Photo courtesy of McLean Project for the Arts..
Event: Sunday, October 1 from 10am to 5pm
.
Now in its eleventh year, MPAartfest returns to McLean Central Park on October 1, 2017 from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. Recently selected by Sunshine Artist Magazine as one of the Top 100 Fine Art and Design Shows in the USA, this year’s MPAartfest promises to be better than ever, featuring the work of nearly 40 selected artists, creative interactive experiences for guests of all ages, new food vendors, expanded musical offerings and more.
A one-day juried fine art show and sale, MPAartfest features the work of visual artists showcasing a wide variety of media and styles. During MPAartfest, McLean Central Park is transformed into a lively landscape of mini art galleries showcasing and offering for sale the work of acclaimed artists from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. This annual celebration of the visual arts attracts 5,000 – 6,000 visitors. Along with the artists’ tents, live music and food from local restaurants in the park, MPAartfest offers a variety of arts and STEAM (STEM+Art) activities to engage creative minds and captivate art-lovers of all ages.
Budding artists in attendance can practice their technique in the well-loved Hands-On Art Studio, sponsored by TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, while teens and adults try their hand at sketching live models in MPA’s Open Air Art Studio.
“Every MPAartfest is a new opportunity for MPA to bring our community together for a wonderful art-filled day,” said MPA Executive Director Lori Carbonneau. “We hope all attendees will return year after year for the aspects they love and find new and creative surprises to enjoy.”
Recognizing the importance of adding new activities and artists to keep the event fresh, while also maintaining the elements that have worked well over the years, requires a delicate balance. Building on the success of the last few years, the MPA STEAM Center offers visitors of all ages a variety of STEAM (STEM+Art)-based learning stations. This year’s tents include Art+Robotics, Art+Math, Art+Architecture, Art+Nature and Art+Sound. Other art-inspired aspects include the Children’s ArtWalk, an awe-inspiring open-air gallery displaying teacher-selected artwork from students representing local public and private elementary schools.
In addition to adding more STEAM activities, MPAartfest is broadening its musical program with Brazilian and French Gypsy jazz, blues and reggae, featuring seven regional and local acts, including Pablo Regis Trio, Anacostia Delta Band, The Bitter Dose Combo, The Fuss and McLean Orchestra Jazz Ensemble. Performances will continue throughout the day. Scheduling information is available on the MPA website.
MPA is grateful to the many long-standing and new sponsors who support this community-wide celebration of the visual arts: MPA’s lead community sponsor the McLean Community Center, event partner Fairfax County Park Authority, event co-Sponsor TD Bank, along with committed members of our community including TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, Ltd, BASIS Independent McLean, Capitol File Magazine, Capital One, j.gilberts, Kazan Restaurant, Land Art Design,, Deirdre Maull DDS, McLean Properties, Music & Arts, New Dominion Women’s Club, Olde Towne Pet Resort, Northern Virginia Technology Council, Sun Gazette Newspapers, The Wine Outlet and additional supporters including: Arts Council of Fairfax County, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and The National Endowment for the Arts.
MPAartfest admission is FREE, and all are welcome and encouraged to join. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Parking will be located at signed lots throughout McLean, with shuttle bus service to the park. More parking and Metro transit information is available on the MPA website. For more information visit www.mpaart.org/ or call 703-790-1953.
