Annandale artist Van Scoyoc creates paintings, sculptures, and much more

David Van Scoyoc

If Annandale ever gets a redevelopment makeover, one of the things that would be nice to have here is an art center, with a performance space and art gallery to showcase local talent.

You might not think of Annandale as a particularly arty community, but we do have quite a few talented artists here.

David Van Scoyoc is one of them. Hidden away in his apartment/studio in the lower half of a rambler on a quiet suburban street in Broyhill Crest, he pursues a variety of projects—“any way I can express myself”—including paintings, metal sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, photography, film, and mobiles made of found objects. He also writes and plays the guitar.

Van Scoyoc’s “day job,” a home-based landscaping business, also offers a creative outlet. Bedrock Landscaping works with homeowners to design one-of-a-kind, high-end stonework, fountains, and wooden furniture. His specialty is Asian-inspired designs.

Some of Van Scoyoc’s work was on display earlier this month at an Artists for Anacostia event at the Eastern Market to support the Anacostia Watershed Society.

He’s done scenery paintings for years, most recently for “The Nutcracker” at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. He also installs lighting and sound equipment at the Jiffy Lube Pavilion in Manassas, and he’s worked with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees constructing and setting up shows, including the presidential inauguration and shows at the White House, Library of Congress, CNN, ABC, BET, Children’s Hospital, and many more. If you’ve been to Mango Mike’s on Little River Turnpike, you might have seen the large steel logo created by Van Scoyoc. (It is now in the Mango’s in Bethany Beach.)

Van Scoyoc says he was inspired Nancy Reinke, an artist who had a studio in the Torpedo Factory. Van Scoyoc was friends with Reinke’s two sons, and she recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in the arts.

Van Scoyoc gives away many of his pieces but also does work on commission, including pet portraits. “Just being able sell my art has been great,” he says.