[ad_1]
An art studio with free classes and an illuminated scrapyard velociraptor opened in Pentagon City yesterday (Wednesday).
Katherine Anchin, executive director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (MoCA), joined several local officials to cut the ribbon on the new Innovation Studio + Store at Amazon’s second headquarters. This project, a collaboration between Amazon and MoCA, explores new approaches to connecting the public with contemporary art.
“It’s really about innovation and helping people understand contemporary art a little better and get excited about being creative,” Anchin said.
The studio at 525 14th Street S. rotates artists-in-residence every six weeks. In addition to showcasing birds of prey, the original creator, Arlington artist Adam Henry, takes an active role in the area by sketching people and partnering with local restaurants and businesses. I am planning to accomplish this.
“Our secret is that we try to make things that we love and that we think are truly ‘wow,'” Henry said.
The creator will soon host the studio’s first class, which will be a vision board workshop. He also plans to start making cardboard sculptures with the help of his 17-year-old son, an apprentice also named Adam Henry.
Patrick Filippi, director of community engagement at Amazon’s headquarters, said the studio is part of Amazon’s broader focus on “being a good partner in this region.”
The tech giant has already funded $14 million in renovations to Metropolitan Park, which is adjacent to its headquarters in Q2. When the first phase of the massive office complex opened in June, the park debuted a new farmers market.
Since then, new stores from local businesses like Conte’s Bike Shop and Good Company Doughnuts have also opened in the ground floor retail space.
Filippi said he wants to further the mission of MoCA (formerly known as Arlington Art Center), which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. During the ribbon cutting, he spoke warmly about his experience at the Virginia Square Museum, which will be rebranded in 2022.
“You quickly realize that art is accessible and that art is open to everyone,” Filippi said. “And this studio is an extension of that. Amazon is honored to have you here.”
Guests at Wednesday’s grand opening included business leaders, who praised the project from both an artistic and business perspective.
Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, who heads the National Landing Business Improvement District, said she believes the project will serve as a “true cultural anchor” that addresses the needs of the area.
“While many businesses have opened over the past year or so, our community is hungry for more arts and cultural offerings and programs,” she said. “We are thrilled to be working with MoCA to bring a museum to our neighborhood.”
Kate Bates, president and CEO of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, wants to know how the studio will contribute to the area’s sense of community.
“This culture is a big part of what makes Arlington a great place for our companies and for us who live here,” she said. “Congratulations, MoCA. We look forward to another 50 great years and beyond.”
[ad_2]
Source link
