Tag: arts
Annandale locations showcase powerful creative expression
By James Albright Two noteworthy art experiences will hit Annandale in the next couple of weeks. A new Artopolis show at Beanetics highlights stunning mixed-media and collage works by Theresa Martin, while renowned DC Comics artist Matt Johnston applies his mural skills to Flavor Hive, our new hot dining spot. These two events highlight the … Continued
Artisans United offers craft classes
Artisans United, a nonprofit in Annandale dedicated to promoting local crafters and artists, is offering a series of craft classes this fall, on baskets, bows, jewelry, and more. The classes will be held at the organization’s Craft Gallery and gift shop in the Packard Center at 4022 Hummer Road. The gallery and shop feature works … Continued
ArtsFairfax supports local art groups
ArtsFairfax has distributed a total of nearly $592,000 to support the operations of 56 arts organizations in Fairfax County and Falls Church. The following five arts organizations based in Mason District are among the grant recipients: The Operating Support Grants, announced by ArtsFairfax on Aug. 5, provide critical funding for the basic operation of local … Continued
A former courtroom artist brings art to his neighbors at Brightview Senior Living
By Shane Gomez From the Central Park Five to the man who killed John Lennon, Robert Smith has sketched some of the most well-known court cases of the 1980s and 90s. Now, Smith, age 80 and a resident of Brightview Senior Living Woodburn in Annandale, still does what he loves. He sketches entertainers who perform … Continued
Catch a Spotlight by Starlight concert before the summer ends
Well over a hundred people relaxed on the grass at Ossian Hall Park in Annandale on July 19 for a taste of Peruvian music and dance. Centro Cultural Peru presented performances, several featuring children, representing the various regions of Peru. One of the organization’s main objectives is to educate the children of Peruvian immigrants about … Continued
ArtsFairfax launches public art challenge
ArtsFairfax launched a Public Art Locator Challenge, a social media scavenger hunt to help the nonprofit promote its Public Art Locator and add to its database of “found art.” Local art enthusiasts are invited to submit a selfie on Facebook or Instagram with an example of public art from ArtsFairfax’s Public Art Locator or upload … Continued
ArtsFairfax survey identifies artists’ needs
By James Albright, chair of the Mason Arts Advisory Council Fairfax County’s premier arts non-profit, ArtsFairfax, recently released the results from a large, county-wide survey of artists that explored the challenges and successes of the cultural environment. The results align very closely with the findings from the Mason District arts roundtable this spring and last … Continued
Residents offer input on gateway signage
Residents of Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners had an opportunity last week to indicate how they want their communities presented on gateway signage. The Fairfax County Community Revitalization Section is undertaking a project to develop signs and banners that promote the unique character and aesthetic identity of each area. The goal is to instill community … Continued
Local cultural highlights for July
By James Albright, chair of the Mason Arts Advisory Council Rather than just being the yawning, stifling chasm between the end of the school year and the beginning of fall, July provides a lot of entertainment and cultural events for our community. Here are some highlights: July 5 – West African Cultural Heritage Night: Soul in … Continued
Many arts events happening this month
By James Albright This is the second piece in an ongoing series highlighting community arts activities. There has been an explosion of new arts events in Mason District, and in Annandale in particular, over the last few years. Long-standing concerts and gatherings are continuing as well, resulting in exciting activities for the community every weekend. … Continued
Summer concert schedule finalized
The Fairfax County Park Authority has finalized the schedule of summer concerts. The Spotlight by Starlight series includes free concerts twice a week – Friday and Sunday evenings – at Mason District Park. That’s a reduced schedule from previous years, when concerts were held three times a week. The following shows start at 7:30 p.m. … Continued
Mural, safety improvements planned for Annandale street
The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board approved an $80,000 grant to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety on Tom Davis Drive in Annandale. Tom Davis Drive is a county-managed street that connects John Marr Drive and Columbia Pike. The Regional Roadway Safety Program grant will develop designs for traffic-calming measures, such as protected bike lanes, … Continued
Asian arts and culture celebrated in Annandale
The Eileen Garnett Civic Space in Annandale is becoming the place to be this summer, with events scheduled every month. The most recent event, hosted by Fairfax County’s Community Revitalization Section, was an Asian Heritage Festival on May 24 with live cultural performances, food vendors, martial arts demonstrations, and crafts. The county’s next event, Movie … Continued
The arts are alive and well in Mason District
By James Albright Many different groups are starting to recognize the real cultural experience that is Mason District. We have festivals, art openings, concerts, individual projects, and so much more happening right in our community. With so much going on in so many different places, it is essential to keep our art calendars up to … Continued
Festival features Asian arts and culture
A community celebration featuring the traditions and arts from Asia and the Pacific Islands drew hundreds of people to Mason District Park on April 10. There were dance groups from Vietnam, China, Nepal, and Hawaii, a Korean percussion group, martial arts, a Korean children’s choir, a Vietnamese lion dance, K-pop crews, a children’s art contest, … Continued