Artists have space to work at Studios @ 307

Here’s an idea for repurposing underutilized office buildings in Mason District – convert them into art studios, like Studios @ 307 in Falls Church.

Studios @ 307 is located in a two-story former office building at 307 E. Annandale Road. It houses 18 art studios and a handful of art-adjacent small businesses, says Tom Gittins, the owner of Art and Frames of Falls Church, which is located on the first floor.  

Some of the artists’ works are on display in the lobby and on the hallways throughout the building.

Studios @ 307 is participating in the City of Falls Church’s celebration of World Art Day on April 13. There will be information about local arts organizations at the Falls Church Farmers Market, 300 Park Ave., 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and many of the studios at Studios @ 307 will be open to the public 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Gittins, who handles tenant leasing and management for the building owner, describes Studios @ 307 as “a community of artists” – like a mini Torpedo Factory – rather than just an office building with artists.  

Among the painters in the building: Barbara Greene (landscapes), Maureen Minard (abstracts), Jenny Kanzler (magical realism), Dave Curtis (surrealism), Mara Flynn (landscapes), Cynthia Miller (abstracts), John Ballou, Meaghan De Celle, Julia Bezgucheva, Stuart Allison Hindle, and Saaraliisa Ylitalo.

Hindle’s paintings are on display at Rare Bird Coffee Roasters at 230 W. Broad St. in Falls Church through April 21.

Other artists at Studio @ 307 include Zoe Hathaway (glass art), Amanda Wood (fiber art), Andrea Uravitch (sculptures), Shaun Van Steyn (photographs), Molly McCracken (collages), Zara Gonzalez Hoang (illustrator), and David Barr (mixed media).

In addition to the frame shop, the building also houses Hillary’s Dance Company; Good Point Embroidery; New Seam Alterations; Brainstorm speech pathology; Artistry by Kelsea (makeup, hair styling, and portraits); BB Floors, Kitchen, and Bath Design; and Kian Furniture (upholstery).

Gittins has been in the framing business for some 20 years, and this is his fourth location in Falls Church. He got into framing as a result of his family background; his mother was a painter, and his father framed her paintings.