The public is invited to the opening reception of an exhibition of works by noted ceramic artist Alfredo Ratinoff on Thursday, June 15 from 6-8 p.m. at the Lee Arts Center, 5722 Lee Hwy., Arlington. Ratinoff’s recent work uses medieval techniques and styles to create frescos, complete with painting and gilding. Call 703-228-0560 or visit http://www.arlingtonarts.org/leearts.htm.
The House that Faux Built. Over 50 artisans and 30 sponsors have completely transformed a house in Arlington. Expensive home renovation methods were shunned in favor of transforming a small, dated 1940s brick colonial using primarily creativity, paint, plaster and other techniques few even know exist. All proc eeds will be contributed to Habitat for Humanity to build a house in New Orleans. Tickets: $20. 1457 N. Longfellow Street, Arlington, 22205. Hours: 11 a.m. -4 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. weekends. Call 703-971-8252 or visit http://www.fauxhouse.com. The exhibit runs through June 15.
Grant Writing for New or Small Arts Groups will be Wednesday, June 21 from 7-10 p.m. at the Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Hot on the heels of her successful AAC workshop Grant Writing for Individual Artists, grants professional Sonja Carlborg leads an evening dedicated to helping small or new arts organizations find opportunities and write successful grant proposals, as well as determine if they are ready to make the leap to grant-seeking. $15 AAC Members/ $20 non-members. Visit the AAC website at www.arlingtonartscenter.org. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged as space is limited.
From the Junkyard to the Frontyard runs from now through Saturday, June 24 at the Ellipse Arts Center, 4350 N. Fairfax Drive in Arlington (at the corner of Fairfax Dr. and N. Taylor Streets, one block from the Ballston Metro stop on the orange line). Gallery Hours are Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Call 703-228-7710.
Paintings of the Potomac Valley Watercolorists at the Manor House and Horticultural Center, Green Spring Garden, from now through June 25. Reception on Sunday, May 7, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at the Manor House. Exhibit on view at the Manor House Wednesday - Sunday 12-4 p.m. and at the Horticultural Center Monday – Saturday, 9-4:30 p.m., Sunday, 12 - 4:30 p.m. Manor House call 703-941-7987, Horticultural Center call 703-642-5173.
Strings and Things: Puppet and Toy Exhibition will be at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington from June 1-30. An exhibition of artist-created puppets and toys, and children’s puppets made by Pelham Puppets of Great Britain. The work of Czech master puppet artist, Miroslav Trejtnar is featured, as well as other contemporary Czech puppet makers. The collection is on loan from Arlington natives Sarah and Leah Gaffen. Call 703-228-5990.
Artists working in the six Mid Atlantic states (VA, DC, MD, WV, DE, PA) may apply for solo exhibitions for 2007 at the Arlington Arts Center. Deadline is July 1 Visit http://www.arlingtonartscenter.org.
Nine painters, including Scott Hitchison of Arlington, have been selected as finalists for the Bethesda Painting Awards, a juried competition and exhibition produced by the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District. Two hundred artists from Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. submitted work to the second annual competition created to exclusively honor painters. The work of the nine finalists will be on display at the Fraser Gallery from June 7 – July 12. Contact the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District at 301-215-6660 or visit www.bethesda.org.
The Scrolls, a traveling international arts project that asks the question, "Why?" will be at the Museum of Modern ARF, 1116 N. Hudson St., Arlington through July 14. The Scrolls is an international discourse and “rolling” conversation amongst artists regarding the war in Iraq, including works by eight Iraqi artists currently living in Baghdad. The exhibition also contains a scroll created by artists from Washington, D.C., and Arlington. Visit http://modernarf.smugmug.com/gallery/1413618.
Dogs and Cats Living Together: Uncommon Household Pets is an exhibition of large oils and watercolors by John Aaron at The Clarendon Grill, 1101 N. Highland St., Arlington, from now through July 22. The opening reception will be May 31 from 6-9 p.m. Call 703-524-7455.
See rarley seen comedies from the silent and early sound eras at the Slapsticon Festival, held July 20 – 23 at the Rosslyn Spectrum. It is an opportunity to view films that are some of the earliest creative efforts in the development of motion picture comedy: included are such well know artists as Buster Keaton, Charley Chaplin, Fatty Arbuckle and Harold Lloyd, and some not so well known, Larry Semon, Bobby Vernon, Snub Pollard, Monty Banks and Alice Howell. Check out the lineup at http://www.slapsticon.org, or call 703-228-1841.
"Swimmers, Dreamers and Divas" Monotypes, Monoprints, Prints and Chine Colle by Maureen George will be at Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre Lobby Gallery, 1611 N. Kent St. from June 29 – July 27. Open during theatre hours: Monday – Friday from Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 10 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Arlington Arts, 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Center presents New Art Examined: Works by 2006 MFA Graduates in the Mid-Atlantic Region from June 20 – August 5. The opening reception will be June 23. Call 703-248-6800 or visit www.arlingtonartscenter.org.
Artist Jill Romanoke's exhibit "Exposing Papers" will be shown at Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington on June 20 - Aug. 5. The opening reception will be held Friday, June 23 from 6-9 p.m. Arlington Arts Center hours are 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Call 703-248-6800 or visit www.arlingtonartscenter.org.
Arlington Artists Alliance offers educational programs and public exhibitions at a variety of locations in Arlington. Participating artists include painters, printmakers, ceramicists and sculptors, who are Arlington residents. The group sponsors classes, mentor programs and scholarships through its Alliance Academy. Call 703-894-0539 or visit http://www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org.
The Woodmont Weavers is an artisan group of developmentally disabled adults, sponsored by the Arlington County Department of Human Services and the Arlington Community Services Board. Since 1988, the weavers have turned out hand-woven products of wool, cotton and fiber blends, learning independence and developing technical and social skills along the way. The hand-woven textiles include placemats, pillows, totes and hats and are for sale to the general public. The Weavers work regular hours and are paid for their products. They welcome custom orders. Visit the Weavers' Studio Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Ballston Common Mall, third floor, 4238 Wilson Blvd. Call 703-528-9474 or e-mail Sally Lloyd at slloyd@arlingtonva.us.
View Auriel Bessemer's historic murals. Bessemer was commissioned by the Treasury Department's Section of Fine Art to help beautify local federal buildings in the 1930s and '40s. The murals are at Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. They are normally on display high on the walls of Arlington's Main Post Office, which is currently being renovated. They will be returned to the post office next fall. Contact Caroline Danforth at 703-228-3771.
The Ballston Art Market returns to Welburn Square offering original creations for home decor, gifts and personal use, including handmade jewelry, pottery, quilts, wearable art, giftware, watercolors, oil paintings and photography. The monthly outdoor market operates from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of every month. Different artists exhibit each month. Artists are juried by a select panel. Welburn Square is adjacent to the Metro station at 9th and N. Stuart streets, near the Ballston Common Mall. Call 703-228-0560 or 703-528-3527.
"Art at the Heights." Exhibition of works by local painters. 4502 Old Lee Highway. Every Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sunday, noon-3 p.m. Showings sponsored by the Arlington Artists Alliance, a nonprofit organization in support of art and artists in Arlington.
Antiques and Collectibles Market. Year-round Saturday event. 2900 Wilson Blvd. About 50 vendors. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free parking available at 3033 Wilson Blvd.
Figure Drawing Open Studio Sessions. Nude model is provided, but there is no instructor. Participants bring their own materials. At the Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd., Wednesdays from 7-9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from noon-2:30 p.m. No reservation necessary. Cost is $60 in advance for six sessions or $15 per session for drop-ins. Call 703-248-6800.
The Arlington Arts Center is pleased to offer adult classes in Drawing, Painting, Mixed-Media Acrylic Painting, and Photography at the Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. This is the first time the AAC will offer summer classes for adults since the center reopened in 2005 after extensive renovation. AAC prides itself in having small classes with individualized instruction by professional, working artists. Classes are reasonably priced and members receive a discounted tuition. Other tuition assistance is available. A full listing is available on the art center website at www.arlingtonartscenter.org. Early registration is encouraged to ensure a place in classes. Call 703-248-6800.