BEAD’s February Exhibit to feature work from Local Artist Joel Washington

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2010

For more information, please contact:
Miah Michaelsen, Assistant Economic Development Director for the Arts, City of Bloomington, 349-3534
Danny Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-CITY, lopezd@bloomington.in.gov



Bloomington, IN - The City of Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District (BEAD) Atrium Art Exhibit Program will showcase paintings by local artist Joel Washington in an exhibit entitled "The Birthday Show: 50," which will run from February 5-26 in the City Hall Atrium, 401 N. Morton Street.

The show, which coincides with Washington's 50th birthday and the City's Black History Month activities, will feature fifty of the artist's newer works on canvas. An opening reception and birthday celebration will be Friday, Feb. 12, from 5-8 p.m., also in the City Hall Atrium. Light refreshments, including a birthday cake, will be provided.

Washington has long been a fixture on the Bloomington arts scene. His acrylic works on canvas primarily focus on vibrant interpretive portraits of jazz, blues, and rock and roll icons, but politics and countercultural imagery also play a role. His work shows the influence of artists such as Andy Warhol, Peter Max, Basquiat, Leroy Nieman and Roger Dean, and his pieces can be found around Bloomington at the Indiana University Memorial Union, the African American Arts Institute, Rhino's Youth Center, Roadworthy Guitar and the Laughing Planet. Additional information on Washington and his work can be found at www.joelwashingtonart.com.

The City of Bloomington is committed to providing opportunities for Bloomington and area artists to exhibit artwork in the City Hall Atrium. For more information on the program, contact Miah Michaelsen, City Assistant Economic Development Director for the Arts, at michaelm@bloomington.in.gov or 349-3534.

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