Reston Chamber Plans for 2022 — The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce is offering a full slate of live events to support local business owners. President Charles Kapur reflects on last year’s successes. [Reston Patch]

Restonian to Chair State Chamber of Commerce — Fred Thompson, chief administrative officer of Reston-based Thompson Hospitality Corp., was elected chair of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. [Virginia Business]

Reston Art Gallery Begins New Shows — Reston Art Gallery is kicking off a new display called Winter Winds. The gallery is on display through Feb. 27 at Lake Anne Plaza. [Tysons Today]

Metro General Manager to Retire — Paul Wiedefeld, Metro’s general manager and CEO will retire from Metro in six months after more than six years with the transit agency. [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

Monday, Nov. 8

Volunteering Group Holds Online Meet and Greet (6-6:45 p.m.) — The Junior League of Northern Virginia, a women’s organization passionate about volunteering, is holding a recruitment event on Zoom and sharing more about the difference it makes in the community.

Tuesday, Nov. 6

End of Year Financial Planning (1:30-3 p.m.) — Campbell Wealth Management discusses financial moves to make before Jan. 1. Free and taking place at Reston Association. Registration required.

Wednesday, Nov. 10

On the Brink of Change: Fairfax County, VA – c. 1960 (7-9 p.m.) — Hear the history of Fairfax County as it transitioned from its agricultural roots, 1960 desegregation between white and Black residents, and Reston founder Robert Simon’s vision for what the area has become today.

Thursday, Nov. 11

Smylin’ Jack at Jimmy’s Old Tavern (8 p.m.) — A group covering bands from AC/DC to Radiohead returns to Herndon.

Friday, Nov. 12

“Fully Committed” (8 p.m.) — A comedic play follows the struggles of an out-of-work actress. It’s the first performance of the NextStop Theatre Co. show’s run, which continues through Nov. 21. Cost is $25.

Saturday, Nov. 13

Meet the Artist Reception (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) — Marthe McGrath meets with visitors at the Reston Art Gallery & Studios to share her acrylic and mixed media for her new show called “Kinetic Energy.”

Sunday. Nov. 14

“Judas and the Black Messiah” (3 p.m.) — The CenterStage presents the 2021 movie about the police killing of Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton. Registration required. Free.

A new art show and sale at Lake Anne Plaza’s Reston Art Gallery and Studios (RAGS) will benefit COVID-19 relief efforts in Nepal.

More than 50 works from Ugandan and Nepali artists will be on display and on sale starting tomorrow (Wednesday) through Thursday (Sept. 2) with a reception tomorrow at 5 p.m.

The show is being presented by Scott DeLisi, the former U.S. ambassador to both Uganda and Nepal, and his organization Engage Nepal. Proceeds will go toward funding a pediatric intensive care unit in a Nepal hospital that will help care for young COVID patients.

“Nepal has been devastated, so we are doing all we can to help,” DeLisi wrote in the press release. “This includes the sale of these wonderful paintings and photos donated by a variety of artists, including many from Uganda who truly wanted to help the people in Nepal in a time of need. I met those artists when I served as Ambassador in Uganda and was so touched by their kindness and concern.”

Currently, the hospital has constructed the ward with beds, and the local government has provided two ventilators, DeLisi elaborated to Reston Now in an email.

“But much remains to do,” he noted.

The show and fundraiser are being held in Reston thanks to local artist and former Foreign Service officer Rosemarie Forsythe, whose month-long show “Illuminations” is set to debut at the Reston Art Gallery on Sept. 3.

“I learned about Engage Nepal through a former Foreign Service colleague who is on the board of directors,” Forsythe said in the release. “I spent over a decade as a Foreign Service officer in the late 1980s to late 1990s. I like to think that this event is my way of showing appreciation for the time I enjoyed traveling, hiking and mountain climbing in Nepal.”

RAGS Director Pat Macintyre said she is “honored” to host the event.

“All artists are world artists, and we are honored to host this event and help raise awareness of this global concern,” Macintyre wrote. “We hope that our community of Reston and beyond will enjoy Engage Nepal’s art show and support the work of this important organization.”

Artworks that will be featured in the show include a painting of the African Cape buffalo, Ugandan wooden sculptures, and works from artist Lima Mugalu.

“[She’s] one of the most active female artists in Uganda,” DiLisi told Reston Now. “She paints women celebrating weddings, at introduction ceremonies, and in other social interactions using mixed media, acrylics and fabrics.”

Prices range from $50 to $850. Monetary donations will also be accepted.

DiLisi says that he’s touched by the gallery’s willingness to host the show and sale.

“I have to say…that the community spirit of everyone associated with Reston Art Gallery has touched me,” DiLisi said. “Their willingness to act to help kids in need in Nepal has been heartwarming.”

What to Know About the Delta Variant — The Fairfax County Health Department issued a blog post yesterday (Thursday) answering common questions about the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus. The department says evidence suggests fully vaccinated people can spread the variant to others, and a small number have gotten sick, but the COVID-19 vaccines remain overwhelmingly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. [FCHD]

Metro Police Chief to Retire — Metro Transit Police Chief Ron Pavlik Jr. will retire on Sept. 1, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said in an internal memo sent to employees yesterday. Assistant Chief Michael Anzallo will serve as interim police chief for the transit agency, which has faced recent scrutiny over its use of force and reported failure to investigate thousands of crimes, including armed robberies and sexual assaults. [DCist]

Volunteer Fairfax Seeks PPE Donations — The nonprofit Volunteer Fairfax hopes to collect 65,000 cloth masks, particularly children-sized ones, as well as face shields, cleaning supplies, and other equipment to support the community response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Donations can be dropped off at Fairfax County police stations, and the group accepts monetary donations online. [Patch]

New Exhibit Opens at Reston Art Gallery and Studios — The show “At Water’s Edge” by painter Sandra Dovberg is now open for public viewing through August on weekends at Reston Art Gallery and Studios (11400 Washington Plaza West) by the lakeside “ART” sign at historic Lake Anne Plaza. Highlighted by jellyfish wall hangings, the exhibit focuses on the meeting of land and water and joins work on display from seven other artists in the cooperative. [RAGS]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

What is the spice of life? One artist delves into that topic with a new exhibit of paintings titled “Variety – The Spice of Life.”

Lassie Corbett, a Reston artist, will have her paintings on display at RCC Lake Anne’s Jo Ann Rose Gallery (1609-A Washington Plaza) starting tomorrow (Jan. 8).

“Corbett captures a mood, glowing light, subtle color and — above all — the chi, or spirit, in her paintings,” the Reston Community Center posted. Corbett draws on nature and outdoor scenic locations for her art with watercolor as her main medium, the post says.

Inspired by a two-year stint as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines, Corbett’s art has taken her around the world — from painting in Greece to sketchbook journaling in Turkey. She has taught painting workshops in Ireland, England, France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Peru and Hawaii.

She has also taught locally with acrylic painting, collage, Chinese brush painting and watercolor painting classes at the Herndon Community Center.

The exhibit runs until Feb. 4. A reception will be held on Sunday, Jan. 27, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Images via Reston Art Gallery

On Thursday mornings, Fairfax County first responders have gathered with local artist Kathy Sullivan to create multimedia art projects that express their personal development

Now, the public can view the work created by first responders at an exhibition at the Reston Art Gallery & Studios (11400 Washington Plaza) from Thursday (September 6) through September 20.

The class, called Ashes2Art, aimed to help first responders express themselves through artistic outlets. A special reception open to the public is set for September 7 from 4-8 p.m.

“As emergency services personnel, we sometimes focus our identity too heavily on our work life.  The art program provides a unique stress-free environment that encourages individuals to explore and discover new outlets for their energy in a positive way.  The program allows participants to employ the unique creative abilities of emergency personnel directed in new ways,” according to a statement from the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department.

The program is supported and funded by the community. The Reston Art Gallery & Studios also donated display space for the show.

Photo via Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department

The Greater Reston Arts Center will be hosting the exhibit, “Mike Cloud: Figure Studies” from April 28 through July 7.

This is the first time Brooklyn-based artist Cloud will be showing his work in the greater D.C. area, according to the center. Cloud’s exhibit is described by the center as a selection of works that “consider language, symbolism, metaphor, history and identity through the examination of the figure.”

The exhibit based on a single painting “Cycle and Stable” (2015) features Cloud’s series of collages based on the work of photographer Anne Leibovitz and new paintings.

Cloud received an M.F.A. from Yale University School of Art and a B.F.A. from the University of Illinois-Chicago. He will also host a talk on the opening day of his exhibit from 4-5 p.m. followed by an opening reception from 5-7 p.m.

There will be a private dinner with Cloud celebrating the exhibit. Tickets cost $100 for the public and $75 for GRACE members, board of directors and sponsors. Those interested must RSVP by emailing [email protected] by April 25.

Photo courtesy GRACE

It looks like it might be a rainy weekend, but the good news is there are plenty of indoor activities scheduled in Reston. And forecasters say the rain isn’t going to hit until later Saturday, so there still should be a good opportunity to enjoy the outdoors too.

Here is just a sampling of what there is to do in Reston and the surrounding area this weekend:

• The Reduced Shakespeare Company will perform “Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play” tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m. at Reston Community Center’s CenterStage (2310 Colts Neck Road). Tickets are $25 for Reston residents and $50 for non-residents.
• Reston Association’s Habitat Heroes program will participate in an Earth Day activity Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon. They will be removing invasive species and planting native species to help the long-term restoration project at the Wainwright Recreation Area.
• Herndon High School (700 Bennett St.) will present “Guys and Dolls” for three performances this weekend: tonight and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Tickets are $15.
• The opening reception for “Radcliffe Bailey: The Great Dismal Swamp” at Greater Reston Arts Center (12001 Market St.) is 5-7 p.m. Saturday. The exhibit will be on display through August.
• Saturday is Record Store Day, and there will be plenty of offers to mark the day at Right On Records (731 Elden St., Herndon).
• The Reston-Herndon Little League Opening Day parade and celebration is Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Reston Town Center. The Washington Nationals’ Racing Presidents will participate as part of the league’s new partnership with the Nats.
• Mayflowers Floral Studio (11959 Market St.) will host classes in tulip selection, arranging and care this Saturday and next, from 2-3:30 p.m. each day.
• Other events at Reston Town Center this weekend will include live music at World of Beer (1888 Explorer St.) tonight and Saturday, Earth Day celebrations Saturday from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. at Greater Reston Arts Center and in Town Square Park, and exercise in the pavilion Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon.
• “First Blooms” by artist Dorothy Donahey remains on exhibit at Reston Art Gallery and Studios (11400 Washington Plaza W.), which is open from noon to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
• The art exhibit “A Respite from Chaos” will remain on display at Reston Community Center’s Jo Ann Rose Gallery (1609 Washington Plaza N.) through the month of April.
• The Reston Tour d’Art, a guided bicycle tour of the community’s outdoor art, is slated for Saturday from 9:30-11:30 a.m., beginning at the Lake Newport tennis courts (11452 Baron Cameron Ave.). The event is free, but registration is required.
• NextStop Theatre Company (269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon) is performing “Boeing, Boeing,” and the show has been extended through May 7. Performances this weekend are tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m., along with 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $35-$55.
• The Blue Street Blues Band will perform tonight from 7-10 p.m. at Café Montemarte (1625 Washington Plaza N.).
• Award-winning author Hena Khan will be reading from her new book, “Amina’s Voice,” from 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday at Scrawl Books (11862 Market St.)
• Kalypso’s (1617 Washington Plaza N.) will have live music tonight, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., from Sista Pat & One Vibe. DJ Kram will play Top 40 hits Saturday night.
• Vinafera Wine Bar and Bistro (11750 Sunrise Valley Drive) has live music from 7-10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night in April. In addition, legendary local DJ Cerphe Colwell will be signing copies of his new book from 3-5 p.m. Saturday.

Inspired by springtime, the works of local artist Dorothy Donahey are currently on display at Reston Art Gallery and Studios (11400 Washington Plaza W.) on Lake Anne.

“First Blooms” showcases acrylic and oil paintings from the artist, an expert in commercial color printing who has traveled the nation lecturing on colorimetry for Reston’s HunterLab.

Donahey’s paintings are in the realms of representational abstraction and realism. She is known for her “Awareness Donkey,” which was featured on Pennsylvania Avenue in D.C. and is now part of the permanent collection at American University.

According to a press release about the exhibit:

The self-explanatory title of Donahey’s new show is inspired by the spring landscape, and a goal to “give people a little sunshine,” born out of the news, the cold and the loss of cherry blossoms at the tidal basin. The season can be enjoyed throughout the year through the paintings in this show.

The “First Blooms” exhibit will be on display at Reston Art Gallery throughout the month of April, including during Founder’s Day festivities at Lake Anne Plaza on Saturday. The official opening reception for the show is Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

Image: “Pastoral” — courtesy Dorothy Donahey/Reston Art Gallery and Studios