‘States Of Being’ Exhibition Opens In Reston, Runs Through Oct. 5

RESTON, VA — A new exhibition featuring the work of four Persian American artists opened Saturday in Reston and will remain on display into October.

“States of Being: 2026 Ovissi Foundation Awardees Exhibition” opened Saturday at Ovissi Boutique, 11932 Democracy Drive. The exhibition, presented by the Ovissi Foundation and Ovissi Boutique, will remain on view through Oct. 5.

The exhibition features recent works by Farzad Kohan, Ali Masoumzadeh, Sanaz Safanasab and Aida Izadpanah. Their works, created between 2023 and 2025, explore memory, time, identity, interconnectedness, transformation, visibility and migration. The artists work with materials including porcelain, ink, wood, glass, fiber and light.

Four Persian American Artists Featured

Organizers said the exhibition brings together four different approaches to materials, artistic processes and personal experiences while showcasing contemporary Persian American artistic expression.

“States of Being reflects our commitment to supporting artists whose work expands how Persian American experiences are seen, understood, and shared,” Tamika Martin of the Ovissi Foundation said. “By bringing these four artists together, we are celebrating both their individual practices and the many ways contemporary Persian art continues to evolve.”

The exhibition is open 12 to 8 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays and 12 to 7 p.m. Sundays.

Foundation Plans New Awards For 2027

The Ovissi Foundation has provided grants to U.S.-based Persian artists for the past five years and plans to expand its award categories in 2027.

Its $1,500 Master of Fine Art Award will continue, while two new $1,000 Modern Craft Awards will be introduced for textiles and art forms and glassworking.

The foundation supports Iranian heritage artists through opportunities for artistic development, recognition and financial assistance. It has awarded grants to U.S.-based Iranian heritage artists and museums over the past five years.