Conversations with the Curator: Annual Open Exhibition

Each year, the J seeks fine arts and crafts to feature in its Annual Open Exhibition, which highlights the creativity and talent within our community. This unjuried show is open to all artists ages 18+ who are members, staff, or friends of the J.  

This year, a record number of 42 artists are showing their creations in the biggest Open Exhibition yet. Each contributor has a unique approach to making their art, and the exhibition features over 80 artworks in an array of media, including photography, drawing, ceramics, glass, painting, paper arts, fiber, and more.   

Each year, it is wonderful to see the creativity flourishing in our community. I spoke with two returning artists to learn more about why this exhibition is important to them. 

“The Bodzin Art Gallery is the only venue in Northern Virgina that promotes and encourages Jewish artists to explore their creativity, while also offering them a venue to exhibit [their art],” says photographer Joel Boches.   

“Since a portion of the proceeds from the Open Exhibition goes back to the JCC, this helps to fund additional arts programming for the community,” he adds. Joel grew up in a community with a thriving JCC, where he attended summer camp and his entire family would come for cultural programming.  

He’s passionate about the role the J plays in Northern Virginia Jewish life.” I feel a vibrant JCC is essential to a successful and flourishing Jewish community,” he says. 

Joel had a solo exhibition of his nature photography in the gallery in 2022 and has been a longtime participant in the Open Exhibition as well.  

“I try to capture the local wildlife and scenic vistas in unique and unusual situations, with the hope that my photos inspire others to care about the conservation and protection of our natural wonders,” he says. “Hummingbirds, herons, and waterfowl are some of my favorite subjects to shoot. I especially like the changing of the seasons and how each season brings migrating birds and waterfowl to the area and how the local scenic spots change depending on the time of year.” 

Quiller Naomi Lipsky loves to participate in the Bodzin Art Gallery’s annual show because she is a self-proclaimed Judaic artist. “My work is mostly based on Judaic themes, [and] I am inspired by liturgy and Jewish holidays,” she says. She knows that her work will be appreciated by the Jewish community members who come to the exhibition, and she is proud to display her artwork for them. 

Quilling is an artistic technique that employs rolled strips of paper to create designs. Naomi enjoys using 23K gold leaf in her artwork, as well. 

The Open Exhibition is also a chance for Naomi to engage with Northern Virginia’s artistic community, as well as its Jewish one. “I enjoy the chance to see original work by other local artists,” she says. 

If you also wish to admire the artwork of the Pozez JCC’s greater community, stop by the J through December 6 to view our largest Annual Open Exhibition to date. 

Annual Open Exhibition 
In the Bodzin Art Gallery: October 21 – December 6, 2026

Participating Artists, 2026: 
Laura Adler, Rachel Albert, Larisa Ayash, Mary Ellen Bailor, Claire Bentley, Carolyn Berkowitz, Joel Boches, Rachel Braun, Michal Colella, Eric Coulter, Spoorthi Dandridge, Kamini Duggal, John Eggerton, Marilyn Feldman, Jim Finkel, Bill Firestone, Jessica Gardner, Anna Getter, Juliet Gilden, Tracy Hartmann, Marta Kapusta, Anna Katalkina, Susan Kilgore, Frank Kohn, Alan Kolnik, Lisa Kubiske, Liliya Levin, Naomi Lipsky, Zhanna Makarova, Julia Malakoff, Mindi Maline, Catherine Mommsen, Maya Nadison, Sofia O’Connor, Sophia Pineda, Madonna Rabatin, Avery Schoenberger, Cynthia Schoeppel, Kelly Snyder, Bonnie Sokol, Ed Turner, Elizabeth Wassel