An Insider’s Guide to the Reston Art Gallery

If you have a little Picasso or O’Keefe in the family, and you’d like to add artistic culture to your outings, plan a day at the Reston Art Museum. Located among the charming shops and cafes surrounding Lake Anne at Reston’s Lake Anne Plaza, the museum offers community exhibits and archives, walking tours and public events, as well as some very kid-focused programs that make this the perfect place for inspiration and learning.

Meet the Artists
Since it’s a small co-op style gallery, new artists have to be voted in by a panel of their peers (aka other awesome artists). Needless to say, there’s a waiting list for space in the studio, and It doesn’t hurt that there’s a ton of natural light shining on work through ginormous lake-facing windows. Feeling lucky? On your visit (they’re open on Saturdays and Sundays), you and the kids might be able to chat up artists working in their studio space.

Just for Kids
Since the gallery owner is a huge advocate for art education, on Saturdays throughout the summer (and year-round) you can bring your kids, ages 3–11, to the gallery for a free art class from 10 am–12 pm. While a parent is required to stay with each child (sorry, you’ll have to come back for a kid-free tour), you won’t be board–each week there’s a different theme, such as paper sculptures, balloon buddies, and floating art.

Make a Day of It
Plan to stay at the plaza after class to enjoy all it has to offer. Kids can splash in the fountain while adults eat on the patio. All of the restaurants at the plaza have kid-friendly menus and atmospheres.  You can even take a paddle boat out on the water!

Reston Art Gallery
Lake Anne Plaza
11400 Washington Plaza West (Reston, Va)
703-996-8990
Online: restonartgallery.com

Have you visited this art gallery? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

–Jamy Bond

Photos: Reston Art Gallery