Photo by Tedd Henn. AVAM, Preview Party for What Makes Us Smile?
The Big Photo
Danute Armstrong traveled all the way from New Mexico to redefine the term “Life Of The Party.” We have unconfirmed reports that right before she hit the dance floor she said, “I’m bout’ to show this party what’s up.” And that’s exactly what she did. Such was the simple brilliance of an exhibit and party centered around smiling that everyone, I mean EVERYONE had an amazing time at AVAM last weekend. This is where the world is going folks. In these times museums have to do more than curate things, they have to curate experiences. They have to foster deeper connections with their patrons. That’s what was happening at AVAM last Friday night.
AVAMs Preview Party: What Makes Us Smile?
Photo by Tedd Henn
How could we celebrate that, which makes us smile in this city without tipping our hat to John Waters? Considering that unlike other well known depictions of Baltimore John’s films portray us in the light that we like to see ourselves in. He always seems to find humor in the most unlikeliest of places and often with a hint of, “it’s ok if we’re all a little crazy.”
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Tedd Henn
The publishers of What Weekly aren’t in the habit of making appearances in the magazine but Justin Allen and Brooke Hall made an exception in this picture with Simpsons creator and co-curator of the ‘What Makes Us Smile’ exhibit, Matt Groening.
When asked how he felt about Baltimore and the AVAM Matt had this to say. “Baltimore is amazing. Historically it is amazing, you can’t go wrong with Edgar
Allan Poe and H.L. Mencken I think it’s a beautiful city and for me as a visitor
this (The AVAM) is the center of Baltimore, and it’s not as violent as the wire
depicts.”
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Tedd Henn
American Visionary Art Museum founder and co-curator of the ‘Smile’ exhibit Rebecca Hoffberger with cartoonist Lonnie Milsap whose website is hilarious. After visiting for a few minutes I feel compelled to buy his book, ‘My Washcloth Stinks.’ Click and smile.
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Tedd Henn
After successfully proving his mother’s theory that if one makes a silly face for a long enough it will freeze and you’ll be stuck looking silly for the rest of your life; Dr. Hunter Doherty “Patch” Adams was happy to grace us with his presence and reveal that his secret to happiness involves living without a savings account, phone number, email, or property. Patch claims that those things only distract from the real gusto one gets for treating their patients with the very real healing power of laughter.
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Tedd Henn
Jamie Coyne body painting by Jessica L. Gordon and contributing artist Anado McLalichlin set the stage for the nights impromptu clothing optional dance party.
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Tedd Henn
No contest this week folks, these two fine individuals are the winners of this weeks prestigious and highly coveted, “Though We’re Certain That You Weren’t Surprised and Elated By Our Camera You Faked It For The Picture, Which Shows That You’re Team Players and That My Friends Is Indeed What I Needed To Distract From The Fact That I Misplaced Your Names But If I Remember Correctly At Least One of You Was Involved In The Kinetic Sculpture Race With Team Los Make Believers, Which Was the What Weekly Favorite,’ award. You guys worked hard, you deserve it.
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Tedd Henn
When asked what made them smile, Liliana and Abigail Greenway’s response was “Your Face!” Which of course made me smile and quite possibly has the potential to cause a smile chain reaction that sweeps the planet causing good vibes, good deeds and spontaneous cuddling of epic proportions.
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Tedd Henn
Artist Brian Dowdall and Alison Spiesman share the award for the nights largest and hairiest smile at the AVAM. Brian’s work has been displayed in galleries all over the world and is most often created using things such as common house paint and cardboard. Brian and his work will be visiting Baltimore again this November for ‘Bizarre Art’ at the AVAM.
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Tedd Henn
Phil and Liam of Two Boots, a recently opened restaurant at Power Plant Live that specializes in gourmet Pizza’s and New Orleans Cajun Cuisine, seem to be doing well judging by that enormous gold chain. Unfortunately the other part of the outfit that you missed out on was the American flag swim shorts and gold shoes just out of frame.
Photo by Tenn Hedd, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Tedd Henn
Body art has become ever more visible at events in town and this was no
exception. Christalene of Crystalooneys Creative Arts
worked in tandem with model Ashley Hoyle to catch the attention of everyone in the room while painting this piece she calls her Blue Ferry.
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Tedd Henn
Dave Troy and Nate Mook are organizers of the upcoming TEDx MidAtlantic Conference in Washington DC. This promises to be a gathering of some of the most forward minded people in the country. I encourage everyone to follow the
Dave Troy and Nate Mook are organizers of the upcoming link to learn more about TED and sign up for the conference if so inspired.
Here’s an idea of the topics they’ll be tackling.
“Humanity’s biggest challenges are also some of the most familiar. How we deal with population growth, climate change, and future energy demands depends on how we frame these questions, and too often our ability to find new, innovative solutions is limited by political and ideological biases. What if we were to look at the world anew?”
“By asking a range of talented thinkers and doers “What If?” TEDxMidAtlantic 2010 will unleash fresh, new perspectives by framing old questions differently – and by asking thoughtful, new questions. Join us in exploring this hopeful future, where difficult problems become achievable and the impossible is merely hard. What If?”
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Tedd Henn
Again, we’re not in the habit of posting picture of What Weekly staff in the magazine but writer Matt Kelley scored this original piece of art by Matt Groening so we made an exception. Matt Kelley didn’t know this picture was going to by published until just now. Are we biased at What Weekly? Unabashedly so.
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Theresa Keil
Rufus and Anahi Spaulding stopped by the AVAM while on their life’s mission of bringing happiness to every city they go to. Now just to be clear, this is not a passive “oh well since I am here-” mission. These guys seriously travel from city to city with the priority of making people happy.
Photo by Tedd Henn, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Brooke Hall
