‘Daughter of the Stars’ Opening Launches a Seasonal Celebration of Feminine Contributions to the Arts

In the wake of Publisher Mike McCool’s preview feature on the “Daughter of the Stars” Saturday, October 18th art show opening in Historic Downtown Front Royal’s Melissa Ichiuji Studio Gallery at 223 East Main Street, we contacted Ms. Ichiuji for a report on what appeared to be a well-attended, multi-faceted start to a seven week celebration of female artists in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) area, as well as associated national events.

“The artwork, individually and collectively, dazzled everyone who entered the gallery. I’m so proud of everyone involved, and of the Town for supporting our vision to make Front Royal an art destination. It’s working. Each event gets better!” Artist & Gallery Director/owner Melissa Ichiuji told us, adding, “The Daughter of the Stars opening reception was an extraordinary success, drawing art lovers from across the region and transforming Front Royal into a vibrant celebration of creativity and community.”

Melissa Ichiuji preparing her Art Gallery walls for the ‘Daughter of the Stars’ exhibition. Below, those walls drew quite a crowd for the Oct. 18 exhibition opening. But don’t worry if you missed that, as there will be full month of related activities. – These photos like those to follow will be a combination of Courtesy Photos from the Ichiuji Gallery & Royal Examiner Photos by Roger Bianchini

And so we wouldn’t think she was just tooting her own horn, she referenced us to this observation from Apple House owner and town and county enthusiast George McIntyre: “There were over 500 people at the Opening Reception and the energy spilled out into the streets and even filled the restaurants.”

That latter aspect spilling over into nearby downtown eateries was a result of Ichiuji’s collaboration offering restaurant discount coupons to attendees, encouraging weekend visitors to explore and dine locally.

But before the hunger pangs hit there was the art opening:

“Artwork from 72 women artists — many in attendance — showcased diverse voices from across the Shenandoah Valley, dazzling everyone who entered the gallery. The exhibition exceeded all expectations,” Ichiuji enthused of the “Daughter of the Stars” opening event.

Ichiuji, front center, with involved ‘Daughter of the Stars’ artists as show launches (Courtesy Photo). Following are various perspectives on the show.

We asked gallery owner, and artist in her own right, Ichiuji about details of the event, which was not only an art shown opening, but a season long, October 18th to December 7th partnership (see below) that will feature 24 special events designed to welcome, not only longtime supporters of the arts, but also newcomers to the arts, families and art students.

“Daughter of the Stars is the Shenandoah Valley Venue for Women Artists of the DMV Survey Show, (again, DC, MD, and VA) organized by curator Lenny Campello in partnership with the Katzen Arts Center at American University,” the partnership was explained to us.

In fact, a Washington Post article on the DMV regional art effort referenced an Ichiuji contribution on display at the Katsen Arts Center at American University in Washington D.C.

Ichiuji with stills from her ‘Faces of Kali’ video project on display at American University’s Katzen Arts Center. Below, Ichiuji with ‘Daughter of the Stars’ curator Lenny Campello, whom she termed ‘the mastermind behind the Women artists project of the DMV (DC, MD and VA) area involving 500 artists at 18 venues.’ – Courtesy Photos

“The show contains few new media works. But one of the standouts is Melissas Ichiuji’s ‘Faces of Kali’, which combines video, performance, and textile art. Inspired by the fierce Hindu goddess, the piece consists of 10 looping video portraits in which the artist covers her face with masks, hoods, and fabrics that are in constant flux. They’re twisted, sewn, and sometimes cut, all while clinging to Ichiuji’s face. A dynamic metaphor for the process of artistic invention and self-creation, ‘Faces of Kali’ embodies what all the participants in ‘Women of the DMV’ do.”

No small praise from the D.C.-based Post’s arts reviewer.

What’s Next

We asked artist, arts patron, and Gallery owner Ichiuji what’s coming in this ‘Daughter of  the Stars’ celebration of the ‘Divine Feminine’. “Last night (Wed., Oct. 22) we had 85 attendees at our first Women in Film Wednesday series at Royal Cinemas! About 40 gathered afterwards to discuss the film (about Virginia photographer Sally Mann) at the new Vinicola wine bar just a few doors down. It was a huge success,” Ichiuji enthused before adding invites to this Sunday’s Art Talk and to Royal Cinema’s second Wednesday partnership film, “Bombshell” about actress Hedy Lamarr.

If you missed the opening documentary film in partnership with Royal Cinamas on Sally Mann, you may want to catch coming Wednesday showing, the next on film star, and more, Hedy Lamarr. The Nov. 1 ‘Drawing the Divine Feminine’ presentation featuring artist Vivian Adder looks like one prospective artists won’t want to miss as well. Royal Examiner Photos

Of the silver screen star and mid-20th century sex symbol the promo for the Wednesday, October 29 showing notes, “Lamarr defied expectations to pioneer technology that became the foundation for modern wireless communication.”

Sounds pretty anti-feminine stereotyping. Interested in learning more, tickets are available here: https://www.melissaichiuji.com/store-1/p/movie-tickets-bombshell-hedy-lamarr-women-in-film-wednesdays-october-29-6pm

As for the five Art Talk Sundays from October 26 to November 23 they begin at 1 p.m. at the Ichiuchi Gallery at 223 East Main Street at its intersection with Cloud Street as Ichiuji’s building wall painting notes.

The Ichiuji Gallery’s art spills out to its exterior wall, IDing Cloud St. at its intersection with East Main St. Courtesy Photo

The Art Talk Sundays are free to attend with seating available. They feature panel discussions including artists in the show. Those artists may discuss what inspires their art and questions may be posed concerning the artistic process.

If you came for the opening or missed it, “Return for a talk, a film, a workshop, or a story hour. Bring a friend who’s curious. Bring a child who loves to make things. Bring your own questions. By December, you may find your map of the Valley has changed — lit by new names, new ideas, and new stars,” a promotion for the list of events told us.

Responding to our questions, Ichiuji described the “Daughter of the Stars” opening, which as noted above was more than just an art gallery featuring memorable art, but a multifaceted event spilling into the streets of Historic Downtown Front Royal.

“Cloud Street came alive with dancing, music, and artful activity, all sponsored by Front Royal Project for the Arts,” which we will note is Ichiuji’s new arts promoting nonprofit.

“Live Bluegrass music by Kate MacLeod, Fiddling Dave & Morgan had people of all ages — even children — dancing in Cloud Street,” a block of which was blocked off for the event.

And speaking of spilling out, the crowd at the ‘Daughter of the Stars’ opening spilled out its front entrance on to Cloud St. where related entertainment was highlighted. First Photo Royal Examiner, 2nd and 3rd Courtesy Photos

“Visiting artist Vivian Adder delighted attendees with live portrait sketches; she’ll return to teach a drawing workshop on November 1st at the gallery,” Ichiuji told us.

This coming weekend’s workshops include:

Soul Collage with Lilla Ohrstrom – Friday evening (Oct. 24)

Mixology Magic with Julieta Hernandez – Saturday evening (Oct. 25)

Practical details

Venue: Melissa Ichiuji Studio Gallery, 223 E. Main Street, Front Royal, VA

Exhibition Dates: Oct. 18 – Dec. 7, 2025

Part of the Women Artists of the DMV Survey Show (approx. 400 artists, 17 venues)

Local Producer: Front Royal Project for the Arts (24 linked events)

Learn more/support: melissaichiuji.com/non-profit-support-front-royal-project-for-the-arts

And 2 final shots of the Ichiuji Gallery walls as they were perused by over 500 attendees. Royal Examiner Photos

Learn more about upcoming exhibitions, workshops, and community art events at www.melissaichiuji.com