Since August 16, Falls Church Arts has been showcasing their latest exhibit: “Layers,” featuring local artists. Despite their differences, every piece in the exhibition is connected by one theme, being multilayered, whether that be literally or metaphorically.
The Juror’s Choice Award – decided by local NoVA artist Tricia Ratliff – went to “Mourning,” by Jenny Newberry. “Mourning” is a piece that reflects on our relationship to death through the juxtaposition between the black mundane objects that are seen in your day-to-day life, with the stark white of the funerary veil, only brought out after a person’s passing.
Jenny Newberry was presented with her juror’s choice award at the 49th Annual Fall Festival on September 13, at Cherry Hill Park.
The People’s Choice Award – decided by the votes of gallery visitors – went to “Tranquility I,” by Helen Nguyen, a piece that communicates the quiet moments of peace and calm found amongst the bustle of life – depicting the artist and her friend sleeping next to each other on the bus.
Another piece of note is “Garden Metamorphosis,” by Amy Woodhouse, a painting in which layers of rainbow colors of pastel and mixed media depict an expressionist forest scene. Evergreen trees loom over a reflective river, the sun beaming down from above.
One more striking artwork from the exhibit is “Basal Canyon Embrace,” by Maluchi Enyi, a piece made by layering oil pastels onto wooden panels, before covering it in ink and scratching it away, creating a rich darkness that enhances the art. It depicts two massive statues of a man and a woman embracing each other deep in a rocky canyon, united by love but being worn away by time.
The “Layers” exhibition is a phenomenal grouping of work, and perfectly showcases the capabilities of the many artists in our area. Falls Church Arts puts on such shows regularly, with exhibitions typically lasting two weeks, with another two weeks between. Hosting such a vibrant art gallery in our city is a boon, and with its as-of-yet-unannounced next exhibit likely to open within four weeks, things are looking up and up for Falls Church Arts.
