Anne Smith, A Point of Longing 3, 2020
About
For over 50 years, Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (Tephra ICA) has been a gathering space for contemporary art, artists, and the community. A Reston, VA-based non-profit, Tephra ICA exhibits emerging and established local, national, and international artists. Our programs, which take place in their galleries and across Northern Virginia, spark conversation and inspire bold, innovative ideas.
The word “tephra” – matter from geothermal eruptions that lands upon, nourishes, and changes the surrounding environment - emphasizes the institution’s belief in the combustibility of creativity and the generation of ideas and growth that the arts can provide.
Our Story
Formally known as Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE), the idea of Tephra ICA emerged as the institution’s programs, audience, and impact continued to evolve. We proudly reside in Reston, Virginia, whose founder, Robert E. Simon, insisted that it should be a place welcoming to all people and that it prioritize the arts as essential to a well-rounded life. Founded in 1974 as the Greater Reston Arts Center by local artists and residents committed to those ideas, Tephra ICA embraces the role of helping to fulfill and extend the original Reston vision.
Staff
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Jonell Logan
Executive Director & Curator
Hannah Barco
Associate Curator and Festival Director
Phoebe Avery
Advancement Officer
Sofia Blom
Senior Manager, Gallery and Communications
Board of Directors
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BOARD OFFICERS
Robert Goudie
Chair
Robert Goudie is the Executive Director of Reston Town Center Association.
Karen Lewis
Vice Chair
Karen Lewis is a Partner & Interior Designer at The M Group Architects.
Stephanie J. Williams
Vice Chair
Stephanie J. Williams is an artist and full time faculty member at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).
Jamie Saylor
Treasurer
Janet Rems
Secretary
Janet Rems, recently retired, worked four decades as a journalist in New York and Northern Virginia, including as managing editor of the Connection Newspapers, the Times Community Newspapers, and The Fairfax County Times. Janet also freelanced primarily as an arts writer.
BOARD MEMBERS
Talib Aleem
Ann Barbieri
Ann Barbieri is an artist.
Kerri Bouie
Kerri Bouie is a Director at The M Group Architects
Scott Cryer
Scott Cryer is the Associate Vice President and Principal at HGA.
Maggie Edwards
Joe Koszarek
Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz
Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz is an artist and Professor in the School of Art at George Mason University (GMU).
Justin Ruble
Justin Ruble is a Senior Property Manager at Boston Properties.
Jobs and Internships
Tephra ICA offers internships for undergraduate and graduate students. Areas of opportunity include Exhibitions/Gallery Management, Development, and Education. Internships for college credit are welcomed. To apply, please send your resume and cover letter outlining internship to info@tephraica.org.
Intern with Tephra ICA
Intern for the Tephra ICA Arts Festival
Khánh H. Lê, artwork from Day Dreams
Exhibition Proposals
Tephra ICA offers a series of exhibitions each year designed to present a diverse array of themes and media. The curatorial staff selects and schedules all exhibitions. Tephra ICA mounts solo, themed, and juried group exhibitions, which may be proposed and organized by Tephra ICA curators, guest curators, and individual artists. Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis and a response will be sent within 3 months. For questions, please contact Hannah Barco at hbarco@tephraica.org or (703) 471-9242.
Support
Tephra ICA gratefully acknowledges the generosity of its individual members and donors, state and county grantors, and corporate sponsors. Tephra ICA is supported in part by Reston Community Center, Virginia Tourism Corporation, ArtsFairfax, Reston Town Center Association, and Virginia Commission for the Arts. For more information on ways to support, click here.
Tephra ICA, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, follows a nondiscriminatory policy in admission, programs, membership, employment, and contracts. Our facility is wheelchair accessible.
Annual Report
Non-Profit Partners
Tephra ICA proudly partners with Next Stop Theatre and Reston Remakery.
A special thank you to our 2025–2026 lodging partner, Hyatt Regency Reston, for hosting our artists and guests with exceptional hospitality.
Awards & Mentions
Spur Local Non-Profit Partner (former Catalogue of Philanthropy) (2023-2027)
Washingtonian Magazines’ “10 Cool Art Galleries Around the DC Area” (2022)
“50 for 50” Virginia Commission for the Arts Award (2017)
ArtsFairfax Impact Award (2014)