[Archived] Alexandria Festival of the Arts

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

Sept. 2, 2003

Contact: 703-838-4200
Laura Overstreet, ext. 206
Merrie Morris, ext. 205

NEW!
ALEXANDRIA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS LAUNCHES
FALL FOR THE ARTS SEASON
Two-day Outdoor Juried Arts Festival Brings More Than 150 Nationally Recognized Artists to Old Town Alexandria, Sept. 13-14

It’s been called Virginia’s “Miracle Mile of Art and Antiques” by Art & Antiques magazine for its many upscale galleries and the well-known Torpedo Factory Art Center. This fall, Alexandria, Virginia will kick of its Fall for the Arts season with the new Alexandria Festival of the Arts, Sept. 13-14, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day, rain or shine. Admission is free.

For the first time ever, the City of Alexandria will transform several blocks of historic King Street in the heart of Old Town into an outdoor, canopy-covered gallery, featuring the artwork of more than 150 of the nation’s top award-winning artists. Sculptures, paintings, photography, fuse-glass, jewelry, and more will be on display and for sale. Additionally, Alexandria’s own fine art and antique galleries will offer the superb selection of original works for which the City has gained national recognition. Live performances and demonstrations and special retail, dining and hotel offers will round out the two-day festival weekend.

The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association will host the festival, which is produced by Howard Alan Events, Ltd., known for producing similar nationally recognized shows at other well-known, high-end destinations around the country. Festival sponsors include the City of Alexandria, BIG 100 FM-WBIG, and the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority.

An original graphic design depicting the city’s beloved bronze sculpture “Brio,” a landmark at historic Market Square in Old Town Alexandria, will be used for posters, T-shirts, and souvenir magnets which will be sold during the festival. Proceeds from the sale of these items will be donated to Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN of Northern Virginia), a local non-profit dedicated to promoting the well-being of children, improving parent-child relations, and preventing child abuse and neglect.

Located three miles south of Reagan National Airport across the Potomac from Washington, DC, historic Alexandria is easily accessed by Metro, the Capital Beltway/I-95, and nearby Dulles International Airport. Take Metro to King Street Station (yellow & blue lines). “Dash About,” Alexandria’s free weekend shuttle bus, will offer service from the King Street Metro and from designated parking areas in the City. Complete information on the festival can be found on www.FunSide.com or by calling 888-738-2764.