Climbing the walls Take a look at School 33's quirky exhibit, and you may ask yourself, "What came first, the art or the wallpaper?"
Well, the exhibit, running through July 1, isn't called "Wallpaper" for nothing. It's a collaboration of fine art and interior design. And in a revolutionary reversal of traditional art shows, the interior design element sets the tone.
Local designers Franc Nunoo-Quarcoo and Maria Phillips were asked to select wallpaper to frame the show. Their chosen patterns were then presented to local sculptor and installation artist Allyn Massey and painter and drawing artist Peter Bruun, who crafted work in response to the wallpaper, to display in rooms with it.
"It's sort of an experiment about how fine art works with decorative art," says Peter Dubeau (left), director of School 33 Art Center in South Baltimore. "The way people choose wallpaper reflects the environment they're in and what their social status is."
The experimental exhibit is divided into three rooms. Massey and Bruun get their own spaces to respond individually to the wallpaper, and in the third room, they collaborate.
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. School 33 is at 1427 Light St. Call 410-396-4641 for more information.
EVENTS:
* Skilled artisans share the secrets of pruning, training and potting bonsai trees today at the National Arboretum in Washington. The free demonstration begins at 1 p.m. in the Bonsai and Penjing Museum and teaches general design techniques -- such as exposing roots and how to create the asymmetrical structure -- along with a synopsis of the art form's history, which developed from the more flamboyant eighth-century Chinese practice of "penjing." The arboretum is at 3501 New York Ave. N.E. For information, call 202-245-2726.
* Today's the last chance to check out the eighth annual Annapolis Waterfront Arts Festival; the gates close at 6 p.m. Live music and kids' face painting set a colorful backdrop for goods and displays that include hand thrown pottery, heirloom dolls, dog water rescue demonstrations and sailboat rides. The festival begins at 1 p.m. on the banks of College Creek at St. John's College. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children. For information, call 410-268-8828.
Creating a veranda look inside
To get the outdoor feel of lazy summer days indoors, you could haul in the white wicker from your porch, or check out GoodHome.com's new "Modern Weave" collection.
Bathed in rich hues of honey brown, the woven furniture series marries sleek modernity with the tactile character of natural elements. The breathable construction captures the airy feel of the season but with a durability designed for year-round use.
Each piece, from a seagrass chair and ottoman ($995) to the silk route sleigh bed ($1,795), is an original interpretation of old favorites but built with distinctive updates that make them right for the living room instead of the veranda.
For more information, check out GoodHome.com or call 877-642-2487.
--Tricia Bishop
Wand goes with the flow
The WaterQuick watering wand is made for gardeners on the go. Its speedy, no-mess "Miracle Nozzle" attaches to a garden hose. The $20 tool quickly delivers soft, aerated water at full pressure without blasting the plants or dribbling all over your clothes, and it does all this in half the time of the drip, drip, drip method.
The flow goes only where you point it, which makes it well-suited for hanging plants, and the gentle stream won't disturb the soil. For less delicate jobs, an adjustment valve switches the WaterQuick's pressure instantly from mist mode to rushing spray.
For information or to order, call 800-396-8585.
--Tricia Bishop
Home Front welcomes interesting home and garden news. Please send suggestions to Karol Menzie, Home Front, The Sun, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, Md. 21278, or fax to 410-783-2519. Information must be received at least four weeks in advance to be considered.