TIME & PLACE: GADSBY'S TAVERN

As the first in a series of periodic, curated exhibitions of temporary public art located in the city’s historic sites and museums, the City of Alexandria Public Art Program invited DC-based artist Sheldon Scott and the Baltimore-based artist team of Lauren F. Adams and Stewart Watson to create research-based, thought-provoking temporary public artworks that foster exploration and dialogue about Alexandria’s rich history located in Gadsby’s Tavern.

Sheldon Scott created both an immersive performance artwork and supporting exhibition of photographs and materials from the performance. Using the history of the harvesting of ice from the Potomac River and the storage and use of ice at Gadsby’s as a starting point, Scott’s work “examines the relationships between race, class, environment, luxury, and consumption by interrogating the process related to the use of Gadsby’s ice well.” Leading a procession through Old Town with a wheelbarrow of ice with “sirens” to guide the way, Scott lead the procession to the tavern where he placed the block of ice on his back and crawled into the tavern’s assembly room where the ice was chipped off and served in glasses of punch to the participants as Scott remained on his knees.  

Through their research, Stewart Watson and Lauren Adams created a series of site specific intermedia installations titled “Centennial of the Everyday”. They created historic ephemera that sat beside the historic objects throughout the museum and helped to tell the stories of women, enslaved people, and anonymous visitors whose stories are often overshadowed by the more historically famous individuals told on daily tours of the museum. The created various social media platforms to engage the broader community helping to connect history and contemporary art. 

Past Events & Exhibitions

Stewart Watson & Lauren Frances Adams: Centennial of the Everyday

MAY 15–SEPTEMBER 3
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
135 N. Royal St.

Discover a series of artistic interventions created by Baltimore artists Stewart Watson and Lauren Frances Adams tucked in among the exhibits at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum throughout the summer. These works of art reflect the artists’ in-depth research about the history of women, enslaved peoples, and anonymous citizens in Alexandria whose stories are overshadowed by other more famous historic figures. Using traditional material methods, such as stoneware, textile, and interior decorative objects, the artists highlight domestic material culture and narratives of anonymity and loss. Read the news release (PDF) or the exhibition guide (PDF) for more information. 

Connect online

@centennialoftheeveryday on Facebook  • Instagram

Sheldon Scott: the Finest Amenities

Exhibition
July 1–31

Torpedo Factory Art Center's New Project Studio
105 N. Union St.

In July and August, Scott continues the community dialogue surrounding the Finest Amenities with a micro-exhibition in the New Project Studio (Studio 8) at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, located at 105 North Union Street. The space will feature photography, video, and ephemera from this body of work. Video will also be projected throughout Alexandria via the Mobile Art Lab. 

Connect online

Facebook: @sheldonscottstudios • Instagram: @sheldonascott

Sheldon Scott: the Finest Amenities

"the Finest Amenities" Community Dialogue
Wednesday, March 8, 2017 
7:30–9:00 p.m.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal St.

In March, the Finest Amenities launched when Scott joined marine biologist Dr. Marvourneen K. Dolor, and historian Lance Mallamo for a roundtable talk on the intersection of art, science, and history, facilitated by public art specialist Todd Bressi. The group provided context to understand and interpret usability and accessibility of our natural resources, specifically the Potomac River. (Videos: Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3)

Sheldon Scott: the Finest Amenities

WALK & PERFORMANCE
SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2017 
1–4 P.M.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal St.

Sheldon Scott will begin at the Potomac waterfront at King Street at 1 p.m. and will walk towards Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, located at 134 North Royal Street. There, harvested ice becomes an object of decadence as his performance explores class, race, and the environment—past and present. Visitors will experience a one-time immersive performance in a reimagined Gadsby's Tavern. Read the news release (PDF) for more information.