Article by Marylou Bono
Unpredictable weather, a curious phenomenon at this time of year. However, spring is overtaking and with it brings an abundance of expressive art to heighten spirits! To nudge you along, the City of Gaithersburg is pleased to present exhibits in all four of its galleries as well as the Arts Barn Spring Artisan Market.
“Beyond The Canvas” at the Arts Barn is a three-dimensional exhibition showcasing a wide range of relief and sculptural artwork from 27 artisans. A brilliant variation that includes no paintings and allows viewers to experience the artists’ transformation of diverse materials into surprising creations. Fiber art, glass, ceramics, pottery, porcelain, wood, metal, papier-mâché, cardboard, and recycled materials are all represented in ways that demonstrate how artists push materials to the limit revealing unexpected and fascinating results. See this creativity for yourself on display through June 15. The Arts Barn is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or call 301-258-6394 for more information. The public is invited to join the Meet the Artists reception on April 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
If paintings are your passion, the adjacent Kentlands Mansion hosts the Gaithersburg Fine Arts Association’s (GFAA) 40th Annual Membership Juried Exhibition through July 13. The exhibit was juried by J. Jordan Bruns who is a full-time artist living and working in Maryland and serves as the resident artist in the historic Chautauqua (Stone) Tower at Glen Echo Park. GFAA artists work in the two-dimensional mediums of oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, tempera, drawing, photography and digital art, and the graphic arts. The Mansion is open Monday through Friday by appointment only. Contact 301-258-6394 for information. All are invited to attend the Meet the Artists reception on April 23 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The Activity Center at Bohrer Park’s gallery boasts an informal community setting. The space suits larger pieces and you’ll see how well during the “Big, Bold & Bright” exhibit on view through July 17. As the title suggests, the emphasis is on large-scale, colorful and abstract artwork all 24 inches in their smallest dimension. The exhibit will showcase artwork from 17 different artists, allowing an opportunity to experience sizable artistry locally. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come out for the Meet the Artists reception on May 7 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The Spring Artisan Market at the Arts Barn is a fun and well-attended community event that hosts local artists who offer their crafts for sale. The Market, taking place on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is designed to celebrate the season and show an array of gifts perfect for Mother’s Day and loved ones or a treat for yourself! Come explore unique, handcrafted treasures from local makers including jewelry, art, home décor, and more!
Jumping to May, the gallery at the Benjamin Gaither Center hosts the Harmonious Art Group in celebration of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Group members exhibit their unique artwork with an Asian influence. The annual exhibit features Chinese calligraphy and brush painting. The exhibition is on view through September 21 and includes a Meet the Artists reception on May 24 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The Benjamin Gaither Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact 301-258-6380 for information.
Take a break from the everyday and experience the diversity of the Gaithersburg community. Refresh yourself with art in all its forms. You may be inspired to dive in and create your own masterpiece!
