A Festival of Fantastic Art

The 9th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival will be held on May 20 & 21 at beautiful Reston Town Center. Fabulous artwork by more than 170 of the nation's finest painters, sculptors, fine-crafters and jewelers is on display and for purchase. It is the largest outdoor art exhibit in the Metro region with plenty to see, taste, hear and do. Organizers anticipate 60,000 people to attend the festival over the weekend.

The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Admission is open to the public. Although the event is free, there is a suggested donation is $2 that will include a Fine Arts Festival Program Guide.

The festival is produced by and benefits the Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE), a non-profit arts organization. GRACE presents exemplary exhibits in its Town Center Gallery and offers classes, workshops and summer art camp. In addition, it operates the Art-in-the-Schools Program, an art history and hands-on program implemented by volunteer docents. This year, the Art-in-the-Schools Program will add the Artist Mentor Program involving local and festival artists.

The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival was established in 1991 as a small local arts festival. In nine years, it has become a nationally recognized fine arts festival drawing artists nationwide. In fact, it is the only juried outdoor fine arts festival of its caliber in the metropolitan area. Sunshine Artist Magazine, one of the premier artists' guides to nationwide festivals and events, rated the festival number 19 out of the 200 Best Fine Arts Festivals.

In combination with the word-of-mouth among artists and the festival's high rating, the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival attracts artists from other well-known quality events such as the Philadelphia Craft Show, the Smithsonian Craft Show, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. With more successful artists participating in the show also comes the attendance of the collectors of their work, a high end demographic interested in culture.

But there is more than just art to peruse. The festival also features musical entertainment, festival food, children's activities, artist demonstrations and more. The children's interactive art area provides innovative activities from which to choose, and two stages showcase local and regional up-and-coming performers.

Interested in helping make the festival even more of a success? GRACE is calling for volunteers for the Fine Arts Festival. Volunteer packets available at GRACE, located at 11911 Freedom Drive, suite 110, in Reston Town Center or call 703.471.9242 to volunteer.

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