Welcome to Artful Weekend

-our listing of area art exhibits and events-

This weekend: November 2024 Open Exhibit, Little Winter, Forged in Service, The Art of Mystery and Enigma by Noreene Janus, and Gallery 75 at The Art League; Intersections at Strathmore; Threads of Time at Cody Gallery; and The Shape of Power at Smithsonian American Art Museum.

November 2024 Open Exhibit

The Art League’s open exhibits are a creative free-for-all, welcoming all themes, processes, media, and content. In November’s Open Exhibit, we’re thrilled to showcase 89 diverse pieces spanning painting, sculpture, glasswork, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, and photography. It’s a vibrant celebration of artistic expression you won’t want to miss! Artist and curator Matthew T. McLaughlin juried this month’s exhibit.

Little Winter 

Presenting The Art League’s smallest exhibition of the year—Little Winter! This enchanting showcase, juried by artist Suzanne Riley, features miniature masterpieces—paintings, prints, ceramics, photography, and glass. These unique artworks are perfect for holiday gifting.

Forged in Service – Ceramics and Bladesmithing from the artist veterans of IMPart 

In honor of Veterans Day, we are proud to present a special exhibit showcasing a unique array of ceramics and hand-forged knives by veteran artists who participate in our IMPart program. This unique program connects recently injured military personnel with enriching visual arts experiences, designed for personal growth, social connection, improved fine motor skills, and meaningful expression. Come celebrate the resilience and creativity of these inspiring artists.

The Art of Mystery and Enigma by Noreene Janus

Noreene Janus’ solo exhibit, The Art of Mystery and Enigma, invites viewers into a world of tantalizing secrets, where each large-scale abstract painting offers a glimpse of life’s intricate riddles and paradoxes. In these vibrant acrylic works, Janus expresses the rich tapestry of her global experiences, layering meaning and symbolism into each brushstroke. Through this collection, Janus extends a challenge: explore beyond the surface, unravel concealed depths, and embrace the profound mysteries that linger in the spaces between.

Gallery 75

Come and explore Gallery 75, our vibrant art hub nestled right here in our main gallery. It’s a treasure trove where you can find a range of affordable, extraordinary artwork created by our talented local member artists. Whether in the market for framed, unframed, or even three-dimensional pieces, you’ll find a wealth of pieces waiting for you to take home and display.

Intersections—Rashad Ali Muhammad and Jordann Wine

Join Art League member Rashad Ali Muhammad and Jordann Wine for Intersections, their dual exhibit at Strathmore, opening Saturday, November 23. The Intersection Series presents contrasting artists with distinct viewpoints intersecting in Strathmore’s Mansion Galleries. Muhammad’s collages form new worlds from recognizable imagery and Wine’s meditational geometric work creates transformations by subtle merging of colors. Both artists elevate humble silk flowers and reflective glitter through compelling artistic vision. The exhibit is on view through January 11. Celebrate with the artists at a 1 pm reception on opening day; The Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, Maryland.

Threads of Time: An Archival Textile Journey 

Threads of Time: An Archival Textile Journey at Cody Gallery delves into the rich history of textile design and production, exploring how textiles have expressed identity, status, and tradition across cultures and eras. The exhibit examines the evolution of techniques and materials while uncovering the stories these textiles tell about the societies that created them. Key questions include: How do textiles reflect their cultural and economic contexts? What narratives are woven into their fibers? How have textile practices transformed over time? It is on view through December 14; 1000 N. Glebe Rd., 2nd Floor, Arlington, Virginia.

The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture

The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture at the Smithsonian American Art Museum examines for the first time the role of sculpture in understanding and constructing the concept of race in the United States over nearly three centuries. Featuring 70 artists whose work crosses time, scale and media, the exhibition brings together American sculpture in its many forms to explore the ways in which it has shaped and reflected attitudes and understandings about race, and has served as an expression of resistance, liberation and a vital means for reclaiming identity. The exhibition includes 82 sculptures created between 1792 and 2023 ranging in size from palm-sized coins to monumental statues created from diverse media such as bronze, marble, shoes, paper and hair. It’s on view through September 14, 2025; 8th and G Streets, NW, Washington, D.C.

Enjoy the weekend!