Herndon's 'Arts Week' Kicks Off Sunday

If there's one thing that can be said about Herndon, it's that the town loves its art, and is home to many talented artists.

Both of those things are celebrated during the town's annual Arts Week, which kicks off this Sunday.

What is Arts Week?

Every year the Council for the Arts of Herndon designates a week in October for the celebration of the arts in Herndon. 

"Arts Week is a well-loved tradition in Herndon and is a wonderful opportunity to get out and try something new - enjoy new sights, discover new music, and connect with friends and artists, all in your hometown - and for not a lot of money," said Town Councilmember Grace Han Wolf, who also serves on the Board of Directors for the Council for the Arts. "Herndon is lucky to have a vibrant arts community, and there is something for everyone during Arts Week."

During this week, special activities are held at ArtSpace Herndon as well as at local restaurants, and local arts organizations arrange for activities that highlight the many opportunities to enjoy art in the town. 

This Year's Special Arts Week Events:

Portrait Competition: This year, the Council for the Arts (CAH) is again sponsoring the Portrait Competition at ArtSpace.  

This well-known Herndon-based art competition is being judged by Edward J. Reed, a critically acclaimed, international award-winning artist who juries numerous national and regional art competitions. Reed’s work is featured in the permanent collection of the Ratner Museum, and his work has appeared in the Washington Post, Artists’s Magazine, the Art of the Portrait Magazine, and more.  

The reception and awards ceremony for the competition will be held this Saturday, Oct. 5 from 7-9 p.m., and is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the municipal parking lot adjacent to ArtSpace.

Art Crawl: This year, the third annual Arts Crawl will be held next Wednesday, Oct. 9 at four local restaurants: Ice House Café, O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub, Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern and Mediterranean Breeze.  

Sponsored by the Council for the Arts, Herndon-area artists are available at each restaurant with examples of their work on display.  Light appetizers are available, and the bar is open on a pay-your-own way basis.  

According to CAH, last year’s artists sold around $5,000 worth of art during the Arts Crawl, while restaurant patrons had the opportunity to chat with artists like Keith Naquin, Lee Love, Mary Sears and others.  

This years’ list of artists also includes painter Meredith Andersen Hannon, clay sculptor Mercia Hobson, photographer Carla Steckley, and painter Angelika Shaefer. 

Signe Friedrichs of CAH said Arts Crawl is one of her favorite events of Arts Week each year.

“I am thrilled with this year’s ArtsWeek lineup, especially the ArtsCrawl!" she said. "The Arts Council really tries to provide opportunities for artists, and this year we are showcasing some wonderful new and returning talents."

"I hope everyone comes out to show their support for the arts and artists, from October 5-12, and every day," she added.

Sneak Peek of New Downtown Studio 'Potter's Fire': A brand-new addition to the ArtsCrawl this year is a sneak peek at one of downtown Herndon's newest businesses, Potter’s Fire.  

Potter’s Fire will officially open at 797-B Center Street during Arts Week, and will carry several different lines of custom and handmade pottery. On Oct. 9, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., art lovers will have the opportunity to see the new product lines, meet the owner and artists, and enjoy some light refreshments. This all leads up to Potter's Fire's official ribbon-cutting, scheduled to take place the next day on Oct. 10 with the mayor and councilmembers. 

Crosscurrents Concert 'Om Shalom': ArtSpace Herndon will be offering its own special events for Arts Week this year, including the Oct. 12 Crosscurrents concert, Om Shalom.  

At 8 p.m. in the Post Gallery, the Om Shalom Trio of Valeriya Sholokhova, Ranendra Kumar Das, and Abhik Mukherjee, award-winning international musicians, will play a fusion of Indian classical, Jewish folk and Far Eastern music. 

For more information on the concert, visit www.omshalomtrio.com. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors and children. ArtsSpace requests that concert-goers please purchase tickets in advance.  

Champagne and Chocolate Gala: Another special event at ArtSpace Herndon during Arts Week is the first annual Champagne and Chocolate Gala, a fundraiser for the future Herndon Arts Center. 

Ticket prices range from $25 and up, subject to one's desired donation amount.

'The 39 Steps' by NextStop Theatre: One of the highlights of Arts Week is Herndon's new professional theater company, NextStop Theatre, formerly known as Elden Street Players.

In the company's first production, NextStop presents The Thirty-Nine Steps, based on an Alfred Hitchcock screenplay. 

"This witty and clever play will keep you guessing, with well-known actors, surprise guests and a winning team of professional performers, some of whom are originally from Herndon!" Arts Week organizers say.  

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or at the box office at 269 Sunset Park Dr. in Herndon.

No Matter What Time of Year, Herndon is the Place for Art

The town of Herndon is home to many nonprofit and for-profit arts organizations that offer vibrant and enriching events all year round.

"Herndon is establishing itself as a regionally-known arts community, and Herndon Arts Week is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our local artists and venues," said Mayor Lisa Merkel. "ArtSpace, Classical Ballet Theatre and the newly professional NextStop Theatre are just a taste of what the town has to offer."

"The Council for the Arts of Herndon outdoes itself every year with special events throughout the week - I look forward to it every fall!"

Visit the Council for the Arts of Herndon Facebook page for the latest happenings, calls for art and public arts news, and ways you can support the local arts community.

Are you a fan of Arts Week? What are some of your favorite aspects of the annual event? Tell us in the comments below.

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