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Nov. 13, 2009

ArtSpace Offers Gallery of 'Small Wonders,' Gifts

By Leslie Perales Observer Staff Writer

The League of Reston Artists and ArtSpace Herndon have paired up for an exhibit that offers a glimpse of local artists' work and the chance to buy holiday gifts.

Les Zidel, board member of the Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts and ArtSpace volunteer, said the artists wanted to bring in an exhibit in anticipation of the holidays and provide people the opportunity to purchase affordable, locally made art. "There are some very beautiful works of art that would fit in anyone's home and in anyone's price range as well," he said.

The exhibit, "Small Wonders," runs through Dec. 6 and features small pieces that are were created with gift giving in mind. Robin Carroll, a member of the gallery's executive board, said ArtSpace is pleased to present the exhibit. "All the pieces are no larger than 8 inches by 8 inches a challenge for the artists and photographers," she said. Prices on the work range from $30 to $200.

Cheryl Parsons, president of LRA, said the exhibit includes photography, sculpture, mosaics, etching, drawing and painting. "It's pretty diverse," she said. She said 32 artists entered about 104 pieces of work into the exhibit and judge Lynn Goldstein chose the final 62. Parsons said Goldstein was very selective. "They're really fine choices," she said.

First place went to Terra Chapman, a 19-year-old student who is a former LRA scholarship winner, for her drawing "Sarah Margaret." Parsons said, "She is classic in her drawings. It absolutely blows your mind that she's 19."

Carla Steckley's photograph "Dewey Peony," took second place and Gennara Moore's sculpture "Captured Flame," took third place. Honorable mentions include Melanie Newlon, Patricia Deege, Gerry Rosenberg, Walter Crawford, Serap Wiedemer and Kim Belf.

Parsons said being able to hold exhibits at ArtSpace has been a good opportunity for the group. "It gives us a venue that's a real gallery," Parsons said. Often LRA uses the hallways of businesses and other public, multi-purpose spaces for their exhibits. "But it's not a real gallery and ArtSpace really has the feeling of a real gallery," she said.

"I love the space," Parsons said. "I think the way that they did it, as far as how they set it up, is very mobile." She said it is great to be able to move the walls and rearrange the space to fit the needs of the exhibits. "It's a big contribution to the neighborhood," she said.

Goldstein has been a professional artist for 25 years and has been teaching pastels and drawing since 1997. She is a member of the Maryland Pastel Society and the Pastel Society of America. She has a studio at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.

Zidel said the exhibit is great for the community because it gives them the chance to see artwork created by people who live in their own neighborhoods. He said the gallery's most recent exhibit prior to "Small Wonders" included portraits, many of which were large works. He said this exhibit also offers some variety.

ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center St., is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. The gallery is closed Mondays. Call 703-956-6590.