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The Arts

Artistry Comes to Life at the Pozez JCC

For decades, the Pozez JCC has been a vibrant home for the arts, celebrating the breadth and depth of Jewish culture, identity, creativity, diversity, and resiliency through visual art, film, music, theater, and literary arts. From the Bodzin Art Gallery—presenting 7–10 annual exhibitions and showcasing artists working in painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, glass, fiber, crafts, and mixed media—to memoir writing classes and the Makheylah JCC Community Choir, the J offers meaningful opportunities to connect through the arts.

The Bodzin Art Gallery supports and encourages the development of local Jewish artists, artists with disabilities, artists exploring themes reflecting Jewish values, and Israeli art. Through its support of local Jewish artists, artists with disabilities, artists exploring Jewish themes, and Israeli art, the J has built a reputation as a respected cultural destination for artists, art enthusiasts, buyers, and sellers throughout the region.

In the Bodzin Art Gallery

ANNUAL OPEN EXHIBITITION

October 21 - December 6, 2026

Each year, the J seeks art made by our members, guests, and staff to feature in the Annual Open Exhibition, an anticipated tradition of highlighting the creativity and talent within our community. This year, 42 artists are showing their creations in the Bodzin Art Gallery. Each artist contributes to the wide range of perspectives in the show, and each has a unique approach to making their art. The exhibition features work in an array of media, including photography, drawing, ceramics, glass, painting, paper arts, fiber, and more. This unjuried show is open to all 18+ artists. Enjoy the Open Exhibition and the artistic spirit that thrives here.

Participating Artists: 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, Marilyn Feldman, Jim Finkel, Jessica Gardner, Anna Getter, Juliet Gilden, Tracy Hartmann, Marta Kapusta, 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, Sophia Pineda, Madonna Rabatin, Avery Schoenberger, Cynthia Schoeppel, Kelly Snyder, Bonnie Sokol, Ed Turner, Elizabeth Wassel

Coming soon to the Bodzin Art Gallery

Rooted in Light
By Michal Mahgerefteh

December 8, 2026 - February 1, 2027
 
Michal Mahgerefteh’s work explores the relationship between nature, memory, transformation, and the symbols carried through change. Botanical forms, fallen leaves, flowers, organic lines, and the Hamsa appear throughout her work as reflections on fragility, protection, renewal, and the passage of time. Her work often draws from the natural world while also incorporating symbolic imagery connected to blessing, belonging, and continuity.
 
Working across mixed media, ink, watercolor, and embellished hybrid processes, Mahgerefteh combines spontaneous mark making with layered surfaces, metallic accents, and recurring organic motifs. Although the works in this exhibition come from several interconnected series, they share a common visual language and an interest in what changes, what remains, and what is carried forward.
Bodzin Art Gallery
Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia
8900 Little River Turnpike
Fairfax, VA 22031		   Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 6:30am-9:30pm
Friday, 6:30am-6pm
Saturday, 8am-6pm
Sunday, 8am-9:30pm

All visitors to the J must present a membership badge or photo ID to enter the building.

Sing. Connect. Belong.

MAKHEYLAH: JCC COMMUNITY CHOIR

The Makheylah JCC Community Choir welcomes singers of all backgrounds and experience levels. Through Jewish liturgical and secular choral music, participants build friendships, express creativity, and strengthen community while preparing for seasonal performances throughout the year.

For more information, contact Shari.Berman@theJ.org.

Upcoming Session: Thursdays, September 10-January 21, 7:45 PM – 9:00 PM
Register

Writing is Good for the Soul

MEMOIR WRITING GROUP

Creativity is encouraged and fostered at the J. The Memoir Writing Group meets monthly to draft and share their stories. For those who want to share with the community, the writings are posted here.

Stories and opinions of individuals are not necessarily shared by the Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia.

For more information, contact Shari.Berman@theJ.org.
Read Poems & Stories by Participants