costumed models, poetry readings, fashion, dance and other performances. And it’s all free!
Like last time, it will be in the old board of education building at 115 Church Street in Frederick. This year the adjacent building has been added, so it should be even bigger and better than before.
There are still good spaces left and I encourage any artists who are still undecided to join us. There’s no jury. Space assignments are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration deadline is Thursday, August 15 at 12 a.m., so hurry!
Everyone does 15 volunteer hours and pays $100. The fee may seem like a lot, but I thought it was well worth it for a five-week show. That said, most of us would be disappointed it we saw this event solely as a way to make the big bucks. You will meet a lot of cool people and get great exposure. I only made two small sales at the event that barely covered expenses, but I got some design jobs and a show (with good sales) as a direct result of the 2011 Artomatic. And you can’t put a price on the sense of community and the chance to show your art your way.
If you’re not an artist and are looking for something fun to do, I invite you to visit. It’s pretty overwhelming so you’ll probably want to come more than once.
Artomatic@Frederick 2013 runs from September 4 – October 5. Hours are: Wednesdays from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m., Thursdays from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m., Fridays from 12 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 11p.m. and Sundays from 12 – 5 p.m.
Ruby Window 