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Arlington Arts Center
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Tue-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
5 reviews for Arlington Arts Center
If I knew there was an actual creative establishment mere blocks away from my apartment I would have gone to this place months ago. I've been taking the Metro into downtown to visit the art galleries there. I had no idea there was one literally right under my nose.
I went to the Arlington Arts Center for an opening of their spring solo shows yesterday. I found out about the place through a friend at work. Some of the art displayed was very interesting, while others were a little on the pretentious side. I will not find fault with the arts center for that, since it was only one opening.
The arts center is conveniently located about a block down from the Virginia Square metro. The beautiful building reminds me New England. It's a multi-level with enough space to maneuver around. The opening I went to attracted a young professional crowd, which is understandable considering the surrounding neighborhood. I would most assuredly check out more shows at the Arlington Arts Center.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
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Well, it's a cool building (the art galleries inside the bowels of the building bely the old school exterior -- venture inside!). I needed to find a figure drawing session. They have one on Wednesday evenings. $15 for one three hour session (or get a multi-pass for cheaper). I went two weeks ago, having read up on it online. It didn't say how long the poses were or what medium one could use... so I (doofus!) took my oils... one of the other participants sniffled that he didn't like the smell... and then they told me that some of the poses were one minute poses!
So, back last week. This time armed with paper and pencils. The model was a woman this week. All admiration to nude models but as I stared at her (that's what one is there to do); I realized that she was trembling. Fine, I figured that was from the exertion of holding a pose for 30 minutes. But, then I noticed her face getting redder and redder. She started to sniffle. And then she cried, fat tears rolling down her red cheek, dripping off her profile. If I were living in a novel, I would have guessed that she was nude modeling as a form of redemption or punishment. And, not a single person commented or offered a tissue. Including me.
While the model is shivering and emoting, and as I'm concentrating on the lines and shadows on her stomach, the guy next to me is making almost inaudible admonishments, "no, that's not right. Ugh, no, not that way." And so on. Next to him was a young man who discussed the interesting shading of "the back'" and then who would tune back into the bubblegum pop on his ipod.
My drawings were not nearly as fascinating as the characters in the room.
People thought this was:
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I'm so glad that this art and cultural center re-opened last month. It is a neat place to see work from Virginia based artists (and some from DC and Maryland, too).
The Arlington Arts Center offers local painters/sculptors, pottery peeps and drawers studio space as well as a place to exhibit their stuff. They also have a small theater here, but the focus is to give artists and curators as well as art critics a place to network.
I saw a show here last month that was called "Fresh Paint" which was the best show I had been to at this spot so far. Included in this exhibit was a "invite only" show of 14 artists, a video and sound installation, and a few works by a mixed media artist.
Go to an opening reception if you can (free appetizers and wine, people). There is an sculpture exhibit opening tomorrow night. Call to make sure you get a spot - it is free to attend.
People thought this was:
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I love this place! every exhibit I've seen here has shown a diverse collection of works ranging in mediums and styles. the center has 7 different gallery spaces which makes it a nice-sized gallery--you could easily spend a few hours looking at one exhibit. their current show "She's So Articulate" is really amazing. if you don't go there to see the art (which I can't imagine why you wouldn't) at least go there to see the beautiful floor to ceiling tiffany stained glass windows that live in the gallery at the end of the hallway on the first floor.
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I love this place. Lats time I was there...they hada multimedia exhibit with 4 screens on the floor. each was a 1/4 of a circle and the screens changed (bees, fire, the ocean, city streets, etc) as you walked around the room. The art center is definitely a place to checkout and see what is going on. :)
People thought this was:
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