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‘Popping’ art, ‘trashy’ theater mix at nonprofit D.C. Arts Center

(Published September 7, 1998)

By LUTISHIA PHILLIPS

Staff Writer

The District of Columbia Arts Center (DCAC) in Adams Morgan may not have the wall space for a Gordon Parks exhibit like the Corcoran and probably won’t be stampeded by musical theater enthusiasts searching for Ragtime. But the center’s executive director, B. Stanley, said the 1,300-square-foot gallery and 50-seat black box theater is a definite supporter of new and emerging art and artists.

"If it’s ‘new and emerging art,’ it’ll be hung," Stanley said.

What is considered "new and emerging art"?

Maybe pieces like Darla De Martino’s "Skin Popping," which is a mixed media of syringes arranged in a cross with pieces of Coca-Cola cans mounted on a white board. Or possibly some spherical pottery reflecting the colors of the deep ocean with long snakelike shapes evolving from each opening.

Guests coming to see a performance at the theater usually wander throughout the long gallery, which is also the waiting area until the show begins. Theatergoers also have to pass through it to get to the theater.

DCAC’s gallery has hosted more than 60 visual art exhibitions, Stanley said.

Each year, the DCAC sponsors an open gallery exhibition featuring D.C. artists. This year’s opening of the "1460 Wall Mountables" exhibit raised about $2,000, Stanley said.

DCAC members received five free spaces to display their art. Nonmembers paid $5 for each 2 foot-by- 2 foot space. All artists competed to win $100 for the best piece.

Stanley said becoming a "famous artist" is a lifetime investment.

"Artists can spend their whole lives creating, collecting and selling pieces and never become famous," he said.

One of the center’s goals is to provide a professional venue for young theater companies like Cherry Red Productions, whose version of "Salome" by Oscar Wilde is currently running at the theater through Sept. 12. The play, directed by D.C. playwright Ian Allen, is among the many eclectic productions that have graced the center’s "up close and personal" flat stage.

"It’s also the cheapest rental theater in town," Stanley said. At just $150 a night, it’s no wonder the center’s theater has been host to almost 1,000 poetry, dance and music events during the past seven years.

Manned by a four-person staff that broke from the corporate Washington Project for the Arts in 1989, DCAC is devoted to helping new artists get a foothold in the public arena, Stanley said. Board member Herb White donated the space to the group.

"But we have to keep the lights and air conditioning on," Stanley said, noting the realities of running a nonprofit. Stanley, who also acts as receptionist at times, describes his job as wearing many hats.

"I’m the carpenter, repairman, a promoter, writer…, " he said.

The Theater Conspiracy, a woman’s theater company, received good reviews when it performed at the center and has performed out of town. Stanley said the group’s repertoire is based on issues of Mexican women.

But before performers make it to the big time on DCAC’s stage, they must review the theater’s manual that explains how the center assists performers and expectations for publicity and maintenance.

Stanley said DCAC lists performances in a bimonthly calendar sent to all members of the center.

"We’ve had companies come that didn’t know anything about how to publicize their show," Stanley said. He said the manual also has a guide for publicity.

"With some companies we have to get them in the position to make a reasonable proposal," Stanley said.

Stanley, a director himself, said the center also offers a theater lab with drama classes for all that want to learn the finer points of acting.

The D.C. Arts Center Gallery, at 2438 18th St. NW, is open 2-6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 2-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Admission is free. For more information about theater performances and the gallery, call D.C. Arts Center at (202) 462-7833.

Copyright 1998, The Common Denominator