Each year, Fairfax City presents Spotlight on the Arts which showcases a wide variety of music, theatre, dance, visual, and literary art performances at venues throughout the City. It’s sponsored by the City in cooperation with George Mason University and Fairfax’s business and arts community.
This year, a new event is making its debut – the first annual Spotlight Art Contest – and the public will select the winners. It’s open to everyone, with no age limits, and there’s no fee to enter. The top three artists will each be presented with a cash award (and bragging rights) at the Spotlight Opening Reception on Friday, April 26.
The 39th annual Spotlight on the Arts Festival will be held April 25-28, and the organizers want to support local artists in the Central Fairfax region, enhance awareness of the visual arts, and encourage emerging artists in the community.
Participating artists will enter original works of art, and the Spotlight on the Arts Board will select 20 finalists from all the submissions. Finalists will then be eligible for the top three prizes: $1,000 for first place; $500, second place; and $250, third place.
The 20 finalists’ artwork will be displayed at the opening reception and will be offered for sale via a silent auction that evening. (However, artists may opt out of the silent auction, if they desire).
The art contest prize winners will be selected by ballots cast by attendees at the opening reception. The top three entries will be determined by the number of votes each receives.
All submissions must be received by Monday, April 1, at 4 p.m. Finalists will be notified by April 8 at 4 p.m. For art-contest rules and an entry form to submit artwork for consideration, go to https://www.fairfaxspotlight.org/art-contest/.