Art Decathlon at DC Arts Center

If the best all-around athlete is one who most efficiently balances speed, strength, technique, and endurance, then what defines the best all-around artist?

This good-natured competition sparks the debate around the issue of what it means to be the best all-around artist, challenges individuals to try their hand at new disciplines, and gives exposure to artists who embrace working in various media.

In the spring of 2011 DCAC posted an open call for individual artists in the DC metropolitan area to submit proposals that explore the significance of what "unspecialized" means to being a working artist today. Artists were told they had to "compete" in ten artistic areas: Textiles/fiber art, Painting, Drawing, Video, Printmaking, Photography, Collage, Sound, Conceptual Art, and Sculpture.

The opening reception for The DCAC Art Decathlon will take place on Friday January 13, from 7:00 – 9:00 and culminate in an artist’s talk and awards ceremony on Sunday, February 5 at 5:00. The work of all the semi-finalists will be on view at DCAC from January 13 to February 5, during which time it will be viewed and judged by an eight-person panel including George Hemphill, Andrea Pollan and Vivian Lassman. Two discussion panels will be held during the exhibition, one focused on the relationship of athletic competition and a second on art and the creative process for the four finalists.

All events are free and open to the public. DC Arts Center is located in the heart of Adams Morgan at 2438 18th St. NW. For more information call 202-462-7833 or visit our website at www.dcartscenter.org.