ArtSpace Exhibit to Honor Gardener Margaret Thomas

and 39 area artists are honoring Margaret Thomas, a Herndon-Reston area resident who passed away last year and was known for her beautiful gardens of irises. 

Thomas' five acres of gardens had been growing since 1963, providing inspiration for artists and gardeners, as well as a place for families to explore nature. The garden was so well known that it was the subject of a 2006 New York Times article. 

The ArtSpace exhibit opens Tuesday and will feature works by artists who loved Margaret and her garden. The exhibit will be open through August 12. The opening reception will be held July 14 from 7-9 p.m. and is free and open to the public. 

Thomas passed away in May 2011. According to the press release, "This show brings together a lifetime of art that captures the beauty of a magical place that is almost gone." 

Participating artists include: 

Carol Berman, Lisa Carlson, Laura Chirillo, Lassie Corbett, Marianne Cordyack, Pam Coulter, Diana Eichler, Jan Engdahl, Michele Frantz, Bonnie Williamson-Gangemi, Sandy Gherardi, Lori Goll, Randy Griffin, Lorrie Herman, Margaret Huddy, Karen Hutchinson, Sharon Kennedy, Christine Lashley, Linda Lovell, Marni Maree, Lora McLaughlin, Ellen Meiselman, Mireille Molette, Melba Pastrana-Hart, Mary Perkowski, Jason Powell, Catherine Powers, Bobbi Pratte, Donna Robinson, Jacqueline Saunders, Terry Shuping-Angelotti, Brendan Somerville, Carla Steckley, Darlene Strevey, Amelia Steiner, Sharon Swab, Jackie Tury, Barbara Vandegrift, and Gwen White