Christine Snyder 2019-12-06 13:16:10
A hands-on center for the visual arts and the country’s only national park for the performing arts make for an invigorating day of creative exploration and reflection. What a one-of-a-kind day: It’s just after sunset and I’m at WOLF TRAP, swaying along to Ziggy Marley's “One Love” and other reggae anthems made famous by his beloved dad. But before capping off my day this way, I made the afternoon special, too, with a trip to Lorton's WORKHOUSE ARTS CENTER, where I studied painter Phoebe Twichell Peterson’s rowboat series and an exhibition of sculptural ceramics. There’s plenty of stunning art here, but also an incredible history. Once a prison, this 55-acre refuge now celebrates all the freedom that comes with art. The complex – with several galleries, cooperative studios, performance space, room for drop-in classes and the chance to shop for one-of-a-kind art – even includes a museum to tell the prison’s fascinating story. For nearly a century, wrongdoers got locked up here, until the federal government moved the last inmates out in 2001. Dozens of suffragists languished here, arrested for their six-day-a-week “Silent Sentinels” protests outside Woodrow Wilson’s White House. Today, visitors enjoy beautiful art on the repurposed grounds. It’s all a perfect prelude to my evening at Wolf Trap, which is on its second life, too. Once Catherine Filene Shouse’s working farm, it’s now the country’s only national park dedicated to the performing arts. Over the past 40+ years, thousands of stars plus ballet troupes, Chinese acrobats, symphony orchestras and more have wowed crowds here. And no matter what artist is on the amphitheater’s stage, it’s a getaway you won't forget. Pack a dinner with wine, sangria or the like or pick up buttermilk fried chicken or other perfect-for-picnic fare at the on-site eatery. Just don’t make my mistake – come early enough to fully enjoy the park’s beautiful setting. HOT SPOTS After enjoying time at Wolf Trap and the Workhouse, make time for these arts and entertainment musts. Since 1990, GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY’S CENTER FOR THE ARTS has showcased Grammy-winning pop stars and classical musicians, plus free jazz concerts, performances by the university's world-class Dance Department and more. Explore the GREATER RESTON ARTS CENTER at Reston Town Center to find a dynamic mix of visual art exhibits and educational programs, plus a fine arts festival and other special events. Head to Vienna’s JAMMIN' JAVA for live music nightly, plus dining and drinks. By day, the venue offers allages classes in guitar, voice and more. Break out of the ordinary and check out one of the cerebral and exciting ESCAPE ROOMS in the area – or immerse yourself in a whole-body virtual reality experience at THE VOID in Tysons. HIDDEN GEMS These lesser-known arts and entertainment experiences are not to be missed, either. ☐ Count on NextStop Theatre Company in Herndon for ambitious, accessible theater, plus classes to help young people cultivate a lifelong love for the performing arts. ☐ After starting out on a shoestring in 2008, 1st Stage Tysons has grown into an award-winning nonprofit with a 110-seat playhouse and a reputation for powerful, thought-provoking theater. ☐ Magic happens at Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, and not only on the stage. Enjoy a show in the amphitheater, but plan to romp a bit and maybe picnic by the brook, too. ☐ At Children’s Science Center Lab inside Fair Oaks Mall, kids can create a floating rainbow in a test tube at the Experiment Bar and engage in hours of other hands-on imaginative fun. ASK A LOCAL SUSAN SHIELDS Dance Professor, George Mason University's School of Dance Susan Shields, director of George Mason University's School of Dance, has performed in Mikhail Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project and Mark Morris’ "The Argument" in New York. But she eventually came home to Fairfax County to lead one of the most up-and-coming university dance programs in the country. Here’s what she loves to do in her spare time. I love our George Mason University’s Center for the Arts Concert Hall, which offers international talent at reasonable prices. Having coffee at Angelika Film Center & Café at Mosaic is a must. It’s a great specialty and independent film center. The Nest Egg not only offers furniture and accessories, but clever hostess gifts like Karen Adams calendars. I impress out-of-town guests by taking them to 2941 Restaurant. Not only is the food incredible, but it’s also one of the most artistically stylish places in the area. Explore more arts, music and entertainment at FXVA.com/things-to-do
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