The visual and performing art works of Rachel Guardiola, interdisciplinary artist, are based on what she tells through obscured glass and video documentation what the wilderness might look like without human presence. Photo by Mercia Hobson.
Five regional artists who share an interest in the role of science fiction, fact and fantasy push the boundaries of their media and invite viewers to enter their new worlds in the current exhibition, "Building Worlds" at Greater Reston Art Center, 12001 Market Street, Suite #103, Reston on display through Saturday, Sept. 15.
Through the artists' innovative uses of space, lush vegetation and organic material, Michael Booker, painter; Rachel Guardiola, interdisciplinary artist; Timothy Harper, found-object sculptor; Laura Beth Konopinski, glass sculptor; and Katherine Tzu-Lan Mann, painter, alter the viewers' perceptions about being human as they the artists alter the human environment.
Erica Harrison, Associate Curator and Festival Director Greater Reston Arts Center defined reality and fantasy as the "in between creative space" for the artists featured in Building Worlds. "I wanted to find artists who were exploring alternate realities," she said. Artists who worked through complex issues using "dystopian elements of current realities and imagining different outcomes," Harrison said.
Building Worlds is a perfect example of what Greater Reston Arts Center does, said Lily Sigel, executive director and curator of GRACE, before the Opening Reception and Curator's Talk in late July. "This exhibition of regional artists follows an exhibition by a national artist on humanity. It represents our commitment to show regional and national artists on the same walls," said Sigel.
In conjunction with Reston Community Center, GRACE offers two workshops with Building Worlds artists Tim Harper and Rachel Guardiola. On Sept. 8, 1 to 3 p.m., Tim Harper hosts Crankable Creations, 402689 for ages 6-99 at 12001 Market Street, where participants will learn to create a kinetic art box. On Saturday, Sept. 15, 1 to 3 p.m., Rachel Guardiola hosts Sensory Scenery, 402690 where participants will create one-of-a-kind works of art. To register go to the Reston Community Center website, click on Register for Classes & Activities and scroll to the Visual Arts category.
The Building Worlds Exhibition at Greater Reston Arts Center is free and open to the public at 12001 Market Street, #103. It runs through Sept. 15. Many of the works are for sale through the artists. The gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p. m. For more information, visit restonarts.org and info@restonarts.org.