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With the backing of many of the areas most prestigious institutions and companies, including the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, support for the cause is clear. Founded in 2008, the premise of FotoWeek DC is a non-profit organization with a simple yet effective goal: to celebrate the power of photography. Showing works from a wide selection of artists, ranging from those who live and work locally – such as photographer Shannon Finney , to internationally acclaimed photo journalistic works by Ed Kashi, and many more.
The annual week long event aims to bring together local, national and international photographers through the promotion of their work with exhibitions, sponsored photographic-themed events and a good healthy sprinkling of revelry. Free entry to a majority of the events ensures a picture perfect ending to the jam-packed listings calendar. However, with so many events in so many different locations the only ‘negative’ muttered by some is that of, ‘Too much choice, spread too wide’. Next year’s organization may benefit in having a few more highlighted headline events, along with one single comprehensive calendar with all events listed. Or, maybe a Foto-Month may be in order for 2010?
Friday night brought the opening launch party with FotoWeek Central, based at the Georgetown headquarters, hosting the kick off festivities. The guest list included many of the exhibiting photographers, local art bodies along with a following of D.C. photo enthusiasts. The exposed brick walls of the FotoWeek hub acted as the perfect backdrop to the ‘International’ works being housed in this building. With the interaction between photographer and viewers a key theme in the week’s events, a live photo booth with the chance to grab some passport sized pictures with friends proved a blast.
FotoWeek DC runs from November 7th-14th, 2009. FotoWeekCentral is the main hub for FotoWeekDC, split over 5 locations in Georgetown. Admission is free, but visitors are asked to register at www.fotoweekdc.org. Check out the FotoWeek website for more information and full listings.
With events still running be sure to check out some of WL’s top picks for FotoWeek ’09.
FotoWeek Closing Gala. At Moderno (1939 12th St NW). Saturday November 14th, 2009. From 8pm-12am. Ticket $40. Available for purchase here
Lecture: Lucian Perkins, curator, featuring Ernesto Bazan, Matthew Niederhauser, Lori Grinker and Chris Hondros. 14th November, 2009. From 2pm-5pm. Corcoran Gallery of Art. $20 suggested donation.
Tech Pavillion: Learn about the latest technology, or get the expertise you need to use it. An array of photography equipment suppliers for browsing, demos, instructional presentations. Pepco’s Edison Place Gallery. 702 8th St (7th & E Sts), NW, WDC. $ Free
Guests enjoying the artwork at the opening night. Photograph with thanks to Paul Fetters
FotoWeek DC opening. Photograph with thanks to Mike Chepurin
FotoWeek visitors enjoying the exhibits. Photograph with thanks to Mike Chepurin
2nd Annual FotoWeek DC award ceremony. Photograph with thanks to Mike Chepurin
FotoWeek DC opening celebration. Photograph with thanks to Mike Chepurin
'PoshBooth' fun. Photograph with thanks to Mike Chepurin
