By: Terri Wright, Staff Writer
Sue Johnston is the creator responsible for the first-ever Free Little Art Gallery
(FLAG) at Lake Anne. Located on Waterview Cluster just past the North Shore pool and steps from the iconic Van Gogh bridge near Lake Anne Plaza, this neighborhood gem is "the smallest, freeest art gallery in the universe! Or at least on this street," according to its Instagram bio (@freelittlelibrary_lake.anne).
johnston, a retired clinical social worker, has a studio in her home. The project began during the Covid pandemic. As someone interested in creating and connecting with others, she yearned for a community space that would bring people together. She had encountered free little libraries, and got the bug to create something similar but more like a gallery space.
After navigating the Waterview Cluster and Reston's own Design Review Board committee for approval, Johnston enlisted the help of her longtime partner, Rick Hodgdon, a hobbyist, to help with designing and building the structure.
On Dec. 5, 2021, two-and-a-half years.
After the initial idea, The Free Little Gallery at Lake Anne opened. "It has brought me a great deal of joy. It has been really amazing," Johnston said. There are few, if any, real rules. Signage on the structure reads simply: "Now that you're here, have a look around. And feel free to take a piece, or leave a piece, or both. Experimentation and imperfections are gladly accepted."
There are no "exhibitions" or any set time period for the art work. "Pieces come and go rather quickly, Johnston said.
She recently hosted a Girl Scout troop from Herndon, headed by troop leaders Carla Falconi and Jessica Younkman, for a community service project. The scouts worked in Johnston's home studio to create and craft original art that was donated for community enjoyment.
The gallery is truly for everyone and anyone in the community. "You don't have to trade or put anything into the gallery. You don't have to try out or be selected to participate," Johnston said. When originally conceived, a lock was installed, but it has never been used. The only ask, which is detailed on the structure. "Please leave the gallery's easels, pedestals, and small plastic patrons - they have families!"
Since Johnston lives near the gallery, she often sees people checking out the structure, stopping for photographs, or adding or acquiring art. As detailed on its Instagram account, there have been a few notes to the community about missing plastic figures and clips over the years. But those moments are few and far between. "People are very respectful. I think people just appreciate it, Johnston said.
Comments