I know it sounds far-fetched, but sometimes (just sometimes) we need to look beyond Reston’s boundaries and explore our neighboring towns. Herndon, just a couple miles up the road, has a burgeoning art scene and an October packed with events. We visited the hub of their artist community, ArtSpace Herndon, to see the current exhibit and to chat about the upcoming ArtsWeek festivities.
ArtSpace Herndon is a hidden gem in the historic downtown district of Herndon. It opened its doors in 2008 and occupies a 1,700 square foot warehouse that was formerly a print shop. Within these walls monthly exhibits rotate, classes are taught and social gatherings are held—all with the mission of celebrating local art and culture.
The current exhibit, Parked Outside the Door by John Petro, features photographs of cars parked in various environments. They are bold, colorful and graphic.
Full of off-beat colors, textures, and randomness, each image of a vehicle make and architecture style embedded in the surrounding landscape of the nation is an expression of someone’s individuality and life style. — ArtSpace Herndon
Two of the recurring events at ArtSpace are Design & Wine and Art House Cinema & Brew. Design & Wine is an artist led workshop series held on the second Wednesday of the month from 7-9PM. Participants create a hands-on art piece and mix and mingle over wine. The next Design & Wine will be October 8th and feature papercraft artist Jennifer Ellefson.
Student work from a recent watercolor class.
Art House Cinema & Brew features significant art films while serving up micro-brews and gourmet popcorn. Films are shown on the first Friday of the month, September through May. Check the ArtSpace website for this year’s schedule. Last year’s films included Citizen Kane, Vertigo and Life is Beautiful.
Image from Cinema-Scope
ArtsWeek Herndon—a week-long expo for visual and performing arts—runs from October 11-18 and features nationally known artists. The event kicks off on October 11th & 12th with a Fine Arts Festival at ArtSpace. The parking lot will be transformed into an outdoor art gallery where one can buy art (paintings, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, glass, etc.) and speak to the artists.
On October 16th join jovial art patrons for an Art Pub Crawl from 5:30 – 7:30PM. Participating establishments include The Breeze, The Ice House Cafe, Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern, O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub and Potter’s Fire. Local artists will be on hand to show you their work, which may be available for sale, and to chat with you. You’ll enjoy free appetizers and free parking.
ArtsWeek Herndon will culminate with the Black & White Masquerade Ball at ArtSpace. This second annual Fall Gala will be held Saturday, October 18 from 7 – 10PM. In addition to a competition for the most creative mask, several different “experience packages” worth approximately $400 each will be raffled off throughout the evening. Party down in the art gallery while enjoying savory hors d’oeuvres, decadent desserts, music and libations.
With all of these events, ArtSpace Herndon is seemingly “the little gallery that could.” October is the perfect month to venture over and check it out. John Petro’s exhibit will be up until October 5th so hurry!
What are your favorite galleries or art centers in the area?