The March shows in The Art League Gallery are in like a couple of lions, with a solo show of encaustic paintings by Georgia Nassikas and the juried “Play” exhibit featuring works in all media incorporating the theme of play. The opening reception for these amazing shows is tonight at 6:30!

If you can’t make it to tonight’s reception, at least see the shows by April 2 — these pictures don’t do the artwork justice. Well, they never do, but particularly this month: for one, the color and texture in Georgia’s paintings need to be seen in person. She uses wax from bees she keeps herself for the abstracted, ethereal landscapes.

The other reason you need to come to the gallery: you can play with the “Play” pieces!

“Play” — a first for the gallery — asked artists to create interactive work, and they delivered. “Touch me” signs abound: some works are rearrangeable, one painting asks viewers to contribute dry-erase dialogue, and you can even play darts:

The non-interactive art took “Play” to heart as well, expressing fun in a wide variety of ways, from the reflective to the laugh-out-loud. (You can see the full show on flickr here.) Juror Judy Bass, a widely exhibited artist who also teaches at Marymount University, noted that the artwork interpreted the theme widely, with some artists coming at the idea of play literally, and others reproducing play at its most abstract.

Judy Bass said the photographs and drawings were particularly strong, praising their “beautiful composition.”

The “Play” reception is part of the “Minds Wide Open” regional kickoff in the Torpedo Factory, celebrating children and the arts in Virginia. Events will include live music by Keira Moran, proclamations from Alexandria’s town crier, and visits from assorted dignitaries. The “Play” awards presentation is at 7:30.

More photos below: