Connect 4: at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library downtown - Part 3

Update 6/25/2013: Announcement

Samuel Scharf: Nothing is the Same. at Flashpoint Gallery 06.27.13 – 07.27.13
Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 12 to 6 pm

More Info Here and Pictures

Update 6/11/2013: Opening Photographs and Content 
Update 6/9/2013: Installation Photographs and Content

Connect 4* is a series of temporary public art projects at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library produced by CulturalDC**. This series takes the visual art program off-site and enlivens the library space with work by local contemporary artists. The participating artists are Brian Davis, Nekisha Durrett, Samuel Scharf and Anna Tsouhlarakis. The series opened with pieces by Brian Davis, Circuit, and Nekisha Durrett, O'er Yonder. Now we move on to the 3rd in the series, a two part installation by Samuel Scharf called Growth and I See You that responds directly to the architecture and public nature of the space. 

(concept) Samuel Scharf's Growth

Update 6/9/2013
I had the opportunity to chat with Samuel, and not wanting to supply "spoilers", the structure (see below) consists of a wooden frame that will be covered with panels created from the floor pattern. If I say "stealth" is that a give away? Well I know one thing, people will be wowed by this.

Installation of the structure is actually quite labor intensive and has to be precise

The structure will be ready Samuel Scharf insists, but there is more than just this piece....you are going to have to visit the MLK Jr. Memorial Library to find out what it is

There will be an opening reception with the artist Samuel Scharf, on Tuesday, June 11 from 5-7PM in the lobby of the Library. Come by see the work and say high to a very talented local artist.

If you did not get to see the first two excellent installations by Nekisha Durrett or Brian Davis, here's your chance to support DC's local artists.Viewing times are the same as the MLK Jr. Memorial Library, so no excuses.

Update 6/11/2013
This evening the two installations by Samuel Scharf have been unveiled. "Growth", emerging out of the floor of the massive MLK Jr. Library lobby, and "I See You" by the library entrance

Emerging out of the floor of the main lobby

"Growth"The structure that earlier I had shown as a wooden frame, during installation, now covered with drywall panels that use the same 'pattern' as the library's stone floor, and backlit, emerges as though pushed from below.

The back-lighting draws you in closer

Quoting the attribution: "The artwork responds to the vastness of the (library) lobby and encourages visitors to stop and ponder the ambiguous object that occupies this public space. The interior lights work as a beacon to bring viewers to the piece and encourages them to stop, meet and discuss ideas"

Samuel Scharf created a "stealth effect" between the floor and the pieces panels

Artist meets art lover, DC shows its willingness to support local artists

The second piece is titled "I See You" connects the MLK Jr. Library with the Flashpoint Gallery across G Street NW. Here artist Samuel Scharf has created a "Steampunk" style telescope, encased in a block of clear plastic. Looking from the library's entrance across G Street to a similar telescope in the Flashpoint Gallery.

Like something out of a Steampunk story the telescope at the library window on G Street

Again to quote the attribution: (the) artwork connects the library's public space with Flashpoint Gallery space. It invites the viewer to use telescopes installed at the windows of both spaces to peer across the street.....go ahead take a look"

"go ahead take a look"

As with the previous opening receptions, for Nekisha Durrett and Brian Davis, tonight's event was very well attended and the artwork was well received. DC proves yet again that it loves its art, and is willing to get out and support local artists and their art. The final artist in the Connect 4 project will be Anna Tsouhlarakis, who just recently had a successful exhibition at the Flashpoint Gallery, look for information on Anna's installation later in the summer.

My thanks to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library staff, who have been so helpful to me while I cover Connect 4, and so gracious at the same time.

*Connect 4, a CulturalDC public project is generously supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and by Timothy Hyde. In-kind support for Nekisha Durrett's project was provided by CSI Printing and Graphics.
**CulturalDC is a non-profit arts organization that makes space for art. CulturalDC operates Flashpoint at 916 G Street NW and Source at 1835 14th Street NW.