eARTh Day Returns to Reston Town Center April 26

A unique, art-inspired celebration of the day!

Contributed by Public Art Reston

The Reston Town Center Association (RTCA), Public Art Reston (PAR), and Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (Tephra ICA) will jointly present the second eARTh Day on April 26, in Reston Town Square Park, with a full day of FREE, artistic programming open to the public (sponsored by BXP).

PAR’s ChalkFest (with an environmental theme) is new; Tephra ICA’s ongoing Mariculture exhibition, and a number of environmentally inspired art activities in the park that Tephra ICA will present, and two environmentally themed concerts will anchor the day’s activities. Opening ceremonies at noon will include a celebration of the temporary sculptural installation, Radiant Pearl, by artist Claire Ashley. The 12’-diameter, inflatable work will remain up through the Tephra ICA Arts Festival (May 17-18), where it will serve as part of a unique performance experience at the festival presented by Reston Community Center and Tephra ICA.

“It was an easy decision to bring back eARTh Day, which really captured peoples’ imaginations last year,” said RTCA Executive Director Robert Goudie. “An art-inspired look at the importance of eARTh Day is a bit off-beat and aligns nicely with our interest in presenting compelling cultural experiences that both entertain and educate.”

“Tephra ICA is so excited to partner with RTCA and Public Art Reston for eARTh Day,” said Jonell Logan, Tephra ICA’s Executive Director. “This is such a great opportunity to be creative, connect with artists, and recognize ways we can have less of an impact on the planet.”

“We are excited to bring ChalkFest to eARTh Day and give the community an opportunity to participate in artmaking and also enjoy the work of professional chalk artists,” said Ricki Marion, PAR’s ChalkFest Director. “All registrations receive a reserved square at the event, chalk kit, and are eligible for first through third cash prizes in friends and family, amateur artists, and people’s choice categories. All proceeds support public art commissions in Reston.”

PAR is also excited to offer an opportunity for attendees to paint a metal disc that will be incorporated into the South Lakes High School Steam Team’s new public art installation on the Lake Thoreau spillway, which will be installed in June.

The full schedule of events can be found at eARTh Day Celebration. ChalkFest registration is available at publicartreston.org./