Reston Art Gallery and Studios (RAGS) will open a new exhibition titled “Art of Lake Anne” on Thursday, showcasing works by nine local artists who interpret Lake Anne Plaza, Reston’s original village center. The show features paintings, fiber art, and found-object sculptures by artists including Rosemarie Forsythe, Cindy Grisdela, Doug Fuller, Sandy Dovberg, Jennifer Duncan, Julia Malakoff, Wayne Schiffelbein, and Pat Macintyre. A reception will be held on Sunday, January 11, and the exhibition runs through February 5.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the enduring cultural and artistic significance of Lake Anne Plaza, a landmark known for its Mid-Century Modern Brutalist architecture. By focusing on a specific local place through diverse media, the show reinforces the role of community galleries in fostering place-based identity and supporting regional artists. It also demonstrates how small, artist-run spaces like Reston Art Gallery and Studios sustain local creative economies and public engagement with art.