Mr Smith Goes to Washington

I’m in Washington, D.C. today with The Creative Coalition joining a delegation of artists headed by The Creative Coalition president – actor Tim Daly along with Dana Delany, Alfre Woodard, Matthew Modine, Kerry Washington and Rachael Leigh Cook presenting a mock-up of my book ART & SOUL to The White House and Congress to support public funding for arts and arts education.

celebrity portraits of Tim Daly, Kerry Washington, Alfre Woodard and Dana Delaney photographed for Art & Soul
Tim Daly, Kerry Washington, Alfre Woodard and Dana Delaney photographed for Art & Soul

The book features my portraits of celebrities including Tim Daly, Alfre Woodard, Kerry Washington, Dana Delany, Tony Bennett, Anne Hathaway, Zooey Deschanel, Alyssa Milano, Ellen Burstyn and David Hyde Pierce accompanied by handwritten personal testimonials from each artist which express their support for the importance of the arts in our lives.

The project was made possible through generous sponsorship from Hachette Filipacchi Media, American PHOTO and Sony. My thanks to Kayla Lindquist, of Sony Artisan’s of Imagery program, Robin Bronk, Barbara Horvath and Briana Mulherin of The Creative Coalition, Jeffrey Roberts, Al Silvestri, Alissa Reynolds, Anna Martin, Athos Kyriakides, David Schonauer and Russell Hart of American PHOTO and Hachette Filipacchi Media, Eileen Gittins and Robin Goldberg of Blurb, Arri Weeks and Matthew Schulert, our fabulous digital tech from Splashlight, Joel Warren and Eddie Tricomi and over a dozen hair and make-up artists from Warren-Tricomi and Ted Okada, Steve Sommers, Phil Lubell, Kristen Elder and Mark Weir of Sony. But my biggest and deepest thanks goes to my lovely wife Fazia who always makes sure everyone always look great on our shoots – thanks for believing in me all of these years…

Friday night we’ll all be with director Barry Levinson for the Washington, D.C. premiere of his documentary film PoliWood, whichexamines the intersection of celebrity and politics. The film debuted last Friday to a sold-out theater at the Tribeca Film Festival. Catch it if you can! Things wrap up Saturday with the White House Correspondents’ Brunch and Dinner

The Creative Coalition members meet with Kareem Dale, White House Arts Liaison at The White House Eisenhower Office Building
The Creative Coalition members meet with Kareem Dale, White House Arts Liaison at The White House Eisenhower Office Building in Washington, D.C.
The Creative Coalition Luncheon on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C
The Creative Coalition Luncheon on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
Alfre Woodard & Tom Fontana of The Creative Coalition meet with Senator Jeff Merkley
Alfre Woodard & Tom Fontana of The Creative Coalition meet with Senator Jeff Merkley
Alfre Woodard, Tim Daly, Dana Delany and Matthew Modine of The Creative Coalition meet with Senator Mark Begich
Alfre Woodard, Tim Daly, Dana Delany and Matthew Modine of The Creative Coalition meet with Senator Mark Begich
Alfre Woodard, Tim Daly, Dana Delany and Matthew Modine of The Creative Coalition meet with Senator Mark Begich
Alfre Woodard, Tim Daly, Dana Delany and Matthew Modine of The Creative Coalition meet with Senator Mark Begich
The Creative Coalition's Linus Roache, Matthew Settle, Robin Goldberg, Barry Levinson, Dana Delany, Alfre Woodard. Matthew Modine, Tom Fontana, Rachael Leigh Cook and Aric Ackerman on Capitol Hil
The Creative Coalition’s Linus Roache, Matthew Settle, Robin Goldberg, Barry Levinson, Dana Delany, Alfre Woodard. Matthew Modine, Tom Fontana, Rachael Leigh Cook and Aric Ackerman on Capitol Hill.

 

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31 thoughts on “Mr Smith Goes to Washington”

  1. Ahhhh…Mr. Smith!!! Very nice…very nice indeed! And I’m proud to be the first of what I’m sure will be many to post comments on your groovy new blog! Now get Twittering, young man!!!

    BT

      1. I think the most impressive part was to witness all of the artists who passionately support the arts – not out of self-interest, but merely so that others can benefit from the same opportunities they were afforded…

        If you run into Annie, give her my best. In fact, maybe you want to invite her over for dinner…she’s had a rough year!

  2. very nice Brian, as usual very classic images.
    like Matthew Modine and Connie Britton images.

    Cheers
    R

  3. Thanks for sharing. Such beautiful work but I am not surprised. Hope you get the idea across about the importance of continuing financial support for the arts. keep up the good work on all counts. Jane

    1. Thank you Sweetie and rest assured that I’ll be back in Miami in time to celebrate your anniversary party. Until then, best to you and Red!

  4. Brian,

    I am David’s daughter Erica. Using your art to push this cause is powerful and what great work it is! As a photographer in the first few years of my career- I aspire to do the same. Look forward to meeting you soon.

    Best,

    Erica Parise

  5. Gorgeous images, as always Brian…and a really important cause. Way to go!
    All best,
    Ronnie

  6. The Coalition is fortunate to have the most gifted photographer to help fight this cause. The photos are absolutely gorgeous. Cannot wait to see the book. And Fazia, as always, your work shines.

    With you all the way!
    eb

  7. Fabulous work ! Who else would be better at representing artists in Washington but you and Fazia. Right now, we probably have the best president to fund the Arts, unfortunately, in the worst economic times. Thank god he likes to spend the money!!!!!! Can’t wait to see the book! Oh, you were right Annie does live on a lake or rather has one! We were there yesterday, long story, I’ll fill you in next time we see you. Let us know when you are in NY or LA in the fall!

    David and Mary Lynn

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