Patriotism and American Pride will take to the runway when the 5th Annual Cosmo Couture Fashion & Design Event returns to Artisphere on Thursday, September 18th. The popular event where interior and exterior collide is produced by theWashington Metro City Center (WMCC) of the International Interior Design Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter (IIDA-MAC).
Cosmo Couture 2014 fosters a direct collaboration between local Architecture and Interior Design firms and their manufacturing partners in the Washington DC area, to create garments reflecting a given theme. Imagine garments made out of interior materials such as tile, carpet, wood, vinyl, glass and rubber – materials used in the built environment and finding ways to apply them to haute couture fashion, creating a bridge between fashion and architecture.
The garments are judged by a talented panel of DC and design industry notables (to be announced soon) during a runway show with awards given to design teams in different categories. Twenty-five design teams will participate in this year’s event.
Each year WMCC selects the theme from which the design teams create creations out of interior materials. This year Cosmo Couture pays tribute to the image that most embodies Washington, D.C. — the President of the United States. Nothing exemplifies Washington, D.C. more than its chief resident.
Washington, D.C., however, was not the first residence of the President. In April 1789, following his inauguration as the first President of the United States, George Washington occupied two executive mansions in New York City. In 1790, Congress enacted the Residence Act which officially established Washington, D.C. as the permanent seat of government for the United States and accordingly, as the new residence of the President. In that same year, the capital moved temporarily to Philadelphia where the President resided for 10 years while the new “Federal City” was under construction. On November 1, 1800, President John Adams became the first president to live in the White House. Since then, Washington, D.C. has been the residence of every U.S. President.
Each design team randomly selected one of the 44 U.S. Presidents at the Cosmo Couture 2014 kick-off party held in May. The design of each haute couture garment will be inspired by the period in which that President served. Design teams are currently exploring the political status during those years, social issues, fashion trends or even global events that marked each era.
For the fifth consecutive year, the beneficiary for the event is My Sister’s Place – DC’s oldest domestic violence shelter providing comprehensive programs and services that holistically address domestic violence and the unique challenges survivors face.
Cosmo Couture attracts approximately 800 attendees each year.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Cosmo Couture 2014 – Fashion & Interior Design Event (5th Annual)
Presented by: Washington Metro City Center of the International Interior Design Association – Mid Atlantic Chapter
Beneficiary: My Sister’s Place
When: Thursday, September 18, 2014
Where: Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA
Time: 5:00-10:00PM
VIP Reception 5:00-6:00PM, Cocktails 6:00-7:30PM, Runway Show 7:30-9:00PM, Desserts 9:00-10:00PM
Website: www.cosmocouture.org
Social: Twitter: @cosmocoutureDC Facebook: https://www.
The Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District (MVT CID) announces “Color the K”, an inaugural art explosion event to be held at 5th and K Streets, NW on Saturday, September 27th. Designed for full community participation and interaction, the free activities will include creation of a temporary mural led by local artist Rose Jaffe, chalk art demonstrations and areas for kids and adults to participate, a hardware art show hosted by 5th Street Ace Hardware and more. Activities will be held alongside the Saturday morning Mount Vernon Triangle FRESHFARM Market from 10 am to 1 pm.
“Involving our community in artistic expression is one of the ways we can connect to each other and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of the Mount Vernon Triangle community,” said MVT CID President, Claire Schaefer Oleksiak. “We look forward to the Color the K mural, led by Rose Jaffe, and the chalk art expression adding colorful imagery to the corner of 5th & K.”
Color the K joins Art4All DC, presented by Cultural Tourism DC, in celebrating art in the city.
WHAT: FIGMENT DC – Free Participatory Art Phenomenon
WHEN: Saturday September 27, 11am-5pm, Sunday September 28, 11am-5pm
WHERE: Anacostia Park, Section E at the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion, WDC
A “Leave No Trace” event, FIGMENT DC features local artists whose art submerges participants in interactive co-creation. The event is totally free and open to the public, and provides a much-needed platform for emerging artists to engage with a diverse audience, and share their artistic visions. In a culture where passive spectatorship often prevails over active engagement, FIGMENT DC builds community among urban residents and suburbanites alike, as we all collaborate together in generating our collective FIGMENT experience. Family-friendly and completely non-commercial, FIGMENT transforms the beautiful outdoor space of Anacostia Park into a magical, colorful playground that everyone can enjoy.
“FIGMENT is an opportunity for our DC community to come together and enjoy art in all its forms,” says Patty Simonton, director of FIGMENT DC 2014. “Unlike most art galleries in Washington, FIGMENT erases the lines between those who create and those who view art so that everyone can become an artist. DC really does have a thriving, creative arts community and this event brings that artistic energy out to a broad audience.”
Concurrent with the announcement of FIGMENT DC 2014 dates, organizers have launched a crowdfunding campaign, “Your Creativity, Your Participation, Your FIGMENT” to raise $9,200 to provide logistics and services such as water, security, equipment and other associated costs. Strictly non-commercial and not for profit, FIGMENT DC accepts no corporate funding or advertising, and hence relies entirely upon individual donations and support. Consistent with the FIGMENT ethos of participation and personal creativity, “perks,” or gifts given in gratitude for donations, include interactive experiences such as singing lessons. Local DC area artists have also made their artworks available as gifts, to help the campaign meet its goal. The campaign, along with a new video about why FIGMENT is such a special part of the creative community in the Greater Washington area can be found at: http://startsomegood.com/
WHAT: FIGMENT DC – Free Participatory Art Phenomenon
WHEN: Saturday September 27, 11am-5pm, Sunday September 28, 11am-5pm
WHERE: Anacostia Park, Section E at the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion, WDC
A “Leave No Trace” event, FIGMENT DC features local artists whose art submerges participants in interactive co-creation. The event is totally free and open to the public, and provides a much-needed platform for emerging artists to engage with a diverse audience, and share their artistic visions. In a culture where passive spectatorship often prevails over active engagement, FIGMENT DC builds community among urban residents and suburbanites alike, as we all collaborate together in generating our collective FIGMENT experience. Family-friendly and completely non-commercial, FIGMENT transforms the beautiful outdoor space of Anacostia Park into a magical, colorful playground that everyone can enjoy.
“FIGMENT is an opportunity for our DC community to come together and enjoy art in all its forms,” says Patty Simonton, director of FIGMENT DC 2014. “Unlike most art galleries in Washington, FIGMENT erases the lines between those who create and those who view art so that everyone can become an artist. DC really does have a thriving, creative arts community and this event brings that artistic energy out to a broad audience.”
Concurrent with the announcement of FIGMENT DC 2014 dates, organizers have launched a crowdfunding campaign, “Your Creativity, Your Participation, Your FIGMENT” to raise $9,200 to provide logistics and services such as water, security, equipment and other associated costs. Strictly non-commercial and not for profit, FIGMENT DC accepts no corporate funding or advertising, and hence relies entirely upon individual donations and support. Consistent with the FIGMENT ethos of participation and personal creativity, “perks,” or gifts given in gratitude for donations, include interactive experiences such as singing lessons. Local DC area artists have also made their artworks available as gifts, to help the campaign meet its goal. The campaign, along with a new video about why FIGMENT is such a special part of the creative community in the Greater Washington area can be found at: http://startsomegood.com/
Adrienne Arsht Chair
Honorary Chairs: Representative Kevin McCarthy and Representative Steny Hoyer
Invite You To A Gala Evening
KEVIN SPACEY IN CONCERT
To Benefit The Kevin Spacey Foundation and Youth Arts Programs
Monday September 29, 2014
Shakespeare Theatre in the Harman Center
This exclusive one-night-only concert will be an entertaining evening of stories and song by the two-time Academy Award winner and star of the Netflix hit series, House of Cards, Kevin Spacey. It is a unique opportunity to hear this gifted artist perform standards from the swing era, and popular classics from the Great American Songbook accompanied by the Kevin Spacey Orchestra.
[Current $104 ticket allocations have now sold out. Further tickets will be released shortly. VIP tickets are still available. Email info@kevinspaceyfoundation.com to receive future updates.]
Tickets are available via the following link: http://www.shakespearetheatre.org/events/details.aspx?id=384&source=l
The Bentzen Ball Comedy Festival
Opening Night
Oct 1st, 7pm Doors
@ Lincoln Theatre
1215 U Street NW
$30 tickets
On Sale Now
Featuring
Tig Notaro
(Conan / This American Life / The Sarah Silverman Program / In A World… / Professor Blastoff)
Jeff Garlin
(Curb Your Enthusiasm / The Goldbergs / WALL-E)
Kyle Kinane
(Comedy Central Presents / Drunk History)
Kate Berlant
(IFC Comedy Drop / Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival)
Ben Kronberg
(Ted & Gracie / Last Comic Standing)
& your Host
Brandon Wetherbee
(BYT / YMTE)
+ more TBA
Art Buzz Rooftop Soiree to Support the DC Collaborative: On October 15th, Cher Castillo Freeman will host an Art Buzz @ Sunset rooftop soiree at the Embassy Row Hotel (2015 Massachusetts Avenue) from 6 to 9 p.m. Join on the rooftop for drinks for a great cause, munch on select appetizers and vie for raffled goodies with a beautiful view of the DC skyline. This event supports the D.C. Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative’s efforts to provide DC public and chartered schools with access to cultural opportunities throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Each year 30,000 students from DC public schools attend 500 + free performances at our nation’s world-class cultural institutions through their efforts. $1 from every draft beer and glass of wine ordered will be donated to the organization. A suggested donation of $10 is requested at the door and you can purchase in advance at http://bit.ly/ArtBuzzDC
David Sedaris has leveraged his sardonic wit and incisive social critiques to become one of America’s preeminent humor writers. Beginning with his wildly popular “Santaland Diaries,” the great skill with which Sedaris slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that he is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition. He visits his D.C. “home away from home,” the Music Center at Strathmore, on Friday, October 17, 2014 at 8 p.m. Says the San Francisco Chronicle: “Sedaris belongs on any list of people writing in English at the moment who are revising our ideas about what’s funny.” For more information or to purchase tickets, call (301) 581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.
In addition to “Barrel Fever,” Sedaris is the author of “Holidays on Ice,” as well as collections of personal essays, “Naked,” “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim,” “When You Are Engulfed in Flames,” and his most recent book, “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls,” each of which became an immediate bestseller. The audio version of “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls” was a 56th Annual Grammy nominee for Best Spoken Word Album. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling collection of fables entitled “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary.”
Sedaris’s pieces appear regularly in The New Yorker and have twice been included in “The Best American Essays.” There are a total of seven million copies of his books in print and they have been translated into 25 languages.
He and his sister Amy Sedaris have collaborated under the name “The Talent Family” and have written half-a-dozen plays which have been produced at La Mama, Lincoln Center, and The Drama Department in New York City. These plays include “Stump the Host,” “Stitches,” “One Woman Shoe,” which received an Obie Award, “Incident at Cobbler’s Knob,” and “The Book of Liz,” which was published in book form by Dramatists Play Service.
David Sedaris’s original radio pieces can often be heard on This American Life. David Sedaris has been nominated for three Grammy awards for Best Spoken Word and Best Comedy Album. His most recent audio recording of new stories (recorded live) is “David Sedaris: Live for Your Listening Pleasure.”
A feature film adaptation of his story “C.O.G.” was released after a premier at the Sundance Film Festival (2013).
