Metro Journey #5

Hi! Welcome back to my blog. This journey had less people than normal, making me the only girl. I never want to hear anything about sports or video games ever again. It was still fun for the most part...other than the walking. I think it's clear for everyone that I am not a fan of walking. This journey was eventful and consisted of interviewing artists and visiting a few other sights. We interviewed a photographer, printmaker, a painter, and we were supposed to interview a jewelry maker but she wasn't there that day. The day felt unusually short but let's begin. 

We started with the Torpedo Factory, was previously the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station in Alexandria that was changed to an art center in 1969 by Marian Van Lingdingham (who we got to meet!), the president of the Art League. The station was transformed into 140+ studios for artists. The factory was purchased from the Federal Government soon after approval. It opened in 1974, stayed open until 1882 for renovation, then opened again in 1983. It has been open since.  

We started interviewing a photographer named James D. Steele. He started doing photography at age 12, practically all his life. He is now 76.  A librarian gave Steele an old camera when he was young and he enjoyed using it. He now uses a digital camera; Nikon D100E 35mp. 

Next up was a printmaking studio. There are 12 printmakers in the studio. We interviewed Judith Coadey, who makes monotypes. Monotypes are multilayer art that are always original. There are no copies. She told us about wood, zinc, and copper etching, which was super cool. The group has been at the factory for 40 years. 

Then there was Marian Vin Lindigham, a painter. Her art was amazing. She had an  entire studio full of paintings that she all did herself. She again, was the one who pitched the idea of the factory and has been there since the very beginning. She always has been interested in art. 

Lastly we were ordered to interview an artist named Dawn Bendetto (Poppi). She wasn't there, but her partner was and talked about her being at the factory since 1997. 

Next we walked to Waterfront Park and spent a while there, then went to our final destination, the Freedom House. Slaves were held the basement. The bars in the windows were actually the original bars. We watched a string of videos talking about the lives of the slaves. It was sad, but informing. I learned a lot here. 

Overall, it was a good day. Sorry about the lack of pictures and the short post! Byeee