Alexandria, VA – May is a very special time of year in the DMV. Mother Nature’s palette is in full bloom, inspiring makers of all mediums to channel the spring awakening into their artwork. Galleries full with color celebrate the advent of summertime with themes that evoke hope and life’s renewal.
River Farm and Nepenthe Gallery
River Farm (7931 E. Boulevard Dr.), situated along the Potomac on land once owned by George Washington, is the perfect partnership of horticultural splendor and art that expresses its beauty. On view in the Manor House is “More Moments of Art at River Farm” exhibiting nearly 40 works from artists represented by both Nepenthe Gallery and Robert Murray of the Von Brahler Ltd. Gallery.
Among the participating artists are local superstars Barbara Januszkiewicz, Arman Kankanian, Jennifer Lian, Maggie O’Neil, and new-to-Nepenthe Sweta Shah. Abstract master Romero Britto from Miami and the late Otari Shiuk’s floral compositions are among the many nationally renown artists showcasing floral fantasies from realism to impressionism to abstraction.
“We are delighted that our friend Bob Murray of The Von Brahler Ltd. Gallery invited us to partner with him to present a fabulous collection of artists whose works were curated to complement the history and beauty of River Farm, home of the American Horticultural Society,” said Carrie Garland, the owner of Nepenthe Gallery.
“Not only does this allow us to stretch the collection beyond the walls of our gallery, but it allows us to do so in a place that is so special to all of us in the community,” she explained.
The exhibit runs through Thursday, June 12 with a reception Thursday, June 5 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the Manor House. On May 4 Robert Murray will be signing copies of his book “The Elegance of Nature Softly Carved in Soapstone” from 1 to 4 p.m. at Nepenthe Gallery. He will also be bringing examples of soapstone sculptures from his collection.
Meantime, back at Nepenthe Gallery (7918 Fort Hunt Rd.), be sure to mark your calendars for the May ART + WINE + CHEESE events:
5/8: Judy Heiser new original abstract works, 5/15: Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post art critic David Apatoff, 5/22: watercolors by Louise Gardner-Schwartz, and 5/29: introducing acrylic and mixed-media artist Sweta Shah.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
A May day visit to Old Town is never complete without a visit to the Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union St.). Something is always happening at Printmakers Inc. in Studio 14, where you can see printmakers at work. Have a look through the bins filled with affordable original prints from member artists.
The featured printmaker is Veronica Barker-Barzel Kelly. Her exhibit, “Beyond the Plate: Dreams in Ink,” is on exhibit through June 30. A reception is planned for June 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. The artist, through her biomorphic forms, delves into the realm of the fantastical and surreal, where myth and adventure intertwine – a recurring motif this month of May.
“My work is a sanctuary, a space where I seek to evoke thought, curiosity, and some laughter,” Kelly said about her immersive process. “I believe through storytelling in art we can find a healing that we may need.”
Take the opportunity to meet the artist. Learn more about how she develops her work and how her process complements the worlds she creates both within a line and without it.
Del Ray Artisans Gallery
Over in Del Ray, the Del Ray Artisans Gallery (2704 Mount Vernon Ave.) is hosting an exhibit of Alexandria City High School Titan Art from Friday, May 2 to Saturday, May 24. A reception will be held on Friday, May 2 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Speaking of stupendous student talent here in Port City. Meet Lila Garwood and view her exceptional Alexandria City High School senior experience photography portfolio at Nepenthe Gallery on May 20 at 8 p.m. Wish Garwood all the best as she heads off to the University of Michigan.
ICYMI: Old Town Alexandria Homes and Gardens Tour April 26
