Ann Rust Honored for Dedication to the Arts

A high tea was held at the Russia House, Sunday afternoon, honoring Ann Rust for her longtime support of the arts throughout Northern Virginia.

The event was sponsored by the Herndon Fortnightly Club, the Herndon Women’s Club and the Council for the Arts of Herndon.

About 85 people attended the second annual event, which was designed to support the Virginia Commission for the Arts and their Minds Wide Open program, celebrating women in the arts. Jean Goldsby, executive director of the Town Square Singers, and Pat MacIntyre were both honored last year.

Council for the Arts President Grace Wolf said Rust is someone whose has always had a vision for the role of arts in Herndon. Her personal commitment, as well as her personal service level, Wolf said, has really allowed the arts to flourish in both the town and state.

“She has been a very consistent supporter and honestly without Ann, and some of those early pioneers, we wouldn't have the Council for the Arts, we wouldn't have any of the wonderful art programs and focus that the town does that really sets our town apart, I think, from many other communities,” Wolf said.

Rust has served the community and the arts for many years in various roles. She served as an early board member of the Council for the Arts of Herndon before stepping in to serve as executive director in 1994.

As an active member of the board of directors for the Arts Council of Fairfax County, Rust has served as the chair of the International Children’s Festival held at Wolftrap Park for the Performing Arts, the fundraising chair and as chairman of the board of directors.

She was appointed to the Virginia Commission for the Arts in January 2008 by Governor Tim Kaine for an eighteen month unexpired term and was re-appointed by Kaine for a five year term on the board of the Commission.

Rust has also served on the committee for "Voices of Change," an art initiative for foster children in Virginia, and was appointed by Fairfax County Board of Supervisor Chairman Gerry Connolly to the Commission on the Future of the Arts in Fairfax County.

She was a founding member of the Initiative for Public Art - Reston, serves on the Executive Committee for the Herndon Festival and is an avid supporter of Herndon Community Television, Herndon Fortnightly Club, Council for the Arts of Herndon and Herndon Historical Society.

During the event, remarks were given by Vice Mayor Lisa Merkel, who presented Rust with a proclamation stating that March 27 would be Ann Rust Day in the Town of Herndon.

Supervisor John Foust also presented Rust with a plaque and certificate of recognition for her many years of arts advocacy and continued support for the arts in Fairfax County and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“Herndon is a wonderful community and I just think that it is a little bit overwhelming to me because there are so many people that do such great things,” Rust said, in regards to being honored.

“I think that the arts have a ripple effect in our community," she said. "Not only can they be a destination but I think that they can help to drive jobs in the economy. But more importantly I think it's what takes the concrete and the brick and turns it into a community.”

A champagne toast was made in honor of Rust's leadership and many accomplishments throughout the year. Council for the Arts' Vicky Rhinesworth said she was delighted to have a tea where everyone could come together to celebrate and support women in the arts. 

"You don't have to be an artist to support the arts," said Council for the Arts member Vicky Dorman. "Ann's advocacy for the arts and all the boards and commissions that she sits on are instrumental in the support that we have for the arts in Herndon.”