2022-12-06 06:53:39
Fairfax County is home to an exceptional collection of venues for music and the arts. Whether you are seeking fine art, theatre, dance, music or opera, some of the nation’s most talented artists are showcased in Northern Virginia. Come be transported into a world of imagination as you explore all the area has to offer! The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton showcases art in every form, providing studio space to dozens of artists who exhibit and sell their work in the property’s galleries, host performances and offer classes. You’ll also find some of the nation’s top galleries in our nearby nation’s capital, including the National Gallery of Art, the National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of African Art. Art is not restricted to just galleries, though. There are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy creative beauty throughout Fairfax County! As the only National Park dedicated to the performing arts, Wolf Trap in Vienna offers more than 100 performances across all genres each year. The architecturally stunning Filene Center is a beautiful outdoor amphitheater that hosts world-renowned musicians. Imagination runs wild at Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, an intimate space for storytelling, puppetry, music and dance that is literally tucked in the woods. In addition to concerts at Wolf Trap or the nationally renowned concert venue Jammin’ Java, the Fairfax County area is also home to some excellent places to enjoy the performing arts. Browse the lineup at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts for a mix of opera, pop, family and dance productions. It is also home to the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, one of the newest venues – the state-of-the-art Capital One Hall in Tysons – brings Broadway theatre, concerts and comedians to the stage. Take in some public art on a tour of the area’s best sculpture gardens and murals. Mosaic is a sophisticated shopping and dining village in Merrifield that also features brilliant murals and a unique connection to The Beatles. Pick up a map of a self-guided public art tour in Reston or take a selfie with the region’s largest geometric mural at The Boro. In nearby DC, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden also offer extraordinary contemporary artwork surrounded by nature’s beauty. Whether you want to take home a souvenir from a local artist or make memories at a concert or performance, Fairfax County’s arts community is ready. Artsy Towns Discover big arts and cultural experiences in small packages! VIENNA: With painted storm drains, benches and murals such as the 200-foot-long “Small Town, Big Community,” Vienna offers art at every step. TYSONS: Check out the dynamic interaction of art and light with sculptures such as “Solar Sails” and “Eccentricity” in Tysons. RESTON: Explore many murals, mosaics and sculptures, including those floating in Lake Thoreau, for a taste of Reston’s artistic side. Hands-On Creativity Why just browse art when you can see it in action – or make it yourself! Try your hand at glassblowing, ceramics or even cooking at the Workhouse Arts Center – or just watch as an artist finishes up her latest masterpiece. Witness the process of creating chocolate from bean to bar or make your own custom chocolate bar at River-Sea Chocolate Factory & Café. Sign up for a class at NOVA Labs, a unique makerspace in Fairfax that offers education in a variety of mediums, including metalworking, crafting, woodworking and robotics. Browse the “Made in Fairfax” directory to connect with a local maker for one-of-a-kind souvenirs from a diverse group of artisans. Explore Your Creative Side! FXVA.com/explore/entertainment-the-arts
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