Parallel Lines: A Second Act in Color
The Athenaeum welcomes artists Laura Caliguiri and Leslie Thornton
(Alexandria, VA) — The Athenaeum presents Parallel Lines: A Second Act in Color, featuring new works by longtime friends and collaborators Laura Caliguiri and Leslie Thornton. Both artists have embraced bold second careers in the visual arts following accomplished professional lives, channeling their creativity into vibrant explorations of color, form, and emotion.
This exhibit celebrates reinvention and renewal through a shared passion for Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting. Caliguiri and Thornton invite viewers into a world of contrasts—vivid and muted tones, fluid shapes, textured surfaces, and expressive gestures—where each brushstroke becomes a dialogue between spontaneity and intention.
Visitors are invited to meet the artists and experience their work during the opening reception on Sunday, November 9, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Botton: Leslie Thornton, “Blowin’ in the Wind” (detail), acrylic on canvas, 48”x 30” — courtesy photo
Exhibit Dates: November 6 – December 14, 2025
Artist Reception: Sunday, November 9, 4–6 p.m.
Location: The Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA
About the Athenaeum | Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association (NVFAA):
The Athenaeum Gallery, located at 201 Prince Street in Old Town Alexandria, is open Thursday through Sunday, 12–4 p.m. Founded in 1964, the NVFAA is dedicated to fostering excellence in the arts and enriching the cultural life of Northern Virginia and the greater metropolitan area. The Athenaeum showcases work exclusively by artists who live or work in the region, offering visitors a diverse range of exceptional exhibitions and experiences.
