Art in Daily Spaces returns with the theme ‘Journey to Belonging’
Art in Daily Spaces is back in Annandale for the third year, transforming local establishments – businesses, churches, and government offices – into a community-wide gallery of local and regional artists.
The exhibit features the work of 10 artists in seven different locations, mostly along Columbia Pike, through May 31.
The public is invited to the opening event for the exhibit on May 1, 5-7 p.m., at the Mason Government Center.
The show was organized by Community Art for Everyone (CAFE) and James Albright, chair of the Mason District Arts Council, and installed with the support of the seven venues listed here. The project was funded by a grant from ArtsFairfax.
The theme, “Journey to Belonging,” encouraged artists to speak to their own journeys through their artwork. A jury of three established artists reviewed the submissions and selected 10 artists for the show. Each artist will display up to five pieces.
There will be an artists’ talk at John Calvin Presbyterian Church on May 9, starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by a performance by Ali and the Wild Geese, a modern string band. Additional events associated with Arts in Daily Spaces might be planned, as well.
In addition to the exhibit, Art in Daily Spaces has added a new public art concept. A group of community members developed a conceptual art piece that will be displayed in two locations in Annandale.
Here is a list of the artists participating in Art in Daily Spaces, including the location of their work and a statement about their art:
Ann Farley – Beanetics Coffee Roasters (7028 Columbia Pike, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Farley says, “I create whimsical paper designs of bright colors and playful shapes, all individually cut by hand.”
Kebao Li – Pike Kitchen (7023 Columbia Pike, 11:30 a.m.-10 or 11 p.m.) Inspired by Chinese calligraphy, his works transform line into movement, body, emotion, and landscape, revealing rhythm, balance, and expressive energy.
DeVante Capers – Down the Line Sports Center (4311 Ravensworth Road, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.). He uses his artistic talents and different media to tell stories through his journey.
John Calvin Presbyterian Church (6531 Columbia Pike, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. or by appointment) will host the following three artists:
Russ Mardon – “I often focus on scenes that feature human-made structures – such as a road or building – in a beautiful, natural landscape, rich in patterns of color, shape, and texture.”
Maryam Mustafa – “In my research and creative work, I am seeking how to connect memories of mental health, grief, love, and loss to social justice, Islam, philosophy, and visual and performing arts.”
Surya Patil – “At the heart of my work lies a commitment to creating art that inspires, connects, and endures.”
The Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike) will feature two artists in the hallway outside the supervisor’s office:
Eric Ndofor – “My paintings explore how identity is formed, fractured, and reaffirmed through the movements we make across physical, emotional, and cultural landscapes.”
Bob Carlson – “I interpret and reflect upon our prismatic world, often painting in series, sharing common motifs and themes that I explore and expand upon, pursuing some over decades.”
Beth Baldwin is back for a second year with textile constructions – ACCA Child Development Center (7200 Columbia Pike, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.). “I enjoy a hand-crafted approach to art. I often don’t see much distinction between art and craft because I feel art without craft is soulless and craft without art is pointless.”
Natalia Serova – RAMP Optimal Performance and Wellness (7232 Columbia Pike, 5 a.m.-8 p.m.). “My work explores the intersection of everyday reality and vivid imagination.”
Learn more about the artists here.