Mar 16, 2010

Welcome to the time of year known by many names; 'The Ides of March', 'March Madness', or my favorite; "I can't believe I lost an hour of sleep!'. We've been doing some sprucing-up around here, including our newsletter format; now you can surf our newsletters like you would our website - we hope you'll find it easier to use.

After a wonderful run of VSA's Cinderella, we are about to launch into one of our most eclectic weekends of music since we opened, and it all begins this Thursday — check out the details below! You won't want to miss any of these talented performers (hey, when's the last time you enjoyed a ukulele performer, or a marimba performance?). Goose Creek Live has put together a trio of talented women to perform for you on Saturday night and it is sure to be one of their most memorable concert events.

Since we are in 'spring cleaning' mode, a few housekeeping items to pass along as well. Calling All Artists; we are accepting applications for our Flora and Fauna Art show and sale as well as the unique Out of the Ordinary - a fiber challenge, find the details here. Just a reminder for our local artists and arts organizations; we are now accepting booking requests for our 2010-2011 Season - learn more here.

Well, I'm off to find my missing hour of sleep, with the busy schedule of events we have planned for you, I'll need it. Hope your mid-March has only the madness you desire and the rest you deserve.

See you soon at the Arts Center!

-Jeff

Jeffrey Stern, Manager

Feb 15, 2010

OK, I dreamed of a white Christmas. A white February? Not so much.

Snow, it's everywhere and all we have thought about for weeks. Daily routines have been flipped on their heads and just when life seems to be returning to normal, we get predictions for even more!

Even the arts, living by the code, 'the show must go on', have been forced to postpone and cancel. We rescheduled the new show created by Loudoun Lyric Opera, 'Romance, From Broadway to Lincoln Center' to August. 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' could not be rescheduled in the Arts Center and has found a new home for a performance February 20; get the details here.

So now that you're used to the snow, how about a show! We've got plenty on the way; check out more details below.

And don't forget to check out our SPRING classes, listed below, registering soon- including spring break camps (I like typing the work 'spring', it gives me hope).

A big thanks to everyone for your patience and understanding as we have reworked our schedule for the snowpocaplypse, smowmageddon, snowtastophe, whatever name you want to give it.

Thanks!

-Jeff

PS- If you haven't heard, Maddy Curtis' benefit concert for Haitian relief raised nearly $9000. Thanks to all who came out to support Maddy and the relief effort!

Feb 1, 2010

Super Bowl and a short month, welcome February!

At the Arts Center we are ready for the great performances ahead. From Shakespeare, to Big Band- we have it all this month and then some. Take a look at what's on the way in the listings below.

We are particularly proud of the new show created by Loudoun Lyric Opera, 'Romance, From Broadway to Lincoln Center'. The idea was conceived by the late Christopher Mare and has been turned into a gem of a show by Meredith Bean McMath and the talented folks at LLO. Alas, it will run for only 2 performances (Feb, 12 and Valentine's Day), so be sure to get your tickets early.

Speaking of tickets; Maddy Curtis is moving bunches of them. If you haven't heard of her benefit concert for Haitian relief, please read below. The 8pm show has sold out so she ADDED a 6pm show to accommodate the interest. Donations will be taken by World Vision International (WVI) for their Haitian relief effort. Local art supporter and WVI staff member, Carolyn Kruger, will talk about her recent trip to Haiti during the concert.

Thanks so much for you interest, we look forward to seeing you soon! Go Saints!

-Jeff

Jan 15, 2010

How's your 2010 going so far? Ah, the joys of a few extra pounds, resolutions firmly filed in the "I'll get to that later" drawer and the melancholy associated with packing away all that shiny holiday cheer.

Know what you need?? Yep, ART, and lots of it. Fortunately, there's plenty throughout our community. Take your pick, enjoy and then TELL A FRIEND.

Of course, we hope you'll consider taking advantage of the shows, exhibits and performances here at the Arts Center. But I wanted to let you know that there is a new (kinda) addition to the western Loudoun arts community- Round Hill Arts Center.

I know, you've heard of them before, but did you know that they have just completed the renovations on their NEW home at Hill High Orchard, just west on Round Hill on Rt.7? Check it out, we love the pluck of the Round Hill Arts Center and hope you will continue to support their efforts!

If you enjoyed their previous home at the Old Furniture Factory, don't despair, there are still activities going on there as well, now being coordinated by the owners. See for yourself.

See? There are plenty of creative opportunities for you to enjoy your 2010. Keep in touch and let us know what you enjoy. Post it on our Facebook page or drop us a line.

I'll just be over here, filing my resolutions and buying larger pants. See you soon at the Arts Center!

-Jeff

PS- Like many, we grieve for the tragedy unfolding in Haiti. There are numerous ways to give; we hope you find room in your heart and budget to support the rescue and relief efforts. For more information you can visit The American Red Cross donation portal.

Jan 1, 2010

Happy New Year! Hope you enjoyed your holiday break (my son sure enjoyed a 2 week vacation, courtesy of the big winter snow)!

Big snows...big wind...big deal! We've got great art lined up for you for the rest of the winter! So let the snows snow and the winds blow- we'll keep ringing in the New Year!

I started 2010 by shaving my moustache...and I've enjoyed watching people I've known for years greet me as if I'm a total stranger (although I could do without my 12 year old son referring to me as 'Mr. Bald Lip'). Your 2010 may not have brought such noticeable change, but here's hoping we all find creative ways energize ourselves in this New Year.

If stunning visual art is your thing, we've got it in our gallery. Like music? Take a moment to scroll down and see what's on the way. And, no, your eyes don't deceive you, that's A Midsummer Night's Dream hitting our stage on Super Bowl weekend!

Just keep repeating to yourself, "The days are getting longer". With some warm drinks, good friends and GREAT ART, we'll find a way to enjoy all that winter has to offer.

See you soon at the Arts Center!

-Jeff

Manager's Letter

Feb 22, 2010

2010/11 Season booking has begun

BOOKING FOR THE 2010-11 SEASON at the Arts Center begins today! From now until April 15 2010, we will be accepting booking requests for our 3rd full season (September, 2010 through June, 2011).

You must still call me or Chris King in our office (540-338-7973) to complete a booking request form by phone. Your request is not complete until we have a completed form on file.

As we have since our opening, we will follow the booking guidelines noted in the Arts Center fee schedule on the rental page of our website; Essentially, Loudoun County based non-profit arts organizations get booking priority. All others are considered after the booking period closes on April 15th.

While on our rental website page, be sure to check out all the new information we have added including stage dimensions, technical specifications and a tips and guidelines sheet for working in the Arts Center.

WHAT WE LEARNED...from the snowiest winter in a long time...

..While we will adhere to our suggestion that theater/ opera/ dance, etc. shows run for only one weekend in non-snow months; WE WILL CHANGE OUR POLICY FOR THE WINTER MONTHS. In the winter months (Late Nov through mid March), we will allow groups to book one performance weekend and we will hold the next weekend for snow cancelation, 'make-good', performances. We will not let the snow date weekend be advertised as a performance weekend by the booking group- it is held 'just in case'. This new policy will be enforced on a case-by case basis at the discretion of the Manager.

If you have any questions about the booking process or the fee schedule, or if you want to provide additional contacts for your organization to receive the booking e-mail reminders, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Stern
Manager
Franklin Park Arts Center
jeff.stern@loudoun.gov

Manager's Letter

Jan 7, 2010

FRIDAY, January 8, 2010 is the LAST DAY of the booking period dedicated to allowing Loudoun County community arts organizations first access to the SUMMER 2010 calendar!

After January 8th, 2010, for-profit, non-art and out of county booking requests will be processed for the summer booking period (July 1 through August 31, 2010). We would like to receive all requests for the Summer by Jan 30, 2010.

Jeff will be contacting groups Jan 11th through the 15th to confirm submitted summer booking requests received by January 8th.

YOU CAN BOOK SPACE by calling me or Chris King in our office (540-338-7973) to complete a booking request form by phone. Your request is not complete until we have a completed form on file.

Based on what we have recieved so far, late June and all of July are booked weekdays from 8am to 4pm. We still have weekday evenings and a couple of weekends left in July. August is still pretty open both weekdays and weekends for those still thinking about Summer classes and events. August is still available in the Gallery, but July is booked.

As we have since our opening, we will follow the booking guidelines noted in the Arts Center fee schedule. Essentially, Loudoun County based non-profit arts organizations get booking priority. All others are considered after the booking period closes on January 8th.

If you have any questions about the booking process or the fee schedule, or if you want to provide additional contacts for your organization to receive the booking e-mail reminders, please feel free to contact me.

Jeffrey Stern, Manager
Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center
540-338-8597
jeff.stern@loudoun.gov