Crystal City to Host Artomatic

A full-fledged Artomatic will take place from April 13 through May 20 this year at the former U.S. Patent and Trademark building at 2121 Crystal Drive in Crystal City, says Artomatic chair George Koch.

Unable to find space in D.C., Artomatic’s organizers forged a partnership with the Crystal City Business Improvement District to identify a building big enough to support the unjuried explosion of art, Koch says. “We were very disappointed” not to find a space in D.C., but “we’re really happy to be in Crystal City,” he says. According to Koch, artists should keep an eye on Artomatic’s Web site, where they will be able to register for the event sometime next week. Press release after the jump.

Crystal City Celebrates the Arrival of Artomatic

Crystal City, VA - The Crystal City Business Improvement District (CCBID) is pleased to announce the upcoming arrival of Washington’s artist extravaganza known as Artomatic.

Occurring four times since 1999, Artomatic transforms found spaces into a living, exciting arts community that is free and open to the public. This six-week event is the collective synergy of hundreds of participating artists and the energy of the thousands of people who visit. Artomatic shows have drawn 20,000 to 50,000 visitors, who come to look, absorb, question, and identify what they like from this talented community of artists. This marks the Artomatic debut in Northern Virginia.

In the heart of Crystal City, Artomatic will convert two floors of the former U.S. Patent and Trademark building (2121 Crystal Drive) into a showcase of engaging works, performances, and educational presentations. Nearby Crystal City Metro provides easy access and there’s plenty of parking within the area.

“The goal of the Crystal City Business Improvement District is to change the way people perceive and experience Crystal City,” said Angela Fox, Executive Director for the Crystal City BID. “We are bringing things to see and do here - into a place that is already central, accessible, has ample free parking, and lots of wonderful restaurants. Artomatic is the perfect partner to help us get there. We are very excited to be their host as they debut in Virginia, and we welcome the many artists and spectators who are looking for fun and adventure in their own backyards.”

“We are excited about our collaboration with the Crystal City BID.” According to George Koch, Chair of Artomatic, Inc. “We believe that launching Artomatic in Crystal City will substantially increase future exhibition and presentation opportunities for local visual artists, poets, actors, dancers and musicians as they expand their creativity in the new Crystal City. The Crystal City BID and its members have already become strong new partners for Artomatic.”

Artomatic will kick-off its collaboration with the Crystal City BID with an opening night celebration on Friday, April 13, 2007. The event will run for six-weeks, closing on Sunday, May 20, 2007.

Artomatic Gallery Hours (April 13 - May 20, 2007):
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Noon - 10PM
Thursday: Noon - 11PM
Friday, Saturday: Noon - 1AM
Closed Mondays

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