The League of Reston Artists (LRA) is an active and enthusiastic group of diverse visual fine artists, photographers, and supporters of the arts.
LRA has a dual mission:
With guest speakers and artist demonstrations, we offer learning and inspiration while raising awareness and appreciation of the arts through our numerous exhibits, shows, events and quarterly meetings. We welcome both artists and members of the public to join us.
LRA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer-run organization that sponsors Reston Photographic Society and provides an annual scholarship to promising high school seniors who will continue his or her education in the visual arts. Minimal annual dues entitle active artists to a variety of exhibition, learning, community, and volunteer opportunities. LRA relies on its member-volunteers and donations from the art-loving community to fulfill its mission.
In the spring of 1968, Embry Rucker, Episcopal Priest for Reston, asked Pat Macintyre, then a student at Corcoran School of Art, to begin organizing art shows for the Common Ground, a coffeehouse/community center located in the space that is now the Reston Museum in Lake Anne Plaza. Other venues then began to ask for art. Pat met more and more artists, new sites were added and the informal program grew.
In the fall of 1974, Pat was moving to Colorado and, not wanting to lose all that had been built, asked Nancy Erickson to keep the flame burning. Nancy and many others took on the task to formalize and organize the informal structure. The result was the League of Reston Artists. Pat Macintyre returned to Reston in 1977 to find a wonderful, vibrant group, growing and prospering.
Pat is known for her steadfast efforts as a community volunteer. A renowned artist, she has spent more than 30 years volunteering her talent and love of art in many forums and spaces, including art galleries, government buildings, schools, preschools, festivals and celebrations.
She spent 17 years as host of “You’ve Gotta Have Art”, a weekly children’s television program directed toward teaching Reston youth to appreciate art. Pat has spent her life working to preserve and promote the arts in Reston. Every Saturday morning she leads free family workshops in art and culture at the Reston Historic Trust Museum.