When the Whole World is Silent by Sandi Parker.First Friday Opening Reception: Friday, November 5 from 5pm to 7pm
Gallery Underground’s Focus Gallery presents in November Words Matter, a two-person solo show of fused glass pieces by Steena Fullmer and acrylic abstracts by Sandi Parker, focusing on the power of words.
Fullmer’s fused glass enclosed in nicho boxes are portable shrines to the words of feminists from around the world. The nicho boxes are done in silver and jewel tones, with words of female empowerment fused onto glass. Each nicho box represents an idea or message meant to inspire women and girls and counter the onslaught of negative and often belittling messages society directs to women. Fullmer, an ardent feminist, treats these poignant messages with seriousness, humor, and a touch of snark.
Parker’s acrylic abstracts contain uplifting quotes from a variety of modern-day icons including Michelle Obama, Leonard Cohen and Malala Yousafzai. The abstracts are done in both vibrant and pastel hues, with the quotes rendered in graffiti-style lettering using techniques such as stamping, stenciling, collaging and photo transfer. Says Parker about her work: “As an eternal optimist who sees the glass not half-empty but overflowing with champagne, I am a great believer in the power of inspirational words on a person’s psyche; having a sense of hope no matter what obstacles you stumble over. These powerful works of art radiate encouragement and positivity in a bold, colorful way.”
Fullmer and Parker are Co-Directors of Gallery Underground. Fullmer has worked with glass for 30 years. She trained at the Pilchuck School of Glass in Washington State. In 2008, she launched her art business “Buddha Kitty Glass” named after her cat who sat at her feet while making her first stained glass window. Parker has been painting for over 20 years and works in a variety of media – both traditional works and abstracts. Two of her abstracts were selected by the National Landing Bid for large-scale public installation at 12th Street and Army Navy Drive in Crystal City.
In their Main Gallery are new works by members, in media including oil, acrylic, pastel, watermedia, sculpture, glass, ceramics, wood and metalwork.
For more information about Gallery Underground:
Gallery Underground has been named our region’s “Best Art Gallery” in Northern Virginia Magazine’s 2021 reader survey, and has received a 2021 “Arlie” as one of Arlington’s “Best Shops” from the readers of ARLNow. Located in the Crystal City Shops at 2100 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, this visual arts venue showcases the work of established and emerging regional artists.
Each month the gallery changes its entire exhibit and presents both a special solo, group or juried show in the Focus gallery and a new show from its talented members in the main gallery, in many forms: mixed media, paintings, sculpture, wood, glass, and ceramic work. Gallery Underground anchors the visual arts component of Crystal City’s Art Underground, and on First Fridays (first Friday of every month), it hosts an opening reception free and open to all from 5-7pm.
In addition to monthly rotating exhibitions, Gallery Underground hosts a variety of community events, like lunchtime paint-ins and dance and musical performances. Gallery Underground is sponsored by the Arlington Artists Alliance (AAA), in partnership with the National Landing Business Improvement District (BID), and JBG Smith. Gallery Underground and the Arlington Artists Alliance are supported in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, National Landing BID, and JBG Smith. For more information about Gallery events, visit the Arlington Artists Alliance website: https://www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org/gallery-underground
The Arlington Artists Alliance is a vital, energetic, creative force for visual art in Arlington County. The organization encourages and supports both established and emerging artists who work in all forms of visual art, without partiality toward style or trend. Its 150 members also exhibit year-round at a variety of Arlington community local government offices, businesses, restaurants, and cafes. For more information about Arlington Artists Alliance members, exhibits, and programs, visit the Alliance website at https://arlingtonartistsalliance.org/.
Gallery Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 10am – 6pm
- or by appointment
Gallery Underground is located at Crystal City Shops @ 2100 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA.
