Promoting the development of artistic expression throughout Loudoun County

Press Room

Media Contact:
Jan Blacka
703-919-1259

NEWS BITS

LAC News Releases

The Long and Winding Road to the Arts Center at Franklin Park

It was almost ten years ago when the Barns at Franklin Park, Inc. began constructing an arts center on the foundation of an old dairy barn. Today, thanks to the efforts of many patient individuals, organizations and the county government, the Franklin Park Visual and Performing Arts Center is finally open to the public.

At a dignitary-filled event held in February, the Center opened with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. The auditorium held a standing room only audience filled with long-time supporters of the project as well as local artists and representatives from arts organizations. The opening also included performances by Dolly Stevens, VSA-Arts, Hamilton Trio, Jazz and Company (part of the Loudoun School of Ballet), and Flint Hollow, all local performers, as well as art displayed from the 9th Annual Youth Art Show.

The doors are open to the public at the Franklin Park Visual and Performing Arts Center

After years of little progress, the flurry of activity began when the county voters approved the money to complete the arts center in 2004. The office space was completed last summer, and the staff moved in. At the same time, the upper level drywall and public restrooms were completed, and the seats and carpeting were installed in the theatre. "People who have been involved with the project from the beginning walk into the theatre, and they have tears in their eyes seeing the seats," VSA specialist, Benjamin Shoenberger, commented.

Since then, the dressing rooms and green room have been completed, the driveway has been paved, the silo has been re-roofed, and fire suppression system is operational. The stage floor has also been also installed. The only item remaining is the air conditioning. The purchase for that system was approved last year by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, and should be installed later this year.

The Arts Center is also now available for rental by the public. A fee schedule has been approved, and reservations are already being taken. Among the spaces available for rent are the auditorium, the lobby/gallery space, and the Green Room level rooms. "The gallery is a nice, bright space, and there is lots of exposure to the public," said Barbara Sample, the Center's Volunteer Coordinator and a local photographer as well. Those interested in booking the Arts Center should contact the office for more details.

After languishing for years at the Round Hill Center, the staff is thrilled to have working space in the new Center. Jeffrey Stern heads up the staff as Manager along with Barbara Sample, Volunteer Coordinator; Benjamin Shoenberger, VSA Specialist; Alex Gomez, Technical Director; and Chris King, Customer Service Assistant. Several instructors are also on board to teach theatre, music, dance, visual arts and pre-kindergarten crafts.

Educational offerings continue to be on the agenda in the new center. For more information about the Franklin Park Visual and Performing Arts Center, classes, renting the facility or volunteer opportunities, please call (540) 338-7973.

— Heather Stillings

LEESBURG'S FIRST FRIDAY
Friday, May 2

Leesburg's First Friday takes a break for January, but for the rest of the year, First Friday means live entertainment and extended shopping hours throughout downtown historic Leesburg. Admission is FREE.

FOR AND ABOUT LOCAL ARTS ORGANIZATIONS

» "An Artful Afternoon" Benefit for the Historic Preservation of Round Hill Arts Center
4pm Sunday, May 4th at George's Mill Bed and Breakfast in Lovettsville, VA.

A group of Loudoun County business, government and community leaders have joined together to host a fundraiser for the preservation of the historic building that is home to western Loudoun's non-profit Round Hill Arts Center with wine tastings by Corcoran, Doukenie, Loudoun Valley and Village wineries, as well as gourmet cuisine prepared by the chefs of Magnolias at the Mill Restaurant, Savoir Fare Catering, Grandale Farm Restaurant, Talk of the Town and Tuscarora Mill Restaurant. The benefit will include live music on harp and classical guitar, a "mobile gallery" featuring local artwork from the center's selection, and a silent auction of artwork and other gifts donated by local patrons. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at $50 per person, and may be purchased by calling Round Hill Arts Center at (540) 338-5050.

In addition to preserving as much of the original structure as possible, Round Hill Arts Center hopes to add enhanced fire-safety features such as a sprinkler system and another stairwell from the second floor.

In undertaking the building work, Round Hill Arts Center will insure that the building can safely host the Arts Center's popular monthly Bluegrass and Folk Jam Sessions, which draw upwards of 200 attendees from the entire region on the last Friday of every month.

» Loudoun Sketch Club
Veteran painter Virginia Treviranus is the new President of the Loudoun Sketch Club, a growing organization of visual artists who exhibit their work throughout the county. For membership information, contact Sarita Moffat: 540-687-4241.

» Technical assistance grants for nonprofit arts organizations are available from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Eligibility requirements are contained on VCA's website: www.arts.state.va.us/

LOUDOUN ARTS DIRECTORY

The Loudoun Arts Directory, listing member artists, arts organizations, and art venues, is published by the Loudoun Arts Council and is slated to be available online sometime in 2008. Call (703) 777-7838 or info@loudounarts.org.



		HOME \| PROGRAMS \| CALENDAR \| ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES \| NEWS \| JOIN \| LINKS \| CONTACT US



Press Room Media Contact: Jan Blacka 703-919-1259		NEWS BITS LAC News Releases The Long and Winding Road to the Arts Center at Franklin Park It was almost ten years ago when the Barns at Franklin Park, Inc. began constructing an arts center on the foundation of an old dairy barn. Today, thanks to the efforts of many patient individuals, organizations and the county government, the Franklin Park Visual and Performing Arts Center is finally open to the public. At a dignitary-filled event held in February, the Center opened with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. The auditorium held a standing room only audience filled with long-time supporters of the project as well as local artists and representatives from arts organizations. The opening also included performances by Dolly Stevens, VSA-Arts, Hamilton Trio, Jazz and Company (part of the Loudoun School of Ballet), and Flint Hollow, all local performers, as well as art displayed from the 9th Annual Youth Art Show. After years of little progress, the flurry of activity began when the county voters approved the money to complete the arts center in 2004. The office space was completed last summer, and the staff moved in. At the same time, the upper level drywall and public restrooms were completed, and the seats and carpeting were installed in the theatre. "People who have been involved with the project from the beginning walk into the theatre, and they have tears in their eyes seeing the seats," VSA specialist, Benjamin Shoenberger, commented. Since then, the dressing rooms and green room have been completed, the driveway has been paved, the silo has been re-roofed, and fire suppression system is operational. The stage floor has also been also installed. The only item remaining is the air conditioning. The purchase for that system was approved last year by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, and should be installed later this year. The Arts Center is also now available for rental by the public. A fee schedule has been approved, and reservations are already being taken. Among the spaces available for rent are the auditorium, the lobby/gallery space, and the Green Room level rooms. "The gallery is a nice, bright space, and there is lots of exposure to the public," said Barbara Sample, the Center's Volunteer Coordinator and a local photographer as well. Those interested in booking the Arts Center should contact the office for more details. After languishing for years at the Round Hill Center, the staff is thrilled to have working space in the new Center. Jeffrey Stern heads up the staff as Manager along with Barbara Sample, Volunteer Coordinator; Benjamin Shoenberger, VSA Specialist; Alex Gomez, Technical Director; and Chris King, Customer Service Assistant. Several instructors are also on board to teach theatre, music, dance, visual arts and pre-kindergarten crafts. Educational offerings continue to be on the agenda in the new center. For more information about the Franklin Park Visual and Performing Arts Center, classes, renting the facility or volunteer opportunities, please call (540) 338-7973. — Heather Stillings LEESBURG'S FIRST FRIDAY Friday, May 2 Leesburg's First Friday takes a break for January, but for the rest of the year, First Friday means live entertainment and extended shopping hours throughout downtown historic Leesburg. Admission is FREE. FOR AND ABOUT LOCAL ARTS ORGANIZATIONS » "An Artful Afternoon" Benefit for the Historic Preservation of Round Hill Arts Center 4pm Sunday, May 4th at George's Mill Bed and Breakfast in Lovettsville, VA. A group of Loudoun County business, government and community leaders have joined together to host a fundraiser for the preservation of the historic building that is home to western Loudoun's non-profit Round Hill Arts Center with wine tastings by Corcoran, Doukenie, Loudoun Valley and Village wineries, as well as gourmet cuisine prepared by the chefs of Magnolias at the Mill Restaurant, Savoir Fare Catering, Grandale Farm Restaurant, Talk of the Town and Tuscarora Mill Restaurant. The benefit will include live music on harp and classical guitar, a "mobile gallery" featuring local artwork from the center's selection, and a silent auction of artwork and other gifts donated by local patrons. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at $50 per person, and may be purchased by calling Round Hill Arts Center at (540) 338-5050. In addition to preserving as much of the original structure as possible, Round Hill Arts Center hopes to add enhanced fire-safety features such as a sprinkler system and another stairwell from the second floor. In undertaking the building work, Round Hill Arts Center will insure that the building can safely host the Arts Center's popular monthly Bluegrass and Folk Jam Sessions, which draw upwards of 200 attendees from the entire region on the last Friday of every month. » Loudoun Sketch Club Veteran painter Virginia Treviranus is the new President of the Loudoun Sketch Club, a growing organization of visual artists who exhibit their work throughout the county. For membership information, contact Sarita Moffat: 540-687-4241. » Technical assistance grants for nonprofit arts organizations are available from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Eligibility requirements are contained on VCA's website: www.arts.state.va.us/ LOUDOUN ARTS DIRECTORY The Loudoun Arts Directory, listing member artists, arts organizations, and art venues, is published by the Loudoun Arts Council and is slated to be available online sometime in 2008. Call (703) 777-7838 or info@loudounarts.org.