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MPAArtfest
MPAartfest reflects region's spirit: Some events start off slowly -- not the McLean Project for the Arts' MPAartfest. An immediate success its first year, this year's second festival is expected to be equally if not more successful, attracting more than 3,500 people to McLean Central Park on Sunday, Oct. 5.From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., McLean Central Park, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, will become a lively landscape of mini art galleries, showcasing and offering for sale the works of a diverse group of 40 juried fine artists and craftspeople from around the region.
In addition to the art, the admission-free MPAartfest will offer live entertainment, children's art activities, short talks by area art experts and refreshments.
If it rains, the artfest will move inside the McLean Community Center, also in the park.
For the grown-ups
MPAartfest attendees can purchase paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, photography and fine crafts from 40 juried artists that will appeal to all types of collectors. Artists keep 100 percent of art sale proceeds. The ArtSmart Tent will offer short talks by area art experts all day. Topics include collecting art, buying art from an artist's perspective, selecting art for your home and the framing, conservation and restoration of fine art. Seniors will showcase their artistic talent in the exhibit, "Thinking Outside the Box."
For and from children
The McLean Rotary Club is sponsoring the Children's ArtTent. The tent, coordinated by the New Dominion Women's Club with art supplies provided by Deirdre Maull, will have stations where children can make original creations, such as clay sculptures and watercolor paintings. Last year, more than 300 children visited the ArtTent. Also returning is the Children's ArtWalk, sponsored by the McLean Citizens Foundation -- a dazzling display of student artwork from public and private McLean-area elementary schools.
Live entertainment
The Gazebo Stage, sponsored by Prestige Tutors, will feature a variety of live performances throughout the day. Performers include the following: 10-10:45 a.m., McLean Youth Orchestra Chamber Ensemble; 11-11:45 a.m., choirs from the Potomac School; noon-12:45 p.m., Afro Bop; 1-1:45 p.m., The Nighthawks; 2-2:45 p.m., Chelsea Lee; 3-3:45 p.m., Bob Perilla and Big Hillbilly Bluegrass; 4-4:45 p.m., Drum Daniel.
Refreshments
Moorenko's Ice Cream Cafe again will be selling Berry Artsy, a treat made especially for the MPAartfest. Food also will be provided by the Lebanese Taverna, Morton's Steakhouse, Greenberry's Coffee and Tea Co. and Vinson Hall. The Kettle Korn Man will return as well. A portion of artfest's food proceeds will benefit MPA exhibitions and educational programs.
Volunteers
More than 150 community volunteers, including MPA Board members, business professionals, seniors and soccer moms, have been working for months on MPAartfest. Rotarians also will be volunteering in a variety of activities, ranging from setting up and taking down tents to directing traffic. Artfest chair is MPA board member Bari Levingston.
Parking and directions
McLean Central Park is at the intersection of Dolley Madison Boulevard (Route 123) and Old Dominion Drive. Satellite parking will be available at Cardinal Bank at the intersection of Dolley Madison Boulevard and Beverly Road. Overflow parking is available at 6862 Elm St. From both parking locations, free and frequent shuttle bus service will ferry passengers to and from the artfest site. (Montessori School of McLean is providing the shuttles and drivers.) A drop-off area and limited parking, including handicap access spaces, will be in the parking areas at Dolley Madison Library and the McLean Community Center off of Ingleside Avenue. On-site golf carts will provide assistance on request. Do not park on neighborhood streets.
More information
Call McLean Project for the Arts at 703-790-1012 or visit www.mpaart.org.
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