The “CoLab Collage Artists” A Collaborative Text-Inspired Collage Exhibit at Reston Art Gallery

The “CoLab Collage Artists” – Parinaz Bahadori, Jennifer Duncan, Rosemarie Forsythe, Doug Fuller, Julia Malakoff, Molly McCracken, Marthe McGrath, Jennifer Penick, and Doug Schulte – will present works highlighting the benefits of collage as a collaborative medium at the Reston Art Gallery and Studios (RAGS) on historic Lake Anne in Reston from June 6 through 28.

This will be the third year in a row that the group of nine DMV area artists has exhibited at RAGS. They were also invited to show at the Fred Schnieder Gallery in Arlington during the summer of 2024. The artists each incorporate collage techniques into their diverse individual styles, utilizing a wide-ranging assortment of paints, paper, fabrics, and found and handcrafted materials. They came together as a group because they found that collaborating with others has offered invaluable opportunities for feedback and input, fostered friendships and community, and provided important encouragement and support.

The exciting exhibition of two- and three-dimensional pieces consists of more than twenty individual artist collages, as well as several large and thirty small collaborative collaged sculptures. Many works use text to directly express ideas through words and phrases, while others focus on visual characteristics of text: Words, letters, and fonts are transformed into forms, patterns, and textures, encouraging viewers to engage with language sensorially as well as intellectually.

The group’s latest collaborative work, which incorporates multiple collaged “Text Blocks”, repurposes IKEA table legs as armatures for collage applications. Artists will give live demonstrations throughout the month as they continue work on “Text Blocks” in the Gallery. Proceeds from sales of the "Text Blocks" and large collaborative pieces will be donated to Cornerstones, a local nonprofit that connects people in need with housing, childcare, food, and financial support.

Open: June 6 through 28. Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sundays, 12–5 p.m.

Opening reception: Saturday, June 6, 2–4 p.m.

Create a collaged postcard with the artists: Sunday, June 14, 2–4 p.m.

Closing Reception: Sunday, June 28, 3–5 p.m.

Reston Art Gallery and Studios is located at 11400 Washington Plaza W #B, Reston, VA on historic Lake Anne Plaza.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact: Jennifer Duncan jdduncan59@gmail.com