City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts

08/30/2021

We had the best time with Good Gollie It's Mollie this morning playing bubbles!

08/27/2021

Important news about tonight's performance of The Frenchman!

08/02/2021

The Fairfax City Senior Center invites you to a FREE concert! Tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Old Town Hall. All are welcome!

The Fairfax City Senior Center invites you to a FREE concert! Tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Old Town Hall. All are welcome!

07/29/2021

This weekend! City of Fairfax Theatre Company opens their Brief Shakespeare Festival!

You will not want to miss this!

This weekend! City of Fairfax Theatre Company opens their Brief Shakespeare Festival!

You will not want to miss this!

07/22/2021

What a gorgeous evening for a concert! Don't miss City of Fairfax Band Association's Family Concert! Tonight 7:30pm at Veterans Amphitheater!

What a gorgeous evening for a concert! Don't miss City of Fairfax Band Association's Family Concert! Tonight 7:30pm at Veterans Amphitheater!

07/16/2021

We don’t talk about the culinary art enough! If you like them, you HAVE to check out Frans

07/15/2021

Prior to COVID-19 the Arts contributed $17.9 billion (with a B!) to Virginia's economy. That's 3.2% of the of the state's GDP. Nationally, the Arts provided $919.7 billion representing 4.3% of the national GDP. (That more than Construction!)

As of July of 2020, 51% of creative workers in Virginia became unemployed as a result of the pandemic.

The Commission is continuing to support local Arts group through the pandemic and beyond! With grants from the City of Fairfax, Virginia Commission on the Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts, we are gearing up for a great Fall! Learn more about the Commission on the Arts Grant program here. https://www.fairfaxva.gov/Home/Components/News/News/11296/18

Learn more about the economic impact the arts have in Virginia at ArtsActionFund.org/Virginia

City of Fairfax Government
Fairfax City Economic Development Authority

07/03/2021

Congrats to the Winner of the Commission on the Arts Most Creative Float Nova Parks! #FFX4TH

Congrats to the Winner of the Commission on the Arts Most Creative Float Nova Parks! #FFX4TH

06/30/2021

The City of Fairfax Band Association Virtual Memorial Day Concert

As we get closer to the 4th of July, I'm curious, what is your favorite Patriotic Song? Do you love a Sussa March? or do you like the more modern "God Bless the USA"? As you think on this, enjoy the City of Fairfax Band Association's Memorial Day Concert. They will be in the Parade on July 3!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKwi3c0QtOI

Join the City of Fairfax Band Association for a special Memorial Day performance.

06/21/2021

We do declare that it is officially summer!

06/16/2021

Last night we said thank you and goodbye to two of our members: Chair Patricia Hussey, and long time member Mary Lechter. We’d like to thank Pat for her leadership, enthusiasm, and management skills and for successfully guiding COA through this difficult covid year. Mary is very special to us as she has been on the Commission for several years, and in addition to being the GMU liaison, she was instrumental in coordinating and producing the COA annual awards ceremonies. Please join the COA to thank them both for their service and to wish them the very best with their new adventures. We’ll miss you both!

06/15/2021

New Signal Box Wrap at the corner of Armstrong and 123.

Together—Kelly Snyder
“This Painting was created in the midst of the recent 2020 protests about Black Lives Matter. So much pain and so much suffering that needs to be addressed. To many lives lost and so many injustices ignored for way too long. I found this Microporous polyester film in the trash with a printed cave painting (upcycled art). I stretched the material on stretcher bars to paint on. I used this background, to create a piece that showed age with all hands of all colors represented. As humans beings we've tried to make connections through art forever. I am here! See me! I am important! I've made my mark! This piece is about the mark everyone makes on everyone's lives in all communities. City of Fairfax is a community that is looking for connection and unification through art. This piece would represent that connection that “All Lives Matter”. A Life is a Life, there is no difference what they look like. Public art is used as an avenue of sending a positive messages, about connection, about unification, and about change. This piece represents past and present human connection through art. Together we are united. “ - Kelly

City of Fairfax Government

06/14/2021

MSCDC Funday Monday

Happy Monday!! 😎 Please enjoy today's Funday Monday video, brought to us by the Main Street Child Development Center! 😄

06/14/2021

Happy Monday!! 😎 Please enjoy today's Funday Monday video brought to us by Main Street Child Development Center! 😄

05/25/2021

There is some new art in Old Town! Local Artist Deb Wright (And Commission on the Arts Member) installed "Keys" on Main Street. Read the artist statement below, and stop by and see it if you are in Old Town.

Keys (2017)
Debra Wright

Nancy Rebar was destined to do great things. She was the editor of her school newspaper, a yearbook staff writer, class secretary and salutatorian. She saved up from her jobs at Kresge’s 5 & 10 and summers cleaning hotel rooms in Jersey to relocate from rural Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C. She was so bright and driven that everyone back home just knew she’d be working for the President someday.

This never came to be. Mom started to experience difficulties a few years before I was born and her mental illness became progressively debilitating. Treatment options were limited at that time and the stigma was severe. No matter what she tried, Mom never fully recovered, and her struggles were only compounded by the shaming commentary of others.

When Mom was feeling good, I’d catch a glimpse of the woman I had heard so much about, peeking through. She’d don bright red lipstick, neatly tease her hair, and smile and laugh that amazing laugh of hers. She’d jot poetry down in the margins of Chinese food carryout menus and on the back of grocery lists. She’d be fully present and totally engaged. But these times wouldn’t last. My brother and I would come home from school to a house with all the curtains drawn shut and find Mom curled up in a ball on the couch, completely withdrawn from everything. We’d argue over whose turn it was to check to see if she was still breathing.

As I got older, and became defiant, I’d argue with Mom’s psychiatrists and criticize their ability to render care. One doctor in particular was incredibly patient and counseled, “Treating mental illness is a challenge. I feel as if we have a thousand keys, and we’re trying to figure out which one will fit the lock. We haven’t found the right key yet. We need to keep trying.”

Mom, I miss you dearly. When I look in the mirror, I see you looking back at me. When I write, I feel your hand move the pen. I miss your brilliant smile and that wonderful laugh. People say I sound just like you.

I’m sorry your time with us ran out before we were able to find the key that would release you from your suffering.

May your spirit now be free.

05/24/2021

Bubble Fun in Old Town Square

We had so much at Funday Monday today with Good Gollie It's Mollie! Check out our story for more videos!

05/21/2021

Cathedral Brass Jazz Combo. How Great Thou Art

05/21/2021

Northern Virginia Youth Winds Auditions Happening Now

Great opportunity for Rising 8th Graders and above!

05/20/2021

Ratcliffe Park Tree is completed! We have some new faces in our park and they’re in need of names! Carved into the tree are several critters- an owl, a squirrel, 2 raccoons, a fox and a bear. What do you think we should name them?

Submit your name suggestions for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Woody’s Ice Cream. Click the link below to submit your idea!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgeHoigC8JXI6tTUGbdXQByLjq0VEqiywbstpMg8E76sUYOQ/viewform

City of Fairfax Government

05/19/2021

Fairfax Art League Demo with Joyce Byrnes

Enjoy Fairfax Art League’s May demo by Joyce Byrne!

https://youtu.be/h2nWfsma9Zg

Joyce Byrnes is a pastel artist and instructor in Rockland County, NY. In her paintings, she seeks to convey the light, color and textures she observes in na...

05/14/2021

Cathedral Brass Small ensembles performing at Blenheim

05/12/2021

We loved helping with this project!

05/11/2021

FX Players spring musical is always a staple of the spring arts scene in Fairfax. You won't want to miss this Live-Stream event. And a Tea party too?! Going to be a great weekend!

05/08/2021

Bonita Lestina Old Town Hall Performance Series

Join us for our final Virtual Bonita Lestina Old Town Hall Performance Series of 20/21 year!

What is something that all of us find ourselves so desperately missing in these times… Travel. Vacation. Exotic escape?

Virginia Opera has the perfect event for you! Pour a cocktail and join us on this virtual escape. Travel with us on a journey to Paris, Barcelona, all over the world, accompanied by the American Songbook, Broadway and Musical Theatre realms…for, in the timely and abiding words of Cole Porter, “There’s no cure like travel!” The best part… there’s no need for you to actually pack your bags, grab your passport, or even your wallet. Cabaret With Us, filmed in Richmond at Hotel Greene!

05/04/2021

We hope you join us for these great concerts featuring Cathedral Brass!

We hope you join us for these great concerts featuring Cathedral Brass!

05/03/2021

Great morning with Music Together Sing and Groove!

Great morning with Music Together Sing and Groove!

05/01/2021

Neighborhood Art Celebration Map - Google My Maps

Can't wait to see what you created!!!!!!!

Neighborhood Art Celebration Map

04/30/2021

Ratcliffe Park Tree Sculpture

Have you seen the Tree at Ratcliffe park yet?

Check out this whimsical treehouse sculpture AM Sculptures carved out of the tree at Ratcliffe Park!

04/28/2021

Fairfax Art League demo!

Art Demonstration with Joyce Byrnes
Saturday, May 8
11:30 - finished (usually lasts 1 hour)

Joyce Byrnes is a pastel artist and instructor in Rockland County, NY. In her paintings, she seeks to convey the light, color and textures she observes in nature and share the beauty she finds outdoors with others.

Joyce has exhibited throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and teaches a pastel painting class at the Clarkstown Community Learning Center in Congers, NY. She is a member of the Nyack Art Collective (NAC), the Pastel Society of America (PSA) and the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA).
​
She has studied at the Art Students League, Rockland Center for the Arts, and continues to learn from Garnerville artist, Andrew Mollica. As a student, teacher and ever-evolving artist, Joyce hopes to transform the joy she finds outdoors into an experience that can be saved and shared.
​
Learn more about Joyce's background and process by listening to her interview with Farrin Chwalkowski of the National Association of Women Artists here.

Visit her website: https://www.joycebyrnespastels.com/

Meeting info

Topic: Fairfax Art League May Art Demonstration
Time: May 8, 2021 11:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85217321461?pwd=d2J5ZEl1N0cyNWsxUWY1bldEVkV2QT09

Meeting ID: 852 1732 1461
Passcode: 520050

Fairfax Art League demo!

Art Demonstration with Joyce Byrnes
Saturday, May 8
11:30 - finished (usually lasts 1 hour)

Joyce Byrnes is a pastel artist and instructor in Rockland County, NY. In her paintings, she seeks to convey the light, color and textures she observes in nature and share the beauty she finds outdoors with others.

Joyce has exhibited throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and teaches a pastel painting class at the Clarkstown Community Learning Center in Congers, NY. She is a member of the Nyack Art Collective (NAC), the Pastel Society of America (PSA) and the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA).
​
She has studied at the Art Students League, Rockland Center for the Arts, and continues to learn from Garnerville artist, Andrew Mollica. As a student, teacher and ever-evolving artist, Joyce hopes to transform the joy she finds outdoors into an experience that can be saved and shared.
​
Learn more about Joyce's background and process by listening to her interview with Farrin Chwalkowski of the National Association of Women Artists here.

Visit her website: https://www.joycebyrnespastels.com/

Meeting info

Topic: Fairfax Art League May Art Demonstration
Time: May 8, 2021 11:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85217321461?pwd=d2J5ZEl1N0cyNWsxUWY1bldEVkV2QT09

Meeting ID: 852 1732 1461
Passcode: 520050

04/26/2021

FCPL Storytime: There's a Bear on My Chair

Join us this Funday Monday for Storytime with the Fairfax County Public Library!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7v5NlTVwHs

Join Ms. Jane as she reads "There’s a Bear on My Chair" by Ross Collins. See below for more information about the storytime. A Little Brown Bear A little bro...

04/23/2021

VB Art Center

Calling all visual artists! Call for entries for exhibition at the Virginia Beach Art Center. More info below:

DEADLINE: May 7, 2021

Virginia Beach Art Center
H2O Mid-Atlantic 2021 - Call for Artists

H2O Mid-Atlantic 2021
A Mid-Atlantic Regional exhibition that reflects our relationship to water. From a single drop to mighty oceans, from rising mists to stormy skies, water is all around us-and up to 78% of our bodies!

The exhibition is juried by Vanessa Thaxton-Ward, Ph. D., and features an award package of $2000!

Exhibition Dates:
Application Deadline - Midnight May 7 on CaFÉ™
Juror Selections - May 10 to 18
Notifications - Wednesday May 19
Drop off - June 1, 11 am-5 pm (shipped art may arrive May 26-June 1)
Exhibition Opens - June 4, 10 am-5 pm, ends June 27 at 4 pm
Awards Presentation - June 4 at 7 pm streamed on Facebook
Artists Talks - June 27, 3-4 pm
Pick up - June 29, 11 am-5 pm

Eligibility: Open to artists in the following states: SC, NC, VA, DC, MD, DE, PA

Artwork must incorporate a reference to water (including watermedia, oceans, rivers, lakes, a glass of water, rain, etc). Broad and creative interpretation of the theme is encouraged.

All work must be original and created without the aid of an instructor or kit. Work needs to have been produced within the last two years. The Artist certifies that he/she created the works of art entered, has not infringed on any copyrights, possesses unencumbered title to them and has the right to loan and/or sell these works.

All styles and aesthetics are considered. All artworks must be for sale and must remain on the premises for the duration of the exhibition. The Virginia Beach Art Center is a public non-profit facility open to patrons of all ages. The content of submissions should be appropriate for all viewers.
Artists must include an interpretative statement (limit 1000 characters) that will be displayed with the artwork. Statements will be edited if necessary.

Entry Fee: $35 for up to three pieces (Entry Fee is non-refundable)

$30 for Artists Gallery Members (contact us for the discount code)
There is a jury process and not all three pieces may be accepted.


CaFÉ™ Entry Online

Virginia Beach Arts Center

532 Virginia Beach Blvd
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

(757) 425-6671

www.artcentervb.org • [email protected]

The Virginia Beach Art Center is a non-profit organization providing an educational and supportive environment in which to inspire people of all ages and skill levels to experience, engage with and create art. Located in the ViBe Creative District.

04/19/2021

If this doesn’t make you smile on this Funday Monday nothing will!

04/14/2021

Congratulations to the 2021 Language Arts 123 Contest winners!

4th - 5th Grade category:
First Prize - Audrey Hebert, 5th Grade Daniels Run Elementary “Charlotte’s Corona Diary”
Runner-up - Ezra Wincele, 5th Grade, Home School “Advantages of Fortnite during COVID 19”

Adult category:
First Prize - Marisa D'Orazio “Rock Bottom”
Runner-Up - Dan O'Brien “The Negatives of Social Media Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic”

Winners will receive a monetary prize and will be honored at the May 18 Commission on the Arts meeting!

Thank you to everyone who entered. We loved reading your submissions!

Congratulations to the 2021 Language Arts 123 Contest winners!

4th - 5th Grade category:
First Prize - Audrey Hebert, 5th Grade Daniels Run Elementary “Charlotte’s Corona Diary”
Runner-up - Ezra Wincele, 5th Grade, Home School “Advantages of Fortnite during COVID 19”

Adult category:
First Prize - Marisa D'Orazio “Rock Bottom”
Runner-Up - Dan O'Brien “The Negatives of Social Media Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic”

Winners will receive a monetary prize and will be honored at the May 18 Commission on the Arts meeting!

Thank you to everyone who entered. We loved reading your submissions!