Q: Do you wonder why your "local flavor" balloon won't fly in a perfectly windy sky? A: I know a place. Q: Hate drawing inside the lines because a little voice inside your head assures you that Miró and Dalí were never given such parameters? A: "Art-O-Matic" says that little Yelp voice inside your head. Parameter-free, no-holds barred, anything goes art-enthusists need only apply. Interested? Inquire within. Let's see... How do I put this? This art has balls. (Well, maybe not Washington Post's Peep Contest dioramas that are housed here- b/c they have decency standards.) With all due respect to the Peeps, this ain't your pappy's art show. Seeing how this is an artistic Yelp review, let me paint a picture using words to describe Art-O-Matic: Daring, edgy, raw, untainted, hip, dark, humorous, varied, eclectic, multifaceted, political, anarchist, air-conditioned (more of a warning), unpredictable, uninhibited, avant-garde, thought-provoking Now, go forth in the pursuit of art and make your own review, add your own descriptive words to the aforementioned list. Q: Why should you go? A: Because if Miró, Dalí, Brassaï, and Hopper were alive, they'd be there. They'd also donate $ to help keep this going every year. Know before you go: * This year's converted office à la art space is a labyrinth. Allow hours. I mean it. * Kid-friendly? If there were a breast-breast here and art-artistic genital there on Old McDonalds' farm then...yes. (If you only had cows and chickens on your Old McDonald farm...then a discretionary... "cover your eyes, kid") Art is where you find it. Let Art-O-Matic find you. Je suis l'art (whispered in a Calvin Klein fragrance breathy-tone) read more

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This was everything that an art gallery should be. More like, this is everything a public space should be. I think it would be such an incredible boost to the culture and community of the entire DMV to have something like this year-round. For, what, a few thousand a month we maintain a space where artists can share their talent, performers have a venue to explore and people have something to do that doesn't involve shots of vodka. I bumped into someone accidentally here. And instead of the person turning and giving me a look and then putting their earbuds back in, we both apologized. We even had a conversation. Art makes people better. Thanks, Artomatic, for a great time! read more

Trying to find an art exhibition that all your friends will enjoy can be difficult. Lucky for the DC area, we have Art-O-Matic. Located conveniently close to the Crystal City Metro Station, Art-O-Matic is comprised of hundreds of artists, live music, demonstrations, 3 bars, and much more throughout an 11-story building. While we can't enter the 5th floor (what's with that - are you hiding the Sorcerer's Stone in there), the remaining 10 stories give you more than enough to enjoy an afternoon, evening, entire day, or even multiple visits. With artists ranging in age, medium, and style, everyone will find pieces that they love, hate, and make them look at art differently. Highlights include an 11 year old who creates portraits of video game characters out of Legos, a diorama contest with Peeps, the interactive 6th floor, and the dozens of rooms displaying art from two or more artists side by side (it's amazing to see how different artist's can compliment or oppose one another by accident). This free event lets you explore your artistic side even if, like me, you don't think you have one. Art-O-Matic is truly a must for anyone looking for a fun and different activity to enjoy with friends. read more

Glad to see it come back this year. Big props for not being in the hood this time (last one I went to back in '02 was in SE DC and was kinda sketchy). It's like the coolest art museum you've ever been to, except everyone's a local artist. Next time Art-o-matic comes around, put on your comfy shoes, bring your camera, and be prepared to spend hours checking out all the exhibits. And make sure not to miss the quirkiest race in town - the Art-o-matic 500! read more

Art-o-matic 2012 - Art-o-matic 500 contestants! - Art Galleries Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

This was my first year as a participant at Artomatic. The non-profit is probably the most wonderfully open-minded group that I've ever come across. Absolutely everyone is accepted here, be it professional artists to the paint-by-numbers variety. From groups of drummers to solo artists to dancers. They could all be found here, and more than that, welcomed with open arms. I enjoy painting, and this was the first space where I showed my art. During volunteer hours, guests/fellow artists came up to me and asked me where my art was so they could seek it out. Never have I come across such friendly and supportive people. Simply told, Artomatic is the largest creative explosion in the DC metro area. It's overwhelming and spectacular in every way. Through event set-up to the month-long show to breakdown, it's been such a great experience, and I can't wait to do it again at the next location! read more

What happens when artists get to take over an 11-story building in Crystal City for a few months? Art-o-matic, naturally. Hundreds of artists of all mediums have exploded all over this building. (It's actually only 10 full stories of art as the 5th is, for some reason, empty.) There are three stages with live music, three cash bars (ATM on the 7th floor), and countless opportunities to admire local works. Free to get in (though donations are gladly accepted), this is an almost overwhelming experience. The 6th floor (which we didn't see on our first visit) is apparently an interactive floor -- bring pens and crayons and draw on the walls. Participate in art! We were there several hours and only got through the top two floors. We'll be back, probably several times, in order to see everything. An amazing experience! read more

Artomatic is such a cool idea. A massive unjuried art show where hundreds of people can show their stuff in an underutilized office building. Throw in music, demonstrations, food and the fact that people can decorate their own space and it is a crazy, eclectic place. Oh, and it is free. Go to artomatic and there is just no way you won't feel overwhelmed. We spend about 2 hours in there and we got through a fraction of the space. It also makes you appreciate what a jury can do for an art show. Sure there is a ton of cool work, but it is subsumed by the massive amount that isn't. Overall artomatic is like finding the proverbial needle in the haystack, and I'm not sure I actually enjoyed the searching. I have to admit that the highlight was probably the peep dioramas. I think that is a pretty good metaphor for the whole thing. It is a cool concept though for sure. read more

Artomatic is always fun and this year is no exception! The crowds are lively and there's of course an amazing wealth of art of _all_ types and definitions, including plenty of live music. Pretty much everything's for sale also, and many of the artists are around to talk with if you so choose. I hope Artomatic doesn't take another three-year absence before returning! read more

You have something for everyone here! Amazing mix of the talented and the funny :) This is a 5 day trip ... I would recommend 2 floors a day read more

I love Art-o-matic! It is one of the few truly open, democratic art exhibitions. This HUGE art event excludes no one. To that degree, don't be surprised when you see "bad" art. Just be surprised that when you are talking with one of the thousands of people at the event about "bad" art - you won't be talking about the same thing. That's part of what you discover at the rare events like this. The openness reminds you that the difference between fine art, low brow, and bad art is just the beholder. PLEASE ATTEND- even if you are not into art. This is a social and novel event! Describing it is pointless- just know that you have a whole building (pretty much) to roam thru like a feral cat! Awesome! I attended Art-o-matic when it was in DC. It was one of the few bright, open, non-exclusionary things in gentrified Navy Yard area. I am not a fan of Arts organizations whose goals are to save buildings and displace people. Art-o-matic does none of that. They pop up in any large open space and fling the doors open to art for everyone- then move on. Their goal is ART and fun! Not real estate redistribution, redevelopment, or revitalizing. That's why Art-omatic is so diverse and fun! GET THERE!! read more

Being a participant, I had a great experience. Lots of exposure and validation that I am making great art. Hopefully masterpieces....

Management was horrible. You have a blonde dictator/wench running the place who lacks emotional intelligence and isn't alright with people asking questions-- leaving volunteers to do as they wished. As I was signing off of my shift, she sat there on her high-throne with a disdainful stare like we were slaves that were beneath her to acknowledge. It goes without saying that she never offered a simple "thank you" (exhibiting her total lack of social grace). Hopefully, the board will select more competent people to run the event next time. read more