The Community Studio brings art activities to Annandale
By James Albright, chair of the Mason District Arts Council
The growth of the arts community in Mason District took a big step forward this fall with the addition of The Community Studio (TCS), a new multifaceted arts project based in Annandale.
Located and sponsored by the John Calvin Presbyterian Church at 6531 Columbia Pike at the Whispering Lane intersection, TCS offers a unique combination of art classes and programs, a large and beautiful gallery space, and two artist studios.
This new concept fits in well with the Annandale area’s diverse art world, as the initial offerings have focused on connecting with a wide range of creative groups, including new immigrants, seniors, and myriad local and regional artists.
The Community Studio arose out of the initial efforts of artist, pastor, and TCS Creative Director the Rev. Casey Wait, along with TCS Director Jennifer Skidmore-Breece.
Rev. Wait recognized that her congregation was interested in exploring how the arts could connect the unique gifts of the community as a resource for building relationships with their Annandale neighbors. After a period of exploration, the congregation embarked on the path that led to the founding of The Community Studio in September.
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The space set aside for TCS includes a bright studio and classroom full of art supplies and a small gallery showcasing works by local artists.
The church’s Fellowship Hall provides an additional gallery space. Three walls are outfitted with gallery lighting and hanging rails, while the glass fourth wall overlooks a mature forest. This gallery has already hosted several art shows, a dramatic solution to the need for more space in Annandale to showcase art.
Two artists’ studios flank the Fellowship Hall. One of them serves as the home of ArtLords, a nonprofit focusing on international art and activism. ArtLords’ work has been seamlessly integrated with TCS. The organization hosted a Nowruz celebration at John Calvin in the spring and art therapy sessions for recent migrants.
In addition, ArtLords brings the work of Afghan artists to light, providing a way for artists still working in that country to share their creativity with the world.
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The other studio is occupied by James Albright (this writer), the artist-in-residence at TCS. This room serves as his painting studio, as well as a resource for his work with the Mason District Arts Council.
During its first year, TCS is in a self-described “innovative development phase,” as it puts in place classes and programs, finds creative ways to use the space, and connects with the Annandale community in a variety of ways.
TCS offers a wide range of classes designed to serve people with all skill levels and a variety of interests. Some of its most popular classes this fall include:
The Joy of Felting – Create miniature felted wool landscapes with fiber artist and joy-spreader Rachael Wood of the Joyful Art Project.
Poetry for All – A relaxed, welcoming poetry workshop for writers of every level with Poet-in-Residence Lisa Lowry.
Restorative Sound Bath – An evening of deep rest and relaxation surrounded by healing vibrations created by Heidi Henyon.
Play & Possibility: Gel Printmaking – TCS Creative Director Casey Wait explores gel plate printing, layering color, texture, and shape into one-of-a-kind prints.
Your Life, One Story at a Time – A guided autobiography workshop series with former journalist and life story specialist Karla Haworth.
The first time anyone connects with The Community Studio, they are invited to create a tiny portrait of themselves to add to the studio’s “wall of belonging.”
Make plans to join the wall yourself by visiting community-studio.org for the upcoming class schedules and registration links.
To follow The Community Studio, check out their Instagram feed: https://www.instagram.com/thecommunitystudiova/
For more information about the arts in general across the Annandale/Mason District area, visit the Mason District Arts Council.