Story house

One of the hats that I occasionally wear is that of storyteller. And it was the storyteller in me that couldn't resist Julie Girardini's story houses at the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival on Saturday.

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival

I was pleased to realize that the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, aka The Reston Show, was to take place this past weekend while we were visiting my brother. Set in Reston Town Center, this is a jewel of an art show which draws artists from across the US. The public is very art savvy which adds to the show's appeal.

Having participated in art shows as well as going to them to keep abreast of the happenings in that segment of the art/craft world means that I've seen a lot of what is shown. So, when I go to a show I search for art that is new to me. And Saturday's jaunt provided a very unexpected find.

When I turned a corner and saw the work in this booth, I had to get a photo and had to get a closer look.

 

Standing amid John Petrey's mixed media sculptures, I could practically feel myself vibrating with joy at being in the midst of such playful, yet intelligent, creativity and artistry. Here were dresses made of painted bottle caps, colorful plastic utensils, black and white shingles, signs, etc. 

Can you imagine having one of these in your home? I can. What a pleasure it would be to pass by one several times a day...to imagine the stories that dress could tell...to create stories around it. Oh! What pure fun. 

Sadly, the sculptures were outside my price range so none came home with me. But I can look and dream.

Last 3 photos are from John Petrey's web site.