Sally Kauffman: Pleasure Park

Sally Kauffman’s solo exhibition *Pleasure Park* presents a series of large‑scale, abstract yet illusory oil paintings inspired by scenes from Malcolm X Park in Washington, DC. The works capture Washingtonians engaged in activities such as picnicking, hula‑hooping, jiu‑jitsu, juggling, gymnastics, skating, playing, dancing, and listening to music. Kauffman’s paintings celebrate the joy of gathering after pandemic isolation, emphasizing the fundamental human instinct for connection and restoration. She begins by photographing subjects in the park, then in her studio composes experimental digital collages that adjust elements and enhance color intensity. These collages serve as starting points for paintings built with transparent oil washes and expressive brushwork, creating fluid, dynamic surfaces that balance visual beauty with underlying tension. Her inspirations range from Baroque frescoes to Neo‑Rococo palettes, resulting in works that invite viewers into a world of pleasure and escape. The exhibition includes the painting *Hoopers* (48"x48", oil on canvas), among others.

When: August 14 through September 21, 2026.

Showtimes: Gallery hours are not specified in the available information; visitors should check the Athenaeum’s regular schedule.

Tickets: Price is not listed; admission may be free or donation‑based.

Lineup: A solo exhibition featuring oil paintings by Washington, DC‑based visual artist Sally Kauffman.

Run time: No specific run time is given; typical gallery viewing takes approximately 30–60 minutes.

Ages: No age restrictions are mentioned; the exhibition is likely suitable for all ages.

Venue: Athenaeum, Alexandria, VA (in the DC region).

Note: The exhibition is Kauffman’s most recent solo show, following previous solo exhibitions such as *Irreplaceable* (Workhouse Arts Center, 2023) and *Chill Out* (Schlesinger Arts Center, 2019). Her work is held in collections including the DCCAH Art Bank and Inova Schar Cancer Institute, and she has received numerous Arts and Humanities Fellowships from DCCAH.