Tug-of-War at WPA

Blurring the line between Art and Craft a panel discussion and interactive event
Wednesday, April 22nd 5:30 - 7:30pm

WPA headquarters
2023 Massachusetts Ave. NW
in conjunction with the James Renwick Alliance & Smithsonian's Craftweek DC

Washington Project for the Arts is excited to participate in the JRA & Smithsonian's first annual Craftweek DC by hosting a lively discussion on the subject of "Art vs. Craft". The event will take place on Wednesday, April 22nd from 5:30 - 7:30pm at the WPA headquarters in Dupont Circle.

Curator and art critic, Jeffry Cudlin, will moderate a panel discussion between members of both the art and craft communities in DC- revealing their thoughts on what differentiates the two 'sides'. The discussion provides a framework for understanding the concepts and breaking down the divide between what is considered fine art and craft.

When all is said and done, panelists and audience members will be invited to participate in our very first Art vs. Craft tug-of-war on a nearby grassy knoll (rain or shine). The tug, a metaphor for the discussion, is a fun way to illustrate the way some artists dance between both realms while others live on one side or the other.

Participants:
Moderator:
Jeffry Cudlin- artist, established art critic, and Director of Exhibitions at the Arlington Arts Center (www.jeffrycudlin.com / www.arlingtonartscenter.org)

Panelists:
Rebecca Cross- Artist and owner of Cross Mackenzie Ceramic Arts in Georgetown's Canal Square (www.crossmackenzie.com)

Steven Frost- WPA member artist working in textiles and mixed media. Steve also makes messenger bags from recycled materials and is Director of Admissions at Corcoran College of Art and Design. (www.stevenfrost.com)

Kelly Rand- arts contributor for DCist, lead writer for the blog, Crafting A Green World, crafter and craft event organizer. (www.kellyrand.com)

Anne Surak- independent curator and director of Project 4 gallery (www.project4gallery.com)

This event is free and open to the public but space is limited. Please rsvp to: kbilonick[at]wpadc[dot]org

For more information on Craftweek DC, visit: www.craftweekdc.com