kristina bilonick :: notebook

My first brick & mortar studio / shop!

2010-11-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the recent radio silence, but i've been super busy with my new current project, a shared studio space and store on Georgia Avenue in DC!

Pleasant Plains Workshop
2608 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001

It is so exciting.. a dream come true! check out all the info here>>

and come join us for our first open house/ grand opening celebration this Sunday, November 21st from 1-4pm! xoxo, kb

(e)merge panel at Conner Contemporary, Sat. 7/31 ::

2010-07-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

Pink Noise: Kristina Bilonick from The Pink Line Project on Vimeo.

Come to the (e)merge panel discussion at Conner Contemporary Art on Saturday, July 31st at 4pm. Join me and a panel of artists, arts leaders, gallerists and a psychologist, in a discussion on how emerging artists build communities, moderated by Jamie Smith, Ph.D.

The discussion is followed by a party celebrating 10 years of Conner's 'Academy' exhibition series, sponsored by Marvin Restaurant and the Pink Line Project.

more info here>>

hope to see you there!

The Printed Pattern :: Upcoming workshop at the Textile Museum

2010-07-08T05:10:00.001-07:00

The Textile Museum has an amazing show up right now: Art by the Yard: Women Design Mid-Century Britain (which runs through September 12) features iconic patterns by three iconic designers who shaped the mid-century aesthetic with patterns that continue to inspire us today.

As part of the exhibition's programming there is a series of exciting film screenings and workshops going on at the museum. On July 24th (2-4pm), I'll be holding a workshop called 'The Printed Pattern' which will explore the basic methods of screen printing. The workshop includes a hands on portion where you'll be able to print your own patterned pillowcases (set of two) using designs inspired by the works in the show.. I'm particularly a fan of the works by Lucienne Day.

Celtic Cross, Lucienne Day

The workshop is $35 for Textile Museum Members and $45 for non-members. To register call: 202-667-0441 x64

I'd gladly pay tomorrow for a hamburger today...

2010-07-08T04:57:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in an exciting project by local curator, Blair Murphy called 'barter' (web site)

'barter' is a non-monetary online auction where 13 artists have posted a good or service for the public to 'bid' on. I've put up a free intro to screen printing lesson at my studio. Check out the posting here>>

You can place your bid by explaining what you'd be willing to barter in the comments field.

There are lots of other fun things to bid on too including a year of pen pal services by local artist, Dana Maier, a personalized poem or story by poet and performance artist, Silvana Straw, or a high tech portrait by artist, Kenny George..

Bidding ends on July 21st so HURRY UP and place your bid today!

and then join Blair , the artists and winning bidders and I for a big closing reception at WPA on July 30th from 6-8pm, and witness the exchange of goods and enjoy refreshments. happy bidding!

Mother's Day-inspired Scarf workshop @ Lee Arts Center on Thurs 4.29 ::

2010-04-19T09:26:00.001-07:00

On Thursday, April 29th, I'll be teaching a print-your-own-scarf workshop at the Lee Arts Center in Falls Church, VA. Bring in your own design ideas (you can bring in clip art, silhouette designs, and I'll have some on hand as well) and you will create your own screen by using the cut-stencil method. All materials are included in the workshop fee including a 7 foot 100% cotton American Apparel scarf (5 colors to choose from).You can also bring extra paper, tee shirts, fabric etc. of your own to print on after your scarf is done.

You can call Darlene at 703-228-0560 or 703-228-0558 to register by phone or Download the Spring Registration Form

click here for more details and signup info>>

Screen Printing demo at the opening of 'Paper Cuts' this Sunday 3.28::

2010-03-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

My good friend Anthony Dihle has organized his second exhibition of rock posters that opens (today!) at the Athaneum in Old Town, Alexandria. He's invited me to set up a TJ station at the opening event this Sunday from 4-6pm. Come by, check out the awesome posters, and then print your own souvenir poster with me that you can take home!

here's more info about the show:

Paper Cuts: The Art and Science of Rock Posters
March 24 through April 25
Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street Alexandria, VA 22314
opening reception: Sunday, March 28, 2010, 4-6pm

Featuring a wide range of styles from a number of contemporary artists, the collection reflects the breadth and vitality of the DC Metropolitan area music scene.
To provide context to the art of these music posters, Paper Cuts will explore the science of the works by exhibiting artifacts from the process, including original drawings, sketches, studies, and printmaking ephemera.

check out Washington Citypaper's preview of the show here >>

hope to see you there!

KB studios featured on arts blog, 'Burgeon'

2010-02-19T13:12:00.001-08:00

I was recently interviewed along with a few other DC artists for an article on artists' work spaces for the local arts blog, 'Burgeon' (article by Blair Murphy)

The article does a great job of highlighting the different options artists have for carving out a space to do their thing!

Check it out below ::
Studio Space Wanted: Large, Well-Lit, and Cheap by Blair Murphy, Burgeon, 2/16/2010

Pongterview II : We Are Science!

2010-02-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing local artists Adam Good and Jon Lee of We Are Science! over a game of ping pong and dinner at Comet Ping Pong. This interview is part II in a series of 'pongterviews' for the Pink Line Project's 'Art Chat' blog. Check it out below..it's long but you can click through and find out fun tidbits about this cool performance art duo!

Pongterview: We Are Science! from The Pink Line Project on Vimeo.

Thanks to The Pink Line Project and James A. of Comet for making it all happen!

upcoming workshop :: design and print your own 'valentiney' scarf @ lee arts center on 2.11.10

2010-01-25T12:48:00.001-08:00

Just in time for Valentine's Day- I'll be teaching a one night workshop where you can design and screen print your own all-over-print scarf. I'll be showing the blockout/drawing technique so you can bring your own predesigned pattern to trace or just draw a bunch of cute hearts free-hand! Space is limited so contact Darlene at Lee Arts Center asap to reserve your spot! (info below)

Darlene Tsukamoto
703-228-0558
dtsuka@arlingtonva.us

Holiday Shop & Stroll: Tomorrow in Silver Spring!

2009-12-04T05:43:00.000-08:00

Come brave the weather with me and a bunch of other handmade vendors at the Silver Spring Holiday Shop & Stroll presented by Handmade Mart in conjunction with Downtown SS and Fresh Farm Markets. The event is this Saturday, 12/5, from 10am - 3pm.

Check out the event blog for a list of vendors and activities. The market is all along the pedestrian walkway on Ellsworth Dr. and there are plenty of shops and cafes to stop in to warm up between vendors.

I've made lots of new scarves for the event, and will probably be wearing all of them so if you want one you may have to wind it off of me...

The forecast calls for a chance of snow, which would actually make this a really fun/festive event! (note: I do accept hot chocolate as a form of payment).

This was me bundling up at an early October market in Ballston:

and this will be me tomorrow (in case you don't recognize me):

hope to see you there! xo, kb

Ping Pong + Art = Fun

2009-11-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

As part of The Pinkline Project's ongoing series of Art Chat videos, I'll be interviewing area artists over a game of ping pong! Check out the first of the series below, and be sure to check out all of the art vids the Pinkline has to offer here: http://www.pinklineproject.com/artchat

PONGterview with Kristina Bilonick & Adam de Boer from Philippa Hughes on Vimeo.

upcoming exhibition ::

2009-11-10T04:48:00.000-08:00

I'm making new work for a group exhibition at a gallery in Detroit that focuses on work by emerging contemporary artists.

December 5 - 23, 2009
"The Butcher's Daughter Gallery- Ferndale, MI
This group exhibition features six artist: Kyohei Abe (MI), Kristina Bilonick (DC), Mira Burack (MI), Cynthia Greig (MI), Michelle McAuliffe (DC) and Alison Wong (MI). Works include those produced using collage, mixed-media installation, painting, photography, prints, and video.
Opening Reception: December 5, 6-9pm
Artist Talk: December 19, 4pm
"read the press release>>

For my piece, I'm creating a site-specific installation dedicated to my 92 year old grandmother...A 5' tube of great lash mascara is involved..

images to follow! check out the other five artists web sites below:

Crafty Bastards '09 was a blast!

2009-10-05T04:39:00.000-07:00

This sixth annual Crafty Bastards Fair was the most fun yet! lots of sunshine, tons of people, and I was lucky to have a steady rotation of friends/fam coming to visit me in the booth. I'm still recovering from all the excitement. Here are some photos from the event..fun times!:

my booth!

my studio-mate, Sarah (of Sarah Cecilia Jewelry) came and helped out for the first part of the day. holla!

my buffalo-print skirt looked so great on this customer that she decided to change into it on the spot!

another customer lookin' good in my buffalo-print tank dress

the Breakfast Club...seeing friends is my favorite part of doing fairs!

Big shout out to the Washington Citypaper, the Crafty Bastards Crew and Hello Craft for putting on such an awesome event! xoxo

Getting ready for Crafty B's...

2009-09-28T04:58:00.000-07:00

It's that time again: Crafty Bastards, the city's biggest handmade craft fair sponsored by the Washington CityPaper and powered by Hello Craft. This is my favorite event of the year because it also features live music and activities all day.. It's not all just crafts for sale. Last year there was a haircutting booth, arts/crafts demos, a fashion show and of course their annual b-boy/breakdancing contest which draws huge crowds..

This year's Crafty is on Saturday 10/3 from 10am-5pm at the Marie Reed School grounds in the center of Adam's Morgan's bustling 18th street. (18th btwn Florida and Wyoming)

here's a sneak peek of what I have 'cookin' at the studio. Come by my booth early if you want the best selection of ties, scarves and tops!

Gold Leaf Studios featured in Washington Post Magazine ::

2009-09-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Gold Leaf Studios in downtown DC (btwn Union Station and Chinatown) is where I do all my work. I'm lucky to share a huge, sun filled studio space with two awesome artists, Sarah McLaughlin (not the singer) and Nick Pimentel. There are lots of other artists and musicians who work in the space and a few of them are featured in an article that will come out in this Sunday's Washington Post Magazine. There's also a cool accompanying video piece. check it out!:

watch the video on washingtonpost.com
read the full magazine article

gold leaf studios is located at 443 Eye Street NW, DC 20001

Design Challenge :: Santa Fe wedding

2009-08-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

My great friend Steph is getting married in Santa Fe this weekend (holla!).. A few months ago, Steph asked me to design the jewelry for the bridesmaids and for her (eek!). After some initial meetings, here's what we came up with:

the dress: strapless, red, hot!

we decided to go with a clear and puple glass dangle that would slightly skim the shoulders and look great with either an up or down 'do'. Here they are coming out of the kiln.

I found great sterling silver hooks with a little embellishment at local
bead/findings shop, Beadazzled

the result!

And for the bride, I tried something new: clear and white glass 'diamond' pendants hung with an accent bead from sterling silver wire...

I do?...

Can't wait to get down there for the festivities..Congrats Steph & Matt!! xox

This Sat: Gold Leaf Studios Open House!!

2009-06-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

I've been saying it for years, but we finally organized an open studio event at the awesome studio building in Chinatown where I do my work. Come see artists, designers and musicians in their once-elusive studios before they become condos like everything else around us (kidding...we're safe for a while!).

(click the flyer for a larger, printable version)

There will be yummy treats and drinks and all of the other makin's of a fun Sunday afternoon in the summer.

Gold Leaf Studios is located at: 443 'Eye' Street near the intersection of 5th and Mass, two blocks from Chinatown or Convention Ctr. metro stops.
see you there!

Hire a 'TJ' for your next party!

2009-06-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

I'm introducing a new facet of my apparel and custom printing business...TJ!

Why hire an ordinary DJ to entertain guests, when I'm now available for printing parties? It's fun for all ages! Guests print their own souvenir of the event. Team-mates can make their own jerzees as a pre-season mixer. Looking for a fun kids party idea? look no further...

Party-packages start at $10/person for a basic white tee (one color print- your own design!).

I supply the shirts, the screen, the equipment, the ink, and everyone at the party gets to try screen-printing and walk away with their very own hand-printed tee.

It takes 20 people to make a party, and I can handle up to 500 (it's been done!). Email me at kristina.bilonick@gmail.com for more information, shirt options and rates for your own TJ event!

Beautiful Losers :: Pyramid Atlantic fundraiser next Thursday 6/11

2009-06-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

I've donated some work to the Pyramid Atlantic fundraiser, Beautiful Losers: a film screening, talk and silent auction taking place at AFI Silver Theater in Silver Spring. The event is not to be missed and btw- Pyramid Atlantic is the coolest arts center in the area specializing in printmaking, book arts and fiber arts (and everything in between!).

more info on the event, silent auction artwork, the talk and the film, Beautiful Losers, check out their site here>>

and below is a sneak peek at the piece I made for the event (one of a kind):
hope to see you there!

Radio CPR Record Sale this Sat ::

2009-05-29T06:02:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, Radio CPR (97.5FM) is Mt. Pleasant's 'community powered radio' station which offers all sorts of interesting programming for area residents, presented by members of the community.

This Saturday they're holding their annual record sale fundraiser at La Casa in Mt.Pleasant. (info below) I'll also be there selling my tees and accessories. If you like records, go to this! xox

fun times :: opening day of the Ballston Arts/Crafts Market

2009-05-10T19:47:00.001-07:00

We couldn't have asked for nicer weather for the first day of the market yesterday. For me, it was a chance to shake out my canopy for the first time in months, connect with customers in person, and make new friends in the crafting community. Big ups to my friend Michelle M. for the use of her wheels to make it to the event!

here are a few pics from opening day at the Ballston Market ::

booth display with my new sign!

new item for sale: decorative screen printed blocks

first sale of the day!

I'll be back at the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market in October. Stay tuned to the blog for other upcoming sales and events ::

Craft show season starts Sat. 5/9 at the Ballston A&C Market ::

2009-05-09T03:36:00.001-07:00

My favorite market of the season, the Ballston Arts & Craft Market, opens today! I'll be selling my signature tees along with printed vintage ties and a new set of hand printed blocks that can be mixed/matched.

The Ballston A&C Market is right at Ballston Metro (orange line) on second Saturdays May-October from 10am - 4pm. The market features 35 area vedors selling strictly handmade items. There is live music in the afternoon and lots of cute cafes and restaurants around to check out when you're done shopping. Hope to see you there! For more info and to see a full list of today's vendors, click here>>

Upcoming Summit of Awesome is um...Awesome:

2009-04-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't been in the loop, the radical craft group Hello Craft has organized a 3-day 'Summit of Awesome' that is coming up this weekend, May 1-3.

The 'Summit' is a three-day whirlwind of workshops, talks, film screenings, parties, fashion events, treats and more hosted at various locations all along the 14th and U Street corridor in downtown DC.

I will be holding a workshop at my favorite store in the world, Miss Pixies, on Saturday May 2nd. My workshop: 'Fun with Duct Tape' begins at 10:00 am after a breakfast held in the shop for summit attendees. Learn how to make a duct tape bizcard holder or CD case! (sneak peak of my demo below.. my how-to pdfs will post after the summit!)

You have to register for the Summit to attend my workshop or any of the other Summit Events. There are great deals on day passes and passes for the whole event. Write it off as a business expense! More info on all of the events and registration is here>>

Awesome events this weekend in Anacostia ::

2009-04-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

Like many other locals, I dodged the crowds during last weekends downtown cherry blossom festivities..but the party continues for us this weekend in Anacostia! Lots of cool stuff goin on:

On Saturday 4/11 from, I'll be participating in the Anacostia Cherry Blossom Art Walk:

2206 MLK Avenue SE: Art+Craft Market- local independent crafters:
Kristina Bilonick, Carolyn Cavanaugh, Donald Terry, Lisa Adams, Sameera Chopra, Mary Ellen Doran, Keith Subani, Moira McCaulley, Bilaal Muhammed, Dana Ayanna Greaves and more!

I'll be selling my Michelle O. tees alongside the super-talented printmaker and book artist, Bookish Lady, and the coolest local fashion designer, Dana Ayanna Greaves!

info, directions, and to see the other stops on the art walk visit: www.archdevelopment.org

And don't forget this friday 4/10 check out the lasted Pinkline Project event, Cherry Blast:

Cherry Blast!
art + music + dance + fashion + anime + origami
A Pink Line Project in association with the National Cherry Blossom Festival
Friday, April 10
9 pm to 2 am
A warehouse at 2020 Shannon Place SE

(click logo for link to site)

Crafts and Kisses this Sunday 2/8 12-6pm!!!

2009-02-06T05:18:00.000-08:00

My favorite show of the year is coming up this Sunday at the Josephine Butler Parks Center in Adams Morgan/Mt. Pleasant. (big yellow house at the top of Meridian Hill Park)

Crafts and Kisses features the best of the best local crafters making all sorts of fun valentine gifts in addition to their regular wares:: click the show postcard below for more details, a vendor list and hours/directions.

I'm in the process of moving all of my stuff to etsy so bear with my temporary lack of online presence.. but I'll be selling my hand printed Michelle Obama tees, a special edition kb love mix, awesome hand printed ties for the boys and more! (some samples below)

grab your loved ones!...see you there!! xoxo

December Events

2008-12-11T05:51:00.000-08:00

Come check out some of the art and craft events I have lined up this month. All of the events are free/open to the public, and surpass the coolness-quotient with lots of work by local artists, cool music and treats! Hope to see you there ;)

Throughout the month I'll be at Arlington Arts Center, Civilian Art Projects, Big Bear Cafe and the Black Cat doing lots of 'arty' fun stuff.

Click here for my list of December events. Hope to see you there!