June 3, 2015

Rated ART Re-Cap

After a night of discovery and invention, Arlington Arts Center (AAC) raised more than $20,000 in ticket sales for its 2015 spring fundraiser Rated ART.

It took a village, a city, and a group of dedicated artists and hosts to make this event a success! Arlington and DC eateries were called in to bring the muscle, and they eagerly took on the challenge of creating a dish and a drink inspired the artwork of the Resident Artists of AAC.

Along with food and drink, gala-goers also got to enjoy the games of artist Scott Pennington on the Lower Level. If you want to play some of his games, come back this summer! Scott is slated to be in the upcoming exhibition PLAY, opening July 11.

On the back patio, gala guests were invited to participate in a special performance art event by Heloisa Escudero, who was part of our 2014 Fall SOLOS exhibition where she exhibited her BackPack Galleries.

Up front, in AAC’s Chairmen’s Gallery guests were welcome to ROFL (Roll on the Floor Laughing) in Paul Shortt‘s exhibition in the 2015 Spring SOLOS (which is on view until June 28).

Throughout the evening, guests were encouraged to vote on their favorite Rated ART Bite and Cocktail. Additionally, special guest judges Pati Jinich of Pati’s Mexican Table and Michael McCarthy, editor-in-chief of DC magazine deliberated on the Judge’s Choice Awards.

There was also a Most Artistic Bite award, which went to the team at Mussel Bar & Grille – Arlington, for the Duo of Tuna and Salmon Tartar inspired by AAC Resident Artist Hedieh Javanshir Ilchi’s work, Sublime Rupture, and invented and served, by Chef de Cuisine Erik Foxx-Nettin.

PinStripes-Georgetown earned Judge’s Choice for Best Cocktail for The Old Matterhorn, a re-invention of the Manhattan, inspired by AAC Resident Artist Becca Kallem’s work Can’t Stop. Additionally, Judge’s Choice for Best Bite went to Tazza Kitchen – Arlington Ridge for their Sourdough Crostini with ramp top pesto, pickled ramp bulbs, wood oven braised pork butt, house adobo sauce & crema, inspired by AAC Resident Artist Pam Rogers’ work ‘Bound at Birth.’

Not surprisingly, Tazza Kitchen also took home the Voter’s Choice award for Best Bite, as well. Finally, the Voter’s Choice for Best Cocktail went to Bayou Bakery for their drink Calm Before the Storm inspired by AAC Resident Artist Alice Whealin’s artwork, Dream Vacation. Bayou announced last week on social media that the beverage, a strawberry jalapeño hurricane w/passion fruit foam, will now be added to their cocktail menu.


Thanks to everyone who made Rated ART a success!
Rated ART Restaurant Partners: Bayou Bakery Mussel Bar and Grille – Arlington Tazza Kitchen – Arlington Ridge | Hank’s Oyster Bar | Lyon Hall | PinStripes – Georgetown | Petworth Citizen | Crane & Turtle
Rated ART Gala Host Committee Members: Cathy and Ernie Abbott, Jean and Richard Barton, Natalie Cheung, Grant and Melissa Epstein, Kathy and Jerry Freshley, Philippa Hughes, Ginger Geoffry and Jon Andelin, Sadina Montani, Henry Thaggert, and Mike and Audrey Wyatt.
Rated ART Sponsors: DC MAGAZINE | THE PINKLINE PROJECTBALLSTON BIDBB&T | ARLINGTON ARTSNOVA CAT CLINIC CORPORATE APARTMENT SPECIALISTS, INC. | THE DOLLHOUSE PROJECTSSTRONG TONIC TEAM CATHELLMATZ, BLANCATO, & ASSOCIATES | AFR EVENT FURNISHINGS

Arlington Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) private, nonprofit visual arts organization founded in 1974 by a group of Arlington-based artists. Over the past 40 years we have been dedicated to presenting and supporting new work by regional artists in the mid-Atlantic States. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and subsidized studio spaces, we strive to serve as a bridge between artists and the public. Our goal is to increase awareness, appreciation of, and involvement in, the visual arts in Arlington County VA and the region.

Artist Talks with Andrew Barco and Elliot Doughtie

Saturday / October 21 / 1pm-3pm

Join artists Andrew Barco and Elliot Doughtie for conversations about their solo exhibitions currently on view at MoCA Arlington.

Neon Nights: Gala & Silent Auction

Wednesday / September 27 / 7pm

Join us on Wednesday, September 27 for a special gala and silent auction to benefit the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington. Tickets range from $250 to $500 and include a 3-course dinner, silent auction, and the joy you’ll feel knowing you’re supporting the museum! Can’t attend? Consider sponsoring an artist to attend in your place!

MoCA on the Move at Met Park

Sundays 10am-12pm

MoCA Arlington at Met Park
Fun for the whole family! No Experience Required offers playful art making activities for children (and their curious adults) every Sunday morning. There will be collaborative, community-built art works, and opportunities to “make and take” works, too.

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