Art Thrives With New Galleries And Exhibits At VisArts

Glass Box Gallery Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

What if it’s 3 o’clock in the morning and you want to visit a gallery exhibition in Rockville? You can!

Last week VisArts opened three new spaces including the Glass Box Gallery, located in the window of the VisArts TOO shop facing Gibbs Street. Visitors can peer at the large screen 24 hours a day and experience a silent video production. Although VisArts always presents a cosmopolitan vibe, this never-ending tech exhibit brings a very urban feel down to the street. The current exhibit, Mascara, focuses on one eye as makeup is rubbed away. We couldn’t help but watch more than one loop while trying to understand the circumstances.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Every month the new Spotlight Gallery will display the work of a different Montgomery County Public School Art Teacher. VisArts carved this special gallery out of the space in the back of the VisArts TOO shop. The Spotlight provides a wonderful opportunity for teachers to share their work and encourage the pursuit of art. This incredibly public space provides an opportunity for all of us to view and purchase artwork from these educators, but in particular it provides a rare opportunity for students to appreciate the display and sale of art by someone they know. The first exhibit features Angela White’s oils on canvas and cigar boxes in a series entitled Sea Over Land. Described as “Inspiration beyond the classroom”, the monthly shows will inevitably inspire us all.

Family Gallery by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

The second floor family studio has moved down the hall which opened up its former space to some fresh possibilities as an exhibit area called the Portfolio Gallery. To celebrate the opening, Mariah Anne Johnson created a site-responsive installation using the colors of the room and inspiration from the season. The use of fabric in her artwork began almost by accident after she continually combed through thrift stores purchasing fabrics with diverse patterns. Instead of cutting the fabric, the folds and combinations became whole in her projects. With a background as a painter, Mariah uses fabric to replicate the layering which occurs in the painting process to create abstract art designs. Her delightful personality shines through every piece.

Mariah Anne Johnson Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

“As you look around the room, there is just one story after another about both the people and the photographs,” explained the Carl D Brandt about the Best of the Silver Spring Camera Club exhibit presented by the Washington School of Photography in the main Kaplan Gallery. He trusted us with his tender story and enthralling photography descriptions. When he met his wife in a photography club in 1963, he asked her to marry him six weeks later. Together they shared a lifetime of photography until her passing unexpectedly during surgery last year. The exhibit includes some of Carl’s best photographs from across all the years. While catching Lightening in 1950, he ran the risk of being electrocuted. Meanwhile his Chinese Dragon displays the performers in bright sunlight in DC with the background digitally pasted out to black for an amazing contrast.

Carl D Brandt Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

This exhibit includes vibrantly uplifting colors, captured expressions, and nature’s moments. Douglas Walters’ close ups of morning lotus and dancing leaves transform these natural objects into flowing objects reminiscent of imaginary playgrounds. Carolina Simon’s close ups bring you to the surface of another planet, especially with Spiny Menace. Twilight Pleated Wave also embraces roller coaster movement and waves. Although their close-ups masterfully elevate objects to artwork, many of the photographs from the DC area also bring a different perspective to everyday places. If you have any interest in photography, this exhibit is for you.

VisArts TOO Shop Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

All of the VisArt galleries bring innovation and community alive. Now there are even more reasons to go down to the end of Gibbs Street. Remember the VisArts TOO Shop for your holiday shopping, including animal ornaments.

VisArts at Rockville directions and hours are available here.

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