WRITTEN BY LIBBY CURTIS
Just as Shakespeare’s Juliet asked over 400 years ago, “What’s in a name?”, we here at Potomac Arts Academy have been contemplating that same question over the past several years. What’s in our name, and does it truly represent us? Through the last ten years, we have grown and matured into a vital division for George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, serving the community at large. We now feel the time is right for us to make this bold and important step of a name change.
Potomac Arts Academy, founded in 2008, originated from an initiative in the School of Music called Potomac Music Academy. We immediately began to expand the mission and scope to include community arts programs in the many arts disciplines offered in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
As we grew in numbers and community impact, there were continued questions surrounding our name: “Are you really part of George Mason University?”, “Are you located in Potomac, Maryland?” just to name a few. After much thought, research, and discussion, we have decided to clarify and better identify ourselves with the University that we are so proud to serve.
I am happy to announce that on January 4, 2018, our name will officially change to Mason Community Arts Academy.
So, is it true “A rose by any other name will smell as sweet”? Well, we think so! Please rest assured that we plan on continuing to bring outstanding and enriching arts programs to the community and be better -and sweeter- than ever!
Libby Curtis, Executive Director
