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Cover Image: Amazing Watercolor Techniques You Have to Try

PAINTING

Amazing Watercolor Techniques You Have to Try

by Candace Osmond

Watercoloring isn’t just a thing for the artists: it is straight-up therapeutic regardless of whether you have any talent or not (by the way, did you know that talent can be learned?). But if you’re serious about learning a thing or two about watercoloring, even if it’s just for creating better projects for your own personal satisfaction, here are some watercolor techniques you have to try.

Underpainting

Vintage style monochrome illustration of young pine-tree forest. Watercolor sepia painting

This technique basically describes a monochrome wash that allows you to create the painting’s first layer. Then, you will add more layers of transparent washes over this initial one, creating luminous effects that seem very real.

You can use shades of green, blue, or purple to help you get started. Paint within the outline of your subject, making sure that you use light brush strokes and take into account shade and light as well. The entire technique is based on using a single color, which allows you to focus on the shape a little bit more.

Make sure that you use a soft brush for this technique. When you’re done underpainting and want to move on to creating the next layer, make sure you leave it to dry first. This will prevent muddy colors.

Watercolor washes

Watercolor ultraviolet, purple and pink abstract background with washes

There are basically two types of watercolor washes, dry and wet:

  • If you want to create a dry wash, you will have to use a round or a flat brush and an angled surface (if you have an easel, absolutely use it for this technique). Choose a color that you like and mix it with plenty of water. Soak your brush in the color as much as you can, then use it to draw a steady horizontal line on the top side of your canvas/paper. There will be water dripping to the bottom edge of your line, so you’ll have to quickly dip your brush in color again and use it to make another stoke below the first one. You want to make sure that the top edge of the second line and the bottom edge of the first line overlap. You want to repeat the process until you’ve reached the bottom side of your paper. When you finish your final stroke, blot the brush on a piece of paper towel. With the dry tip, absorb any excess water that might have dripped to the bottom edge of your last stroke. Leave the paper to dry before removing it from the easel.
  • Wet washes are a bit more interesting to make. While very similar to dry wash, in this particular case you will have to moisten the paper before creating the strokes. To do that, dip a clean brush in water and brush the entire surface of the paper/canvas. When you’re done, simply create the lines of color, just like you did for the previously-shown technique.

Watercolor layers

Abstract watercolor background with yellow, blue, red layers

Let’s assume that you’ve painted a basic item, like a fruit. You will have to leave the paint to dry, and then you can add layers that will add dimension to your painting, but also color variations. Leaving the painting to dry before adding layers will prevent colors from blending together.

Simple paint the second color on top of the first one, but make sure that you avoid using too much water, or else the base layer will get moist and the colors will blend. If you want your second layer to have less severe lines, simply dip the brush in water and use gentle stroke to feather the line.

Watercolor blooms

You might have experienced these wet paint spreads that look like really abstract flowers. Those are called watercolor blooms, and they’re actually a pretty cool technique that you might want to know about, for future references and projects. What actually happens is that the original pigment spreads out when you use wet paint on a damp wash.

Watercolor garden and wild red flowers. Watercolor Floral bouquet illustration

If you want to know how to make these, it’s pretty simple. Create a colorful wet wash and leave it dry for a few minutes. Grab your brush and soak it in water. Touch the paper with the tip of the brush, allowing the liquid to create the blooms.

Pigment removal

Yes, it is actually possible to remove pigment from the painting, which can help correct a mistake or help you add more white space to your painting. The technique you have to apply depends on the state of the watercolor:

  • If you want to remove wet watercolors, you will have to blot your brush and use it to lift color from the paper. What happens is that the damp brush will absorb a lot of water, so make sure that you remove it quickly to make sure it picks up the color from the painting. Some prefer to use a paper towel to remove the color, but that won’t render the best results in all cases (works best when you want less controlled white space).
  • Dry watercolor is a bit more complicated to remove because you’ll actually have to use an eraser to do it. First off, water the area and then use a dry brush or a piece of paper towel to lift the color. Then you should be able to finish the job with an eraser.

Gradients

Top view of female hands drawing papaya with watercolor paints and paintbrush on yellow table

Gradients will always be the kings of colored PowerPoint presentation backgrounds, so why not learn how to paint them as well? Needless to say, color blending and gradients add a stunning visual effect to your paintings.

To master this technique, you will have to add watercolor to a wet paint surface. Right next to it, you can add a different color or perhaps a more intense version of the hue. Since the paints are both wet, they will likely blend in together to create the gradient. The wetness of the paint will determine the gradient result.

Feathering

Gradient works differently when you’re starting off with an intense color and want to end up with a more transparent one. Adding more color won’t do it. Instead, you’ll have to add water. This technique is called feathering, and it goes like this: you will have to start by adding strong color to your painting. Then, by using a wet brush, diffuse that color in order to create the gradients effect.

Lines

watercolor striped lines background

Lines are an important part of every painting, but that really depends on the style you’re going for. You can easily create lines using watercolor because you can control their shape and thickness when you have the right set of brushes. To practice this technique, create a bunch of lines that are placed next to one another.

If you’re looking to obtain the hatching or cross-hatching effect, you can either make these lines perpendicular or parallel to each other. Those of you that want to obtain clear lines, can use a pointed brush with color and just a little bit of water. The amount of water you use will determine if your lines are crisp or flowy.

Splattering

Collection of colorful abstract watercolor backgrounds

This is a really fun watercoloring technique to try because it allows you to get messy. They can help create paintings filled with energy, but it’s also a technique that’s more difficult to control compared to others where you basically just draw using your brush. There are three ways to obtain the splattering effect:

  • The tapping method requires that you fill your paintbrush with pigment, and then gently tap the brush above your paper. This technique is useful for those who want to cover a lot of ground with this particular effect, but it does make paint difficult to control.
  • The flicking method is all about getting your hands dirty. You fill your paintbrush with pigment and hold the brush so that its tip points at the paper. Using your other hand, run your fingers on the edge of the brush. As you do so, your finger will pull back the bristles, and the paint is launched onto the canvas when the bristles are released.
  • For a more controlled result, you can always use a stencil. Grab a piece of paper and then cut shapes inside it. Place the stencil over the canvas and splatter the paint using either one of the two techniques mentioned above.

Stippling

Abstract stippled texture. Love heart.

Stippling is the creation of several dots of paint in a concentrated area. The texture itself is fascinating and can be used for drawing leaves on tree branches, for instance. There are two approaches to this technique: you can either create overlapping dots for a freeform effect, or you can have a neat and tidy group of freshly-painted dots.

Depending on what you want the final result to look like, you can use a wet brush for a looser look, or so with a dry one that clearly points out the dots. Also depending on what you’re looking to stipple, make sure you use a brush that’s of an appropriate size.

Scumbling

This technique is defined by a series of brush strokes and irregular motions that can be used to make layers and lines of paint. It is the equivalent of scribbling if you will. Practicing this technique is all about simply drawing without trying to follow any rules or patterns.

Sponging

Using a sponge to paint can actually render some very interesting and cool results. This is an even better method to try if you want to create dense tree foliage, for example. All you have to do it drip the sponge in paint and then press it against the paper.

Using tape

Hand removing masking tape also known as sticky tape

Creating clean edges can be very complicated if you’ve yet to master a steady hand in your watercoloring endeavors. Not to worry, there is a trick that can help you and it is called tape. You can simply add tape to create the imaginary edges of your object, or even at the edges of the painting itself

You can use this technique any time you want to create hard edges, but you’ll have to make sure that the tape you use isn’t going to rip the paper apart when you’re trying to remove it. To prevent that from happening, you can buy painter’s tape. Make sure that you only remove the tape once the painting is dry, otherwise, you’re bound to end up with less elegant edges.

Darker details

Once you’ve moved on to more complicated projects, you’ll find yourself wanting to create dark details to finish off your work. That is precisely the trick that will get you the best results: leave the darkest colors and details for the end of the project.

Keep in mind that watercolor painting is a lot about using transparent medium, so your edges will be light until you’re ready to finish things off with dark curves, lines, and details.

Backwashing

Abstract acrylic and watercolor painted background. Texture paper.

This technique is perfect for many different drawings, and especially when you’re looking to draw water-like effects. Similar to blooms, backwashing requires that you use a wet wash of color and a tilted surface. You want your color to drift to one side of your painting, after which you can lie the paper flat. The effect will cause the water to sleep upwards as the water dries, creating a stunning visual effect.

Conclusion

If you’ve decided to try a bunch of these new watercolor techniques, keep in mind to stock on some of the prerequisites that will make your life easier, such as erasers, pencils, and paper towels. When you have everything close to you, it will be much easier to fix mistakes if it comes to that point.

Mastering watercolor techniques isn’t just about practicing your skill, but also about working with a variety of different brushes and quality paints, so make sure you stock up on those as well.

Amazing Watercolor Techniques You Have to Try - Info

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pa•per

Rosa Leff, Sorry Not Sorry, 2019, hand-cut paper plate, 12” x 12”

pa•per
A Group Exhibition Curated by Jason Chen

Paradigm Gallery + Studio

Exhibition Dates: April 26 – May 18, 2019
Opening Reception: April 26, 2019 5:30 – 10pm


Paradigm Gallery + Studio is pleased to present pa•per, a group exhibition of paper works curated by Paradigm co-founder Jason Chen, opening on April 26, 2019 and remaining on view through May 18, 2019.

There will be a public opening reception on April 26th from 5:30 – 10pm. Though paper is often thought of as craft material, Chen’s exhibition, pa•per, tries to re-contextualize the medium by showcasing 15 artists who use nontraditional techniques to elevate it.

Included in the exhibition is Baltimore-based Rosa Leff, who is a member of The Guild of American Papercutters. Two of Leff’s pieces in pa•per, Dinner’s On Me and Sorry Not Sorry, incorporate traditional imagery that you might find on fine china plates. All of her work is cut by hand from a single sheet of paper.

While the exhibition does not range in medium, it ranges in technique. From surgical X-Acto blade cuts to minimal collage to Sally Hewitt’s series of paper reliefs, paper is transformed by technique and treatment. India-based Nayan and Vaishali’s ongoing project, 730 Days of Miniature, poses a creative challenge on the seemingly limited nature of the material. Each day, they spend four to six hours meticulously creating miniature paper bird artworks. Each one is colored and cut by hand, and layered to create a “2.5 dimensional” piece. These works and the show itself treats paper not as a background or foundation for artworks, but as a transformable material.

Jason Chen specifically chose artists who have not been featured ever before at Paradigm. Artists participating in pa•per include: Kanako Abe, Daria Aksenova, Joey Bates, Albert Chamillard, Colette Fu, Lizzie Gill, Sally Hewett, Danielle Krysa, Rosa Leff, Huntz Liu, Ryan Sarah Murphy, Marianne R. Petit, Lucha Rodríguez, and Nayan and Vaishali. The gallery is known for working with established and emerging paper artists, but pa•per’s lineup is fresh and unexpected.

pa•per is curated around art that is pushed beyond its practical applications into the world of fine art. The capacity of paper as a medium, rather than a surface to paint or draw on, highlights its potential of exceeding expectations.

(left) Sally Hewitt, Paperback, 2019, cartridge paper manipulated using needles, bodkins and embossing tools, 12 x 10” (right) Nayan and Vaishali, Impala and Red-billed Oxpeckers, 2019, layered cut paper and watercolor, 9 x 9 cm

Paradigm Gallery + Studio
Paradigm Gallery + Studio® exhibits contemporary artwork from around the world with a focus on Philadelphia-based artists. Established February 2010, the gallery began as a project between co-founders and curators, Jason Chen and Sara McCorriston, as a space in which to create artwork, to exhibit the work of their peers, and to invite the members of the community to create and collect in a welcoming gallery setting. To this day the gallery still aims to welcome all collectors, from first time to lifelong, and continues to support accessible work that welcomes a wide audience.

Location: Paradigm Gallery + Studio, 746 S 4th St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
Media Contact: Lainya Magaña, A&O PR, lainya@aopublic.com

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Lithuanian Festival 2013

Lithuanian Festival 2013

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Lithuanian Embassy in the United States and the Lithuanian Honorary Consulate of Pennsylvania are pleased to announce a Lithuanian Festival of eventscelebrating the Lithuanian presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2013. In partnership with numerous Philadelphia organizations, fifteen events will give an unprecedented insight into Lithuania’s contemporary culture through its international award winners in art, design, jazz, photography, film, and cuisine; as well as world renowned scholars in politics, economics and history.

Lithuanian Ambassador to the U.S. Žygimantas Pavilionis noted, “Philadelphia has been kindly welcoming Lithuanians since the 19th century, and the current interest and enthusiasm is extraordinary. I am delighted that the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ is open to learning about our Baltic nation, and building bridges of insight and understanding in the world, celebrating that which is best in all people.”

This is the first Lithuanian Festival of this magnitude in Philadelphia, and is a keystone celebration of Lithuania’s EU presidency. All events are open to the public; for those events which require tickets or reservations, contacts are noted; events are listed below in chronologic order.

Living Foods Workshops

Location: Loreta’s Living Foods, 1291 Wisteria Dr., Malvern, PA. Time: Saturday, October 26, 2013, Noon-3 pm. Cost: $75 per person, reservations required, call 610-648.0241 or email lvainius@aol.com. See: www.loretaslivingfoods.com, www.livingann.com

The modern day living foods movement was founded by the late, Lithuanian born Ann Wigmore, who healed herself of cancer and countless others of myriad conditions by applying the Hippocratic maxim “Let food be your medicine.” Main Line resident Loreta Vainius studied with Ann Wigmore and many others, and is one of the foremost authorities today on the living foods lifestyle, which is growing in popularity all around the world. The medical and academic communities in Lithuania have embraced its concepts, constructed an Ann Wigmore memorial, and are integrating living foods into their research and commitment to creating the next paradigm of health care. At this workshop, participants will learn about organic raw, fermented and sprouted living foods, and learn how to sprout their own seeds at home, prepare energy soup, almond vegetable and herb pate, fruit “ice cream”, wheatgrass juice, and other healthy, revitalizing foods.

“Mugė” Lithuanian Community Fair

Location: Lithuanian Music Hall, 2715 East Allegheny Ave., Philadelphia Time: Saturday, November 2, Noon–9pm & Sunday, November 3, 2013, Noon–6pm Cost: Tickets can be purchased at the door, $5 adults and children under 12 free. See: www.lithuanianmha.org, for info call 215.739.4831

The annual “Mugė” Lithuanian Community Fair is organized by the Lithuanian American Community and features vendors selling handmade jewelry and ornaments, books, music and memorabilia; traditional Lithuanian savories and sweets including arguably the world’s best potato pancakes; Lithuanian folk and contemporary music, dancing, face-painting and games for children.

Lithuanian Inspired Dinner with Guest Chef Michael Laiskonis

Location: Sbraga, 440 S. Broad Street. Time: Wednesday, November 6; reservations accepted from 5pm–10pm. Cost: $75 per person for 5 course prix; reservations required, please call: 215.735.1913

Menu: Textures of Borscht Amuse Bouche; Herring with Smoked Potato, Pickled Parsnip and Carrot; Savory Lamb Dumpling “Cepelinai”; Roasted Duck with Chanterelle, Cabbage, and Fried Black Bread; Poppy Seed Beignet “Spurgos” with Huckleberry, Creme Fraiche Sorbet; Apple Confit with Rye Tuile, “Alus” Beer Ice Cream. See: www.sbraga.com, Facebook Michael Laiskonis.

Michael Laiskonis is trained in classic culinary traditions and has won international accolades from Guide Michelin, the James Beard Foundation, Bon Appetit and the New York Times among some. Proudly, he also celebrates his Lithuanian heritage, having traversed the Baltic nation, and creatively incorporated its traditions and flavors into totally modern new recipes. Kevin Sbraga, owner of the eponymous restaurant, has won his own share of laurels, most notably from Bocuse d’Or, Bravo’s Top Chef and Esquire magazine.

Contemporary Lithuanian Photography Lecture by Eglė Deltuvaitė

Location: The Print Center, 1614 Latimer Street, Philadelphia. Time: Thursday, November 7, 6pm. Cost: Free and open to the public, but reservations can be made by contacting Eli VandenBerg at 215.735.6090 x1 or evandenberg@printcenter.org See: www.printcenter.org, www.photography.lt,

Lithuanian Photography in the 20th & 21st Centuries

Lithuania has a vibrant and flourishing photographic culture, which embodies the European sensibility of inclusiveness and experimentation. Contemporary Lithuanian photography reveals the influence of classic traditions that originated with the Lithuanian school of the 1960s, as well as elements of the “aesthetics of boredom” and social landscapes of the 1980s, to the recent hybrids of neo-conceptualism, documentary and staged photography.

Eglė Deltuvaitė is one of the foremost photography curators in Lithuania. In 2008, she received her Master’s Degree in UNESCO Cultural Management and Cultural Policy from Vilnius Art Academy in Lithuania. She has worked with the Union of Lithuanian Art Photographers and coordinated numerous international cultural programs. She is currently acting director of the International Cultural Programme Centre, and director of the non-profit organization for photography and publishing projects “Culture Menu”.

The Print Center, founded in 1915, supports printmaking and photography as vital contemporary arts through exhibitions and related educational programs, art sales and an award-winning public school arts education program. This is the first time this lecture on Lithuanian photography will be presented in the US.

An Evening of Lithuanian Fare with Michael Laiskonis

Location: COOK, 253 S. 20th Street, Philadelphia. Time: Thursday, November 7, 7pm. Cost: $145 per person (includes class, dinner and beverage pairings); reservations required and will be accepted online after October 4 at www.audreyclairecook.com or 215.735.COOK

Menu: Borscht, Traditional and “Deconstructed”; Herring with Smoked Potato, Pickled Parsnip and Carrot; Savory Lamb Dumpling “Cepelinai”; Poppy Seed Beignet “Spurgos” with Huckleberry, Crme Fraiche Sorbet. See: www.audreyclairecook.com, Facebook Michael Laiskonis

Michael Laiskonis is trained in classic culinary traditions and has won international accolades from Guide Michelin, the James Beard Foundation, Bon Appetit and the New York Times among some. Proudly, he also celebrates his Lithuanian heritage, having traversed the Baltic nation, and creatively incorporated its traditions and flavors into totally modern new recipes. Opened in 2011, COOK is Philadelphia’s first state-of-the-art, fully equipped kitchen-classroom where guests enjoy chef tastings, culinary demonstrations and cooking classes in a beautiful, intimate setting. With the help of partners, Philadelphia Magazine and Foobooz, COOK provides a platform for learning, experimentation, menu tastings and private dining events focused on celebrating the craft of cooking, drinking and gathering at the table – a space where everyone from the aspiring novice chef to the most decorated master of cuisine can come share their love and knowledge of food and drink.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show featuring Lithuanian Guest Artists

Location: The Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street. Time: Thursday, November 7, and Friday, November 8, 11am-9pm; Saturday, November 9, 10am-6pm; Sunday, November 10, 10am-5pm. Cost: Tickets in advance, online at www.pmacraftshow.org; and at the door $15 per person. See: www.pmacraftshow.org; for info call 215.684.7930

The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show is one of the largest and most highly regarded professional craft shows in the world. During the four day event, nearly 18,000 people attend. The annual show presents 195 of the finest American artists are selected from over 1200 applicants, and 23-26 artists are selected from one single country each year. Shining the spotlight on Lithuania during its current presidency of the European Union, 23 international award winning Lithuania artists will offer jewelry, ceramics, textile, glass, leather, furniture and paper. This is the first time a show of Lithuanian crafts and design of this scope has been presented in the United States.

LITHUANIAN ARTISTS:

CERAMICSDaiva Ložytė (www.facebook.com/DaivaLozyteCeramics), Nomeda Marčėnaitė (www.nomedos.lt), Dainius Strazdas (www.pottery.lt), Rūta Šipalytė (www.sipalyte.blogspot.com)

Ruta Sipalytė, ceramics, Lithuanian Festival 2013

TEXTILES – “Baltos Kandys“ or “White Moths” Artistic Group (www.baltoskandys.com), Danguolė Brogienė, Severija Inčirauskaitė-Kriaunevičienė (www.severija.lt), Indra Dovydėnaitė (www.indradovydenaite.lt)

Severija Incirauskaite-­‐Kriauneviciene, textile, Lithuanian Festival 2013

JEWELRYUgnė Blažytė and Danas Tamašauskas (www.ugneblazyte.com), Laura Dailidėnienė (www.daili.lt), Tadas Deksnys, Ingrida Didika (www.ingridadidika.com), Darijus Gerlikas (www.darijaus.com & www.cs-ad.co.uk), Sandra Malaškevičiūtė (www.spinkijewellery.com), Šarūnė Vaitkutė and Dainius Narkus (www.gauau.lt)

Darijus Gerlikas, jewelry, Lithuanian Festival 2013

GLASSViktoras Dailidėnas (www.dailidenas.lt), Remigijus Kriukas (www.glasremis.lt), Lina Austė (www.linaglass.com)

Remigijus Kriukas, glass, Lithuanian Festival 2013

LEATHERVirginija Giniotytė (www.virginiote.com), Dalia Marija Šaulauskaitė (www.dmsaul.com), Aušra Petroškienė

PAPERKlaidas Navickas (www.klaidaspapercuts.lt)

FURNITUREIndra Marcinkevičienė (www.interioraddictions.com)

Psilicone Theatre performs “Greenhouse Stories”

Location: Friends Select School, 17th & Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Time: Friday, November 8, 10:15am-11:15am. Cost: Free, special performance for Friends Select students; limited additional seating available, reservations required for all guest lynat@friends-select.org or call 215.561.5900. See: www.friends-select.org, www.aukse.lt

Psilicone Theatre’s actors are miniature puppets, made from silicone, animated by pressing them between clear plates in breakneck speed under a projector which magnifies the image onto a screen. They are mixed with drawings, texts, and liquid pigments to create rich visual effects. In “Greenhouse Stories” the artist Auksė Petrulienė worked with the Kaunas Botanical Gardens to create characters from molds of actual plants, telling a live, huge and colorful ecological tale of extinction and conservation, mystery and wonder. Friends Select School is a PK through 12, college preparatory Quaker school in Center City Philadelphia that fosters a diverse, globally-aware school culture and curriculum. Students learn in a safe, courteous community, so there’s space to explore new ideas fearlessly. Hands-on learning and adventures beyond the classroom—in art and science rooms, in the city of Philadelphia, and beyond—make learning an active, engaging experience. The mission is to cultivate curiosity and to prepare every student successfully for an engaging and fulfilling life.

“Lithuanian Crafts as an Expanded Field: Challenging Stereotypes” Lecture by Virginija Vitkiene

Location: The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St. Time: Friday, November 8, 6:30pm-7:15pm. Cost: Open only to members/supporters of the Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art; to contribute $50 and become a member/supporter, and reserve a ticket please contact: youngfriends@philamuseum.org or call 215.684.7858 See:www.philamuseum.org/youngfriends

Virginia Vitkiene is an art critic and editor, curator, director of the Arts Centre at Vytautas Magnus University, and artistic director of the Kaunas Biennial international textile exhibition. Her lecture will offer an overview of current trends in Lithuanian craft and design, and provide a context for understanding the country’s unique artistic sensibility. The Young Friends is a dynamic group of art enthusiasts, committed to supporting the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Members enjoy a diverse schedule of programs including, engaging social events, educational lectures and tours, art-inspired excursions, and enrichment activities.

Don Russell aka “Joe Sixpack” leads a Handcrafted and Lithuanian Beer Tasting

Location: The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. 1101 Arch Street. Time: Friday, November 8, 7pm. Cost: $45 per person, includes admission to the Craft Show, advance reservations required, can be made online at www.pmacraftshow.org, or call 215.684.7930 See: www.pmacraftsow.org, www.joesixpack.net

Don Russell is an award-winning Philadelphia writer, and as “Joe Sixpack” is America’s bestknown beer journalist. He has traveled and discovered beers all around the world, including Lithuania. As founder and executive director of Philly Beer Week, he produces the largest beer celebration of its kind with over 1,000 events. The New York Times named Lithuania one of the top places to visit in 2013, all because of its beer.

Kestutis Vaiginis Quintet Lithuanian Jazz Concert

Location: The Philadelphia Museum of Art Grand Staircase, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Time: Friday, November 8, 5:45pm -6:45pm and 7:15pm-8:15pm. Cost: Free with museum admission (museum admission: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (65+), $14 for students (with valid ID) and youth (ages 13-18), free for children ages 12 and under and members; you can purchase a ticket at the museum, or online www.philamuseum.org/artafter5/ or call 215.763.8100. See: www.philamuseum.org/artafter5/, www.kestutisvaiginis.com

Kestutis Vaiginis Quintet Musicians:

Kęstutis Vaiginis – saxophone

David Berkman – piano

Alex Sipiagin –trumpet

Ed Howard – bassist

McClenty D. Hunter Jr. – drums

Kęstutis Vaiginis is arguably one of the most talented jazz musicians of his generation, playing soprano and tenor saxophones as well as the flute. Recognized for his clear and controlled sound, lyricism and passion, he rapidly established his role in the contemporary international jazz scene, and performing with stars like Barbara Dennerlein, Daniel Messina, Hernan Romero, David Berkman, Randal Corsen, Bilal Karaman, Burak Bedikyan, Herbie Kopf, Joonas Haavisto, giving concerts all around the world, winning awards and applause. Kestutis Vaiginis is performing in the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s popular Art After 5 program, a unique evening of entertainment, light supper by Starr Events, and cocktails, turning the Grand Stair Hall into an intimate and extraordinary cabaret.

Meet the Artists

Location: The Lithuanian Consulate, 410-412 S. 16th Street, Philadelphia. Time: Saturday, November 9, 7:30pm-10pm. Cost: $20 per person, advance reservations required and attendance is limited (no tickets sold at the door), please contact l.kucas@att.net or call 610.496.8146. See: www.pmacraftshow.org

The Lithuanian American Community of Philadelphia is pleased to welcome the acclaimed artists from Lithuania who are exhibiting at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show. These 23 artists serve as cultural ambassadors for their country, and are feted this evening for theirextraordinary dedication and achievements. The Lithuanian Consulate in Pennsylvania was established in 2010, by designation of the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Lithuanian Jewish Heritage Symposium

Location: National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall East. Time: Sunday, November 10, Noon-5pm. Cost: Free and open to the public, reservations required and can be made by contacting rolandas.kacinskas@urm.lt or calling 202.234.5860 ext.118

This conference offers insights into Lithuanian Jewish culture, seeks to throw light on losses during World War II, and attempts to assess conditions for preserving and reviving Jewish heritage in today’s Lithuania and among Lithuanian Jews worldwide. This event is organized by the Lithuanian Embassy, the Israeli Consulate, the American Jewish Committee and the National Museum of American Jewish History. Speakers include: Lithuanian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Nerijus Germanas; Prof. Šarūnas Liekis of Vytautas Magnus University; Prof. Antony Polonsky of Brandeis University; Deputy Director of the Institute of Lithuanian History Darius Staliūnas; Prof. Eliyahu Stern of Yale University; Prof. Emeritus Saulius Sužiedelis of Millersville University; Associate Prof. Adam Teller of Brown University; and Antanas Zabulis, founder of The Northern Jerusalem Project.

Lithuanian Festival 2013 events are organized in celebration of Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the second half of 2013. Lithuanian Festival 2013 events have been organized by the Lithuanian Embassy in the United States, the Lithuanian Honorary Consul to Pennsylvania and the International Cultural Programme Center.

Lithuanian Festival 2013 events are made possible through the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania, Enterprise Lithuania, the Maersk Line, Limited, the Bajorunas/Sarnoff Foundation, and Ikea. Special thanks to all of the partnering venues who are participating in Lithuanian Festival 2013 and without whose interest and collaborative spirit these events would not be possible: The American Jewish Committee, The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Birzu Alus, The Brothers Vilgalys Baltic-Style Spirits, The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia, The Consulate General of Israel, COOK, Drexel University Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Exelon, Friends Select, Global Philadelphia, Independence Visitor Center, International House Philadelphia, Knight International LLC, The Lithuanian American Community, Philadelphia Chapter, Loreta’s Living Foods, The National Museum of American Jewish History, Parkway Realty Services, The Philadelphia Museum of Art Art After 5 Program, The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, The Print Center and Sbraga.

Background:

In 1429, Lithuania, then a Grand Duchy and the largest country in Europe, organized its first summit of European leaders. Lithuania’s current presidency of the Council of the European Union comes after centuries of strife and occupation. In 1990, Lithuania declared its independence from the Soviet Union, and in 1993, a partnership was established with the Pennsylvania National Guard as part of a federally mandated State Partnership Program.

Lithuania was invited to join the EU and NATO in 2002. For more info, please see www.eu2013.lt

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania boasts one of the largest Lithuanian diaspora groups in the world, second only to Illinois. Most Lithuanians came to the U.S. during various wars and occupations, as Honorary Consul Bard’s own parents did in 1949. Bard’s first trip to Lithuania was in 1988, when she led a group of US culinary journalists and chefs through the Soviet Union; restaurateur activist Judy Wicks documented the event and restaurant exchange with Lithuania’s Stikliai Hotel in a chapter of her book, “White Dog CafŽ Cookbook: Multicultural Recipes and Tales of Adventure from Philadelphia’s Revolutionary Restaurant.” Bard was named Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2010.

For further information contact: Evaldas Stankevičius. Cultural Attache, Lithuanian Embassy in Washington, DC. culture.us@urm.lt. T: 202-234-5860 ext. 113

Krista Butvydas Bard, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, krista@honoraryconsul.lt, kbard@kristabard.com, 215.735.7110

More information at Lithuanian Festival 2013

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