FIRSTFriday in Falls Church
Connessione: Things in Common, at Falls Church Arts Gallery (111 Park Ave., Falls Church).
The showing begins Oct. 3 and runs till Oct. 25. Gallery hours are: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The opening reception is a part of FIRSTFriday in Falls Church, from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 3. There will be free ice cream and munchies as long as they last.
This open-call show was juried by Lisa Semerad, an instructor for 25-plus years at the Art League School (in the Torpedo Factory, Alexandria). Thematically, the show deals with the interconnectedness of all things and phenomena.
Semerad will also give a talk titled “Inside the Juror’s Eye” from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Falls Church Arts Gallery. She will discuss the process of judging art shows and what she looks for while doing so, all in an attempt to help those submitting art works for future competitions. These events are free and open to the public.
Note: FCA has an open call for works 12-inches or less. Deadline for submissions is Oct. 24. For complete details and entry forms, see www.fallschurcharts.org.
Art on the Avenue, along Mt . Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. The event is from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Oct. 4.
Located in the funky Del Ray section of Alexandria this Saturday, the annual street art fair reportedly features some 300 artists booths, bands and a pie baking contest followed by pie eating.
This will be the last day for the “Picture Me!” self-portrait show at Del Ray Artisans, on Mount Vernon Avenue. I especially liked Sherry Loveless’ image of herself as a half-horse half-woman titled “Centaur.” Also of note, Emily Lyle Kelly’s silkscreen titled “Dark Angel.”
For complete information, see www.artontheavenue.org/index.html.
Art in the Park
MPAartfest, in McLean Central Park located at the intersection of Dolley Madison Boulevard (Rte. 123) and Old Dominion Drive. The event runs from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m Oct. 5.
This is a rain-or-shine juried art fair featuring 40 area artists, with their own booths/tents. Sunday is supposed to have good weather, but Washington weather can only be so predictable. Should it be a rainy day, MPAartfest will be located indoors at the nearby McLean Community Center (123 Ingleside Drive, McLean).
Since the park here has no parking space, per se, free satellite parking will be available at Cardinal Bank located at the intersection of Dolley Madison Boulevard (Rte.123) and Beverly Road. Overflow parking is available at 6862 Elm St. Free and frequent shuttle bus service will be available to and from both parking locations The residential streets in this area lack curbing, which has people parking there on residents’ lawns – which predictably does not go over well at all. People are vociferously requested to please park in the provided parking areas, and not park on the residential streets around the library and community center behind the park. Additionally, golf cart service will be provided for handicapped use. Drop-off area and handicapped parking spaces available at the library directly behind the park itself, off Ingleside Drive.
There will be plenty of food, music, children’s events, lectures on contemporary art collecting and framing. For map and complete information, see www.mpaart.org/artfest.php. (Click on map for expansive PDF list of events, lecture times and subjects, etc.)
Edward J. Reed portrait painting demo, in the Art League gallery space of the Torpedo Factory (105 N. Union St, Alexandria). The event is from 1 – 4 p.m. Oct. 5.
As I relayed in a recent review of this show, Reed can do some serious portrait painting. Here we get to see him in action. This the last weekend to catch his solo show, and the last of three painting demos he’s giving in the same gallery space.
Reed teaches painting at the Torpedo Factory. Coupled with his past life as a litigator, Reed is not one to fumble for words. He knows what he is doing, and is able to articulate it clearly and effortlessly as few artists can. Having attended the last half hour of his last demo we can attest that this is likely to be the best free art instruction you’ve ever had, or ever will have. If you haven’t overdosed on art by this point in your weekend, this one is highly recommended – and you finally get to sit down!
Artist Opportunities
Greater Reston Art Center is accepting applications for the May 2009 Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival in the Reston Town Center. There are two deadlines – Nov. 1 and 15, with the later date carries an additional $35 late fee on top of the normal $40 entry fee. This two-day, all-weather event carries no commission fees for art sales. For complete information and forms, call 703-471-9242, or see www.restonarts.org/Festival/ArtistApplication.htm.
