Jessica Kallista, founder, curator and art instigator of Olly Olly art gallery, craved to create a space that would not only highlight the energy in Fairfax, but also mold a sanctuary for artists to crawl out of isolation and “create an experiment together.” Here, she lets us know her style must-haves and local inspirations.
Style philosophy
I’m blissed out on retro glam opulence with a witchy edge. I love living my everyday life as though it’s the set of a Dorothy Dandridge movie or a scene from a John William Waterhouse painting.
Grooming products you can’t live without
Red lipstick. Also, I’m obsessed with rose water and orange blossom water.
Inspiration spot
In addition to the community at Olly Olly, I find the GMU School of Art to be exploding with inspiration and creativity, constantly, through the various Mason Exhibitions Programs on the Fairfax and Manassas campuses.
The one thing you never leave the house without
I must have music with me at all times. I’m constantly creating playlists for exhibitions or for everyday inspiration and survival, pulling together my favorite music from every decade of the past century and relentlessly searching for new music as well.
Accessory you can’t stop wearing
The moonstone pendant I’ve been wearing for 20 years helps me remain mindful of and connected to my intuition and sacred feminine energy.
Local artists you follow on social media
Mojdeh Rezaeipour, whose solo exhibition, Fractal Futures, is currently on view at Olly Olly. Lina Alattar and Spencer Dormitzer, who have an upcoming exhibition, Vivid Transmissions, at the Buchanan Partners Art Gallery at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Javier Padilla, one of the first artists I worked with in NoVA. Mel Bikowski, David Barr and Jay Hendrick, who all have studio spaces at Olly Olly.
