McLean Project for the Arts will hold an opening reception and gallery talk next Thursday, Jan. 17, from 7 – 9 p.m. for three new exhibitions. It is free and open to the public.

“Small Stories: Paintings by Nora Sturges, Matthew Mann and Gregory Ferrand” in the Emerson Gallery features work that suggest a story in an undefined, open-ended, multi-layered way. The artists have in common a crisp, careful, objective style and a penchant for working on a relatively small scale.

“GOLDRUSHed: Paintings by Thomas Xenakis” in the Atrium Gallery includes abstract works made through an unusual technique that combines oil paint and gold leaf that exude an enigmatic sense of spirituality as they explore mysterious realms.

“Altered Terrain: Drawings by Rosemary Luckett” in the Ramp Gallery showcases the Virginia artist, whose work springs from many diverse sources of inspiration that yields images, both playful and at the same time deadly serious, that present a powerful commentary on contemporary life.

The exhibitions run through March 2.

MPA is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. For more information visit mpaart.org or call 703-790-1953.