Reston, VA News

Tucked behind the trees in common places like underpasses, footbridges and courtyards in Reston, VA, is a legacy of public art that dates back to that community’s founding in 1964.

Saturday, Sept. 15, at 5 p.m. join the Reston Museum and the Initiative for Public Art-Reston (IPAR) at the opening reception for “Reston: The Art of Community,” a new exhibition at the Reston Museum, Lake Anne Village Center, which showcases this innovative planned community’s history and its on-going dedication to art for everyone.

Immediately prior to the reception, a film and related panel discussion begin at 4 p.m. just across the plaza from the museum at Reston Community Center Lake Anne. The short documentary film, about the artists who have contributed to Reston’s public art, was produced by IPAR especially for the exhibition and directed by award-winning filmmaker Rebekah Wingert-Jabi, who grew up in Reston.

“ … Viewers will get a sense of the scope of public art in Reston and how public art was a part of the original vision to create a community of joy and inspiration,” Wingert-Jabi said of her work.

Visionary founder Robert E. Simon, Jr., made art an integral part of Reston’s identity from its beginning. Architects worked alongside artists as the New Town sprung up. Some works spent a short time here and moved on; others were lost to the elements. More than 50 original permanent works remain—and all of the pieces have a story. Those stories and news about public art to come are being shared as a part of this exhibition.

Bringing the information together and telling the story was a collaborative effort. Working with the Reston Museum and IPAR to create the design and content of “Reston: The Art of Community” are exhibit designer and graphic artist, Jeanne Krohn of Krohn Design, and curator Mary Konsoulis, who has curated exhibits at the National Building Museum and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts in Washington, D.C.

IPAR is a group of civic leaders who represent Reston's key community organizations. Its mission is to inspire an ongoing commitment to public art and create a new generation of artworks in Reston. IPAR imagines public art throughout Reston that is world-renowned, inspires the community, and engages the mind and senses. This exhibition is part of the goals established in Reston’s Public Art Master Plan, adopted by IPAR in 2008. The master plan follows Reston’s long tradition of internationally recognized planning excellence.

New public art pieces to be added to the Reston collection include a water feature by artist Valerie Theberge at the renovated Dogwood pool and glass art in the new Wiehle Avenue Metro Station, Dulles Corridor, by artist David Wilson. A 19-foot abstract sculpture by artist Mary Ann Mears will be installed in 2013 at Hyatt Park, Reston Parkway Greens. Theberge was a part of IPAR’s first permanent project in spring 2010, where she worked with the faculty and students of Hunter Woods Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences to design and complete a mosaic project on the Glade Drive underpass, which is on the path to the school.

“We are excited to co-sponsor the ‘Reston: The Art of Community’ exhibit opening with the Reston Historic Trust and share the stories that have been gathered from artists, citizens and countless records, and also IPAR and others’ vision for keeping art at the center of our community in Reston,” said IPAR’s Executive Director, Anne Delaney.

Both the film premiere/panel discussion and exhibition reception are free and open. IPAR wishes to acknowledge the following sponsors for their support: Steve and Pat Macintyre, Comstock, Friends of Lake Anne, Cleveland Coaching Group - Karen and Jim Cleveland, and the Charles A. Veatch family.

After the events, grab a map of Reston’s public art and start your own hunt for these diverse works right where you are. Start with The Sun Boat by Uruguayan modern artist Gonzalo Fonseca, which is likely to be occupied by imaginative kids. Take a seat next to Untold Stories by local artist Zachary Oxman, a 2004 tribute to Reston’s founder that is affectionately referred to as “Bronze Bob”. Then splash through Plaza Fountain, which was created by one of the chief planners of Reston, James Rossant--all before leaving Lake Anne.

IPAR and Reston Museum programs are presented with the support of Reston Community Center. The Reston Museum is located in the historical heart of Reston at 1639 Washington Plaza. The exhibit runs through November 10 and then moves to the Kibel Gallery, University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation this spring. For more information, visit www.publicartreston.org or www.restonmuseum.org.