Yesterday was the first time I went to VisArts and, simply stated, everyone needs to go!
On the first Friday of the month from 6:30 to 9:30 PM, the galleries and studios ar
e open, and people perform at HearArts. Since I’ve been listing this event in Weekend to Weekend, I took the whole family over. One minute I was on the street in Rockville, and then suddenly I was in a gallery with lots of people appreciating art. The second floor gallery is a decent size with all types of artwork - photography, paintings, and three-dimensional pieces.
VisArts makes it easy for children to enjoy art with their VisKids! room. Kids can learn about techniques and go home with their own creation. However, children love to explore and interact with their surroundings, so just being at VisArts can inspire a child. Unbeknownst to him, I videotaped one of my sons in the gallery. Artwork can reach all of us, even though we may not be as free as a child to express it.
As I wandered in and out of the resident artist studios, I was reminded of the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria. We now have artists working publicly right here in Rockville! To be able to see the artist’s workspa
ce, talk with the artist, understand the technique, and then buy the piece, is an absolutely unique and wonderful experience. Each studio strives to be open to the public 30 hours per week, so that at least one should be open during gallery hours.
We met all three of the artists sharing the jewelry studio. Their area is overflowing with creativity and an excited spirit of possibilities. Mimi Harris loves to work with animal themes and she showed my sons a necklace made out of snake vertebrae, which intrigued me so much that I find myself wanting it today. Pamela Hill-Byrne’s “Zig Zag Brooch” is on display in the gallery. Johnnie Gins makes wall art and rugs out of old ties. A client commissioned one with all of her late husband’s ties, prompting my husband to quip “You’d be able to continue to walk all over me.”, but he was only kidding - I think.
Each month, HearArts combines literature with music. As I marveled at Karen Fricke’s quilts, I could hear the vibraphone. By the time I entered the event room, someone was singing. The crowd then asked the fiction author if he would like to sing a few paragraphs of his work, but he declined and the audience chuckled. HearArts is a casual time for sharing and learning from each other.
VisArts is a beautiful white space, like a new canvas, ready for an art scene to flourish in Rockville. We all need to find it in the Rockville Town Center! One reader tried to attend an event and never did locate it. You enter through double doors which look like an office building entrance on Gibbs Street, between La Tasca and Beall Avenue.
VisArts is available for weddings, corporate events, workshops, and conferences. Family workshops, scouting programs, children’s classes, and summer camps are offered along with many special events.
Article continues. Click to expand and read more...
