What better place than the Nation's Capitol to launch an art exhibit with the theme, ‘Tug of War'? If you're feeling contentious, pugilistic, or litigious, put this in your calendar: Hemphill Fine Arts, Saturday, March 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. If you're in a good mood, you'll still be welcomed. From left to right, above: Birds, by Laura Levine; Battlefield, by Tim Biskup; Shokujichuu (Mealtime), by Yumiko Kayukawa. Artwork is copyright © the artists, and used courtesy of Hemphill Fine Arts.

Twenty two artists who work in the style referred to as Pop Surrealism, or Lowbrow, were invited by curator Annie Adjchavanich (of Billy Shire Fine Arts, in Culver City, CA) to interpret the term ‘tug of war' as it relates to their own work. Ms. Adjchavanich said, "Some artists chose to see it as a struggle between good and evil, while others abstracted and adapted the concept according to their interpretation of the phrase."

The resulting exhibition showcases some of the most recognized artists working in this style. The roster includes Ana Bagayan, Glenn Barr, Gary Baseman, Tim Biskup, Scott G. Brooks, Daniel Martin Diaz, Bob Dob, P-Jay Fidler, Tony Fitzpatrick, Jason Houchen, Yumiko Kayukawa, Laura Levine, Chris Mars, Elizabeth McGrath, Scott Musgrove, Nathan Ota, Daniel Peacock, Corey Sandelius, Joe Sorren, SHAG (aka Josh Agle), Yoko Tanaka and Gary Taxali.

Annie Adjchavanich, Billy Shire, and several of the artists will be on hand Saturday night to celebrate this gathering of talent.

On Sunday, March 4, from 3:00 to 5:00, the gallery is hosting a book signing with Elizabeth McGrath, Bob Dob, Glenn Barr and SHAG, who will sign their recently published monographs.

Pop Surrealism and Lowbrow refer to an alternative art movement that arose in Los Angeles, California in the 1970s, and has roots in underground comics, punk music and other California subculture. Read more about the movement and the artists.