2024: TERESA OAXACA SOLO EXHIBITION

This collection of oil paintings delves into the captivating realms of mythology, ancestral belief systems, and the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world. Through sophisticated details, rich colors, and a high decorative style, viewers are invited to immerse themselves in a visual narrative that evokes a sense of wonder and contemplation.

Each painting invites viewers into a world where mythological figures come to life, revealing stories of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures. Drawing inspiration from various mythologies, including Greek, Biblical, and indigenous traditions, Oaxaca explores the universal themes and archetypes that have shaped our understanding of the divine and our connection to nature.

This exhibition was selected from a TFA open call for exhibition proposals by DC-area artists, juried by Allison Nance, Managing Director of The Nicholson Project and Tim Wright, Founder of Attucks Adams; museum educator & historian.

2023: SANAH BROWN-BOWERS SOLO EXHIBITION

Touchstone Foundation for the Arts presented the solo exhibition Bloodlines by Sanah Brown-Bowers at Touchstone Gallery from December 6, 2023 - January 7, 2024.

Brown-Bowers’ artistic endeavors are an exploration of the concept of family. Her objective is to offer viewers an intimate glimpse into her own family’s joyous and everyday experiences. Skillfully fusing nostalgia with elements of realism and fantasy, the artworks conjure memories from the cartoons, cinematic references, and text used. Employing acrylic, oil, pray paints, paper collage, typography, assemblage art, LED lighting, film, video, and sound, she creates her “family altars.” These altars offer a contemplative space for viewers to connect with their own childhood recollections. Central to the concept of the family altar is the conviction that every life story carries significance, and the narratives of the living are equally deserving of being heard.

2023: Persian Perspectives: Celebrating Iranian Women Artists of DC

This survey exhibition features works from artists Parinaz Ziai Bahadori, Saya Behnam, Katty Biglari, Roya Chadab, Setareh Pourrajabi, and Maryam Rassapour. Viewers are invited to experience selections from the vibrant and diverse world of contemporary Iranian artists working in the Washington, DC area—honoring the powerful voices and narratives of these women.

Through their work, participating artists reveal how their heritage, experiences, and cultural background have shaped their artistic careers. Selected works explore themes of identity, gender, tradition, nature, resilience, and empowerment.

Goli/Guelli by Parinaz Ziai Bahadori

36”x 24”, Acrylic and ink on cradled wood panel

inspired by a volume of poetry by the 13th century Persian Poet, Sa’adi.

Shokr by Parinaz Ziai Bahadori

20”x 20”, Acrylic, ink and mixed media on canvas,

Anahita by Sayeh Behnam

30” diameter, Saffron threads, mica, minerals, and pigments,

Anahita is the ancient Persian goddess of fertility, water, health and healing, and wisdom. I created this piece strongly affected by all the fights and resistance that are now going on in Iran with the movement of Women, Life, Freedom.

Bundle of Joy by Sayeh Behnam

40” x 30”, Various botanical and mineral and pigments on canvas with 24k gold leaf,

Reach by Katty Biglari

15”x 30”, Acrylic on canvas,

The painting is inspired by the strong women of Iran who have been mandated to wear the hijab.

The Cardinal and the Hummingbird by Roya Chadab

30”x 36” unframed, Acrylic and pen on canva paper,

Is the hummingbird flying into the vase to join the cardinals or did the cardinals escape the hummingbird?

The Tiger and the Orchids by Roya Chadab

18”x 24” unframed, Acrylic and pen on canva paper,

The Notice by Setareh Pourrajabi

39”x 51”, Oil and acrylic on canvas,

I came from a country where commonly women are second level of society compared with men. This causes us anger and fear illustrated in my artworks. The figures are nude but clean, injured but happy, scary but beautiful, they are complex of variance that make them attractive and dynamic.

Rebecca by Setareh Pourrajabi

39”x 31.5”, Oil on canvas,

Another Realm by Maryam Rassapour

48”x 60”, Acrylic, calligraphy, gold leaf, charcoal,

My latest project, UNSEEN, focuses on the societal and cultural pressures put on women whether in Iran or the US. UNSEEN will spotlight and express these feminist realities through various contemporary art forms and techniques that I bring as a female artist with a unique Middle Eastern point of view living in a modern western society.

Forgotten by Maryam Rassapour

24”x 26”, Acrylic, calligraphy, gold leaf,

The calligraphy in the UNSEEN project is inspired by one of Iran’s more famous feminist poets, Forough Farrokhzad.

Unseen by Maryam Rassapour

24”x 26”, Acrylic, calligraphy, gold leaf,

2020: "Us: What divides us and what unites us?" International 3D Virtual Juried Exhibit, sponsored by Touchstone Foundation for the Arts

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Touchstone Gallery, with the support of Touchstone Foundation for the Arts, presented international juried exhibition: “US: What divides us and what unites us?”. Six jurors selected 51 works created by 51 artists, addressing a broad array of outlooks on the divisive differences and the unifying connections between people at this historically challenging time in our nation’s history and around the world.

US was exhibited online from September 18 - November 3, 2020.

JURORS
- Kimberli Gant, PhD, McKinnon Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art, Chrysler Museum of Art
- Kristen Hileman, Independent Curator & Curator-in-Residence, The Delaware Contemporary
- Frauke V. Josenhans, PhD, Associate Curator, Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University
- Miranda Lash, Curator of Contemporary Art, Speed Art Museum
- Karen E. Milbourne, PhD, Senior Curator, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian
- Gabriel Ritter, PhD, Curator & Head of Contemporary Art, Minneapolis Institute of Art

Press release

2020: Exposed DC – a 14th Annual Photography ExhibitIon

Exposed DC Photography Show: February 19 through March 1, 2020. The exhibit was hosted by Touchstone Gallery, with support from the Touchstone Foundation for the Arts.

The 43 winning photographs were chosen from a contest for their unique view of the Washington area as more than just a tourist destination and political arena. They showcase and celebrate the experience of the people who live, love, work, and play here. Five of these photographs will be awarded our Best in Show award along with a $100 cash prize. Each award will be chosen by a distinguished metro-area photographer: Angela Bain, Darrow Montgomery, Shedrick Pelt, Beverly Price, and Gerry Suchy. Custom framing for the show is provided by Art & Framing Expo, Inc..

2019: TFA and New Community ArtSpace present: Common Threads, A community fiber art exhibition celebrating our shared values

Common Threads is a 3rd annual exhibition created by New Community ArtSpace and will be on display at Touchtone Gallery for the month of July. This year’s theme is rugs. The rugs in this exhibit symbolize the roots of our values and how they begin to develop. “Rug like” works on display made of various medium and will be displayed along with stories that come from memory and/or imagination.

Participating Artists: Karen Baker, Maybelle Taylor Bennett, Araceli Chaira, Sallie V. Chatfield, Marlene Clark, Children from Amazing Life Games Cooperative Preschool, Rachel Dickerson, Heather Paradise, Makeda Rambert, John Shaw, Jo Strowder, Margaret Weusim.

Exhibition dates: July 5 – 29, 2017
Art Reception: Friday, July 12, 6 – 8:30 pm

Exposed DC is excited to announce its 13th annual Exposed DC Photography Show, February 13 through February 24, 2019. The exhibit will be hosted by Touchstone Gallery , with support from the Touchstone Foundation for the Arts .

These 43 winning photographs were chosen from a contest for their unique view of the Washington area as more than just a tourist destination and political arena. They showcase and celebrate the experience of the people who live, love, work, and play here. Five photographs will be awarded our Best in Show award along with a $100 cash prize.

Each award will be chosen by a panel of distinguished metro-area photographers: John Christopher Anderson, Sam Hurd, Darren Smith, Lauren Stockbower, and Jennifer Sakai.

The opening reception will be held Wednesday, February 13 from 6-10 p.m. with complimentary wine, snacks, and beer from DC Brau & Port City . A full color 13th annual Exhibition Magazine with all 43 winning photos will also be available at the opening.

Exhibition location: Touchstone Gallery www.touchstonegallery.com

2019: Exposed DC – a 13th Annual Photography Exhibition, hosted by Touchstone Gallery, with the support of Touchstone Foundation for the Arts.

2017: The One House Project – 220+ artists stand up for tolerance, inclusion and unity

A project of the ArtWatch collective led by Ellyn Weiss and Jackie Hoysted, exhibition supported by the Touchstone Foundation for the Arts.

Over 220 artists have come together to demonstrate the power of visual communication to support true democratic values of tolerance, inclusion and openness and to resist efforts to divide us by race, gender, sexual preference, class or region. The vision of One House is for a country where we stand together. Each artist contributed a 12” square panel dedicated to an ancestor who came to this country – voluntarily or involuntary – or was here before the arrival of the Europeans. A structure erected in the Touchstone Gallery will be covered entirely by those panels, representing the remarkable range of diverse humanity who have combined to make the strength of America.

Exhibition dates: November 3 – 25, 2017 at Touchstone Gallery.

In April and May of 2017 Touchstone Gallery artists worked with youth and adults at New Community ArtSpace to create works of art in a variety of media through a program called Touchstone@ArtSpace. A vibrant selection of work from the workshops will be on display at Touchstone Gallery. Touchstone@ArtSpace is supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the Touchstone Foundation for the Arts.

Exhibition dates: July 5 – 30, 2017
Opening Reception: Friday, July 14, 6 – 8:30 pm

Exhibition location: Touchstone Gallery www.touchstonegallery.com

2017: I Belong Here – Art of the Shaw Community

2016: Handpicked III – Beyond Boundaries

Works from the studio artists of The Arc presented by the Touchstone Foundation for the Arts and The Arc Prince George’s County.

Like prior “Handpicked” shows, TFA invites an artist or artists who participate in community programs with well-developed art programs, and who might not otherwise have the opportunity to exhibit their work in a formal gallery, to exhibit at the Touchstone Gallery in downtown DC. For the third “Handpicked” show this December, the artists of The Arc of Prince George’s County will show their vibrant and exciting artwork.

The Arc Prince George’s Count www.thearcofpgc.org provides life enriching community, employment, residential, and day services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc is committed to partnering with community organizations to encourage engagement with the larger public in an inclusive way. Among these partners are the Brentwood Arts Exchange, a program of MNCPPC, and The Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center.

This exhibition is supported by the family and friends of the late Rima Schulkind, a founding member of Touchstone Gallery.

Exhibition location: Touchstone Gallery
www.touchstonegallery.com

*Ellyn Weiss, Board of Directors, Touchstone Foundation for the Arts and Rachel Dickerson, Founder and Director, New Community ArtSpace DC.*

2016: I Belong Here – Art of the Shaw Community

Partnership between Touchstone Foundation for the Arts and New Community ArtSpace DC.

In March and April 2016 Touchstone Gallery artists, Maureen Squires, David Beers, Shelley Lowenstein, and Mary D. Ott worked with youth and adults at New Community ArtSpace to create works of art in a variety of media through a program called Touchstone@ArtSpace. A vibrant selection of the work produced during those workshops will be on display at the Touchstone Gallery through the end of May. Now in its second year Touchstone@ArtSpace is supported by the Touchstone Foundation for the Arts.

New Community ArtSpace DC has been serving the Shaw and surrounding neighborhoods since 1999 by providing an affordable avenue for artists of all ages and walks of life to express themselves, share and gather skills, create economic opportunities and find common ground through art while adding significant value and renewal to the city. Our rich variety of programs are offered all year round and are taught by amazing working artists and experienced volunteer teachers. www.artspacedc.org

Exhibition dates: June 3 - June 26, 2016

2015: Handpicked II – Works from Miriam’s Kitchen Studio Artists

Artists from Miriam’s Kitchen’s award-winning art therapy program, Miriam’s Studio, were invited to exhibit their work in the Handpicked exhibit, presented by the Touchstone Foundation. The exhibition featured work created in a variety of media, all created by chronically homeless artists served at Miriam’s Kitchen in Foggy Bottom.

“The Touchstone Foundation is an excellent partner for Miriam’s Kitchen, and the focus of the “Handpicked” exhibit mirrors our own philosophy that all artists have a place in the local arts community” said Miriam’s Kitchen’s Senior Case Manager and Art Therapist, Kate Baasch.

Miriam’s Kitchen was selected to exhibit in Touchstone Foundation’s “Handpicked” show in recognition of its therapeutic arts program, Miriam’s Studio. The program is rooted in three core values: that art therapy is an expression of human dignity, it provides disconnected individuals with a sense of belonging, and it can be an effective vehicle for guiding people towards positive change.

Exhibition dates: November 6 - 29, 2015

In January, March and April 2015 Touchstone Gallery artists, Paula Lantz, David Beers, Shelley Lowenstein, Mary D. Ott and Judy Giuliani worked with youth and adults at New Community ArtSpace to create works of art in a variety of media through a program called Touchstone@ArtSpace. A vibrant selection of the work produced during those workshops will be on display at the Touchstone Gallery through the end of May. Touchstone@ArtSpace is supported by a Community Arts Project grant from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and by the Touchstone Foundation for the Arts.

Exhibition dates: May 1 - 31, 2015

2015: I Belong Here – Art of the Shaw Community

David Beers, Touchstone Gallery Artist Member, Teacher for Ceramic Workshop at New Community ArtSpace DC.

2013: The 28th Century – The Work of Charles E. Meissner

Art Enables artist Charles Meissner creates intricate works mapping moments from his own life, as well as pieces about "The Fresnos", a time-traveling couple from in the 28th century who observe our 21st century activities. Charles is an expert at landscapes, often illustrating scenes with connection points throughout his personal history. The text, symbols and codes that are dotted throughout help unlock the mysteries of their locations and people featured in his work. He works quickly on whatever piece of paper is available, often scribbling his code on the margins of discarded newspapers, memos and advertisements.

Art Enables is a non-profit art studio and gallery in Washington DC for adult artists with disabilities, creating the opportunity, environment, materials, and marketing they need to succeed as professional artists. See more about the artists and their work at www.art-enables.org

Exhibition dates: November 29 - December 29, 2013
Opening Reception: Friday, December 6, 2013 6 - 8:30 pm

Exhibition location: Touchstone Gallery
www.touchstonegallery.com