ArtsFairfax | FFXnow

Pandemic-inspired ‘Circles of Memory’ memorial unveiled in Fairfax

Published September 24, 2026 at 3:45PM

The new “Circles of Memory” memorial near the Herrity Building. (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

Fairfax County marked the installation of its newest public artwork, conceived several years ago as a way to honor local residents lost to COVID-19, with a ceremony attended by a small crowd of people yesterday (Sept. 23).

“Circles of Memory,” located near the county’s Herrity Building and Public Safety Headquarters in Fairfax, was envisioned as a way to memorialize local people lost in the pandemic; in 2024, according to county zoning records, its purpose was expanded to also provide an area of “respite, reflection and remembrance in support of the mental health well-being” of the public and first responders.

Around Town

Month-long celebration of the arts returns to Fairfax in October

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published September 22, 2026 at 8:30AM

A band performs at the inaugural Mason Arts Festival. (Courtesy ArtsFairfax)

For the second year in a row, Fairfax County’s designated nonprofit arts agency is hosting a month-long celebration of the arts — and this time, there will be twice as many opportunities to join in the festivities.

Organized by ArtsFairfax, the “artoberVA” initiative will offer residents a variety of ways to enjoy the visual, performing, literary and culinary arts. More than 60 discounts and events from over 40 artists and organizations in Fairfax city and county are planned throughout October.

Countywide

ArtsFairfax awards grants to aid organizations in all corners of county

By Scott McCaffrey

Published August 14, 2026 at 3:30PM

The McLean Symphony performs at the Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church in June 2026 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

ArtsFairfax’s $601,900 in new operating support grants exceeds last year’s support by $10,000 and will aid organizations in all nine county magisterial districts plus the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.

The organization announced its fiscal year 2027 grant awards on Thursday (Aug. 13). A total of 65 local arts groups will receive funds, up from 56 a year ago. Four organizations were first-time recipients.

News

Community arts groups report boost from Capital One Hall access

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 30, 2026 at 2:45PM

A reception celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Capital One Hall Community Arts Partnership (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Since opening in October 2021, Capital One Hall has drawn an array of nationally recognized musical and comedy acts, Broadway shows and even a circus to Tysons, but the performing arts venue has also opened doors for many local community and nonprofit artists.

Thanks to a Community Arts Partnership with ArtsFairfax, Fairfax County’s official arts agency, Capital One Hall (7750 Capital One Tower Road) has hosted 48 local nonprofits so far have collectively drawn more than 61,000 attendees and generated $2.4 million in ticket revenue, officials shared at a July 14 reception celebrating the collaboration’s first five seasons.

Around Town

ArtsFairfax launches exhibition series bringing local artists into new community venues

By Tadi Abedje

Published July 16, 2026 at 1:45PM | Updated July 16, 2026 at 4:00PM

Visitors enjoy art on display at the Lincolnia Senior Center (courtesy ArtsFairfax)

ArtsFairfax is planning a series of exhibitions to showcase local artists around Fairfax County.

The “ArtsFairfax Presents” initiative was developed after a survey commissioned by the local arts agency last year revealed that, for many artists working in Fairfax County, finding affordable and appropriate spaces to showcase their work can be a challenge.

News

Choral singer, McLean arts center namesake among winners of 2026 ArtsFairfax Awards

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 22, 2026 at 9:15AM

The 2026 ArtsFairfax Awards will go to Bruce Berlage, Karen and Jim Cleveland, the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation and Thomas Beveridge (courtesy ArtsFairfax)

Support for the arts can take different forms, as evidenced by the honorees who will take center stage this fall at the 2026 ArtsFairfax Awards.

ArtsFairfax announced earlier this month that this year’s recipients of the annual awards will be longtime McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) donor and board member Bruce Berlage, Reston community leaders Karen and Jim Cleveland, the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation and D.C.-area singer, conductor and composer Thomas Beveridge.

Around Town

Fairfax County unveils National Poetry Month events with food, live readings and more

By Jared Serre

Published April 1, 2026 at 3:45PM

Angelique Palmer has been appointed the Fairfax County poet laureate for 2024-2027 (courtesy ArtsFairfax)

As the calendar flips to April, organizers around Fairfax County are prepared to celebrate National Poetry Month.

With the support of ArtsFairfax, Fairfax County Poet Laureate Angelique Palmer is launching a “Poetry &” initiative that will bring a handful of events to the county throughout the month, with some starting as soon as next week.

Around Town

Fairfax City nominated for national poll to identify best small town arts scene

By Emily Leayman

Published January 28, 2026 at 8:30AM | Updated January 28, 2026 at 5:14PM

Greetings from the City of Fairfax mural (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax City is in the running to be ranked among the nation’s best small town arts scenes.

USA Today’s panel of independent editors nominated Fairfax for Best Small Town Arts Scene in its 10Best awards. There are 20 communities across the U.S. nominated in the category, including Abingdon in Southwest Virginia.

Around Town

Exhibition featuring local artists now on display at Springfield Town Center

By Jared Serre

Published October 24, 2025 at 3:45PM

Left to right: Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk with artist Isabella Merlos, Springfield Town Center General Manager Eric Christensen, ArtsFairfax President and CEO Stuart Holt and ArtsFairfax Board Chair Michael Liberman at the mall's art exhibition opening on Oct. 16, 2025 (courtesy ArtsFairfax)

A new art installation has been unveiled at Springfield Town Center.

The gallery wall, which opened last week through a collaboration between the mall and ArtsFairfax, features seven works from a handful of local artists.

Around Town

Boutique shop celebrating noted Iranian American artist coming to Reston Town Center

By Jamie Rogers

Published October 17, 2025 at 1:45PM | Updated October 17, 2025 at 4:22PM

Artist Nasser Ovissi and his daughter, Maryam Ovissi, in their new boutique at Reston Town Center (photo by Nosrat Tarighi)

A boutique dedicated to the oeuvre of an Iranian American painter, sculptor, and printmaker will host its grand opening in Reston Town Center next month (Nov. 9) from 3 to 5 p.m.

Nasser Ovissi, a former diplomat and cultural attaché under Iran’s former Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, settled in Reston in the 1980s, opening a studio that has since become an artist collective.