You can see art treasures in museums and art shows around the world, but, to see a treasury of art, one must visit Vienna the weekend of Nov. 22.
From Friday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 24, the Vienna Arts Society's 44th Annual Treasury of Art Juried Show and Sale holds court at the Vienna Community Center on Cherry Street. Nearly 200 original pieces of art created by artists from Virginia, Maryland and D.C. will be for sale. Vienna artist and Vienna Arts Society [VAS] artist-of-the-year Debi Elliott donated "Not Yet Beaten," a framed piece, to be raffled off to benefit cancer treatment or research.
VAS public relations representative Dore Skidmore emphasized that the public is invited to meet the artists and the juror, Jack Rasmussen, at Friday and Saturday evening receptions. On Nov. 22, from 7 to 9 p.m., an awards reception with light refreshments and music by the Serenada String Quartet, provides the background as Rasmussen, curator and director of American University’s Katzen Arts Center, announces place winners.
The following evening, Saturday, Nov. 23, is a bluegrass reception running from 7 to 9 p.m., showcasing the Higher Ground String Band. Artists will be on-hand.
"Not Yet Beaten" honors VAS friends and family members fighting cancer. The painting, created about a year ago, is valued at $750. The raffle winner will select a charity supporting cancer research or treatment and the Vienna Arts Society will donate the raffle proceeds to that charity. Tickets are priced at $5 each or five tickets for $20. The winning ticket will be drawn at the close of the show, and the winner need not be present to win.
"We wanted to honor cancer survivors, as well as those battling cancer," said Skidmore. "We all know somebody who had or is battling the disease.
"The painting is a perfect symbol in two ways," Skidmore said. "For those fighting cancer now and for those who have beaten it."
Elliott conceptualizes the project from idea to canvas before starting to paint. Often, the interpretation is an amalgam of moments and matter. The goose eggs centered in "Not Yet Beaten" were bought at a farmers’ market and the bowl, at Tuesday Morning. Elliott said she laid down the canvas and set up objects, moving them and the table they sat on. She arranged her still lifes with different lighting.
Doing "something" to fight cancer inspired Elliott to donate "Not Yet Beaten" as a Treasury of Art fundraiser. When her peers voted her artist-of-the-year, the painting was the first thing she thought of.
"I always associate this painting with those courageous women," said Elliott. "Somehow, this painting is connected to them."
Elliott said she does not want to be one of those artists who die and leave a house of paintings. She wants to get them out to the public.
"I want to share what makes art fun," said Elliott.
To learn more about the Vienna Arts Society, its programs and exhibitions, go to www.ViennaArtsSociety.org.