Design Notes + Photos

Cross-posted at ReadysetDC: A Creative Urban Enterprise

Joan Belmar is a wonderful local artist that you should know about. He is represented by Nevin Kelly Gallery and funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. This week is your last chance to enjoy his mini-retrospective at the Chilean Embassy, featuring works from 1995 to present. Dubbed "Migrations," the exhibition is a good opportunity to inspect the way in which Joan's work has matured: from his earlier mixed-media techniques to his current signature style and the elements that connect them.

I had the privilege to attend the "Migrations" opening reception at the Chilean Embassy earlier this month, a cultural event attended by celebrities and friends alike. Cristian Campos, a famous Chilean actor, was present with his wife actress Maria Jose Prieto (see this YouTube clip, where Cristian looks pretty badass). Also at the opening was Charles Krause, survivor of the Guyana Massacre and an avid art collector and journalist (see this PBS link).

Many friends and supporters praised Joan at the reception, including Jim & Minna N Nathanson, Barbara Liotta, Elaine Reuben, Constance Bergfors, Eve Hennessa, Shanti Norris (Executive Director at Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts), Ellyn Weiss, Sondra Arkin, Mikray Pida, Katya Romero, Humberto Fuentes  (Manuel Zapata Olivella Center), Victoria Montero and Alejandra Ruiz-dana.