Ten Tips for Your Artomatic Visit

Artomatic has taken over an entire office building in Crystal City, with ten floors of art of every variety. In traditional galleries, curators select what hangs on the walls. At Artomatic, anyone can present anything they want. The result is a democracy of art, with the brilliant and the horrendous presented side by side.

Running until June 23, Artomatic is more than just a celebration of the visual arts. It also includes film, fashion, music and more. And it’s all free.

Wandering thousands of square feet of art can be a bit overwhelming. Here are ten tips to make the most of DC’s biggest creative event.

1. Have a Plan. Work from more than 1,000 artists is on display. There is no way you can see it all in one visit. My suggestion: start on the top floor and work your way down, using the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator. 

2. Look for Artists You Know. With more than a thousand artists, surely a friend, friend of a friend, coworker or some distant Facebook connection of yours has their work on display. Look for the printed guide in the lobby and search for people you know.

3. See the Peeps. There is nothing more crowd-pleasing at Artomatic than The Washington Post's 6th Annual Peeps diorama contest finalists. Find them on the 9th floor. Bonus: go to the Peeps Party on June 16.

4. Sign a Guestbook. Most artists have guestbooks next to their exhibits. Provide some encouragement to art that moves you.

5. See a Show. Check out the Artomatic Events Calendar for fun and educational events to attend. These include beer tastings, artist workshops, film screenings, musical performances, burlesque and late-night dance parties.

6. Expect Nudity. Deconstructing the male gaze, transgressive models of female sexuality - whatever artspeak you want to use, this nation has a surplus of naked MFA students in front of cameras. It’s become a cliche. If black and white shots of pudgy nudes offend you, then avert your oppressive stare.

7. Wear Comfortable Shoes. Artomatic is a confusing maze of offices and hallways. You will be walking a good deal so choose comfort over style.

8. Have a Drink. Busboys and Poets has a pop-up cafe on the first floor. There are bars on the first and tenth floor, with roving bar carts as well. Bring cash - they don’t take debit cards and there are no ATMs on site.

9. Bike to Artomatic! It’s just a half-hour from DC along the Mount Vernon Trail and makes for a pleasant weekend excursion. Follow the Crystal City exit along the trail and you’ll end up a block from Artomatic.

10. Buy Something. See something you like? Many pieces are for sale - look for the artist’s contact info by their exhibit. There’s also an Art-to-Go Marketplace on the first floor.

Most of all, however, Artomatic is an opportunity to surrender to serendipity. You will inevitably get lost and confused - what floor am I on? You will see art that amazes you, shocks you and makes you wonder, “That’s art?” The experience will broaden your conception of art and artists, bringing the lofty ideas of creative expression down to the level of your neighbor who paints pictures of robots and is exhibiting at Artomatic.

And, maybe, if you’re lucky, the experience of seeing so much bad and good art will inspire you to bring your own voice to the world.