POWER ART [SHOW]

Edgar Degas said: "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." Power Art makes viewers see familiar things in new ways; evokes emotions, and makes an impact. It may be big, bold, and graphic, or minimalist in its approach. Philosophical or even satirical, Power Art may address civil liberties, human rights, or environmental issues. It makes the viewer stop and think about a viewpoint. Area artists were encouraged to be experimental, with no restrictions on materials. Some of the juried artworks depict emotional, physical, natural and spiritual power; others represent the power of craftsmanship, fabric, and recycled materials.

A show within a show: Del Ray Artisans, as part of the Power Art exhibit, is honored to show 50 art quilts from the nationally touring Power Suits collection. These 18"x18" art quilts were created by artists from 21 states in response to a challenge issued in 2010 by nationally recognized local artists Cyndi Souder and Judy Gula. Gifted of fabric swatches from a local tailor, Souder and Gula packaged the material and offered them for free to interested quilters. Each artist in turn agreed to use the suit and shirt swatch to create a unique interpretation of the theme: Power Suits. The resulting collection of over 100 quilts addresses widely diverse topics such as politics, family, work life, playing cards, and superheroes. Due to space limitations only about half of the art quilts can be shown in the gallery. More quilts from the collection will be on display on Saturday, March 9 at 3pm during a gallery talk by Power Suits curator Cyndi Souder. This event is free, but donations are appreciated.

Opening Reception on Friday, March 1 from 7pm-10pm: Mingle with the artists and other art appreciators during the reception.

View the Show: March 1-31, 2013 during gallery hours at Del Ray Artisans gallery at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are: Thursdays, noon to 6pm; Fridays, noon to 9pm; Saturdays, 10am to 9pm; and Sundays, noon to 6pm. The gallery is free, open to the public and handicap accessible.

Related Events

• The Power of Art Quilts (Power Suits Gallery Talk) on Saturday, March 9, 3pm: Power Suits curator Cyndi Souder will give a gallery talk and display additional pieces from the collection. Free; $5 donation suggested. More details at: TheDelRayArtisans.org/Power-Suits
  
  
• The Power of Mixed Media workshop on Sunday, March 10, 1-5pm: Join Judy Gula of Artistic Artifacts to make a "power art necklace" using vintage, recycled materials. Fee: $55 (includes kit). Register by March 6 at: TheDelRayArtisans.org/art-necklace
  
  
• The Power of Artful Words and Paper workshop on Saturday, March 16, 10am-4pm: This poetry and book-making workshop is lead by artists Stacy Rausch and D.J. Gaskin. Create a journal and personal poems. Fee: $75 (includes supplies). Register by March 8: TheDelRayArtisans.org/bookmaking
  
  
• The Artful Power of Your Body (Vinyasa Yoga session) on Saturday, March 23, 10-11:30am: Instructor Isabella Gutfreund will give an intermediate skill level class. Fee: $15. Register by March 18: TheDelRayArtisans.org/yoga

Feedback or Questions?

Share a note on Del Ray Artisans' Facebook page, send a tweet to Del Ray Artisans, or contact curator Barb Boatman (cutsewcreatestudio@gmail.com) or Director of Curating Drew Cariaso (Curating@TheDelRayArtisans.org).