Arts News December 2023-January 2024

Vol. 3 No.1 December/ January 2024

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY

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Vol. 3 Number 1 PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY December /January 2024 HEAD DESIGNER: KOFI KARIKARI (@Kofis_art_) EDITIOR-IN-CHIEF: DONNELL TAYLOR (@vaze_haze) PHOTOGRAPHER: RANDY REESE JR. (Labels Free Media) WRITER: HERB WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHER: KWADWO BIRIKORANG ADJEI (@kwadwo.bank) JOURNALIST: LEIGH NORMAN PHOTOGRAPHER: RANDY REESE JR. JOURNALIST: NIDA NAWAZ (@doseofnida) PHOTOGRAPHER: LUCAS DEAN (@deanphotoz) WRITER: MORIAH KILGORE

Cover Photo by: LUCAS DEAN “The color of springtime is in the flowers; the color of winter is in the imagination.”

— Terri Guillemets.”

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: DINAH CONTEH EDITOR: KYRAN MCCANN

15000 Potomac Town Place Woodbridge, VA 22191 Wed.–Sat. 12-7pm Sun. 12–5PM 1

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CONTENTS

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TABLE OF

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THE FESTIVAL OF ARTFUL GIVING

THE EAGLE STIRS HER NEST

FENCES AT THE HYLTON

HUMAN ELEVATION THROUGH JEWERLY

DEAR FRIENDS, RELATIVES, AND ENEMIES

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The Festival of Artful Giving

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n the growing county of Prince William, nestled between rolling hills and whispering woods, the “Festival of Artful Giving” bloomed amidst the community’s heart. It was the crown jewel of the county’s cultural scene, hosted by the inclusive cultural arts space, Open Space Arts, a haven where diversity in expression was not just celebrated but was the foundation of its existence.

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The festival, a beacon of unity and creativity, transformed the county into a living mosaic where every culture, and every hue of humanity, was represented. Open Space Arts led the charge, inviting artists from every background to contribute their unique voices to the symphony of the festival.

As the festival neared, the air tingled with the scent of pine and anticipation, the entire county becoming a vibrant canvas. Painters, sculptors, musicians, and dancers from all walks of life readied themselves, their diverse practices a reflection of the community’s rich tapestry.

Grounded in the ethos that creativity was a gift of the spirit, more precious than any material offering, the festival became a testament to the power of art to connect hearts.

Open Space Arts encouraged participants to craft not for commerce but for kinship, weaving love into every creation.

At the Great Exchange, hosted in the welcoming embrace of Open Space Arts, a kaleidoscope of artworks circulated. Here, cultural boundaries melted away as a Hispanic poet’s verses were traded for an African potter’s clay work, and an Asian weaver’s tapestries exchanged hands with a Middle-Eastern blacksmith’s metalwork, each trade a celebration of the county’s cultural wealth.

Children, the artists of tomorrow, discovered the joy of giving, their small hands shaping toys and decorations, learning that gifts of time and affection held immeasurable value. Elders, the storied tapestries of the community, shared tales and crafts, ensuring that the diverse threads of tradition continued unbroken.

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The air was alive with music, a chorus of diverse origins - a fusion of the old with the new, mirroring the inclusive spirit of Open Space Arts. The aroma of international culinary delights promised that art was a feast for all senses.

The festival culminated in the Grand Illumination, where lanterns, adorned with the dreams and colors of the children of every descent, ascended, transforming the night into a canvas of hope and togetherness. In this moment, every member of the county felt an indelible connection to one another and to the collective human spirit.

Thus, the Festival of Artful Giving, cradled by the nurturing arms of Open Space Arts, was not just a holiday but a vibrant narrative woven into the fabric of Prince William County. A living narrative that celebrated the endless capacity of the human spirit to create, share, and connect across any divide.

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It stood as a poignant reminder that in every heartfelt offering, regardless of the art form, there resided a piece of the creator’s essence, a divine spark capable of warming the coldest of winters and lighting the way for generations to come.

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The Eagle Stirs Her Nest

Written by: Jacqueline Hudson Thomas Photos by: Kwadwo Birikorang Adjei

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he play The Eagle Stirs Her Nest, a musical drama, was written by playwright Jacqueline Hudson Thomas in early 1983. The 2023 performance was its 40th year in production.

The play tells the story of a family man, Milo, whose desire for prosperity and riches jeopardizes his family relationships. Milo had adopted the misinformed view that women should not work. Although the family is struggling financially, he is against his wife, Teresa, working.

His unwillingness to listen to reason affects his relationships with his wife, daughter, Lydia, feisty sister, Hattie, who keeps it real with him, and his mother, who, despite sharing that the foundation of his perspective is wrong.

The play’s message reveals that misplaced priorities can and will affect our lives and those around us in ways we do not expect. While Milo achieves his dream, the cost for him and the family is high, One of many plays written by her, The Eagle Stirs Her Nest, has resonated with audiences throughout the years and remains an audience favorite. Original songs and music were added to the production in 2008 with songs like Wonderful Thick-Headed Man, Struggling, I Want to Be a Family Again, etc.

Since 1983, The Eagle Stirs Her Nest has wowed audiences in venues across the DMV, including hotels, churches, schools, and auditoriums. The first staged theater production was in 1991 at the National Theater in Washington, D.C., as part of their Monday Night at the National Series.

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The National Theater director revealed that our play yielded the largest audience to date of any production.

With lines circling the block, the two shows had standing room only. Since its first performance at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA, the play has taken on a life of its own. The initial goal was to engage young people by helping them explore their love for the Arts.

The goal remains the same. GEM Theater continues to find ways to use untapped local talent, both adults and youth, in their productions. This year’s cast consisted of youth working on and off stage for the first time.

Playing the lead role of Lydia was 12-year-old Taylor Harrell from Centreville, Virginia. 10-year-old twins Ava and Zoe Anthony from Gainesville, VA, play the roles of Amy and Amanda. Joy Townes, cast in the adult role of Hattie, Milo’s sister, began her career with the play as a child in 1986 in the role of Lydia. Troy Thomas, who plays Milo, secured this role in 2008 but has worked behind the scenes on multiple plays. Teshawna Newton, Marsha Newell, Terance Thomas, and Tera Byum joined the production around its 2008 revival, 15-year-old Sean Anthony managed the lighting, and Carlton Anthony and Terance Thomas (Props).

Our Director, Dr. Kelsey E. Collie, known for his work as the founder of the Children’s Theater at Howard University and Director of Music, Angela Sheppard, is part of the life’s blood of GEM Theater Productions.

Their knowledge and experience moved GEM to new heights in musical theater.

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JAMES VILLANI MUSIC DIRECTOR

Antonín Dvořák - Silent Woods Music by Grofé • von Suppé • Pilsner • MacDowell • McKenzie

TICKETS: $30

Discounts for group of 10+ | Children and Students are FREE

EVERY KID, EVERY CONCERT, ALWAYS FREE ManassasSymphony.org B O X O F F I C E: 1 0 9 6 0 G E O R G E M A S O N C I R C L E | M A N A S S A S , V A 2 0 1 1 0 | H O U R S : T U E S - S A T 1 0 a m - 6 p m

Fences at the Hylton Written by: Donnell Taylor Photos by: Lucas Dean

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D

uring this issue of the Arts News Magazine, our team had the pleasure of visiting the Hylton Performing Arts Center to see CAPAC’s production of August Wilson’s Fences.

The play Fences is about a family living in the 1950s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The father, Troy Maxson, is a former baseball player who was prevented from playing in the major leagues because of his race.

He is now a garbage collector and is determined to build a fence around his property to keep his family safe and secure. His son, Cory, wants to play football, but Troy refuses to let him because he believes that football is a

waste of time. Troy’s wife, Rose, tries to keep the peace between her husband and son, but she also struggles with her own demons. The play explores themes of race, family, and the American Dream.

The play is directed by Darren A’Shom Price, starring actors David Roberts as Troy Maxon, James Gordon as Jim Bono, Justin Dejuane Cage as Gabriel, Tyrus L, Sanders as Lyons, Joseph (Joey) Smith-Matthews as Cory, Actresses Pamela Rolins as Rose, and Victoria Adegboro as Raynell.

The production of Fences by Capac was a mixture of thrilling and joyous. Moments filled with laughter and others with suspenseful silence as the play’s drama unfolded. David Roberts and James Gordon play off each other well, acting as two best friends during their dialogue that makes you forget it’s a part of the play as if it’s just small talk the two commonly share. During the moments of conflict between Troy and Rose, David and Pamela display some of the most realistic acting that give scenes from the motion picture a run for their money.

Before we went to see the play, the Head of the Arts Council, Alice Mergler, had described David Roberts’s performance as on par with, if not better than, that of Denzil Washington from the motion picture production of Fences. Without a doubt, David proved her words true. The magazine team makes each issue at the Open Space Arts Center in Woodbridge. During the year leading up to the performance of Fences, David utilized the backspace of the Arts Center for practicing lines. Our team had become very familiar with him over these months. However, the man we saw on stage was Troy, with no trace of the David Roberts we knew in sight.

His embodiment of the character was perfect. Not to say all the other actors and actresses didn’t perform just as well. Knowing the person involved made the final performance more shocking, seeing their transformation into character.

If you, as a reader or a person who enjoys live productions, are looking for good play performances in the Prince William County Area. Please head over to CAPAC’s website for their upcoming shows in 2024.

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Business Partnerships And Sponsors Empower the Arts in Prince William County! Explore opportunities to maximize your impact in supporting the arts. Connect with us to discover how you can play a pivotal role in fostering artistic excellence and cultural enrichment in our community.”

Contact Herb Williams Email: hwilliams@pwcgov.org Phone: 703.792.8782

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Arts News Needs You!

We Need Designers who can use InDesign We need Writers We need Photographers We need Editors We need Proofraeders We need Scouts We need Journalist We need you!!!

Contact us: hwilliams@pwcgov.org *Dont apply to be a proofreader if you didnt catch 4 typos.*

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PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL BOARD THE FOLLOWING WERE ELECTED AND APPOINTED AS DIRECTORS FOR FY22/23-FY23/24: CHAIR: ALICE MERGLER TREASURER: PETER ALTEN SECRETARY: SEAN PECK VICE CHAIR FOR MARKETING: DAVID ROBERTS VICE CHAIR FOR PROGRAMMING: KIM B MILLER VICE CHAIR FOR NOMINATIONS: JORDAN EXUM

APPOINTEES RONNIE CRIGGER

COLES DISTRICT

WANDA SMITH

NEABSCO DISTRICT

CATRINA STROMAN

POTOMAC DISTRICT

JAY TORRES

WOODBRIDGE DISTRICT

KELLY HANEKLAU

BRENTSVILLE

DAWN FRANKLIN

GAINESVILLE DISTRICT

DAWN HORIZONS

OCCOQUAN DISTRICT

BRENDA JOHNSON

AT LARGE

“The Arts COUNCIL is more than art, it’s an opportunity!”

“How are you inspired?”

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EDUTAINMENT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

January 15, 2024 7pm 15000 Potomac Town Pl. #140 Woodbridge, VA 22191 Join us for the best watch party of awards shows in town. FOOD! GAMES! PRIZES! And, FUN for the entire family!

Let's watch together!

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Discover Your Inner Artist at Open Space Arts!

Are you ready to embark on a cre-

ative journey like no other? Look no further than Open Space Arts in Woodbridge, VA!

Location: 15000 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge, VA Experience Art for Everyone: Open Space Arts welcomes individuals of all ages, abilities, and artistic interests. Our warm and inclusive atmosphere ensures that everyone feels right at home.

Unleash Your Creativity: Explore a world of creative possibilities with activities like painting, drawing, sculpting, and exciting group projects. At Open Space Arts, we celebrate artistic exploration and encourage experimentation.

Family Bonding: Bring your family along! It’s the perfect opportunity for parents and children to create lasting memories, bond over art, and ignite their creativity together.

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Local Art Showcase: Admire the beauty of local talent through our rotating art exhibitions. This is where local artists shine, sharing their creations with the community.

Supplies Provided: Basic art materials and supplies are at your fingertips. Of course, you’re welcome to bring your own if that’s your preference.

Community Connections: Open Space Arts isn’t just about art; it’s about people. Connect with fellow art enthusiasts, socialize, and build lasting friendships with those who share your passions.

Contribute to the Community: Join our collaborative art projects and experience the joy of shared creativity.

At Open Space Arts, we believe in the power of togetherness.

Regular Schedule: We’ve made it easy for you to plan your visits!

Don’t miss out on this incredible artistic journey at Open Space Arts!

Join us every Sunday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM for a creative adventure.

Visit us at 15000 Potomac Town Place #140, Woodbridge, VA, and let your creativity soar.

No Experience Required: You don’t need to be an experienced artist to join us. Open Space Arts offers a supportive atmosphere for beginners to learn and grow as artists.

For more information, visit our website: pwcartscouncil. org/open-space-arts/

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Come, create, and connect with us at Open Space Arts!

ART

FOR ART Adjudication DECEMBER 15, 2023

ART SOCIETY Social Calendar 2024

JAN

LITERALLY

3–28 ART LITERALLY

FEB

"A R T LITER A LLY" IS A N IMMER S IVE EXHIB ITION THAT R ED EF INES THE BO UND A R IES O F A R TISTIC EX PRESSION

BY UNITING THE WO R LD O F WO R D S WI TH THE REALM OF VIS UA L A R T. THIS C A PTIVA TING S HO WCASE INVI TES YOU TO EXPLO R E THE F A S C INA TING INTERPLAY B ETWEEN LA NGUA GE A ND A R TIS TIC C REATI VI TY.

RECEPTION JANUARY 5

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GRAMMY WATCH PARTY 7-11:30 EDUTAINMENT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

GRAMMY

WATCH PARTY

JAN

15 EMMY WATCH PARTY For more information:

8pm www.openspaceartspwc.com

MAR 7PM-11:30 SUN, FEB 4, 2024

FEBRUARY 28–MARCH 31

15000 POTOMACExpressions TOWN PL #140, WOODBRIDGE, VA 22191 Emerging

RECEPTION – MARCH 1

JOIN US FOR THE BEST WATCH PARTY OF AWARDS SHOWS IN TOWN. FOOD! GAMES! PRIZES! AND, FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! LET'S WATCH TOGETHER!

EDUTAINMENT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

FEB

MAY

1–26 “BLOSSOM: A Spring Awakening Floral Extravaganza” RECEPTION MAY 1

JUN

May–June 29 PRIDE MONTH RECEPTION MAY 31

January 15, 2024, 8 pm 15000 Potomac Town Pl #140, Woodbridge, VA 22191

Join us for the best watch party of awards shows in town. Food!

Games! Prizes! And Fun for the entire family. Let's watch together.

March 29- April 30 AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH Poetic Visions of America RECEPTION FEBRUARY 2

APR

13 FASHION SHOW 7–9pm

JUL

JULY 17–August 11th DEFINING AMERICA from Military

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HERITAGE VILLAGE PROJECT SUMMER CAP AT OSA

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Human Elevation Through Jewelry

By: Nida Nawaz

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ewelry is woven deep and intricately within humans. Is our ability to accessorize an attributer to humans being gods amongst living creatures?

Other living beings are also argued to utilize jewelry.

However, what distinguishes us from other living beings who accessorize is the utilization of it for self-expression and as a social tool.

Assassin Bugs are an excellent example of an animal wearing jewelry or ornamentation. It carries the heads of its victims on its back to create an illusion for spiders that may prey on them to make them appear more prominent. The Uraba caterpillar, or ‘Mad Hatterpillar, ’ stacks its own molten heads upon one another to bamboozle bats. If the head hats are taken instead of its

head, the caterpillar will have a higher chance of making it back home after a stroll for a snack. ‘Dead animal fashion’ is for immediate survival in all other species besides humans.

In my research, the closest living being that we know of that ‘accessorizes’ would be primates. Orangutans have been observed to make hats out of leaves to protect themselves from the rain. At a wildlife refuge in Zambia, a chimpanzee fashioned a piece of ‘straw’ on their ear as an earring. Their family members also started doing the same shortly. After observation, the chimpanzees were reported to exemplify ‘social learning’ as the whole family partook in this fashion trend.

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The observation revealed no variations or personal effects of the straw earring practice. Intriguingly, scientists still must figure out the root of this behavior.

The idiosyncratic nature of our adornment as humans has facilitated many aspects of our life we hold dear. Jewelry has been a tool for self-expression, organizing society for good and evil, and generational wealth building.

All of which distinguish us from all other living beings.

The Peruvian Incas utilized jewelry to symbolize status and honor their deities. The pieces were often fabricated, depicting gods, sacred animals, and plants. Only government officials and royalty were allowed to wear adornment daily. Common materials included gold, feathers, sacred seeds, seashells, and gemstones. The treasures were inherited by both male and female offspring. Ethiopian jewelry practices use bone, gold, opals, other gemstones, silver, nickel, and even ostrich eggs. Jewelry was also an identifier in Ethiopia as married women depicted their wealth status through a showcase of gold and gold jewelry given prior to the marriage as an insurance mechanism. Gold and silver are also passed down from generation to generation, predominantly through female offspring. Intriguingly, the frequent use of gold and silver in self-decoration occurred when Judaism, Christianity, and Islam were introduced.

In the Indian subcontinent and periphery, accessorizing is incomplete without gold as it symbolizes the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who ordains health, wealth, and fortune. Gold jewelry is gifted for every occasion to ensure security in social dealings. The 16 steps of a bridal outfit include the crucial steps of adorning oneself with gold from head to toe, literally. Lakshmi’s influence on South Asian culture’s accessorizing is unmatched.

For me, gold holds the keys to connection. Ethnically, I am Bengali, which is part of the Indian subcontinent— being born American means that a lot of my culture is unavailable to me. However, I find myself connecting with others of different cultures who were also born here, with ethnicity from abroad. One of the most common first dialogues between us is usually about gold. I compliment them, or they compliment me on our trinkets and then talk about how our families got here. The empathy we share in these moments of our differing but shared values in adornment creates a soft bedding for our emotions of longing for our cultures that are so far from us.

Our ability to accessorize ourselves truly places us as gods amongst living beings. Our adornment practice is 28

original, and our immediate survival is not dependent on it like how animals use their jewelry. It depicts our need for social coherence and connection as well as expressing it in a very bold way. It also illustrates our forward-thinking for future generations to pass on our culture and provide a baseline of wealth to step on.

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Dear Friends, Relatives, and Enemies Hylton Performing Arts Center audiences solve The Westing Game

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Written by Leigh Norman Photos by Randy Reese Jr. (Labels Free Media)

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200 million is on the line.

Elusive industrialist Samuel W. Westing is dead, and his estate goes to whoever can solve his final puzzle: who took his life? Pair up, decipher the clues, and win the Westing Game.

From October 6th to 15th, the Prince William Little Theatre presented The Westing Game at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.

The play is based on the 1978 novel of the same name by Ellen Raskin, adapted for the stage by Darian Lindle and directed by Ward Kay. I loved the book, so I wondered how it would work on stage. 14 residents at Sunset Towers apartments are selected as “heirs” to Westing’s $200 million estate. Residents are paired up and given strange snippets of clues. Each “randomly assigned” pair of heirs must use their wits to find the culprit, even if they need to get a little underhanded.

Though one of the characters was a murderer, the audience rooted for everyone. The quirky cast includes a track star, a stock market genius, a “nothing,” and more. I fell instantly for secretary Sydelle Pulaski, played by Tashina Gorgone, as she limped on stage with a color-coordinated crutch and dress ensemble. The family beside me crumpled in laughter every time lawyer Ed Plum, played by Taveion Mickens, scuttled by in a shoulders-first speedwalk. Lexy Janda Knott as Grace Wexler beautifully trod the line between smug mother and drunk divorcee. She clearly wanted to leave a 1-star review of Sunset Towers.

To help audiences keep track of the large cast and complicated clues, the crew cleverly used three large screens above the stage. The words immediately popped up on

the screen whenever the characters talked about the clues. This lets the audience focus on the play and not just the puzzle. I even spent intermission gushing about the projections with ticket office supervisor Brittani Hall. I do love creative staging! Those screens immersed us in the Westing world.

When Turtle sneaks into the Westing mansion, the screens play her search in a Blair Witch-esque POV sequence. We quickly learned those screens had speakers when an explosion rocked the auditorium. The Westing Game was a fullbody experience!

Want to know what happens to your favorite characters and find extra mysteries? Grab the book and see if you can solve all of the Westing puzzles!

This cast and crew excelled with these extra details, from the crutchdress coordination to characters changing outfits between “days.”

The play also used a movable set design. Panels could be turned around into separate, colorful apartments, then wheeled back together for a cohesive foyer. The stage crew seamlessly waltzed with the panels to move between settings. One panel even had a switch-activated faux fireplace! I felt like I was in a giant dollhouse. I can’t wait to see what else this creative crew comes up with!

Prince William Little Theatre’s The Westing Game was an excellent way to revisit one of my favorite childhood books. The play saves time by removing a few characters and scenes, so do not expect it to be an exact reenactment. This performance is an enhancement to an already great novel. The show excelled with eccentric actors, fluid set design, and immersive projections. It all made me want Sam Westing dead again so that I could watch it once more.

Here’s a secret: there’s a book-only epilogue to The Westing Game.

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CONTACT: hwilliams@pwcgov.org

EDUTAINMENT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

GRAMMY

WATCH PARTY

SUN, FEB 4, 2024

7PM-11:30

15000 POTOMAC TOWN PL #140, WOODBRIDGE, VA 22191 JOIN US FOR THE BEST WATCH PARTY OF AWARDS SHOWS IN TOWN. FOOD! GAMES! PRIZES! AND, FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! LET'S WATCH TOGETHER!

Adjudication DECEMBER 15, 2023

CALL FOR ART

ART LITERALLY

"ART LITERALLY" IS AN INCLUSIVE VISUAL ART S EXHIBIT THAT TRANSCENDS TRADITIONAL BOUNDARIES TO CELEBRATE CREATIVITY IN ALL IT S FORMS. THE EXHIBIT INVITES ARTISTS OF EVER Y MEDIUM TO SUBMIT THEIR WORKS, ENCOURAGING THE EXPLORATION OF THE DIVERSE W AYS IN WH ICH ART CAN BE INTERPRETED AND EXPRESSED .

For more information: www.openspaceartspwc.com