Orange Line Diary: Artomatic 2012

Artomatic is finally back after a 3 year hiatus. If you enjoy art (and this has the good, the bad and the ugly), this is a fantastic way to spend a day. It is, bar none, one of my favorite DC events. For those who haven't been, Artomatic is an unjuried show of art from more than 1,000 artists. The location shifts year to year, typically being held in a building under construction or one slated for demolition. This year, it's 10 floors of fun in Crystal City a block and a half from the Crystal City Metro station. In addition to the visual arts, there are also bands, lectures, Peeps (see #5 below) and wine tastings.

For the Artomatic neophyte, here are a few choice pieces of advice:

1. Go with an open mind. Some of the work is awful (or, to be more charitable, not my taste), but there are some remarkable things on display. Even if you don't find anything that you would hang in your living room, I guarantee you'll see things that make you smile (or, possibly cringe).
2. Wear comfortable shoes...and that is coming from me, the queen of fashion before comfort. It's 10 floors, people, the verticle equivalent of the National Gallery. Here was my choice:

3. Eat your Wheaties (or latte, or whatever). Yes, there is sustenance available on site (including adult beverages), but this is an endurance event
4. Make a day (or a date) of it. For the 2009 festivities, my Mom and I went on the fourth of July and got to watch fireworks from the top floor...a great view. The building is open until 10 PM on Wednesday and Thursday and 1 AM on Friday and Saturday which makes it a great event for a night out. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday and only open from noon to 5 PM on Sunday.
5. Don't forget the Peeps! The Washington Post Peep Diorama Finalists are on display. These alone are worth the trip. http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/peeps