Review

By - Michael O'Sullivan

Friday, Jan 20, 2012

If you remember Austin Thomas's work from the 48th Corcoran Biennial in 2005 - think funky picnic furniture - you'll have some idea of what her art is all about. The New York artist is less interested in producing a cultural commodity (say, a drawing) than in building what she calls "social architecture": gathering places in which art is only activated by the people who engage with it - or with one another.

To that end, Heiner Contemporary will become less gallery than staging area for the run of "Austin Thomas: Studies," which opens Friday with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. The centerpiece of the show, which features Thomas's collages, figure drawings, sketchbooks, prints and origamilike objects, is an interactive desk where visitors can draw, talk, read or simply reflect on what they've seen. The gallery plans several public programs throughout the run of the show, including a salon with D.C. artist Maggie Michael on Saturday at 4 p.m. and a drink-and-draw event from noon to 5 p.m. on Feb. 11, led by New York artist Julie Torres. (Bring your own art supplies. The gallery will provide beer and wine.)

Through March 3 at 1675 Wisconsin Ave. NW. www.heinercontemporary.com. 202-338-0072. Admission to the exhibition and all events is free.