Reston Art Gallery to Host "A Really Trashy Art Show"

Found Object Sculptures by RustDoug on Display April 1-29

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:41pm

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The Reston Art Gallery and Studios (RAGS) in Reston, Virginia will host an exhibition titled "A Really Trashy Art Show" featuring found object sculptures by local artist RustDoug (Doug Fuller) from April 1-29, 2026. The gallery will be open on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm, Sundays from 12pm to 5pm, and special hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm to 5pm. A reception to meet the artist will be held on Sunday, April 12 from 2pm to 4pm.

Why it matters

This exhibition showcases the creative use of found and discarded materials, highlighting the artistic potential in everyday objects. It aligns with the Reston Art Gallery's mission to feature diverse mediums and perspectives from local artists. The show also draws attention to the growing trend of "upcycling" and repurposing waste into art.

The details

RustDoug, a longtime Reston resident, began collecting rusty objects over 20 years ago and combining them into new sculptural forms, inspired by Marcel Duchamp's readymade art. In the past year, he has started incorporating scraps of plastic, crushed cans, and other discarded materials into his rusted metal works, exploring new creative directions. The exhibition will showcase this evolution in his found object sculptures.

  • The exhibition will be on view from April 1 to 29, 2026.
  • The gallery will be open on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm.
  • Special open hours will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm to 5pm.
  • A reception to meet the artist will be held on Sunday, April 12 from 2pm to 4pm.

The players

RustDoug

The artist, also known as Doug Fuller, who creates found object sculptures using rusty metal, plastic, and other discarded materials.

Reston Art Gallery and Studios (RAGS)

The art gallery in Reston, Virginia that is hosting the "A Really Trashy Art Show" exhibition.

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What they’re saying

“Over the past year, in response to a friend's challenge, he has started adding scraps of plastic, crushed cans, and other detritus to his rusted metal works, and he is very excitedabout where this new direction is taking him.”

— RustDoug

What’s next

The Reston Art Gallery and Studios will host the "A Really Trashy Art Show" exhibition from April 1-29, 2026, with a reception to meet the artist on April 12.

The takeaway

This exhibition showcases the creative potential of repurposing everyday waste into thought-provoking art, aligning with the Reston Art Gallery's mission to feature diverse mediums and perspectives from local artists. It highlights the growing trend of "upcycling" and the artistic value that can be found in discarded materials.