Around the Way Art

BUMMED THAT THIS YEAR'S Artomatic extravaganza has been pushed out of Washington, D.C., to Crystal City? Well, Studio 14 has the perfect antidote with the Friday-night opening of "Wish I Was There," an art exhibition in Logan Circle.

Nestled in a brake-repair shop that will be remodeled into the home of the graphic-design company Fathom Creative, the art show will feature art from Gary Fisher, Glenn Fry, Jason Wright and John Talkington — the collective who make up Studio 14 — and the kickoff will groove to sounds from DJ Daweson.

While some people argue that D.C.'s gentrification is increasingly squeezing out spaces for artists to create, Studio 14 seizes upon the shift as an opportunity. "It's bringing in a lot of new money and people, who need to decorate. These people want real art on their walls," says Fisher. "Art is good for the 'hood. We've gone out of our way to emphasize that when businesses move in the neighborhood. We let them know that having an artist next door and supporting that artist is good for the neighborhood."

To further illustrate Studio 14's marketing savvy, it's managed to get donations from Halo bar and Duplex Diner for food and liquor. In return, Studio 14 is donating 15 percent of its sales to the Patricia M. Sitar Center for the Arts. "It's just good karma," says Fry.

"Wish I Was There" is a theme-less exhibition that will showcase Fry's luminous silkscreen painting, Wright's mixed-media illustrations of religious icons, and Talkington and Fisher's vibrant abstract and figurative paintings.

In addition to showing his new work, "Joy of Success," Fry will
unveil two new series focusing on New York and femininity, while Talkington will display his series, "Seismic," which expands upon his often serene, bucolic abstractions to include more urban, rapid-movement touchstones.

"We didn't want to do your typical stuffy art show with white walls, people drinking glasses of wine and looking at what everybody is wearing," says Wright. "We want everyone to have a good time and enjoy our neighborhood, filled with different ages, races and ethnic backgrounds. It's about good music, a cool space and cool art."

» Jenson's Brake Repair, 1333 14th St. NW; opening reception Fri, 7 p.m., through Sat; 202-549-9697.

Written by Express contributor John Murph
Art by Gary Fisher