<i>Send announcements to The Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to
reston@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. Call Jean Card at 703-917-6437, with questions.
This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost. For additional ongoing events listings, visit our Web site at www.connectionnewspapers.com.</i>
The Jasmine Cafe, 1633 Washington Plaza North, Reston, 703-471-9114, is showcasing the paintings of Herndon artist Leslie Nolan through July 31. A reception will be held on Sunday, May 21, from 3-5 p.m.
Working in oil, acrylic, charcoal, gouache and watercolor, Nolan's recent work reflects a new direction towards abstraction, opacity and texture since her retirement last year from the Department of State. Her painterly style, with its loose brushwork and bold use of color and texture, is recognized this month with the Best in Show award at the Art League in Alexandria's Torpedo Factory. Nolan also won an award at Strathmore Hall in Bethesda, Md., for an abstract acrylic in the Symphony of Hues art show on display there throughout May. Another of Nolan's works was juried into this year's exhibit of the prestigious Southern Watercolor Society in Florida, held this month, where competition from artists throughout the South is fierce.
Nolan credits inspiration for her new direction to workshops she recently took from nationally known artists Alex Powers, Skip Lawrence, and Arne Westerman. Each emphasized having something to say, planning and then having fun with the brush.
Painting full time is a far cry from Nolan's previous career in National security work at CIA, the U.S. Information Agency and State Department, where she worked for 33 years as a special agent, embassy regional security officer, manager of overseas security programs and senior management analyst. That work required precision, organization and keeping secrets. In contrast, since retirement Nolan has been able to
focus fully on the free expression of feelings through her artwork.
Nolan holds two master of science degrees in investigative techniques from George Washington University and in national security from the National Defense University, but her art education was acquired part time during the evenings from local art teachers. She is a member of Potomac Valley Watercolorists, the League of Reston Artists, the Art League in Alexandria, the Fairfax Art League and the Capitol Hill Art League in Washington, D.C. Nolan exhibits widely in the local area and is active in the Art in Public Places program, showing her work in public and private office buildings, including the office of Congressman James Moran.
Disney girls, the heroines and the princesses, grace the walls of ArtInsights at Reston Town Center from June 1-July 10 in original and limited edition animation art. Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White, and more. Call 703-478-0778.
National Call for Submission of Donated Found Photographs. Have you ever walked through a flea market and seen one of those beat-up, badly abused and long-neglected family photo albums with yellowed cellophane pages filled with old photographs spilling out of it and wondered about who that album originally belonged to and what the lives of all the people pictured inside it were about?
Experimental photographer, James W. Bailey, a native of Mississippi who currently resides in Reston, has long been fascinated with found photographs and believes that these missing photographic objects rise to the level of fine art. In November and December of 2005, Bailey will present a curated art exhibition in Reston featuring a donated collection of these lost photographic treasures titled, "i found your photo."
After the exhibition closes in late 2005, the original found photographs, index cards and other curatorial items from the exhibition will be collected and placed into an original one-of-a-kind handmade photography book. This book will be designed by the photographer and handmade photography book artist, Melanie De Cola of Reston. To complete the project, the book will be auctioned on E-bay in early 2006 and the proceeds of the auction will be used to fund a photography scholarship through the League of Reston Artists, a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 artist collective based in Reston, for an at-risk high-school senior aspiring photographer from the Washington, D.C., area to attend an accredited fine arts college of art school.
If you would like to participate in donating your found photograph, mail the original photograph, along with an index card that offers your thoughts on the meaning and a description of where you found it by Sept. 15 to James W. Bailey, "i found your photo" - Curator, Force Majeure Studios, 2142 Glencourse Lane, Reston, VA 20191.
Donations of found photographs can be made anonymously.
The "i found your photo" exhibition will open on Nov. 1, at the University of Phoenix Northern Virginia Campus in Reston. Visit the project Web site at http://www.ifoundyourphoto.blogspot.
Reston Concerts on the Town from 7:30-10 p.m. at Reston Town Center Pavilion continuing every Saturday evening in June, July and August. Visit www.restontowncenter.com for a full concert schedule.
The Council for the Arts of Herndon announces rehearsals for the Herndon Symphony Orchestra will take place every Tuesday, from 7-9 p.m., at the Herndon Middle School's band room, 901 Locust St. Musicians of all ages and talent levels are welcome to attend. The Symphony Orchestra is under the direction of Tim Adams. E-mail timadams@herndonarts.org or call 703-689-9535.
Acoustic Jam at Frying Pan Country Store. Pickin', strummin', or just listenin'. Bring your instrument or come by to enjoy this drop-in session at the country store. The acoustic jam brings music to the farm on the first and third Sunday, from 1-4 p.m., of each month. Free. 703-435-3710.
The Epilepsy Foundation of the Chesapeake Region is sponsoring the following Support Groups for Adults diagnosed with Seizure Disorders and Caregivers. Free. Call 703-425-6660.
Reston Epilepsy Group meets the second and fourth Friday of each month, from 7-8:30 p.m., at Herndon High School, Entrance 5, Room 123, 700 Bennett St., Herndon.
Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group (Support Group for Adults diagnosed with Seizure Disorders and Caregivers).
Every Wednesday, from 7-8 p.m., at Falls Church High School, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church.
Spanish Chats at Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, every Wednesday, 7 p.m. Informal refresher for people who want to practice Spanish. For adults. Call 703-689-2700.
Open Poetry Readings. Lake Anne Coffee House, Lake Anne Village Center Shopping Center, Reston, every Tuesday, from 7-9 p.m. Call Megan McDonald at 202-879-0517 days.
Parent and Child Workshop, drop in from 10 a.m.-noon, every Saturday at the Reston Museum at Lake Anne. Led by local artist Pat Macintyre. No charge, no pre-sign up. Call the museum at 703-709-7700, or call Pat at 703-471-1445 work, or 703-860-5554 home.
The American Red Cross of the National Capital Area's Fairfax/Falls Church Office, in conjunction with the Fairfax County Citizen Corps Council, will sponsor an Emergency Preparedness Clinic once a month for the next year. The clinics will be held in a different location in the County, the schedule will posted in libraries, on the Web Site, and other public locations. Contact Rebecca Kurylo, community outreach coordinator at the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area Chapter, at 703-805-2332 or kurylor@usa.redcross.org.
Fairfax County seniors 55 years of age or older are invited to participate in a variety of activities, such as strength training, Tai Chi, low impact aerobics and line dancing, at the Reston-Herndon Senior Center, 1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Suite 200, in Reston. Most activities are free of charge. Transportation may be available. Lunch time meals are available with one-day advance notice on a sliding-fee scale. The center welcomes new participants. Contact director Tara Fitzpatrick at 703-481-4200, TTY 703-222-9693 or via e-mail at tara.fitzpatrick@fairfaxcounty.gov. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec and go to senior services.
Reston Community Center's open wood shop meets Tuesdays, 6-10 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The wood shop offers workspace and has equipment such as table saws, sanders, drills, worktables and a lathe. The wood shop is located at the Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods. The wood shop fee is $5 for people who live or work in Reston and $7 for others. The Reston Community Center is located at 2310 Colts Neck Road in Reston. Call 703-476-4500 (TTY).
Live band swing dancing at the Dulles Hilton, located at the corner of McLearan Road and Route 28 in Herndon, every Friday night with Sue and Gary Caley. Cost is $12 and includes a half-hour beginner class at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing from 9 p.m.-midnight. For a complete line up of the bands, visit www.gottaswing.com.
The Closet in downtown Herndon carries many specialty items ranging from glassware, to compact discs, to books, to clothes for the whole family, including evening wear and wedding dresses." The Closet, located at 845 Station St., is open for business Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Farm animals at Kidwell Farm, open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily. Sheep, pigs, goats and cows. Pet the animals, take a hay ride or watch farm hands at work. Daily hay rides, held Monday-Saturday, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., weather permitting, cost $2. Frying Pan Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Call 703-437-9101.
Gymside & Trailside Walkers, join other seniors at the Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., for exercise, indoor or outdoor, Monday-Friday, 7:30-9 a.m. No fee, but first-time walkers need to register. Call 703-435-6868.
Multi-cultural open mic every Friday night at Shahi Kabob House hosted by Doug Conner of The Sneakers. Located at 724 Pine St. in Herndon. Call 703-796-0110.
The Greater Reston Art Center (GRACE), in collaboration with the Market Street Bar and Grill at the Reston Hyatt, is presenting an exhibition featuring the artwork of Pat Gerkin, whose assemblage and abstract paintings explore both the exterior and the interior landscape. Many of her assemblages make use of crushed metal, tiles, roofing and other discarded materials that have had some history before and bring that history into the work. The show will be on display through July 11.
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. GRACE is the producer of the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival held at the Reston Town Center and manages the Art-in-Schools program, benefiting more than 23,000 students annually. In May 2005, GRACE moved to a new Reston Town Center location at 12001 Market Street, Suite 103, Reston.
Drop-In Chess At RCC. Chess players of all ages and skill levels are invited to come to Reston Community Center Hunters Woods on Thursday nights, from 7-9 p.m., for a free chess club. There a limited number of boards available or bring your own. For further information, directions or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Reston Community Center at 703-476-4500, 703-476-1514 (TTY) or visit the Web site at http://www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
"Studies in Organic Minimalism" – J.T. Kirkland solo art exhibition presented by the League of Reston Artists and the University of Phoenix Northern Virginia Campus from May 2–June 25. "Studies in Organic Minimalism" will consist of approximately 20 pieces that are emblematic of J.T. Kirkland’s most recent body of work. There will be a special reception for the artist Friday, May 13, from 6–9 p.m., at the University of Phoenix Northern Virginia Campus, 11730 Plaza America Drive, Suite 200, Reston. For directions, see the LRA's Web site at http://www.leagueofrestonartists.org. Exhibition is free and open to the public during regular business.
Threadworks: A Craft Circle at the RCC. Knitting and sewing circles used to be a greatly loved part of American life. They enabled crafters to learn and perfect their skills in a friendly, nurturing environment. Now RCC is reviving the craft circle with "Threadworks," a free, drop-in program where people interested in crocheting, needlepoint and knitting can practice, share information, learn new techniques and make new friends.
"Threadworks" will meet every Tuesday, from 6-8 p.m., at the Hunters Woods RCC beginning June 14 and ending Aug. 30. Register either in person or by faxing a completed RCC registration form to 703-476-8617. For directions, or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Reston Community Center at 703-476-4500, 703-476-1514 (TTY) or visit the website at http://www.restoncommunitycenter.com. The Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, is located in the lower level of the Hunters Woods Shopping Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road.
The League of Reston Artists (LRA) announces its 2005 call for entries for its 12th Annual Juried Fine Arts Exhibition. This exhibition will feature $1,500 in prize monies, including the $500 Jo Ann Rose Award in honor of the LRA’s past president, Jo Ann Rose.
Noted Washington, D.C., gallerist, artist and art critic F. Lennox Campello will serve as juror for this exhibition.
This exhibition will run from Monday, June 6, through Monday, July 4. An opening reception will take place Sunday, June 19, from 2-4 p.m., at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery of the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston.
This call for entries is limited to a maximum of three works of art in any 2-D media from each artist. The entry fee for LRA members is $20/$25 at the door and $25 for nonmembers/$30 at the door. The call for entry form can be downloaded from the LRA’s Web site at http://leagueofrestonartists.org/june_details.htm. Entries must be postmarked by May 31. Send your entry form and a check made payable to League of Reston Artists to LRA, P.O. Box 2513, Reston, VA 20195.
MS Bands of Hope are available at Appalachian Spring in Reston Town Center. Bands can be purchased for $1 during April and May. Proceeds benefit the National MS Society, National Capital Chapter. Call 703-478-2218.
Reston Community Center can help Reston residents achieve citizenship. On Thursday nights, from 7-9 p.m., March 24-May 19, an RCC-sponsored citizenship preparation class will be held at Reston Interfaith. The class will cover American history and civics, and the Immigration and Naturalization (INS) interview and test preparation. Participants must be able to read, write and speak English. This course is targeted at persons age 16 and older. The course fee for people who live or work in Reston is $15, and $23 for all others. Register either in person or by faxing a completed RCC registration form to 703-476-8617.
For directions or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Reston Community Center at 703-476-4500
(V/TTY) or visit the Web site at www.restoncommunitycenter.com. Reston Interfaith is located at 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210, Reston.
The Reston Community Center's Senior book group meets every fourth Thursday, from 12:30 to 2 p.m., at the Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods to discuss a wide variety of books. Coffee, tea and cookies are provided at no charge. Participants should bring a bag lunch. Books are on reserve at the Information Desk of the Reston Regional Library.
May 26, "The Murder Room" by P.D. James.
This free activity is intended for adults age 55 or older. Contact the Reston Community Center at 703-476-4500 (V/TTY). The Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, is located in the lower level of the Hunters Woods Shopping Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston.
During the month of May Appalachian Spring hosts a Gift Wrapping Fundraiser to support the South Lakes High School All Night Grad Party. Call 703-478-2218.