Archive for News

Hirshhorn Spring Gala 2018

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden brought back the electrifying decade of MTV, Madonna and neon at its spring gala Saturday, May 12, hosting more than 300 revelers for an evening of performances and dancing. In celebration of the Hirshhorn’s current exhibition “Brand New: Art and Commodity in the 1980s,” and its commitment to bringing the work of leading artists to Washington, the museum recognized Jeff Koons for his role in transforming contemporary art in the 1980s.

Art and culture enthusiasts discovered the Hirshhorn transformed for a late-night ’80s party, featuring a one-night-only commissioned dessert performance by artist Jennifer Rubell, custom ’80s-themed cocktails and tables of decadent vintage-inspired desserts and candy. Crowds gathered to toast Koons, ejoying Rubell’s dessert performance before cutting loose to the decade’s iconic soundtrack, spun by DJ Jus Ske.

Rubell is known for participatory installations that often use food as a medium. For her first commissioned performance in Washington, “Send in the Clowns,” Rubell staged 30 professional clowns throughout Hirshhorn’s inner ring, inviting guests to join wild and wacky challenges to earn chocolate, such as spinning plates and shooting balloon arrows.

See More:

Washington Life Magazine Article
Smugmug Photos

More about the Clown Summit at Moose Camp

I fully support the idea of having clowns gather to discuss the current state of clowning and brainstorm ways to address the issues.

Sharing content from Mooseburger.


Who ever thought the day would come when we would need to protect clowning?

The Clown Summit at Mooseburger Campwill address the serious issues facing clowns today.

The sad and pathetic trend of the “scary clown” has been poisoning the minds of Americans for years, but recently the problem has gotten worse.

Now it is affecting our livelihood and our vocation.

We need to PROMOTE, PROTECT, AND PRESERVE the Art of Clowning now and for generations to come.

Clowns do a GREAT job at telling jokes, but we do a poor job communicating serious issues.

The time has come for us to join forces in order to decide how we will address the issues facing clowns in this new hostile environment.

  • Will you help the cause?
  • Or will you let clowns continue to be bullied?
  • Don’t let clowning become a dying art.
  • Join the fight!
  • We need your voice. We need your ideas.

» Read more..

The Clown Summit at Mooseburger Camp

Do you subscribe to Pricilla Mooseburger’s weekly newsletter? You can subscribe on the Mooseburger Website. Last week’s newsletter included a blog post that proposes a “Clown Summit” to combat coulrophobia (the fear of clowns), educate the uninformed public about the consequences of masquerading as “fake clowns”, and defend #REALCLOWNS.

Below, I am sharing Pricilla’s post to help spread the word. Original posted at The Clown Summit at Mooseburger Camp

The Clown Summit at Mooseburger Camp

 

Recently at the Clowns of America International convention I made an exciting announcement.

You see, I have been struggling to come up with an idea since the movement away from clowns being a source of joy to something frightening. I have been a clown since 1980. All these years of teaching, costuming, and performing have been a real blessing.

I feel so close to the clown community because I talk to you every day. It might be about a wig, or a make-up issue, you may share a fun performance idea or what is going on in your local club. You have also shared with me your frustrations and disappointments. You called when you were asked not to wear your make-up, were told you were no longer welcome because “kids are afraid”, when a lucrative business became not so lucrative anymore.

I was saddened, angered, and frustrated on your behalf.

Please forgive me if I have become possessive and protective when it comes to “my clowns” as I fondly call you.

I am not the kind of person to throw up their hands and say “Okay, that’s just the way it is!”

Too much joy and happiness is at stake.

It is true: I was in the ranks of the truly discouraged — until recently.
» Read more..

Washington Post Article about Clowns

The World Clown Association held its annual convention in Bloomington, Minn., attracting hundreds of clowns from all over the world, as the industry searches for a new identity. The Washington Post has an article and video about clowns.

Washington Post Article

The Jason Show at World Clown Association

From the JASON SHOW in Minneapolis Minnesota. Talking to clowns at The World Clown Association Convention, on the day of Costume Contest.

Circus Magic Date Changes for 2018

Steve Kissell sent an email message saying that the Circus Magic Convention, which is usually in February will be delayed until the fall.

Hey Circus Magic Fans!

Thanks so much for your continued support. Just wanted to let you know that we are moving CircusMagicConvention.com to the fall for 2018. This coming year there will be 3 big conventions in the same area within two months so we thought it best to move to the fall, probably in October/November. I know some of you will not be able to attend due to festivals and we will miss you. Have a super fall this year and we will see you in 2018! Bump a Nose!

Yours in Laughter,
Steve Kissell

Grandma and the Big Apple Circus

Talkin’ Big Tops With Grandma The Clown
Video by CBS New York
The Big Apple Circus is back in town, celebrating 40 years of fun times.

A Ringling Bros. Relative is Keeping the American Circus Alive (HBO)

VICE News Tonight visits the Kelly Miller Circus, run by the nephew of the Ringling Bros. He’s filling circus tents nightly and says the high profile closure could be good for business.

Red Nose Day

Through the power of entertainment, Red Nose Day raises awareness and money to help the kids who need us most, both at home and around the world.

Get ready—Red Nose Day returns May 25.

In 1985, Comic Relief launched in the United Kingdom with the goal of using comedy to raise money and help those leading really tough lives. The goal? Creating a just world free from poverty.

The very first Red Nose Day was held in 1988. With millions of people participating in its first year, it was clear that a truly amazing movement was underway.

With every fundraiser held, TV special aired, partner enlisted, and Red Nose sold the movement continues to grow. Red Nose Day has raised over $1 billion globally.

Since 2015, Red Nose Day in America has raised over $60 million to help kids and young people most in need. We’ll hope you join us on our journey as we make an even bigger impact.

https://rednoseday.org/

First of May

May 1st is special for clowns. It is a birthday of sorts and a name for new clowns. According to the International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center, the term “First of May”, derives from the opening of the new circus season, traditionally on or around the first day of May in the tenting circus days. The term is used to describe newcomers to the circus profession. Clowns in particular made much ado about “joining out” or being a First of May with all the innumerable inconveniences, indignities and splendid joys attendant to being a participant in the ancient and honorable brotherhood of clowning.

Now, many clowns, including those who never worked on a circus, call new clowns a “First of May”.

Wikipedia says, “First of May — A term also used in the carnival, meaning a novice performer in his first season on a show. Shows used to leave winter quarters for their opening spot on the first of May, and there are always some new workers hired on the first of May who have never worked shows before.”

Goodmagic says, “First of May — A novice performer or worker in his first season. Shows usually play the season’s opening spot on the first of May, so the term means someone “green” who is new to circus life.”

All About Clowns says, “A clown would begin to create his face as a “First of May,” which is what clowns were called during their first season with a show. By the time he was a “Johnny Come Lately,” (in the second season) he or she might still make changes.”