Waverly Street Gallery Celebrates 25 Years Of Artistic Excellence

ART AND COMMUNITY:

WAVERLY STREET GALLERY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS!

by Carol Leadbetter and Grace Peterson

Featured Image "Three Tulips" by Amy Lamb

For twenty-five years, Waverly Street Gallery has been the place to experience one-of-a-kind artwork in person, connect with the artists, exchange ideas and build community. Special events, demonstrations, artist talks and monthly exhibits of artwork for sale, are designed to engage art lovers of all ages and interests. In May 2018, Waverly will celebrate 25 years of excellence on behalf of the arts community and public-at-large.

In recognition of this milestone, Waverly has planned a Special Anniversary Exhibit from May 6-June 2, 2018, featuring the work of present and past Waverly Street Gallery members from D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The gallery will also hold a special 25th Anniversary Party on Friday, May 11, from 6:00-9:00pm. All events are free and the public is invited to attend.

If you have not had the opportunity to visit our beautiful Bethesda, Maryland gallery, here are some interesting facts about our role in the community:

We are one of the oldest fine art galleries in the Washington D.C. area. Known for our high quality and affordable contemporary and traditional art, Waverly represents acclaimed and talented local artists in various media, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, glass, printmaking, photography and more.

It is appropriate that the story of Waverly Street Gallery begins with a beauty contest. So it was that in the early 1980’s, the Montgomery County Planning Board invited developers to submit site plans for the gallery’s current site located at 4600 East West Highway in Bethesda, Maryland. In response to the invitation, twelve plans were submitted for a review that the Planning Board internally called the “beauty contest.” After a lengthy search, the winning plan included “a unique amenity offering” for the ground floor, dedicated as an indoor community Art Space.

A gala opening was held on April 16, 1993, and guests received a brochure that explained the gallery’s mission was to “feature prominent artists, demonstrations, workshops and special events, which will demonstrate the unique and varied styles of locally renowned artists.” We are proud to say that Waverly has maintained those high standards for the past 25 years. While we fondly reminisce about our humble beginnings, we look forward to our future and introducing a new generation of emerging artists and art lovers to the excitement, beauty and wonder of Waverly Street Gallery.

Learn more at www.waverlystreetgallery.com and follow us on www.facebook.com/waverlygallery/ 301-951-9441. Open Wed-Sun,12-6pm.

About the Authors

Carol Leadbetter, a former gallery Board Member and a Co-Curator of the Anniversary Exhibit, is a Washington area fine art photographer and mixed media artist whose work can be found in private collections across the country.

Grace E Peterson, whose work can be found in private collections, is an experimental watermedia painter, long-time WSG member and a Co-Curator of the Anniversary Exhibit.