Come to an arts event in Mason District
By James Albright, chair of the Mason District Arts Council
If you are looking for a chance to see new artwork or meet some local creators, there are several opportunities in Mason District.
The May arts calendar features two ongoing art shows, two music performances, and some much-needed social time with the greater arts community. In addition, there are several ways for community members to connect with the Mason Arts 250 project happening now and in June.
Don’t miss out on these upcoming events:
May 9 – Art in Daily Spaces Exhibit Opening and Concert, John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 6531 Columbia Pike, 6:30 p.m. Join us for an evening of storytelling through visual art and music. The evening begins with a curated exhibit and brief talks from three featured artists and continues with a concert by Ali and the Wild Geese. The event is free, fun, and open to the public.
Ali and the Wild Geese is a modern string band that weaves together the raw storytelling of Americana with the precision of chamber music and the energy of indie-folk rock, featuring Ali’s crystalline, soulful voice.
Related story: Art in Daily Spaces returns with the theme ‘Journey to Belonging’
May 9 – Concert, United Baptist Church, 7100 Columbia Pike, Annandale, 3 p.m. Sopranessence, our resident ensemble of musical divas, performs a benefit concert to support the ACCA Child Development Center. They hope to “awaken your inner child and help you see the world through their eyes.”
May 11 – Art Opening, Lincolnia Senior Center, 4710 N. Chambliss St., Lincolnia, 12-2 p.m. ArtsFairfax and Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services are hosting an art exhibit in the senior center’s revamped gallery space.
May 14 – Mason Arts Happy Hour, Garden Social beer garden, 4363 John Marr Drive, Annandale, 5-7 p.m. Join your friends, members of the local arts community, and friends of friends. Celebration is an essential part of our culture, and we want to celebrate with you!
May 21 – Mason District Arts Council, Mason Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, 7-8:30 p.m.
If you are interested in any of the many art activities and performances that are happening all around you, check out our Arts Council meeting. Agenda items include Mason Arts 250, the Mason Art Festival on Oct. 17, murals, current art shows, and planning for the rest of the year.
Related story: Mason Arts 250: Reimagining the Ideas of the American Revolution
Participate in Mason Arts 250 activities, including a poetry contest and a one-act play contest, to help reimagine a future for all of us for the next 250 years.
In addition, be sure to add your wish to our wishing tree project at all Mason Arts activity locations.
The wishing tree will also be located at the Annandale Farmers Market, the Stronger Together Health Fair hosted by the Connection Wellness Center at the Annandale Fire Station on May 16, and the opening of the Broyhill Crest pool on May 23. Many more locations will be added in June.
Be sure to check out the Mason District Arts Council’s new webpage and sign up to get occasional, non-annoying updates on art happenings. We are growing our community and want you to be part of it!