It’s Back! Annual Spring Art Week at Fort Smith Park in Arlington

ArtFest Week (March 31-April 7, 2017)

Presented by the Arlington Artists Alliance

at Fort C.F. Smith Park 

2411 24th Street North, Arlington, VA 22207

Friday, March 31, 6-8pm - Opening Reception

Saturday, April 1, 10am-5pm

Sunday, April 2, Noon-5pm

Tuesday-Thursday, April 4-6, Noon-4pm

Friday, April 7, 10am-Noon

The 14th annual ArtFest Week is almost here! Our community is invited to take part in this popular week-long celebration of Art in Arlington. Highlights include an art show and sale featuring the works of more than 30 Arlington-based artists, in paintings of many genres, ceramics, sculpture, artists cards, unframed works and more.

Full schedule available on www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org 

Free and open to the public.

The Opening Reception will be held on Friday, March 31 from 6-8pm, and events will take place throughout the week. Meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments in the historic 1902 Hendry House.

FREE workshops through this artful week include the following:

Saturday, April 1

10am-12pm: The Art of Comedy (No Foolin'!)

Learn the art of writing and performing stand-up comedy. You’ll not only get to laugh and have fun on a Saturday morning, but you might just catch the bug to perform yourself. Ages: 12 and up. To register email: mary@maryjenningsart.com. FREE!

1-2pm:  Dance on the Terrace

The Sultanas Dance Troupe presents an al fresco performance of Ancient Art Movement on the front terrace at the Hendry House (weather permitting). FREE!

Sunday, April 2

12noon-1pm  Paint Your Favorite Animal

This is a hands-on activity where kids can paint their favorite animal as artwork to take home and share. All materials provided, and all families welcomed. FREE!

2-3pm: Gilding Techniques in Iconography

A noted iconographer demonstrates the gilding of backgrounds in icon painting, and the use of paint made from gold (gold shell) and acrylic assist for line work. FREE!

Tuesday, April 2

12:15-1:15pm: Ways to Play with Oil Markers

Draw and paint at the same time! Explore French oil markers, fun to use by themselves or combined with other oil media. Ages: 18 and up. Min: 3, Max: 12. To register email: jackie.afram@verizon.net. FREE!

Wednesday, April 2

12:15-1:15pm: Rembrandt and Poetry: Drawn To the Light

Poetry helps us to stop and take a fresh look into stories we think we already know. Savor the religious paintings of Rembrandt and listen to the poems of Marilyn McEntyre and several local poets.  Min: 5, Max: 12. Registration required, but last minute attendance welcome! To register email: rustylynn@earthlink.net. FREE!

1:30-3:30pm: Watercolor Portraits: Looking at the Work of Emile Nolde

This workshop explores the bold, colorful style of Emile Nolde's work, as can be applied to portraiture (many examples of Nolde’s style can be found on Pinterest). Max: 7. To register email: chickelly1@gmail.com. FREE!

Thursday, April 6

1- 3pm: Contemporary Acrylic Painting

Learn how to use acrylics in a watercolor-like fashion through the artist’s demonstrating the use of treated paper, abstract underpainting, and creating work that is representational but contemporary. Ages: 12 and up. Min: 3, Max:12. To register email: jane.coonce@gmail.com. FREE!

Friday, April 7

10am-12pm: I Bought Some Art. Now What?” Learn About Art Display

Owning art is a wonderful adventure. Get tips on how to curate, display, and enjoy your art to make your home a place of culture and beauty for your family and friends. Ages: 18 and up. Min: 2, Max: 8. To register email: mary@maryjenningsart.com. FREE!