Artists in Their Own Right

Artists in Their Own Right. An exhibition featuring our over 50 Community at Northern Virginia Community College. Featuring the art of JoAnn Ackerman, Britt Conley, D’Arcy Dean, Ireen Cleaton-Jones, Stephen Kohashi, Miyuki Matsuoka, Elizabeth Noguchi, Amy Reed, Tuyen Stricker, Wesley Walker and Dick White. On view from June 12th-August 18th. Exhibition Reception July 13th, 5-7pm in Building 16 the McGuireWoods Art Lab Gallery at The Workhouse Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

I was fortunate to get an opportunity to curate a show at The Workhouse Arts Center for July and August.  I decided to feature our over 50 community who are in the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College.

Curator Britt Conley speaking at the Artists in Their Own Right Reception on July 13th, 2019. An exhibition featuring our over 50 Community at Northern Virginia Community College. Featuring the art of JoAnn Ackerman, Britt Conley, D’Arcy Dean, Ireen Cleaton-Jones, Stephen Kohashi, Miyuki Matsuoka, Elizabeth Noguchi, Amy Reed, Tuyen Stricker, Wesley Walker and Dick White. On view from June 12th-August 18th. Exhibition Reception July 13th, 5-7pm in Building 16 the McGuireWoods Art Lab Gallery at The Workhouse Arts Center. Photo by Juli Elliott Marton.

We are lucky enough to have adult learners in nearly every class at NOVA.  Older students come with a tremendous amount of experience and where-with-all.   They are generally very creative and passionately jump into projects.   This mindset is shared to the younger students by their simply being in the room with them.   Their art is often at a high level of quality, craftsmanship and most importantly, concept.  For this reason, it was easy to pull out some examples of what this community has to offer.

The exhibit features the art of JoAnn Ackerman, Britt Conley, D’Arcy Dean, Ireen Cleaton-Jones, Stephen Kohashi, Miyuki Matsuoka, Elizabeth Noguchi, Amy Reed, Tuyen Stricker, Wesley Walker and Dick White.  This is a mix of students and varying art department assistants from Ceramics, Fine Art and Photography.

The show will be up for another second Saturday art walk night in August.  Please come down to see the show and all of the other artists at The Workhouse Arts Center.

To contact any of the artists email Britt Conley at bconley@nvcc.edu.

The Great Design Exchange

Stacy Slaten, our Alexandria 2-D Faculty Arts Professor,  put together an incredible opportunity for our students with the Chinese students of Xingtai Polytechnic College.

Stacy Slaten describes the artistic elements from the Xingtai student works to the Alexandria Provost, Annette Haggray and Associate Dean, KV White, during the Reception for The Great Design Exchange at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College.

The exhibition, titled The Great Design Exchange is helping forge international ties between our two countries.

Artwork from students at Xingtai Polytechnic College in China.
The Reception for The Great Design Exchange at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College.
The Reception for The Great Design Exchange at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College.

Stacy explains, “The art exchange started with a Alexandria Campus, group visit, by Xingtai’s administrators and professors last Spring 2018. Using an English translator, I started talking to the art and media professors, discussing similarities and differences in our programs and sharing images of NOVA student work. We started a conversation on how our students and colleges could participate in potential projects with economical means. We continued the conversation through email and received an invitation from XPC to share student class images digitally through OneDrive to exhibit at Xingtai in one of their student festivals during summer 2018, eliminating the cost of shipping artwork and keeping the cost to ink and paper at the exhibiting college. I sent ART 131, Design I, 2D collage images to the Xingtai festival and invited the equivalent 2D class at Xingtai to respond to the work and create and send back through OneDrive collage images to exhibit summer 2019. We printed out the Chinese student artwork and hung the show in the Fine Arts Gallery.”

Artwork from students at Xingtai Polytechnic College in China.

The students have even exchanged feedback and comments on their respective work in critiques.

Artwork from students at Xingtai Polytechnic College in China.

The students also worked with Lisa Hill in our Graphics program to exchange works between her illustration class and Xingtai’s.

The Reception for The Great Design Exchange at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College.
Artwork from students at Xingtai Polytechnic College in China.

Lisa Hill explains, ” Designers worked with NOVA’s Chinese professor, Dali Tan, in connection with the Department of Arts and Media of Xingtai Polytechnic College to illustrate/design book covers for two compilations of poetry by Emily Dickinson that were translated into Chinese.  The books the students could select from were either I Dwell in Possibility or Bring me the Sunset in a Cup.   The process included research, thumbnail and refined sketches, final artwork, the typography for the book’s title, author, and relevant information in English and Chinese.

Artwork from students at Xingtai Polytechnic College in China.

The student work from China was beautifully conceived and produced.  Gallery visitor conversations were ongoing as visitors marveled at the beauty and overall aesthetics of the Chinese students.  The project is a perfect pairing between two cultures.

Thanks to everyone at Xingtai Polytechnic College!

Art on view at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center

The Fisher Gallery is featuring three amazing artists, Nataliya Gurshman, Jonathan Ottke and Norma Schwartz, on view from April 27th-June 9th, 2019.

Nataliya Gurshman, in the Forum Gallery during the reception for her exhibit My Russian Soul at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on May 4th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley.

Nataliya Gurshman, adjunct for our Alexandria Fine Art Department filled the main Forum Gallery with her bold and colorful exhibit, My Russian Soul.

Nataliya Gurshman’s work at the reception for her exhibit My Russian Soul at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on May 4th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley.

As a native of the former Soviet Union, Nataliya brought her childhood memories of Leningrad into her city scapes and energetic abstracted color work.  The both provide a sense of place and feeling.  My favorite piece of the exhibit sold outright at the opening reception.

The work clearly resonated with viewers. My Russian Soul, in the Forum Gallery at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on May 4th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley.

Her exhibition offered the opportunity to connect with former students and find out how everyone is doing.

Nataliya Gurshman with Wesley, one of her students, at the reception for her exhibit My Russian Soul at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on May 4th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley.

The second artist residing in the upstairs hall Passage Gallery is Jonathan Ottke. His photography exhibit, In a Drop of Water, looks at nature and views of water droplets.

Jonathan Ottke discussing his work at the reception for his exhibit, In a Drop of Water, on View at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on May 4th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley.

Jonathan wandered Lake Braddock to focus on, “Raindrops falling on a leaf, a blooming flower after a rain, the frozen lake” with inspiration from William Blackes, “see a word in a grain of sand and a heaven in a wild flower.”

Jonathan Ottke’s exhibit, In a Drop of Water, on View at the reception for her exhibit My Russian Soul at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on May 4th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley.

He kept Mary Welsh Higgens, the curator for the arts center, busy dolling out red ‘sold’ dots.

Mary Welsh Higgins, Curator for the galleries, was busy placing red dot’s throughout Jonathan Ottke’s exhibit, In a Drop of Water, on View at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on May 4th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley.

She did manage to get a lot of quality time with nearly everyone for all three shows.

Mary Welsh Higgins, Curator for the galleries, enjoyed spending some time with the patrons for the exhibits, including Jonathan Ottke’s show, In a Drop of Water, on View at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on May 4th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley.

The exhibitors were also accompanied by some phenomenal musicians.  The lovely sounds, filled the foyers and rooms.

The third artist showing this month is Norma Schwartz.  Her exhibit, Shape of Memories: Sculptures by Norma Schwartz is on view  in the Margaret W. & Joseph L. Fisher Art Gallery, also on the 2nd level of the arts center.

Norma Schwartz at the reception for her exhibit Shape of Memories at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on May 4th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley.
Norma Schwartz (Left) at the reception for her exhibit Shape of Memories at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on May 4th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley.

Norma’s work can be seen on her website as well.  She explains, “As a sculptor, developing the technics, exploring new materials, creating new ways of inhabiting a three-dimensional space, realizing the importance of light, gave me the opportunity to express what for me was impossible to express in a different language; a language with no words.”

Norma Schwartz, Immixion

Norma was born just before the end of the World War, in Argentina. She spent much of her adult life in Spain, working with women and women’s issues from a psychoanalytic perspective and working on her art. By the 1990’s she moved to the U.S. and began undertaking a greater sculptural approach to her art.   Her work beautifully carves into wood, creating all new spaces to explore.

The reception for her exhibit Shape of Memories at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on May 4th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley.

Creating a show that moves the eye through the space and within each work is an artist’s dream.  What a wonderful accomplishment!

Norma Schwartz (Left) at the reception for her exhibit Shape of Memories at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on May 4th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley.

The work for this and all three shows are still one view until June 9th!  Come to campus and head over to The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. The galleries are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

The reception for Norma Schwartz’s exhibit Shape of Memories at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on May 4th, 2019. Photo by Britt Conley.

For additional information about art shows and concert hall events, call the Schlesinger Center at 703.845.6156.

To join the NOVA Alexandria Fine Art Facebook Page, for more information on Campus Arts Department art exhibits visit www.facebook.com/TylerArtsLife

 

 

2019 Student Fine Art Show!

Another year of amazing student work and a great time had by all!!!

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

This year’s show was headed by our Fine Arts faculty and ceramicist, Jessica Gardner.  Jessica is also an artist in her own right and teaching has allowed her to pass on her professional experience to the students, for both creating and showing your work.

Our Juror, Blare Clemo, is a professional ceramicist as well and works as an Assistant Professor of Craft and Material Studies at VCU.  He was absolutely wonderful with our students.  Great advice to everyone he met.

Blare Clemo, juror for The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

We had many submissions for this year’s show and his job was challenging.  He was impressed with our student work. “Shy Love” by Monique Gurruchaga uses cut out paper and phenomenal craftsmanship!

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Xueting Tong’s wonderful, “Scent of a Curve” installation guides the viewer into the gallery by having half of the curving swirl, on the each side of the window.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

The gallery at The Center of Design, Media and the Arts, still feels brand new, even though this is our 2nd year since moving into it.  The gallery is wonderfully designed with separate alcoves to view the works.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

The Show is based on student work that fulfilled an assignment for at least one of our classes over the past year.  One of my favorites is the Tie-Wire Project, where students learn about thinking in 3-D and how to see line in a more deliberate way.  Sydney Strickland’s rebar tie wire piece asks, “Why Are You Like This?”

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

It’s always a joy to walk around and see what our students are doing and amazingly talented they are!

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

The Ceramics were lovely as always! Dogwood Casserole Dish by Britt Brooks.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

The show allows many of our students an opportunity to exhibit for the first time.  They invite family, friends and support one another.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

One of my favorites from the show is the “Robed Guardian” by D’Arcy Dean.  I just love the texture.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

The great aspect of the show is that the visiting art audience really delves into the works.  Every year, the art matters.  These viewers are enjoying “Reflected light” a pastel, by Thuy Le Chung Nguyen.

Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Rightfully so, the students are so creative! This teapot by Katherine Gaynor mixes ceramic and string to express, “War of the Mind.” On one side the teapot looks normal, but when you turn it around you see the inner workings of the mind.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Our students are all passing through this school.  They are working hard and deciding what to do with their lives, careers and artistic voice.  This show is also a great place to see the creative output of other students and get inspired for new ideas.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

It’s a great chance to see varying techniques and processes, up close.  This is especially true of Christopher Hanley’s “Swells” sculpture.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Students get to voice their tastes and opinions for the night and put their own work in a new context. Thuy Le Chung Nguyen discussing her art.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Overall, its a wonderful evening.  Students visit throughout the evening and in-between classes.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

The big draw, however happens at 6:30, when the Juror in introduced and the winners are announced!

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

This year Jessica wanted to give a huge thank you to the Cafferky family. Tanagra Cafferky is the daughter of Lois Long and she and her family are the ones who are generously donating the art supplies from Lois’ estate, to the students here at NOVA. Louis Long had an inspiring career in the arts exploring ceramics, metal enameling, photograph and much more.  She was the author of two books about ceramics.  Her passion for the arts will be continued by the continued use of her tools, supplies.    Thanks so much Cafferky Family!

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

3rd prize went to Cecilia Bergh for her lovely pastel self portrait.

Cecilia Bergh winning her prize for her self portrait. The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley
The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley
The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Ishta Hurtado won Second Place for her “Chess Inspired Trio.”

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Ishta Hurtado’s “Chess Inspired Trio.”

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

The First Prize went to Oz Bender for “Skelefem.”

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

His “Skelefem” is made of painted steel.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Everyone had a GREAT time.  The food was great, the art is great and    everyone came to enjoy a wonderful opening reception.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Jessica and Clemo pose with our honorable mention  winner, Xueting Tong.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

She won for her Blue and White Tea Pot.

Blue and White Teapot by Xueting Tong. The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Jeff Pounding also won an honorable mention for his work titled, “Generations.”

Generations by Jeff Pounding. The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

We had some visiting teachers from Annandale as well!  Thanks to Michael Dowley for supporting us tonight!

Mike Dowley with Jessica Gardner. The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Nathan Johnson enjoying speaking with students at the opening reception.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Our Dean, Jimmy Mclellan came by to visit with the students as well as Dr. Haggray, our Provost.  We are so fortunate to have such supportive people helping make the NOVA experience a wonderful one.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Jennifer Webster created a lovely small vase in clay.  The glaze is just beautiful.

Art asks for conversation and tonight started many new ones.  Joann Ackerman’s vase, “My Kind of Woman” is a engaging piece.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Bavarian Vase in oil by Elizabeth Good

Bavarian Vase in oil by Elizabeth Good. The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College.

One of my other favorites are these wonderful figurines created by Miyuki Matsuoka.  She made these in response to visiting the Terracata Warriors show in Richmond.  She decided to create new ones and put them in a different context, relaxing around a fire.  Their new world is titled, “Once upon a war time in China”

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

The show work is fun, rich with color and texture! Malik Stanley’s Autobiography Project as wonderfully charming.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

So great to find friends at the reception!  Mary sings in our NOVA Community Chorus and Elizabeth is our is an amazing photographer and volunteer for our photo department.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Tim Buffalo poses in front of his very cool album cover style artwork, T3rminal 3rror above Emily Schneider’s “Neutral” collage.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Stephan made a sale!!! Need I say more.


The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Taryn Lyons was thrilled with the show!

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Every artist should be very proud.  This is the start of many new opportunities! Marjorie Henriquez rocked her, graphite “Interior Design Project.”

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

The show is up until March 4th! Come on by!  It’s worth the visit!

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Xiomara Fontanez posses in front of her work, “Heaven’s Gate Memorial.”

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley
The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

The Cafferkys were thrilled to see the art supplies having been used in our student artwork already!

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Yohan Cho created a lovely pastel work titled Plush Reflection.

Plush Reflection by Yohan Cho.

For more information about department events, please visit our Facebook Page! www.facebook.com/TylerArtsLife

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley
The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Our Associate Dean, Karly White enjoying Lyle Priddy’s “Provence House.”

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Haruko Greenberg discussing her work, “Tea for Three” to a very appreciative audience.

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Arts Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Well, I’d say this year’s show was a hit! For all of you students that are currently working away… Anything from this semester to Spring 2020 is eligible to enter the 2020 Student Fine Art Show.  We hope to see you next year, even if you are graduating before then!

The 2019 NOVA Alexandria Student Fine Art Show at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Blog post by Britt Conley, Studio Assistant to the Fine Art Department, Admin. Assistant to the Music Department.

 

Artists who Teach Exhibit

A very fun exhibition featuring Artists who Teach from the tri-state area of Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Joseph Wade instructs at St. Stephens and St. Agnes School.  He submitted multiple 3-D works.  His Wooden Chipboard Boxes and ceramic cups are wonderfully paired.

Wooden Chipboard Boxes, by Joseph Wade. Wood, Ceramic and Tie-dyed Fabric. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

High Water Mark at the Spring House, a monoprint by Emily Shepardson,  began, “as a silkscreen print of a small outbuilding,” before she used Akua inks with stencils of her own creation.  She says, “I particular like the interplay of orange and turquoise inks and the way of the path take s you into and out of the image.” Emily teaches at Thomas Jefferson Middle School.

High Water Mark at the Spring House, a monoprint by Emily Shepardson. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Hiromi Isobe created “Hot Step”  a lovely Acrylic on Canvas painting that fills the visual space with a seemingless endless journey.  Hiromi instructs art at Washington and Lee High School.

“Hot Step” by Hiromi Isobe. Acrylic on Canvas. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Drew Mulligan, an instructor in Arlington created this lovely salt print, Untitled #26. The shapes dialog across the space in a lovely way, where negative space is darker and the whites move the eye.

Untitled #26 by Drew Mulligan. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

It always nice to see our Provost, Dr. Haggray.  She attends our arts events on a regular basis and engages with everyone in her quest for meanings in everyone’s artistic intent.  She and our Dean are wonderfully supportive of all our students efforts.

Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Amy Bruce, an instructor from Edison High School, created this incredible mixed-media, 100 day project.  Each day, she created another 6×6 panel using paint, wax paper, ephemera and digital paints to support a new quote. The students loved this and everyone read through each day’s quote.

Mixed-media, 100 day project by Amy Bruce. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley
Amy Bruce with her mixed media, 100 day project, at the opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Kate Elkins, who also teaches at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School,  drew this beautiful portrait, titled, Paige, a high school art student.  The medium is charcoal on hand-toned paper.

“Paige” by Kate Elkins. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Opening’s offer a great opportunity for our arts community to get together, say hello and get excited about how the semester is going.  Our Associate Dean for the Arts, K.V., (seen walking as she views the work), loved the show.

Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Virginia Teaford, who teaches at Yorktown High School in Arlington, Virginia, came with her family.  Her painting  is displayed with Beth Coast’s beautifully shaped ceramic bowl.  The color and curves in each complement one another.   Virginia’s 30×40 painting was inspired by the Kennilworth Gardens in D.C.  She explains, the gardens are “Mysterious and overwhelming in scope.” She wanted to capture how the  garden’s, “lead you in and encloses the viewer.”

Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Jade Xia, a teacher from St. Stephens and St. Agnes School,  loves botanicals.   Her oil on canvas, “Blackberry” is palpably juicy. You can almost taste the fruit.  She describes herself as, “a faithful pupil of nature and constantly in awe of it’s great work.  If I lived in J.R.R. Tolkien’s world of Middle Earth, I’d be a Hobbit – not only, because I am short and love food, but also because I share their love of “good tilled earth, things that grow and peace and quiet.”  With her greater work she describes “the tensions between branches of plants,” as being, “comparable to human relationships, their stories are growth and decay echo the fundamental human concern with life and death.”

Blackberry by Jade Xia. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Our visiting artists from this exhibit work at both public and charter schools, teaching in the arts.   The reception offered a wonderful opportunity to meet up.   Hiromi Isobe, from Washington and Lee is photographed by Faylinda Kodis of H.B. Woodlawn.

Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

George Laumann, who also teaches at H-B Woodlawn, created this photograph, titled, “In Memory of Haley.”  He explains, the work is from, “a series  of digital photographs reflecting the loss I felt when my niece tragically died in a traffic accident, several years ago.  In the photo I’m represented by my shadow and the reflection over Haleys image in the cell phone.”  This powerful image was placed on it’s own wall in the gallery.

In Memory of Haley by George Laumann. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Faylinda’s mixed media work, Cisco Bay is wonderfully narrative.   The color appears to jump off the monocromatic background.  A wonderful mix for movement of the eye.   Faylinda teaches at H.B.-Woodlawn.

Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

One of the anchor pieces of the show is Cecily Corcoran’s, “This is What Democracy Looks Like.”  Cecily teaches at Swanson Middle School and her oil on canvas painting pays homage to the Women’s March.

Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Students really enjoyed the opportunity to meet some of the artists this night.  They were able to ask them about the works, as well as their life as an artists and teachers.

Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Julie Gilmore is a ceramicist who teaches in Alexandria at Mount Vernon High School and at the Workhouse.  Her, “Teapot Red Amour” opens the exhibit space with an intimate and detailed ,two piece work. The deep red glaze, called Randy’s Red, offers a lovely warmth.

Julie Gilmore next to her work, Teapot Red Amour, at the opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley
Teapot Red Amour by Julie Gilmore. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Kenmore Middle School’s, Jeff Wilson created this wonderfully structured, mixed-media, lit sculpture.  He incorporates, lids and fencing material with thread and micro LED lights.  He explains, “I have been collecting lids for 30 years and have a collection of about 30,000.  Lids have become my medium of choice.”

Untitled by Jeff Wilson. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Jeff spent much of the reception explaining his work to eager ears.

Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

He thanked Stacy Slaten, our faculty 2-D teacher for the organizing the show.  Each year we put on a topic show which brings in artists from the community to show in our gallery and give the students the opportunity to see what professional artists are doing,  meet with them and learn about how create, manage their work and time.

Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

T.C. Williams, Minne Howard’s, Anna Davila stands with her poignant, oil on canvas work, titled “The Protector.”  The work speaks volumes.

Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley
Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Julie Gilmore takes a look at Miriam Cutelis’ mixed-media painting, “First Signs of Spring,” which is created with glue and acrylic paint.  The work perfectly pairs with Beth Coast’s wheel thrown and altered Raku vase.

Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Raku is always a very interesting ceramic process.  This work by Beth Coast is another show stopper.  She has numerous works in the show and they all show variations on lovely folded form.

Raku Vase by Beth Coast. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Rachel Albert’s “Back Where it Begins,” is a colorful mixed media sculpture created with copper wire and fused glass.  The linear quality of the wire with glass beads, wonderfully reflects the lined fussed glass base.

Back Where it Begins, by Rachel Albert. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Rachel also created her,  “Book of Life” which she illuminated from the underside with LED lighting.  The ceramic book with glass overlay offers a wonderful effect with the light. Rachel teaches at Bryant High School.

Book of Life by Rachel Albert. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley
Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Rachel also created, “On Culture,” made with Clay, Acrylic and Sand on Wood.  The coloring is fantastic.  All, small elephants lined up in rows.  The work, she explains, represents, “Reflections of race, culture and privilege.

On Culture by Rachel Albert. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Anna Davila and Amy Bruce discuss their art at the opening reception.

Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Joseph Wade, also created this ceramic, “Wood Fired Pottery” set.

Wood Fired Pottery by Joseph Wade. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley
Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Another stunning mixed media drawing is Sara Bukoski Lovelace’s “Pink Plants.”  Sara teaches at Mount Vernon Community School.  “Creating quickly and wildly in mixed media, with many materials at once,” she explains, “is my favorite way to create and where I feel most natural and at home creatively.”

Pink Plants by Sara Bukoski Lovelace. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Green Spring, by Janice Rollins, is an acrylic on paper work of the famed Green Spring Gardens, in Fairfax County.  Janice teaches at George Washington Middle School.

Green Spring by Janice Rollins. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Julie Gilmore also created this serene watercolor titled, Grandma’s Barn.  Julie teaches at Mount Vernon High School and at the Workhouse Arts Center.

Grandma’s Barn by Julie Gilmore. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley
Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Another Mount Vernon High School teacher, Lauren Strummer works with dry point etching.  “Home,” is a lovely etching of two lambs, “gently nuzzling.”

Home by Lauren Strummer. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley.

Watching my Back is an incredibly colorful and energized oil painting on wood panel.  Angelika Schafer instructs at Mount Vernon High School.

Watching my Back, by Angelika Schafter. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Students photographing Allen Beland’s Strange Fruit, a digital, infrared image, printed on canvas.  Allen teaches at Yorktown High school.

Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Jordana Rochkard created, “I Wish,” an encaustic painting with text.  She teaches at Patrick Henry Elementary.

I Wish by Jordana Rochkard. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Rebecca in Wonderland, Portrait of the Daughter is an oil on canvas work from Ksenya Litvak who teaches at Commonwealth Academy.

Rebecca in Wonderland, Portrait of the Daughter by Ksenya Litvak. Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

The opening was a real treat for us.  To meet many of our area artist-teachers and hear about their work and artistic lives was beneficial for all of us.  A big thank you and a round of applause to ALL the artists who participated!

Opening reception for Artists who Teach. Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Photo by Britt Conley

Blog post by Britt Conley bconley@nvcc.edu

American Stories American Stamps

What a phenomenal night! The Graphic Design Department put on an amazing topic show, American Stories American Stamps, for our gallery in the Center for Design, Media and the Arts.  American Stories, American Stamps features the Art/Design work of Antonio Alcala, Greg Breeding, Ethel Kessler and Derry Noyes who are the master minds behind many of the commemorative artistic stamps for the U.S. Postal Service.

Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley

The exhibit showcases the work of four American stamp designers, showing the process of how stamps are created.  There is a great deal of research during the creative process.  The individual stamp subjects always come with fascinating histories.  Trying to cull down the essence of a subject into one iconic stamp can take a great deal of time and resources before the first designs are even made.

Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley

There is so much to take in and learn about with this exhibition,  including some insight into timelines, and how and when the stamps are issued.

Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley

The exhibit provides a well rounded education about the idealism of the American stamp, the creative process and the individual artistic efforts of each artist’s creative mind.

Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley

The show also illustrates each artist’s “timeless design principles” and how these,  “stories… shape our collective identity as Americans.”

Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley

The first half of the reception a chance to absorb all the incredible stamp stories and designs.

Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week.
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week.
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week.

The Forever Stamp doors offered up the perfect selfie spot!  It wasn’t long before people took advantage of a great opportunity!

Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley

One of the other big hits of the night were reading the stories from students, staff and faculty.  Many of us created our own stamps and told our own American Story.

The stamps featured in American Stories American Stamps exemplify how stamp art creators use timeless design principles to tell stories. that shape our collective identity as Americans.
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley

These personal tributes to people, places, moments and historic events were compelling and unique to each contributor.

Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week.

After our initial gallery viewing opportunity, it was time to move  over to the next venue to get a chance to learn from them during the AIGA DC Design Week Designers’ Talk.

Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley

Lisa Hill, the head of the Graphics program moderated an informative session with three designers: Greg Breeding, Ethel Kessler and Antonio Alcala.  The evening’s program states, “Ms. Kessler has designed educational materials for the U.S. postal Service and in January 1997, she was appointed design consultant to the USPS for the creation of commemorative postal stamps. She has spent the last 25 years working with museums, corporations, public and private institutions and professional service organizations.

Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley

Greg Breeding studied typography at VCU before beginning, “his career working for non-profits.  in 1992 he co-founded the Journey Group, where he is currently president.  Mr. Breeding has taught design courses international and is the recipient of Print’s Regional Design Annual, Communication Arts, the Society of Publication Designers and the Florida Magazine Association.  Breeding’s first stamp as art director for the U.S. Postal Service was the 2012 issuance, The War of 1812.”

Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley

Antonio Alcala served on the Postmaster General’s Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee from 2010-11, before becoming the art director for the U.S. Postal Service’s stamp development program.  The program continues, “After working as a book designer and freelance graphic designer, Alcala opened Studio A in 1988.  Since then his stido has won awards of excellence in design from local, national and international design institutions including AIGA, Print, Communication Arts, and Graphics.  His clients include: The National Gallery of Art, Library of Congress, National Portrait Gallery, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Gallery, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, The Phillips Collection and Smithsonian Institution.”

Everyone loved hearing their stories about the stamp creation process, the team of people that help in research and how they came to be where they are.  It was an incredible panel!

For those of us that were lucky enough to pop in and out while at work, we had a great chance to really soak in the various stamps and stories.

Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley
Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley

There was one designer who could not be here for the panel.  Derry Noyes.  Noyes, created the Disney Villains stamps.

Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley

Noyes’ bio states, “She has provided art direction for dozens of United States postage stamps and stamp products for more than 30 years.  Her clients have included museums, corporations, foundation and architectural and educational institutions.  Her work has been honored by the Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington, Communication Arts, Critique magazine and Graphis.”

Art Reception for American Stories American Stamps for the Graphic Design Department at the Center for Design, Media and the Arts at Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018. AIGA DC Design Week. Photograph by Britt Conley

This exhibit was possible due to help of many people!

including:

Studio A

The Journey Group

Ethel Kessler Design, Inc.

Derry Noyes Graphics

Dodge Chrome

AIGA and AIGA Design Week

NOVA Graphic Design

NOVA Alexandria Student Life

NOVA Studio

NOVA Alexandria Languages, Arts and Social Sciences Division

and

The Alexandria Provosts Office.

Blog post by Britt Conley

For more information about this exhibit please contact Lisa Hill at ehill@nvcc.edu

Art at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center

“Majnoon, where are you?” by Saya Behnam. Photo by Britt Conley

Every Month or so, you can find amazing art, right here on campus and down the hill from Center for Design, Media and the Arts.  The place?  The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center!!!  Artists from all over the world display here and come for opening receptions and gallery talks.

This past Saturday September 22nd, there were dozens of people hobnobbing and absorbing all the art, between 2-4pm at the opening reception for three artists, currently on view at the Schlesinger’s various galleries: Saya Behnam, Teresa Jarzynski and John d. Antone.

A viewer absorbing the incredible color work or Saya Behnam. Photo by Britt Conley

Saya is an Iranian artist who moved to America to flee the war and revolution.  Her work is not political but a means for universal experience from the  essences of color.

Opening Reception for Saya Behnam, Teresa Jarzynski and John d. Antone: Saturday September 22nd at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
Opening Reception for Saya Behnam, Teresa Jarzynski and John d. Antone: Saturday September 22nd at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

Saya Benham who’s stunning color work, currently graces the Forum Gallery show tremendous forethought and effort before the brush ever moves across the canvas.  Saya doesn’t just paint, she hunts and forages forests, gardens and other countries for had picked flowers, spices and minerals to boil and extract into her own colors, much as they did in prior centuries and still do in many countries around the world.

She explains her particular piece, made entirely of hibiscus colorants.

Hibiscus tea series no. 14. by Saya Behnam Hibiscus flower tea, ink and gold on canvas.

The flowers often produce different coloring that varies according to their extraction processing.  Reds for example, can be run the gamut between deep red to a lighter mauve.

Hibiscus Leaves. Photo by Britt Conley
A snippet of one of Saya’s Behnam’s works showing her intense yellows extracted from weld. Photo by Britt Conley
And example of the flora that Saya extracts her color from. Photo by Britt Conley

After viewing the main gallery we journeyed upstairs to the Passage Gallery to meet the artist Teresa Jarzynski’s and view her lovely landscape paintings.

Opening Reception for Saya Behnam, Teresa Jarzynski and John d. Antone: Saturday September 22nd at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
Native Forest by Teresa Jarzynski. Oil on Canvas. Photo by Britt Conley

Teresa work revolves around the ‘beauty and mystery’ of nature mixed with the particular visual elements of shape and form.

Opening Reception for Saya Behnam, Teresa Jarzynski and John d. Antone: Saturday September 22nd at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

Between these combinations, resides the “ephemeral, a dream come and gone, a moment in time captured and then dissipated like the passing of a cloud.”  A perfect description of her art and show: “The Inscape of My Landscape: Clouds Revisited.

Patrons view the work of Teresa Jarzynski at her opening reception, September 22nd at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley
Opening Reception for Saya Behnam, Teresa Jarzynski and John d. Antone: Saturday September 22nd at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

Along the passage is the opening to the Margaret W. & Joseph L. Fisher Art Gallery which is featuring the amazing bronze sculptures of John Antone.

Everygreen House by John Antone. Bronze. Photo by Britt Conley

His studio resides at the foot of the Alps, in Komenda, Slovenia.    He uses the, ” lost was technique’ for his bronze castings.

“The Long House” by John D. Antone. From “The Home Inside” exhibit at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

John, explains, many of his sculptures are, “Created by gathering branches through walks in the forest, imagined and transformed in bronze, my sculptures invites us to reflects upon the beauty of the natural world and our humanity.  I often use the universal symbol of the house in my work as an abstract way to invite people to think and to dream.

John d. Antone explaining his work to everyone, on Saturday September 22nd at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Photo by Britt Conley

All three artist’s work is on view now through November 4th and the gallery hours are from 10:00-4:00pm weekdays and weekends and during public events.  Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4915 East Campus Drive, Alexandria, VA 22311

For more information contact Mary Higgins at Mhiggens@nvcc.edu

And while you are looking for artistic events, this is where our Music Department FREE concerts occur among the many regional shows the concert hall provides.

https://www.nvcc.edu/schlesingercenter/_img/thumb-grandpiano.jpg

Please come to our NOVA student and community concerts at the hall:

Tuesday, Oct. 16:              NOVA Community Chorus & the GMU choruses, 8-9:45pm, Schlesinger Concert Hall, 8pm

Thursday, Oct. 25:            NOVA Alexandria Concert Band & the GMU Wind Symphony, 8-10pm, Schlesinger Concert Hall.  Come here both bands perform compositions by NOVA students!  Also hear French horn guest artist from the Air Force Band, Kate Fitzpatrick.

Tuesday, Dec. 11:             Alexandria Campus Music Dept. Holiday Concert, 8-10pm, Schlesinger Concert Hall, 8:00Pm

Blog Post by Britt Conley

 

The Faculty and Staff Art Show 2018

I love being able to see what everyone is up to creatively.  This annual show collects those creative works from the Photography, Fine Arts and Graphic Design department faculty and staff.  This year proved to be another amazingly prolific year for everyone.

The show runs August 27th – September 20th, 2018.

Although more are busy teaching, everyone still carries on with their creative lives.  Nataliya Gurshman is a specialist in color.

Nataliya Gurshman’s Tea Cup. The Faculty and Staff Fine Art Show at the Visual Arts Gallery at The Center for Design, Media and the Arts. Photo by Britt Conley
by Nataliya Gurshman
by Jessica Gardner
Chopin Opus 25, #12 by Britt Conley
Works by Lisa Hill at the Faculty Fine Art Show.
Works from ceramicist Jessica Gardner and bird enthusiast, Stacy Slaten are from the Fine Arts Department. Photo by Britt Conley
Photographic works from Aya Takashima on the far wall with a sculptural plate by Jessica Gardner. Photo by Britt Conley
Musica by Britt Conley.
The Faculty Fine Art Show at the Visual Arts Gallery in the Center for Design, Media and the Arts. Photo by Britt Conley

There are numerous amazing graphic design works including a wonderful one from Angela Terry, which she created for Mount Vernon.

Spring 2018 Art Sightings

What a great semester, it’s been!  Every so often I pop in, with camera in hand, to see what’s going on around in the classrooms and hallways of our Art Department.  I’m always thrilled at all of the creativity : )

Just because class is done for the day, doesn’t mean it’s not still time to create, and learn…

Photo by Britt Conley

Pete Van Riper’s class, has been working on the figure.

Photo by Britt Conley

Pete Van Riper’s evening class covers Drawing I-IV students. It’s a wonderful mix of beginning to advanced students all learning from one another as well.

Photo by Britt Conley

We are around mid-semester and artwork is on the walls!

Photo by Britt Conley

So much talent.  Pete’s classes concentrate on the under-structures of the figure, hands and the skeleton as well as still life.

The students are learning a lot and getting to know their materials.

Photo by Britt Conley
Drawing I-IV with Pete Van Riper. Photo by Britt Conley

Stacy Slaten’s class is working on Pastel and Charcoal drawings

Stacy Slaten’s class: Drawing I pastel.
Stacy Slaten’s class: Drawing I pastel.
Stacy Slaten’s class: Drawing I pastel.
Stacy Slaten’s class: Drawing I pastel.

Her painting class had Regina Meile in for a guest artist talk, critique and general advice session.  The students loved it!

Regina Miele working with our student. Photo by Britt Conley

The information is already paying off.  Students are coming in to work on their projects in between classes.  That’s a great thing!

Jessica Gardner’s Ceramic classes are a joy to visit!  You never know what you’ll come across!

Spring 2018 ceramic classes. Photo By Britt Conley
Spring 2018 ceramic classes. Photo By Britt Conley
Spring 2018 ceramic classes. Photo By Britt Conley
Spring 2018 ceramic classes. Photo By Britt Conley
Spring 2018 ceramic classes. Photo By Britt Conley

Stacy Slaten to her painting glass to the zoo to sketch the animals and then turn them into paintings.

Painting 1&2 with Stacy Slaten.
Painting 1&2 with Stacy Slaten.
Painting 1&2 with Stacy Slaten.

Of course self portraits are also an important part of nearly every drawing class : )

Stacy Slaten’s class: Drawing I self portrait.
Stacy Slaten’s class: Drawing I pastel.

Can’t wait to see what the summer students will create!  See them soon… Classes begin again soon.

Blog post by Britt Conley, Studio Assistant to the Fine Art Department.

Installations abound

Installations have appeared all over the Fine Arts building from students in Art 132, Fundamentals of Design 2 and Art 236 –  Sculptural Ceramics.

“Withering Enchantment, by Sata Seck 3-D object, stones and paint. Outside the AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design 2 with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Power in Motion, by Samira Borghei 3-D printed object, CDs, Paint. 3rd floor AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Power in Motion, by Samira Borghei 3-D printed object, CDs, Paint. 3rd floor AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley

 

“Power in Motion, by Samira Borghei 3-D printed object, CDs, Paint. 3rd floor AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Power in Motion, by Samira Borghei 3-D printed object, CDs, Paint. 3rd floor AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Cup with Megaphone Amplifier, by Tyler Farbes 3-D. 3rd floor AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley

They are fun and engaging.

“Cup with Megaphone Amplifier, by Tyler Farbes 3-D. 3rd floor AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Pablo’s Muse, by Nathan Johnson. Inside AFA building. For ART-236 Sculptural Ceramics with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Rebellion, by Hannah Marshal. Acrylic paint, 3-D printed object, chicken wire, rope, suction cups, zip ties, fishing line. Inside on the first floor of the AFA building. For ART-199 Independent Study with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Withering Enchantment, by Sata Seck 3-D object, stones and paint. Outside the AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design 2 with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Withering Enchantment, by Sata Seck 3-D object, stones and paint. Outside the AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design 2 with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Withering Enchantment, by Sata Seck 3-D object, stones and paint. Outside the AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design 2 with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Behind the Mask, by Andrew Green. Inside AFA building. For ART-236 Sculptural Ceramics with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Behind the Mask, by Andrew Green. Inside AFA building. For ART-236 Sculptural Ceramics with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Campaign, by Khalil Brooker 3-D printed object. 3rd floor AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Campaign, by Khalil Brooker 3-D printed object. 3rd floor AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Campaign, by Khalil Brooker 3-D printed object. 3rd floor AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Campaign, by Khalil Brooker 3-D printed object. 3rd floor AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Distorted Mokery, by Mohamed Elhaddad Manikin, sound, paint, 3D object. Outside the AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley

The best part of this is the red button on the telephone!  Press it to hear audio…

“Distorted Mokery, by Mohamed Elhaddad Manikin, sound, paint, 3D object. Outside the AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“Distorted Mokery, by Mohamed Elhaddad Manikin, sound, paint, 3D object. Outside the AFA building. For ART-132 Fundamentals of Design with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“The Disappeared, by Jennifer Cohen 3-D. 1st floor AFA building. For ART-236 Sculptural Ceramics with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
“The Disappeared, by Jennifer Cohen 3-D. 1st floor AFA building. For ART-236 Sculptural Ceramics with professor Jessica Gardner. Exhibition on view from 4/30-5/7 2018. Photo by Britt Conley
Neighbors by Christopher Tait. Plastic Ants, 3-D printed object, local soil. Photo by Britt Conley
Neighbors by Christopher Tait. Plastic Ants, 3-D printed object, local soil. Photo by Britt Conley
Neighbors by Christopher Tait. Plastic Ants, 3-D printed object, local soil. Photo by Britt Conley
Neighbors by Christopher Tait. Plastic Ants, 3-D printed object, local soil. Photo by Britt Conley
Sickeningly Sweet by Sharon Stewart. 3-D printed object, ready-made Toothbrushes, Serving Trays and Multi-colored Sprinkles. For ART 132 Fundamentals of Design. Photo by Britt Conley
Sickeningly Sweet by Sharon Stewart. 3-D printed object, ready-made Toothbrushes, Serving Trays and Multi-colored Sprinkles. For ART 132 Fundamentals of Design. Photo by Britt Conley
Sickeningly Sweet by Sharon Stewart. 3-D printed object, ready-made Toothbrushes, Serving Trays and Multi-colored Sprinkles. For ART 132 Fundamentals of Design. Photo by Britt Conley
Escape from Reality by Michelle Cruz. 3-D printed object, cotton balls, paint, miniature trees, streamer, paper, clay, tie wire, canvas. For art 132, Fundamentals of Design. Photo by Britt Conley.
Escape from Reality by Michelle Cruz. 3-D printed object, cotton balls, paint, miniature trees, streamer, paper, clay, tie wire, canvas. For art 132, Fundamentals of Design. Photo by Britt Conley.
Shattered Visions by Sarah Ray. Art 132 – Fundamentals of Design. Photo by Britt Conley
Shattered Visions by Sarah Ray. Art 132 – Fundamentals of Design. Photo by Britt Conley
Shattered Visions by Sarah Ray. Art 132 – Fundamentals of Design. Photo by Britt Conley
Shattered Visions by Sarah Ray. Art 132 – Fundamentals of Design. Photo by Britt Conley
Jessica Gardner with her ART 132  – Fundamentals of Design Class. Photo by Britt Conley

See those of you taking classes this summer, after the break!

Blog post by Britt Conley, Studio Assistant to the Fine Art Department.