VOL. 1 #5 AUG./SEPT. 2022
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
MUSIC IN PWC PARKS ALL SUMMER LONG FIND PRINCE WILLIAM ARTISTS’ WORKS IN JAPAN
ART’S NEW HIDDEN GEMS SHOWCASING GREATER PWC’S YOUNG-N-TALENTED
Heart House Inclusive Productions, Inc.
Heart House Inclusive Productions is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization designed to integrate actors and performers with disabilities into mainstream theater. HHIP envisions theater-goers enjoying performances which include actors with a wide variety of talents.
Creating A Hub for The Arts
Calling all artists: the Prince William County Arts Council needs YOUR talent! Dancers, singers, painters, jewelry designers–if you can do it, we can showcase it. Open Space Arts, located in Woodbridge’s Stonebridge Plaza, will exhibit your fine art in house, give you a studio space to make masterpieces, and host community workshops and networking events. Come on down with your art in hand (or get ready to shake what yer momma gave ya) at Open Space Arts! Reach us at (703) 792-8782.
Blac Francis Hologram Experience
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With the help of his collaborator Daniel Green, and Open Space Arts, Zac Sims, stage name Blac Francis created a sci-fi musical experience! With all original music and a hologram, Francis plunged audiences into a whole new experience in hopes to inspire those yearning for more.
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Workshop with kids for drum classes (Heritage Village)
Kojjo Opoku Reeves Artistic Director of Heritage Village teaching a drum, dance and painting class to youth groups Located in Open Space Art
PRINCE WILLAM COUNTY IN JAPAN
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WC Artist Korri Darkhearts connects As an artist attending the 2022 “Summer Slasher Festival” In Okinawa Japan. It was all about community and artists coming together after the stressful events of covid. It was the vision of coordinator, Sekoya kinsey, (of “Eyeineye Clothing”).
Korri Dearkheart on “Summer Slasher Festival”
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Visual artists displayed their works and talked about their process. Musical artists, Dancers and Designers performed and shared with the community. A large number of military bases can be found on the small island of the ryuku prefecture. In a way, this makes Okinawa it’s own small world full of people who are constantly going and coming. So artistic expression is a way of communication that navigates beyond language, it’s a way to share with other humans who we are. I was so happy to get a chance to be a part of that, and to bring my sound from both the east and west coast all the way here.
YOUR TIME TO SHINE Psst…hey, designers, architects, folks specializing in the applied arts, let’s highkey feature your art in our magazine. You shouldn’t hide a tour de force in your basement. Make it happen at Open Space Arts. #OSA
“BLACK KING” KOFI KARIKARI
W E W R I T E
KIM B
MILLER
We inhale a breath given
We all do
Hold time in our lungs
If words suffocate there is no communication
Exhaling slowly, we watch our thoughts materializing We quilt words Written softly or etched in painful seasons We write We write to explain the words that only we can hear An internal argument with the pen refereeing We write to tell a truth you can’t swallow in its original form We appetize love We punch you with horror We slap abuse in your face We release painful memories that thought they found a forever home We write Some dare speak it Everyone who writes is a weight lifter Literature is heavy, sometimes pretty, always breathable
Words are on life support because literature is seen as an accessory So, we write We write hoping our truth finds rental property with an option to buy We write for silence who wants no company We write for us We make breadcrumbs with our ink We want you to find the point We want you to embrace an undiscovered moment We want you to hear us, read us, feel us Use us We are your introduction to newness We remind you of possibilities We are writers We write Don’t write us off
Pens hold sanity We don’t listen to reason, we create it We never knew a gift could comfort itself Medicine is in the pen I’ve watched it heal I’ve seen words release agony Why write Because someone needs these literary vitamins
KIM B. MILLER Poet Laureate Of the Greater Prince William County Area
ONLINE ART SALE
Open Space Arts features enhances with each new creator that walks through our doors. Staying true to the art of innovation and development, members and artists across the County will have an opportunity to participate in Open Space Arts live streaming art exhibitions and sales. The future of selling art online is now, and with the talented creatives of Akimmel Films production team, who have become dedicated members of the PWC Arts Council, they now offer this service. Look for your opportunity to go live with “Lights!, Camera!, Action!” selling your art starting January 1st 2023
PAINTING IN THE ROUND COMING SEPTEMBER 10 2022 Connecting with local businesses to create community engagement projects is one way that the Arts Council of PWC stays connected. As such an upcoming event with Muse Paint-Bar will bring together 20 professional artist with a live paint project that is to benefit community arts.
“VENICE” KELLY HANEKLAU PWAS MEMBER
Out Loud and in the Park! BLACK MUSIC MONTH CELEBRATION
B
lack Music Month Celebration, presented by the Arts Council, struck a chord in the month of June at Locust Shade Park.
Featuring Poet Laureate Kim B. Miller and friends it was filled with music, poetry, children playing, games, food, and most importantly people who understood and appreciated the contributions that black music makes in our lives, past and present. If you missed your opportunity this year to participate, worry not, this is becoming an annual event and you will get your chance to join in the fun in 2023!
Emerging Artists of A
nnual celebration of emerging artists that help grow the arts in Prince William County and sustain creativity in our community.
As doors opened at 6pm the once empty Open Space Arts gallery came alive with a rush of spectators eager to experience the student art show. The space was crowded with viewers off the street and proud parents who got the chance to view their child’s first gallery exhibition. Here is a slight piece on each artist along with some photos of their art.
PWC
KOFI Kofi was introduced to Open Space Arts through his aunt. He emailed some of his work to the center and was immediately inducted into the emerging artist experience and gallery. Kofi went on to design some displays for the center and while he draws inspiration from Kieth Herring and Mr. Doodle, his style remains highly distinguishable.
LA ZERO LA Zero is a local artist who stumbled into Open Space Arts, dropped off his paintings, and disappeared into the night. It wasn’t until emerging artist Kofi recognized LA Zero’s unique style and managed to link his credentials back to the gallery. Inspired by Basquiat, LA Zero’s workflow is chaotic and sporadic; you can’t turn your head or blink during his creative process if you wish to witness it!
KYLA Kyla was brought into Open Space Arts via her father who suggested she submit her work through the online submission portal. Kyla uses her body as a tool to create her pieces from stepping on her canvas bare foot, using her fingers as a brush, or kissing the canvas directly. During the interview with Kyla we discovered that instead of pursuing inspiration she allows her mood to guide her artistic vision.
AMAIRRA Amairra’s work pops both in contrast and separation through multiple mediums. She mixes 3D and 2D elements to amplify the depth of her pieces. Her creations were cultivated in secret during the pandemic which shocked and inspired her father enough to submit them to Open Space Arts.
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Katherine Gotthardt, M.Ed. President, Write by the Rails
ot everyone who writes poetry is comfortable working with people who have disabilities, especially disabilities that limit the kind of communication they are accustomed to. If we want to make poetry more inclusive, we must educate ourselves about learning language and communication differences, finding ways to draw in those who need an invitation and a safe environment where they can to practice the literary arts. People who can teach us to be more open and accessible as artists and not be afraid to say, “I don’t understand, but I want to.” When we go outside our comfort zone to include those with disabilities affecting language and invite them to write poetry, we are making space for everyone to grow and for poetry in all its magical forms to be shared and cherished. Are you ready to do the research? Are you ready to find people who can help you include poets with disabilities? What plan will you put in place to make it happen? The future of poetry depends on our willingness to make it accessible to everyone through teaching, reading and writing. Let’s be sure it includes people with disabilities. Inviting Everyone In.
By Katherine Gotthardt, M.Ed.
A Festival Celebrating Local Arts Sunday, September 11, 12–4pm Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle Manassas, VA 20110
Live performances and exhibits by local artists and art organizations • Visual art on display and for sale • Local writers reading and selling their work • Hands-on activities and live demonstrations for all ages • Food and beverages available for purchase and so much more… Sponsored by:
Visit www.pwcartscouncil.org for a full schedule and list of participants.
DANCE l THEATRE l MUSIC l LITERARY ARTS l VISUAL ARTS
Virginia National Ballet 10th Anniversary Performance Season 2022-23 The Nutcracker The Nutcracker Aladdin Aladdin 10 Year Gala VNB in DC
Hylton Performing Arts Center Capital One Hall Hylton Performing Arts Center Capital One Hall Hylton Performing Arts Center Atlas Performing Arts Center
Nov 2022 Dec 2022 Feb 2023 Mar 2023 Apr 2023 May 2023
Anybody Can Paint Local Streamers of the live podcast show “Painting With Friends” sit down with local artist to chat and paint. Interviews are live online on twitch in front of a live streaming audience.
Do you like to paint or draw?
Make people laugh? How about singing and dancing in front of a crowd? If you said yes to any of these questions then The Prince William County Arts Council WANTS YOU! Open Space Arts, located in Woodbridge’s Stonebridge Plaza (across from the DSW), exhibits artist work from jewelry, sculptures, paintings, and more. Open Space Arts also features a variety of performance artists in community festivals and offers workshops specific to artist needs (especially those wanting to sell their art!) If you’re an artist, an art collector, or just want to volunteer in local community events–maybe meet other artists, too–call Open Space Arts at (703) 792-8782.
Poet Laureate
Held in October, the Poet Laureate biennial ceremony involves the PWC Arts Council Board coming together to select a Poet Laureate to represent the County for two years. The designation is led by a selected panel of community members in the literary field. The selected Poet receives a stipend during their reign and is expected to participate in community programming and other events.
In the Company of Laureates
This Prince William County Art Council biennial event started in 2015 to bring back the art of poetry to PWC. Laureates from all over the United States and the world gather in a comradery of excellence for this two-day event. The event is packed with discussions, lectures, workshops and Open Mic presentations. This year, upwards of 30 Laureates will present their original works live in front of an audience. Held in October, the Company of Laureates hosts roundtable discussions and workshops that incorporate VA Standards of Learning and supplement learning at the middle, high school, and college level. (For event location details contact 703-361-3276)
Seefeldt Awards
PWC Arts Awards - Held each April, the Kathleen K. Seefeldt Awards for Arts Excellence honors artists, arts organizations, volunteers, educators, and businesses that sustain Kathleen Seefeldt’s legacy of public service and support for the cultural arts in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park. All Candidates must live, work, or volunteer in the Region; have made significant or distinguished contribution to the arts in the Region; be aged 18 or older at the time of nomination; be available to attend the ceremony and not have won a Seefeldt Award in the last five years in that category. Kyla Ericson 2022
Liana Paniyeva’s Benefit Concerts
The Woodbridge Music Club’s most recent event was the piano concert of Liana Paniyeva on June 4, 2022. A related photo is attached, and information on the concert follows: The Woodbridge Music Club’s sponsored concert featuring Ukrainian pianist Liana Paniyeva on June 4, 2022, was an outstanding success. The audience was treated to a marvelous performance by this phenomenal pianist. Impressively, $1,153.00 was donated by our audience for the aid of war-torn Ukraine. Many thanks for the generosity of all who contributed! Additionally, the Woodbridge Music club arranged for Liana to repeat this program on June 5 for Franconia United Methodist Church. An additional six hundred dollars was donated for the aid of Ukraine at that concert, bringing the total donation amount for the two concerts to $1,753.00. One hundred percent of these donations are being utilized by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to assist Ukrainians with food, water, medicine, clothing, shelter, and transportation. Thank you for your membership and continued support!
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OPEN SPACE ARTS
pen Space Arts is a multi-use gallery arts facility centered in the heart of Stone Bridge Shops. It is a large, flexible gathering place that hosts celebrations, classes, and performances of all kinds that serve the community at large with artists at the core. We offer a lively and diverse range of exhibits, performances, arts related programming, and so much more. This is the place and space where creatives gather to celebrate the unbreakable bond between arts and community. We co-create extraordinary artistic, community-building experiences that enrich and inspire all involved.
First Impressions
Vaze - Discovering the Open Space Arts Center was a curious meeting by chance. I never would have gone in on my own accord, without the invite of Herb Williams. When I first saw the space briefly, I discarded it as a whatever. However when I met Herb and he discussed his ideas for all arts and artist, and I was sold. This felt like the progress I wanted to be a part of. Walking in with this vision in mind now felt like being a kid in a candy shop. As I was finally being offered a space to express my ideas in a medium outside of borders. For a long time, living in Woodbridge, I felt we lacked many if any spaces to cultivate a genuine artistic direction and community. The idea of being an art major had always felt silly. Finding this space was like the end to a long fight and realizing maybe people could dream of doing something besides their ‘fall back’. No longer were things in black and white, things finally had an outlook of color, there was opportunity here.
Confidence I
is Key
have never interviewed and painted with someone brimming with more confidence than Kyla Ericson. She immediately grabs the canvas and says I know what I want to paint with certainty. Something other guests usually react to in shock and horror. Being told to paint with no direction given, sends most of them into a slight panic but not Kyla. She attributes this confidence to the period of meditation that was accompanied with the global lockdown caused by Covid-19. During this time period she asked herself what her trajectory in life would be
and decided to pursue her passions in life. She took to the head shots and composite cards. Submitting to various agencies to land herself a modeling gig. She makes it seem so nonchalant as she discusses her life pursuit of strutting the runaway among flashing lights... “What is fear in that scenario” I ask She describes her first runway experience as a bit frightening and nerve wrecking, but to her all events present a little panic and order. The environment is always encouraging and the people are so nice. She went from makeup to runway and since that day hasn’t turned back. She’s walked a many a runways and even been in magazines. Her dream is to model for fashion week in Europe. Maybe even see Kanye West in the audience as she models Balenciaga. So what does this have to do with art? Where does she find the time to make art? The answer is down time. Between gigs, Kyla is working on art in her own space at home. She says this while I watch her drip paint, and smudge her fingers into her piece during the interview. I literally have to rewire my brain as I witness her
spill paint on herself then apply to it the piece along with glitter and other sandy materials. She thrives on adding textures to her pieces and holds no remorse for the dress saying “Art happens”. She explains how she has stepped on paintings barefoot, used her hands and even kissed canvases. I was watching her live her art through body and soul. She attributes majority of her success to Modeling and Art to her parents. Her father notified her of the Open Arts Space to get her pieces submitted. Her Mom who she calls her “Momager” (a mix between Mom and Manager) helps her with all her modeling events. After this interview I began to wonder just how many artists like Kyla exist in Prince William County and how many more extraordinary people might I meet through the Open Spaces Art Center. Just how fundamental might this environment be in the coming months to the artistic growth and culture of Woodbridge as it becomes more cemented here.
“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”
“...as artist diversity should be celebrated through all mediums, but through the years that has not always been the case. Celebration and acceptance of diversity should be common place I worked with an actor once that was not fond of gay people, and did not like being on stage with anyone that was gay, this was in the 80’s. I remember not understanding his lack of acceptance especially since he was in the theater. I told him you cannot work on stage opposite someone that you may be against. With all the divisiveness let us as artists be the peacemakers and always remember that there is ART in HEART.” Prince William Arts Council Chair, Ron Crigger
Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra playing at the Open Space Art Center in the month of July.
Manassas Symphony Orchestra, Inc. August/September 2022 Events The Manassas Symphony Orchestra Presents the Raleigh Ringers Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Drive Manassas, VA 20110
MSO Rocks Sunday, August 28, 2022 at 3:00 pm Locust Shade Park Amphitheater 4701 Locust Shade Drive Triangle, VA 22172 Free Concert
Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for military personnel (active and retired), $10 for students & youth (18 and under).
MSO Rocks: A Sunday Funday Concert Sunday, September 4, 2022 at 3:00 pm Harris Pavilion 9201 Center Street Manassas, VA 20110 Free Concert
Tickets available online at HYLTONCENTER.ORG, or by calling the Hylton Performing Arts Center at 703.993.7759 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Join Us!! PWC Arts Council memberships opened July 1st and goes through September 30th Membership lasts for a year, you can signup via QR code or website link: https://pwcartscouncil.org/
Final Senior Editors Meeting. July 2022
An Art Felt Hello from Ron Crigger As we welcome in FY2023, let us continue to renew the hope that is out there through the arts. Sing out, dance, play that musical instrument, perform on that stage, cite the beautiful poetry and before it’s all said and done, paint that beautiful painting. We are a lucky people as we are inspired by such wonderful people who make up the Prince William Arts Council. We welcome our newest members and appointees and are looking forward to sharing with you as we travel down this colorful and diverse path. Let us share ideas, network, and make those who are on the outside looking in want to join and be a part of this great organization. Prince William County has always been a County of great artist going back to the 70’s and the Dalewood Musical Theater. Prince William County Schools has also been rich in the arts and we should make it our goal to include the students in our events, nurturing them along their artistic path, motivating them to stick with the arts as I did, learning from second grade tempura paint, third grade playing in The Three Little Pigs to High School drama, art, and marching band. It is through those experiences that I have had many opportunities in my life in the arts as I am sure many of you have, and now let’s make sure we share our talents with all who want to learn. No one is too old or too young to start on their adventure. Let’s make FY 2023 an artistic and memorable year.
Senior Art News Magazine Editors W Etkins, Aaron Kimmel, Donnell Taylor, Kofi Karikari, Serge Magnavox, Herb Williams, Brandon Etkins