Mason District roars into fall with numerous art offerings
By James Albright, chair of the Mason District Arts Council
The art landscape continues to expand across Annandale and Mason District with a number of exciting opportunities and some new players on the scene.
Following the success of the Mason Arts 250 initiative, the Mason District Arts Council has plans for a festival, some shared events, and an end-of-the-year evaluation. In addition, there are theater, gallery, music, and class offerings spread throughout the season.
Here’s a preview:
Mason District Art Festival – The second iteration of our community-focused Art Festival takes place Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space on Columbia Pike, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
This year, the festival doubles the number of participating local and regional artists showcasing their work. There will be more community and art activities, including art-making (recycled material projects, mini-art constructions, kids’ activities), a community painting activity, and an artist material exchange space.
A full slate of performances will be on tap as well, with food and coffee available for purchase. Check out the art council’s website for more information and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Annandale Today for event updates.
Related story: Mason Arts 250 mural installed in Annandale
The Community Studio – Jumping into the burgeoning art scene in Mason District, The Community Studio (TCS) arts project is coming to John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Annandale. This multi-disciplinary effort will focus on art and writing classes, embodied movement workshops, arts and music performances, and camps for elementary school-aged children.
TCS invites individuals in the greater Annandale area to co-create community through accessible experiential programs. Visit The Community Studio to find out about upcoming programs and opportunities.
Graphic Novel Camp – The Community Studio is hosting a school break camp for kids focusing on Graphic novels on Sept. 21, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at John Calvin Presbyterian Church. The program is for ages 8-12. Author and illustrator Brigitta Blair will help the kids develop graphic design skills. To register, contact TCS at 703-256-3644.
An opening – Artisans United, our beloved local craft gallery, is having the opening reception for its fall show on Sept. 12, 1-3 p.m. The event features new works, several artists, and craft demonstrations. The gallery is located at 4022 Hummer Road, inside Annandale Community Park.
Related story: Creativity on display at the Mason District Art Festival in Annandale
On the walls – There are several art shows underway in Mason District that are open to the public:
- An extensive retrospective of David Willems’ beautiful watercolors is on display at John Calvin Presbyterian Church at 6531 Columbia Pike.
- Casey Thompson’s first exhibition of his large acrylic portraits is on the walls of Beanetics Coffee Roasters at 7028 Columbia Pike in Annandale.
- An art exhibit on the theme “Images of America” is at the Lincolnia Senior Center, at 4710 Chambliss St., in Lincolnia. An effort by ArtsFairfax, this gallery showcases local and regional artists. The next show will focus on work by veterans.
The Mason District Arts Council is a volunteer-based arts organization with the aim of increasing access to the arts and cultural activities in Annandale and the Mason District area in Fairfax County. Visit the group’s website to learn about current and past activities and sign up for the mailing list.