ArtSpace to Hold New Years Eve Celebration

ArtSpace Herndon is opening its doors at 7 p.m. Dec. 31 to invite area residents to ring in the New Year together with the arts.

Visitors can view the current exhibit, A Touch of Red, listen to holiday music played live in the gallery and participate in additional activities during the evening.

There will be a children’s portion that includes a hands-on-art activity led by artists and original storytelling about a train that once ran through downtown Herndon.

At 9 p.m. a bonfire will be held on the ArtSpace lawn with colorful flames and a candlelight ceremony will welcome 2012. Attendees can warm up with hot cocoa and spiced cider. The family activities are free and open to the public. People are also encouraged to have dinner at a downtown Herndon restaurant before attending.

Once the family activities wind down, ArtSpace will open its doors again with a New Year’s Eve Music Café at 10:30 p.m. The Al Robertson Quartet will be playing jazz in the style of the “unforgettable” Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. The Sapphire Gallery will be screening the live proceedings from Time Square.

Tickets are $15 per person if purchased by Dec. 18. The evening will also include an variety of hors d’ourves, desserts and a champagne toast. Wines and other beverages can be purchased at a cash bar throughout the evening.

There is limited seating so it is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance by calling 703-956-6590 or online at www.ArtSpaceHerndon.org. Click the link for Exhibits & Events and scroll down to the New Year’s Eve event. ArtSpace, 750 Center St., is hosting the events as part of a local challenge grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, administered by the Town of Herndon.