Local Color

Looking for inspiration? In our own backyard, the National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum house a few gems from screenprinting superstars like Andy Warhol, above and Ralph Steadman, below. Warhol's portrait of Pete Rose masterfully balances a signature black halftone, hand line work, a large white space and vivid primary colors. Warhol was king of his craft, and this example is worth the Portrait Gallery trip.

Steadman's screenprint—an homage to "Gonzo" creator Hunter S. Thompson—is a new AAM acquisition and on view on the first floor. The print depicts the double-thumbed peyote-button-clutching-fisted cannon that Thompson designed for shooting off his ashes following his suicide. The funeral launch featured red, white, blue and green fireworks and was financed by Johnny Depp.

A Pleasant Evening

The art of screenprinting is thriving. Screenprint Society now requires reservations and is usually fully booked. Anthony Dihle, at left, and a familiar face at Pyramid Atlantic, has launched his Fire Studio at the Pleasant Plains Workshop. Anthony shares the studio with Kristina Bilonick. Both use screenprinting as a major part of their work. Located near Howard University, Pleasant Plains is a storefront studio — a unique and urban combination. In early May, with a dark thunderstorm threatening over the horizon, a throng of artists, designers and admirers crowded into the space for the opening of "We Are Monsters". It is thrilling to see the resurgence of screenprinting and the buzz of a bold new venture. Go Anthony!

Pleasant Plains Workshop
art studio, gallery and boutique featuring artwork and goods by DC artists.
Open on Fridays 2-7 pm and Saturdays 1-6 pm
2608 Georgia Avenue NW Washington, DC 20001

The work of Elizabeth Graeber is on view and for sale at Pleasant Plains.