ARTS
PWC ARTS COUNCIL CHAIR
ALICE MERGLER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/MARKETING CHAIR
CARYLEE CARRINGTON
SECRETARY
SEAN PECK
TREASURER
PETER ALTEN
NOMINATIONS & MEMBERSHIP
RONALD CRIGGER
PROGRAMMING CHAIR
DAWNE HORIZONS
OUR CONTRIBUTORS
ELYSABETH MUSCAT
Virginia National Ballet
EBENEZER A. ALLOTEY
TEMA Choir USA
CORDULA STURM DAHAL
Utpalasia
CINDI LIN
Kinikia World Dance & Art
SHELLY REAGAN
The Stone House Quilters Guild
TOM PAYNE
Prince William Art Society
KELLY HANEKLAU
Art of Life Charities
PATTY PARKER
Manassas Symphony Orchestra
PWC Arts Council Chair
Welcome to the first edition of our new Arts Magazine. Please enjoy each article featuring our Prince William County Arts Council Members.
I recently went to a marvelous performance at the Ford Theater.This was a one-manshow featuring Lincoln and his writings. Even though it was dark, I tried to write several of this wonderful leader's thoughts in notes to find later. One of my favorites was, "The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Create It!" This has been my intention since moving here in 1975. Lincoln just put it more succinctly! Let me tell you a little history of our PWCAC, and then have you join us as we look toward our future.
Since becoming Chair, I have turned into kind of a missionary for the Prince William County Arts Council, for I am often asked, "Just what is the Council?"
The Prince William County Arts Council is a membership organization established by the Prince William County Park Authority in 1992. Even before this date, there were several Arts organizations here, beginning as far back as the early 80's when a few arts groups established The Cultural Art Federation. From this beginning, our mission has been to promote and support local artists and arts organizations, and to enlighten and educate audiences about The Arts in the County, and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
Our County and Cities are vested in promoting art in every form: dance, visual, literary, music, theater, and multi-media. We have many activities throughout the year both individually by our members and jointly as a Council.
The Arts Council is a membership-based community that is comprised of like-minded individuals, nonprofits, for profits, and community groups, with amateur and professional members coming together to advocate and educate for the ARTS! Our Council becomes the arts community's collective voice by increasing visibility through media outreach, public presentations and our website to encourage networking partnerships and collaboration among the arts. We also sponsor workshops and programs for our members, and for students in our schools.
Our website features arts calendars, Arts Council Members Profiles and photos of events. Please contact us at www.pwcartscouncil.org.
The Parks and Recreation Department serves as a unifying force for our organizations, and with their assistance, we advocate with the regional political bodies for Arts support. Each County Board of Supervisors appoints an Appointee to the Council to help connect us to the many activities of the County. Each appointee serves on the Art Council's Board.
Hopefully, this is a good answer to the Question! If not, a great way to learn more is to attend one of our monthly meetings, or one of our many performances at a venue near you. I will be watching for you!
"It is the glory and good of Art, That Art remains the one way possible. Of speaking truth - to mouths like mine, at least.'' - Robert Browning
Alice Mergler - mergleralice@gmail.com
Virginia National Ballet to Make Its New York City Debut in 2025
Manassas, VA — Virginia National Ballet (VNB) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated debut in New York City this spring. The company, celebrated for its innovative choreography and artistic excellence, will perform at the prestigious Ailey Citigroup Theater in midtown Manhattan on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 7:00 pm. Audiences can expect an enthralling evening of diverse dance styles, featuring selections that span the energetic hits of Queen, the sultry rhythms of Tango Nights, and the timeless beauty of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.
VNB's New York debut represents a significant milestone in its 12th season, as the company transitions from regional acclaim to a broader national stage. Managing Director Elysabeth Muscat expressed her excitement for the opportunity to showcase Artistic Director Rafik Hegab's dynamic choreography, performed by the company's talented roster of 20 dancers. The diverse cast includes artists from the United States, Canada, Cuba, Brazil, Nicaragua, Malaysia, Japan, and Uzbekistan.
Founded in 2013, Virginia National Ballet has rapidly gained recognition for its artistic achievements. The company has won multiple awards, including Inside NOVA’s "Best Performing Company" in 2024, and the Best Performing Arts Company, Best Instructor/Choreographer (Rafik Hegab), and Best
PHOTOS FROM TANGO NIGHTS, PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVE PEARSON
PHOTO FROM BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, PHOTO COURTESY OF MELEPHOTO.
Dance School in 2023 and 2022. VNB has also received accolades such as Northern Virginia Magazine’s "Best Dance Studio" in 2017 and Washington Parent’s "Parent Picks" in 2022. Hegab’s choreography has even been televised on PBS as part of the Emmy Award-winning production of Circle of Light, produced by Young Artists of America.
The upcoming performance will feature Bohemian Rhapsody, Tango Nights, and
Moonlight: Bohemian Rhapsody – Premiered in 2017, this piece brings the legendary music of Queen to life, offering a rock ballet experience that is as bold as it is artistic. Tango Nights – A unique blend of neoclassical ballet and tango, this piece premiered in 2021 and is set to the music of renowned Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla, capturing the intensity and passion of tango.
Moonlight – This newest creation by Artistic Director Rafik Hegab, choreographed to Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, starts with a quiet introspection and crescendos into a powerful, emotional experience.
Beyond its New York debut, VNB’s 2024-25 season features a rich lineup, including The Nutcracker, Snow White, and full productions at the Hylton Performing Arts Center and Capital One Hall in Tysons. Known for its local performances and Virginia-wide tours, VNB also frequently collaborates with symphony orchestras, enriching its artistic repertoire.
VNB invites dance lovers and new audiences alike to witness this groundbreaking performance, which promises an extraordinary journey through music and movement. For more information on this event or to purchase tickets, visit virginianationalballet.org/performances or email info@virginianationalballet.org.
Join Virginia National Ballet as they bring their artistry to one of the world’s most renowned dance stages, marking an exciting new chapter in the company’s inspiring journey.
PHOTO FROM THE FOUR SEASONS, PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTISTRY REIMAGINED
Tema Choir USA, Inc. Takes Its Roots From Famous Ghanaian Choral Music Group, Tema Youth Choir
Following the relocation of the founder of Tema Youth Choir, Ebenezer A. Allotey, to the United States of America from Ghana, Tema Choir USA was founded to sustain and build upon its sister choir’s praiseworthy feats. Founded in November 2019 under the direction of Ebenezer A. Allotey, Tema Choir USA is a diverse volunteer, non-auditioned choir with a mission to create community, foster unity and build a better world through music. Comprised of singers representing a wide range of age, religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds, Tema Choir USA uses choral music as a vehicle for bringing communities together in order to promote and create social change.
The choir celebrated its Fifth Anniversary Benefit Gala Concert on October 19 th , 2024, with help from New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and Alfred Street Baptist Church Trinity Choir of Alexandria. Individually, these choirs performed selections such as “Irish Eyes Are Smiling Medley –arranged by Teena Chinn”, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness – William Runyan, Arr. Nathan Carter,” “Aseda Se Wo Ohene (You deserve our thanks) by Sam Asare Bediako,” among many others. The three choirs combined and rendered “Yehowa Yeyi W’aye (Jehovah We Praise You) Arr. and Translated by George Mensah Essilfie” to close out a very successful and joyous concert.
Tema Choir USA has grown from strength to strength with a high standard of discipline over the past 5 years and has been able to bring emotional healing through music to the masses. In the coming years, the choir aims to reach a broader audience, within and beyond the borders of Prince William County, while providing spirit-filled music for the communities.
Tema Choir USA, New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County, and Alfred Street Baptist Church Trinity Choir of Alexandria.
SusanElizabeth’sArt
SeasonalArtbyKellyHaneklau
PWCArtsCouncilMemeber,Kelly Haneklauisamultidisciplinary freelanceartistwhoworks primarilyinacrylicandoils.She createscommissionedpaintings andmurals,isanillustrator,a speedpainterforK[squared]² performancegroup,andteaches artoutofherVirginia-basedstudio
“Mariposa"-16X20"acrylicpourbyEvelynM.Chatters,emergingartistinWoodbridge,VA
“DayHelp”-paystributeto HarlemRenaissanceartist JacobLawrence.Thisvivid coloracrylicpaintingpays respecttothehardworking AfricanAmericanwomen thattookavailablejobsto helpsecuretheirfamily survival.
“Gubas”-theGullah wordforpeanuts,pays respecttoAfrican Americanfarmersand GeorgeWashington Carverandhismany contributionsto agricultural advancementsinthe UnitedStates
Poemandacrylicpainting payshomagetothe thousandofAfrican Americansthatmadeup theGreatMigrationfrom southernstatesto northernstatesinsearch ofabetterlifebetweenthe yearsof1916-1970
Whenyougitupyondersendforme. Whenyougitupyondersendforme. MamaandDaddyaregone,I’mhereallalone.
Whenyougitupyonderpleasesendforme. Ain’tnoworkinthistown,I’velookedallaround; Whenyougitupyondersendforme. I’veworkedthefieldsinpain,it’sdrivingmeinsane, Whenyougitupnorthpleasesendforme.
Iheardthetrainwhistleblow, lotsofpeopleonthego.
Whenyougitupyondersendforme. IwanttostartanewandIwannabewithyou. Whenyougitupyonderpleasesendforme.
PoembyOtisL.Stanley
PWC Arts Council member and PWC School Crossing Guard ,Otis L. Stanley creates art in his SLIMRIC STUDIO in Woodbridge, Va. His themes often reflect his heritage and culture.
Utpalasia: Bridging Cultures Through Dance,
Heritage, and Artistry
Namaste! Utpalasia is a woman-owned cultural heritage organization whose roots date back to 2002, when the company was originally called Nepal Dance School. At that point in time, we were funding a modest training center in Nepal.
I was from Germany, which already had close ties through the university system with the then Kingdom of Nepal; my husband was Nepali, born and bred in the Middle Hills above the Kathmandu Valley. Together we shared a love for the country, its people, and most particularly, the arts. Professionally trained in dance and music, we decided to share our knowledge and experiences in the U.S. and settled in Prince William County in 2004. We became the only institution in the country that could boast a roster of four unique styles: classical North Indian Kathak, Tibetan Buddhist, Himalayan folk, and Bollywood fusion dance.
Our mission was to introduce audiences to the beauty of the Himalayas and South Asia through classes and interactive performances and programs that promote understanding, appreciation, and preservation of an incredible cultural heritage whose traditions are rooted in a combination of Hinduism and Buddhism. Over time and more than 23 years of intensive professional dance training, our daughter also became an integral part of the dream we brought to life so many years ago.
From the start, it was a labor of love. Audiences were enthralled with our custom made costumes, our house-designed ethnic jewelry, and the ability to experience a performance firsthand through their own participation. Children in school marveled at our media
Children in school marveled at our media presentations and after school workshops. Our dance classes became known for their diversity and original choreography. One of my favorite memories is when a young woman came up to me at a local park, saying she had seen us perform 12 years earlier and that it had been an unforgettable moment in her life.
We are proud to be a training and testing institution for the International Dance Council in Paris, a partner of UNESCO. Since 2013, Utpalasia has also curated rare vintage pieces of wearable art and sacred space ornaments for our shop on Etsy. The organization has a language branch as well, providing conversation classes in Nepali and professional interpretation/translation in four languages.
Today, Utpalasia has a history of presenting original site specific events that use dance and music as storytelling. Whether through programs at the Smithsonian, at military bases, multicultural festivals, in schools, community centers, or with Arts for Learning - Virginia, we continue to offer authentic experiences that have created a bridge between East and West. We enable young people from South Asian regions to identify with their heritage right here in the U.S. while new audiences can discover meaningful insights and engage in new conversations that enhance cultural responsiveness.
Visit us on social media @utpalasia.org
Celebrating the Art of Hula in the Mid-Atlantic
Kinikia is a celebrated Hula dancer in the MidAtlantic region, captivating audiences with the elegance and authenticity of Polynesian dance. With hundreds of performances to her credit, she has shared the beauty and cultural richness of Hula with diverse audiences, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events.
“captivating audiences with the elegance and authenticity of Polynesian dance.,”
A true leader in her craft, Kinikia has been instrumental in fostering the growth of Polynesian dance groups in the area, helping them flourish from their early stages. Her dedication to the art form goes beyond performance—she currently mentors her young children, passing on her deep appreciation for Polynesian culture and ensuring its legacy continues through the next generation.
Kinikia’s solo performances are a testament to her skill, grace, and passion for storytelling through movement. Whether it’s a traditional Hula or a dynamic Polynesian
routine, her artistry offers audiences an immersive cultural experience that honors the heritage of the Pacific Islands.
For more information about Kinikia and her performances, visit dchippodrome.org.
Usher in the holiday season as Manassas Symphony explores a wintery landscape.
SATURDAY | DECEMBER 14, 2024 | 3:30 PM Family Concert: Reveries
Leroy Anderson’s Trumpeter’s Lullaby | Eric Whitacre’s Goodnight Moon | Holiday Synchronized Light Show
TICKETS: $30 Levi Pardy, Trumpet | Christine Maxted, Soprano
The Stone House Quilters Guild of Manassas has offered free educational programs and community service opportunities in the quilting arts since 1994. The guild with its eighty-four members meets monthly at Grace United Methodist Church.
Meetings often include guest presenters, guild business, and a show-and-share presentation by the members. A small group of the members also meet as the Friday Bee each Friday morning at St. Thomas United Methodist Church to work on special projects. Visitors are welcome.
The guild hosted their annual quilt show at the Boys and Girls Club of Manassas in August with more than 120 quilts on display, a silent auction, and a cash-and-carry boutique. Attendees cast their ballots for their favorite quilts, and winners were presented with a beautiful handmade ribbon. This year the new Mayor’s Choice ribbon was awarded by Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. Each year the guild works collectively on a raffle quilt which is displayed at the show.
Proceeds from ticket sales are donated to a local charity organization. In 2023, the guild donated $4,500 to the Sweet Julia Grace Foundation and $3,500 to Semper K-9 Assistance Dogs in 2024. A local resident, Jennifer Rodd, recently contacted the guild through Facebook to donate some quilting fabrics that had belonged to her grandmother. One item in the box was a partially finished Double Wedding Ring quilt that her grandmother was not able to complete before she passed away ten years ago. Jennifer is visually impaired, so she was not able to complete the quilt. She thought the Stone House Quilters might put it to good use. Under the leadership of Deby Wine, several members completed the beautiful quilt then returned it to Jennifer to preserve a piece of her family’s history.
She was not able to see the finished result, but she could feel the excellent construction and was moved by the amount of time and love that the members had poured into the project.
Sean Martinelli, an Emmy award-winning journalist from the CBS affiliate in Washington D. C. featured Jennifer, Deby, and the quilters in a recent episode of “The Heart of It” which highlights feel-good stories in the metropolitan area. The segment about the Stone House Quilters can be viewed on WUSA9 and the fiftyone TEGNA-owned stations around the nation. Although not widely publicized, the guild has contributed quilts of all sizes to a wide range of organizations including the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program, the Willing Warriors Retreat in Haymarket, local Fire and Police groups, children’s hospitals, retirement centers, and more. The Stone House Quilters can be contacted at stonehousequilters.org or by messaging the Stone House Quilters Facebook page for more information.
Prince William Art Society Promotes Learning From Each Other “Art is life.”
BY TOM PAYNE (PWAS WORKSHOP COORDINATOR AND MEMBER AT LARGE)
The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) is a non-profit organization made up of local artists, living in Prince William County, Virginia. Our mission is to promote the creation, understanding and exhibition of the visual fine arts in the region.
During the 2024 calendar year, PWAS endeavored to create and offer a series of ten free art workshops for its members and the Prince William community at large. The diverse workshops were taught by well-known local artists and PWAS members.
“artists enjoy coming together and learning from each other.”
They included a wide variety of art interests and served aspiring artists across all ability levels, from beginner to advanced: Creative Plein Air Sketching (Marni Maree), Watercolor Essentials (Mark Murphy), Pen & Ink Drawing (Elizabeth Stathis), Pencil Drawing (Donna Merchant), Monochromania (Michele Frantz), Gilding: Metallic Foil Leafing (Bettie Sperty), Plein Air Oil Painting (Fred Markham), Plein Air Pastels. (Elizabeth Stathis), Plein Air Painting. (Michele Frantz),Mixed Media Art (Penny Shaw).
The workshops were all enthusiastically received and proved to be very successful. As you can see in the photographs, artists enjoy coming together and learning from each other. Plans for the 2025 free workshop series are currently underway. For more information, go to the Prince William Art Society website (https://www.princewilliamartsociety.c om/) and learn how you can join us and get involved. Art is life.
Art of Life Charities: Making a Difference Through the Arts
Changemakers and members of the Prince William County Arts Council, Art of Life Charities (AOLC), are using the power of the arts to uplift communities across the DMV. This local nonprofit recently made waves by raising over $21,000 for Boxes of Basics, a charity supporting children in need.
As AOLC gears up for its 2025 art programming, they are calling on artists and creatives to join their mission to make a lasting impact through creativity and community.
Want to get involved? Email them at artoflifecharities@gmail.com, visit their website at www.artoflifecharities.org, or connect on social media at @Art of Life Charities.
from Left to Right - Art of Life Charities Board Members, Peter Alten - Treasurer; Karen Propheter - Event Chair; Mary Rook - Secretary; Elizabeth Stathis - Executive Director; Kelly HaneklauFounder/President; Cindy Lancaster - Vice President; Alex Holzapfel - Social Media Chair; Sarah Aho - Grant Researcher
Pictured
Local artists, Evelyn Chatters, Jesmin Rashid and Anna Gatling, at the 2024 Art of Life Charities Gala in Gainesville, VA.
Manassas Symphony Orchestra Inspires Young Musicians Through Master Class with Marcolivia Duo
The Manassas Symphony Orchestra (MSO) recently sponsored a Master Class for young musicians at the Hylton Center for Performing Arts. Among the participants were Ella Mead and Athiana Reyes Corder, students at Charles J. Colgan Senior High School. Marc Ramirez and Olivia Hajioff, The Marcolivia Violin/Viola Duo, presented insight to hone and enhance the skills of each student.
"The Master Class with the Marcolivia Duo was helpful; not just for my concerto, but for my overall playing,” shared Ella Mead, following her recent experience of the Master Class. She added, “I learned several techniques to improve my shifting and tone quality within the context of the piece. They are fantastic musicians.” Ella was selected among several applicants to participate in the MSO Master Class held on October 25, 2024 at the Hylton Center for Performing Arts. Master Classes are held twice each year by renown musicians prior to their scheduled performances at the Center. MSO accepts applications to audition from local high school students who are recommended by their high school or private instructors. This has allowed dozens of students to play in an actual concert hall before renown, master teachers gleaning insight from their instruction.
Athiana Reyes Cordero, also an orchestra student at Colgan, appreciated Mr. Ramirez’ encouragement to “move my hand in a round motion as I place the bow on the string, preparing the hand to play by beginning in motion”. Additionally, Athiana stated that she “learned to use more weight in the upper half of my bow for a stronger sound at the tip”. Overall, she felt the Master Class was a great educational experience that will help her in future auditions.
Both students were recommended by Ben Bernstein, Director of Orchestras at Charles J. Colgan Senior High School. Mr. Bernstein highly recommended the young string musicians who played to his expectations.
Saturday, December 14, 2024, MSO will feature Levi Pardy, Kettle Run High School senior trumpet player, as a featured soloist on Leroy Anderson's Trumpeter's Lullaby. Join us for our traditional Music and Light Show Spectacular! MSO's next Master Class will be in March 2025 with violinist Leonid Sushansky, acclaimed by The Washington Post for his "gorgeous tone and passionate intensity." He will join Maestro James Villani and the MSO for Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor.
For further information for Master Classes or Hylton Center performances, please contact info@manassassymphony.org or phone 703.853.0749.
Olivia and Athiana Cordero
Marcolivia Duo
Tofosterthecreation,productionandappreciationoftheartsin theGreaterPrinceWilliamAreathroughADVOCACYand EDUCATION.
ThePrinceWilliamCountyArtsCouncilenvisionsaregionwhere: Peopleofallagesandcommunitiesexperience,feelconnectedtoand valuethearts.Theartssectorisresilientandhealthy.–Ourartistsand artsorganizationsarerecognizedlocally,regionally,andnationallyfor theirwork.–Theartsreflectthediversityofstoriesofalltheregion’s peopleandcommunities.
