Ouside the Box
Griffith Tso - This project is funded through the Virginia Commission for the Arts, ArtsFairfax, and the Reston Community Center.
May 2026 I Material: Painting
Public Art Reston commissions artists to transform utility boxes into pieces of art.
Created with paintings by Terraset Elementary 6th grade students in 2026, this design has aspects of traditional Chinese brush painting by local Reston artist Tracie Griffith Tso.
The students’ tiles represent the popularized blue and white Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) porcelain which reflects worldwide ceramics and gave rise to modern Chinoserie. The meandering cloud and thunder geometric border expresses unity, infinity and eternal life.
The tiger — the Terraset mascot— represents strength, power and courage and are age-old protectors and guardians of children.
Griffith Tso began her distinctive Chinese painting at age 12 and specializes in spontaneous style. This native Californian studied with a teacher schooled by a Hong Kong master and learned to throw pottery at the same age. She focuses on classical subjects when paired with her animal love, composes on clay, paper and with public art. She is happiest creating at her home in Reston, Va. with her workshop rabbit, Willow. Find her work in Studio 22 at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Va. and on Etsy.com @TracieGriffithTso
