The Scene: Academy 2011, Congressional Blues Festival

Conner Contemporary Art’s “Academy 2011” show, featuring the work of recent local art-school graduates, was the backdrop to a signing party for Lenny Campello’s new book, “100 Artists of Washington, D.C.” At the 8th Annual Congressional Blues Festival, politicos got a chance to hear some blues amid their wrangling about the debt limit.

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Guests view some of the work on display as part of “Academy 2011.”

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

Leigh Conner, the gallery’s owner/curator, cools off.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

Campello, the author, art dealer, critic and longtime booster of the D.C. scene.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

Pat Goslee and Victor Ekpuk, both featured in the book, greet art collector Lynn Sylvester at the party.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

Victoria F. Gaitan, one of the artists featured in the book, and Alberto Gaitan.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

Robin Rose and Jeff Spaulding, both featured in the book, chat at the book signing.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

Amy Lin, an artist featured in the book, with Brenda Jacobsen and her ten-day-old son, Viggo.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

Alexa Meade, one of the 100 artists in the book, chats with Tom Wolff at the book signing party.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

Renee Kitani chats with Margarida Kendall Hull, one of the featured artists in the book, at the book signing party.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

Elle Perez's photography is in “Academy 2011,” the current show at Conner Contemporary Art.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

Sol and Funk Root were among the performers at the National Building Museum.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

Gerard de Valroger on the dance floor.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

The food included barbecue ribs, country ham, fried chicken and potato salad.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.), co-chair, and Third Way’s Krista Ellis.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), co-chair.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

Crowley’s aide, Nik Holtan.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

Festival performer Christylez Bacon with Ryan Costello, the founder of the festival.

Rebecca D'Angelo / FTWP

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