Have you ever wondered where artists go to see art? Where poets go to hear poetry? Where musicians go to hear music, or where baristas go for coffee?  Wonder no more; you’ll find them all here at The Soundry. An oasis for the parched artist and lover of art, The Soundry boasts a studio space, a gallery, a stage, screen printing facilities, a gourmet cafe, and a constant flow of shows, weekly and special events, classes, and three flavors of open mic.

What people notice first, and remember later, is the remarkable atmosphere of the place.  Walking in is like entering another hidden world, as can only be expected of an arts incubator in a building that formerly functioned as an auto body shop.  The strong sense of all-accepting community is renewed daily by the amazing and often bizarre people and  strange spontaneous events.  Still, visitors say, at the core the place is a spirit of easygoing fun.

After dropping by a few times, people will often say;  some one should write a book about this place–  a play, a movie!.   Where is the record of this extraordinary and ever-changing place?

It starts here.

It is the mission of the Amplifier to capture the eccentric essence of day to day life at The Soundry– and we choose to accept it.  If you have any ideas, want to submit an article, send them our way, or just come up to me and chat.   I’m Allison, the newest member of the blogging team, and I’ll be leading the effort.  Most evenings you can find me in the cafe typing away, snapping photos, working on mixed media art, or knitting.  I look like this:

portrait by Soundry member Elizabeth Reid

Come, take my hand and together we will embark on a magical journey through marvelous Art-i-corn stables, the grand temples of the mad monks of melody and counterpoint, and even unto the highest Soundry Staffers in the land, Thor, philosopher king of the Peaceful Mountain, and his beautiful Warrior Queen, Jen the Berserker.

I mean, Watch this space for features such as Character Sketches depicting the wide variety of Soundry folk, The Cafe Today for the latest on what we’re dishing up, Found Art for studio doodles and other oddments, Soundry challenges whereby you, yes YOU, can win a free coffee, and more interviews, quotes and pictures than you can shake a stick at.

Tune in next time for all these wonders and more, Right here at The Amplifier.  Thanks for reading– see you at The Soundry.

Check out more from Jolene here!

SATURDAY JULY 31ST @8PM!

TAKE A SPIN WITH DR. SKETCHY’S DC

In Conjunction with Biketastic, the amazing women from the Syn-Fit bike racing team will be modeling for the next Dr. Sketchy’s DC. This is an open sketch for anyone who wants to participate and will take place during the show opening.

Treat the ladies right, and fill the “Love the Models” jar. Bring your artist materials and get in the Biketastic! spirit by celebrating bikes through live art.

Dr. Sketchy’s DC is the humble affiliate of the original Dr. Sketchy’s that originated in NYC by artist Molly Crabapple.

]]> http://www.soundry.net/2010/07/dr-sketchys-dc-july-31st-8pm/feed/ 0 http://www.soundry.net/2010/07/new-t-shirts/ http://www.soundry.net/2010/07/new-t-shirts/#comments Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:44:27 +0000 jennifer http://www.soundry.net/?p=2502

The Soundry has a lot to offer the creative subculture. Please review our membership options and consider joining the most exciting thing happening in Northern Virginia.

F*CK THE MACHINE MEMBERSHIP: You create. You need to be here. This membership gives you access to a our thriving society of creatives who are allergic to corporate culture. Perfect for visual artists, DIY-ers, Indie Crafters & Designers. No suits allowed.  CLICK HERE TO JOIN

Monthly: $99

Annual: $600

*unlimited access to shared studio

*plenty of art show opportunities

*members get wall space inbetween shows

*solo shows for those who are ready

*members can sell handmade items in our “store” throughout the year

*teaching privileges

*free wi-fi

*Coffee Bar on site serving micro-roasted espresso, smoothies, teas, Topless Bakery pastries, sandwiches and more.

*25% discount on classes

*invitations to members-only events

*members-only discounts & newsletter

*network and collaborate with other artists

*get exposure! The Soundry is open everyday from 8am-1am. What other art space is open 17 hours a day?

*Members can run a monthly tab in our kick ass coffee bar

CREATIVE ECONOMY MEMBER: A membership for the creative workforce that typically work from home. Bring your lap top into our studio and spread out in an inspiring space. Free wi-fi and meeting room available. Even a whiteboard!  A great way to get out of the house or traditional stale office environment. Perfect for Web developers, graphic designers and bloggers.  CLICK HERE TO JOIN!

*$5o per month or $500 annually

*studio access Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

*ability to reserve a meeting room for client and business meetings

*Free wi-fi

*Teaching privileges

*Keep a monthly tab in the coffee bar

*business profile on our website

TEACHING MEMBERSHIP: For those creative creatures who just want to teach and need a regular space, this membership is ideal.   CLICK HERE TO JOIN

Cost: $25 per month

*use of The Soundry classroom, chairs, tables and wash sink for art/craft/creative  classes.

*Soundry will provide web-based sign up form and link, shared spreadsheet to track your classes

*Classes are posted on our website with professionally designed graphic

*Classes are marketed to our Facebook group, Twitter & other social networks.

*Classes are marketed to our Constant Contact list through a professional newsletter that is sent to over 1,000 people.

*Teachers get 60% of class fees

SOUNDRY FRIENDSHIP MEMBERSHIP: BY POPULAR DEMAND! For supporters of The Soundry who don’t live close enough to take advantage of the space on a regular basis, but participate in art shows and events. For people who love us for who we are and who we aren’t.  CLICK HERE TO JOIN!

*$75 annually

*Waived submission fees to all Soundry art shows

*25% discount on classes

*Members-Only specials & discounts on drinks and events

*Feel good knowing you are supporting a scrappy indie art space in Northern Virginia

*Member Newsletter

Come to the Soundry’s Monthly Media Swap to exchange and discuss your favorite books, records, movies, films, comics, and whatever else you can think of!  If you want your item back, include your name, phone number and email somewhere on the item.  Caution: don’t bring your only signed copy– the most careful borrower is bound to make mistakes.

Great conversation, great people and great free stuff!!

EVERY FIRST SUNDAY!

SWAPPABLES:

* BOOKS           *DVDS         *ART SUPPLIES

*RECORDS      *ARTIST TRADING CARDS

*COMICS          *ART      *POETRY     *INTERESTING ODDITIES

A QUIRKY ARTISTIC  PHOTO SHOOT FOR A ONE OF A KIND PROFILE PICTURE!

Creative genius Darlene Howell has a gift for creating scenes, outrageous makeup, sexy hair and costumes that come together in a quirky, sexy & offbeat photo sure to be the envy of all your Facebook friends.

Darlene is the owner of Howell Management, a modeling and casting company in Washington, DC. After years of working in the industry she gained an appreciation of photography and fashion. An artist at heart, Darlene uses her artistic vision to create her photographs. You don’t have to be a model to look & feel  like one!  Let Darlene work her magic and this may be the last time you update your profile pic.

Profile Pic Photo Session: Saturday July 10th 4-9pm (may go later)  Only 4 spaces per session!

Cost: $200 includes 10-20 digital photos, hair, makeup, wardrobe design, image enhancement and Darlene Howell’s Artistic Vision

SIGN UP HERE!!

Give us your ears, not your money!

The Soundry’s Dollar Show series showcases the best talent you’ve never heard plucked  from our popular open mic nights.  Good people, great art, amazing coffee and creativity flowing from every edifice. Each show is just a buck. Sweet.

SATURDAY JULY 17TH @8PM:

Jon Flanders & Phoebe–an acoustic showcase!

SATURDAY JULY 24TH@8PM: TBA

photo by Nathan Watson

drink lovingly concocted and perfected by Brian Wentz

THE BLACK GOAT

Rich and blanced hypno espresso with crumbled organic chevre & cracked black pepper.

Odd? Maybe     Delicious? You bet!     Its not Bahahahahd!!!

QUIET PARTY

FRIDAY July 16th @ 8pm

Verbal Assault has been sentenced to “Silentary Confinement”! What are we to do?!? Well, we are going to have a QUIET PARTY of course. Use movement,  body language, facial expressions, chalk, paper and the GIANT Whiteboard to express yourself and a party we will have. Once you cross the threshold of silence, not a sound you will make, but you will be heard. Most creatively communicative will be awarded an awesome prize.

SIGN UP HERE!