‘Art in Daily Spaces’ brings artworks to six locations in Annandale
“Art in Daily Spaces,” an exhibition of 21 local artists in a variety of media, opens to the public April 5 in six locations across Annandale.
The exhibition, now in its second year, was organized by Community Art for Everyone (CAFE) and sponsored by ArtsFairfax.
The public is invited to meet the artists at the opening reception on April 5, 6-8 p.m., at the Mason Government Center.
The participating artists demonstrate a wide range of styles and media – photography, painting, fiber, fused glass, and sculpture.
Art in Daily Spaces transforms the following, well-known spaces in Annandale into temporary art galleries:
- Beanetics Coffee Roasters, 7028 Columbia Pike – artists Isa Merlos, Beth Baldwin, and Sheryl Rakestraw.
- St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 6800 Columbia Pike – Jan Barrett and Mairi Thorne.
- Mason Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike – Asia Anderson, Maureen B. Howell, and David B. Goldstein.
- RAMP Optimal Performance and Wellness, 7232 Columbia Pike – Omaid Sharifi of ArtLords, Carolyn EJ Watson, and Ariane D’Souza.
- John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 6531 Columbia Pike – Anne Meagher-Cook, Phil Kemelor, and Shona D’Cruz.
- George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike – Rockets Alcoreza, Tarik Gill, Leslie Byrne, Liza Uddin, Shailaja Khanal, Quiet Storm Art, and Susan Trivers.
“Art in Daily Spaces seeks to integrate the creative work of residents with a vision for a community to come,” says Annandale resident and artist James Albright, who served as strategic planner for the project. Since Annandale doesn’t have any formal gallery spaces, the exhibit takes place at venues people visit during their daily lives.
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“Art in Daily Spaces doesn’t limit the format of creation, recognizing that such a limitation doesn’t reflect the broad artistic impulses of our community members,” Albright says. “This year’s show was expanded from the first Art in Daily Spaces event in 2024 in response to the interest of so many artists.” Two artists who participated in 2024 – Beth Baldwin and Shona D’Cruz – have artworks in this year’s show.
CAFE president Hannah Joo curated the Arts in Daily Spaces project with assistance from designer Olivia Nam.
Central to the mission of CAFE is the establishment of strong partnerships with local retailers and small business owners. Through close collaboration, CAFE engages with local residents to implement community art initiatives.
CAFE’s “long-term vision includes organizing an annual gallery project in collaboration with local businesses, with the goal of expanding participation from both artists and retailers, thus fortifying the art community in the region.” CAFE hopes to “transform Annandale into a dynamic ‘placemaking’ destination, fostering creativity and community engagement.”
