February 2012

Rhythmic Thoughtscapes
Abstract Acrylics by Ruta Aidis

Exhibit Dates: January 31 - February 29, 2012
Location: RCC Hunters Woods

Rhythmic Thoughtscapes is the latest collection of paintings by Ruta Aidis. Working under the name ‘MargaRuta,’ which translates to ‘colorful Ruta,’ she creates abstract acrylic paintings where the dance of color and movement take the lead. She draws her inspiration from nature, which is most evident in works such as Blizzard and Snow Angels, and emotional impulses, such as in Being and Becoming, The Opening, and Good Vibe. “I don’t try to paint what I see,” says MargaRuta; “instead I distill everyday appearances into a play of color and movement on canvas.” The resulting paintings embody vibrancy through multiple layers of contrasting colors and dynamism through unique stroke techniques. Ruta Aidis is an artist, writer, economist, life coach, master drummer, beekeeper, world traveler, adventurer and mother. Visit her website at www.margaRuta.com to learn more.

Blizzard, acrylic, 36X24

February 2012

Expressions 2012 - Four Artists
Works by Ann Barbieri, Stephanie George,
Joan S. Kelly, and Connie Slack

Exhibit Dates: January 31 – February 27
Reception: Saturday, February 4, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Jo Ann Rose Gallery, RCC Lake Anne

Four of the area’s most talented and recognized artists, Ann Barbieri, Stephanie George, Joan S.  Kelly and Connie Slack, will exhibit their work in the Jo Ann Rose Gallery during February.

Ann Barbieri’s work has been called exuberant. “I strive for the rhythm and movement of the human figure in my paintings,” she says. With a lively sense of color, her acrylic and collage works often suggest a figure somewhere within. “The attempt to capture gesture creeps into my work, even if it is not meant to be figurative,” she says of her frequent use of the model. Working often on paper, she incorporates collage to achieve varied textures. Scenes from nature or interiors also are starting points for her works. Ann has exhibited in solo and group shows throughout the D.C. area, including the Touchstone Gallery in Washington, D.C. and This Century Gallery in Williamsburg, VA. She was selected as Artist of the Year by the Torpedo Factory in 2004. Her website is www.annbarbieri.com.  

After Rain by Ann Barbieri, acrylic on canvas, 30X40

Stephanie George has always been a vivid dreamer. And, indeed, dreams -- bizarre and fanciful, strange and beautiful – are the stuff her art is made of. Journaling what she remembered from her dreams gave her the material that eventually became a new way of artmaking. She says, “I was fascinated by the images that came to me like fish swimming by in a subway station or a man, whose wife’s dress is made out of Wonderbread wrappers, trying to get her zipper fixed. “I found myself returning to these images often and eventually decided to find a way to convey their primitive, primal and naïve nature in my art,” George says. She captures these fleeting images in monoprints. Recent exhibits include the McLean Project for the Arts, the Corcoran College of Art & Design and Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE).

Dream (Discussion at End of Pool) by Stephanie George,
oil monoprint, 48X36

Joan S. Kelly has surrounded herself with strong, bright colors all of her life. She paints in acrylics, the perfect medium for her spontaneous style, allowing her to easily make changes as her feelings change. “I respond to the moment, working quickly to let the language of paint, lines, colors, and space guide my brush.” Her recent paintings explore the relationship of figures and abstraction.   With expressive use of intense colors, the attitude of the human figure is exaggerated to “capture the essence of the individual’s inner spirit.” Kelly’s dynamic abstract compositions also make use of diagonals and strong lines to give a sense of strength and power to her subjects. She taught art in elementary school for several years before creating an art enrichment program for the Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) that is used by area elementary schools. She is an artist at Reston Art Gallery (RAGS), has exhibited widely and received numerous awards.   

Symphony of Pattern by Joan S. Kelly, acrylic on canvas, 24X30

Life experiences are the focus of Connie Slack’s bold abstractions rendered primarily in acrylic on canvas or paper. Vibrant colors merge with energetic compositions to form “expanded visuals” that reveal the dynamics of life moments – passion, surprise, happiness, sudden awareness. “They tell not only what I have experienced, but also how it has affected me,” she says. Slack often paints to music. Music helps her “surrender to liberating rhythms” that guide her hand while enhancing awareness of artistic elements. “I work with a full palette, large brushes and move in a dance with paint and canvas. For me, painting is a joyful struggle, a dance with both fear and faith.” Slack has had a studio at the Torpedo Factory for many years and was selected Torpedo Factory Artist of the Year for 2006. Her paintings, recently featured in a solo focus exhibition at The Greater Reston Arts Center, have won numerous honors and awards and are found in collections all over the world. Visit her website www.connieslackartist.com for a closer look at her work.

Jazz by Connie Slack, acrylic on canvas, 24X48

 

A new 3-D Gallery is the glorious result of the RCC Lake Anne renovation completed in September.  Pottery, from bowls to plates to whimsical pieces like piggy banks and castles, will be on display along with sculptural and 3-dimensional collage pieces.   The lighted display cases that line the walls of a 30 foot long hallway are of glass and mirrors.  Most of the items on display, created by teachers and students of RCC ceramic, sculpture and visual arts classes, are for sale.  Stop by to view the 3-D Gallery, a new Art Room, and an expanded ceramics facility.

 

Artist Information and Forms - Exhibits at RCC Hunters Woods
Artist Information and Forms - Exhibits at RCC Lake Anne