McLean Art Gallery opens its "FALL into COLOR!" exhibition with a free reception Friday, Oct. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Chesterbrook Shopping Center.

The autumn show features original artwork inspired by the season's changing light and colors. Visitors can meet the exhibiting artists, listen to live music and enjoy wine and refreshments at the gallery, located at 6224 Old Dominion Drive, behind the Starbucks.

Parking is free.

The exhibition, which opened Oct. 1, runs through Oct. 31. Beyond the featured show, the gallery also displays a rotating selection of original work by local artists, according to the event listing on FFXnow. The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Oil painter Jessica Mickey, one of the participating artists, posted on Instagram on Sept. 30 that she had just delivered a new piece called "Daisies Aglow" for the show.

@jessicamickeyart: "Dropped off my brand new 'Daisies Aglow' oil painting at McLean Art Gallery for our October show, Fall into Color … my talented frame maker loved the piece so much he decided to buy it!!"

The gallery is run by the McLean Art Society, a nonprofit with more than 70 members. The society opened its first dedicated gallery space at Chesterbrook Shopping Center in fall 2025 after operating for 70 years without one, the Great Falls Connection reported. At that October 2025 grand opening, 35 artists contributed work and the door counter registered 184 visitors by 6 p.m., with cars circling the parking lot for spots.

Gallery Director Jane McElvany Coonce, an oil and watercolor artist, leads the space. The McLean Art Society said in its event listing on ArtsFairfax that the show invites visitors to celebrate the colors of autumn through original art.

Upcoming arts events

McLean Artfest, a free juried outdoor arts festival, takes place Sunday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McLean Central Park.