Category: Announcements

Dear MCAA faculty, students, families, and friends:

It is with a profound sense of gratitude and deep appreciation to you all that I announce my retirement as Executive Director of Mason Community Arts Academy effective August 1, 2022.

It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve in this capacity over the past 14 years. I am indebted to so many of you and am eternally grateful for the generous support and kindness you have shown me over the years. Everyone has made being at the helm of this beloved organization a joyous journey as we’ve worked together to build a place where the arts flourish, learning thrives, and relationships are formed that will last a lifetime.

I’m leaving this position knowing that the Academy will be in excellent hands as it continues to grow and prosper in the coming years. I’m so excited to see what the future brings!

Please know that you will forever be in my heart.

Libby

A generous community member from Chantilly, VA recently contacted the Academy about gifting her acoustic upright piano to a good home. If anyone is interested in accepting this gift, please contact us asap.

The piano (pictured above) is a 47-year-old Baldwin acoustic upright. The piano itself would be free of charge (to a good home); however, the recipient is required to pay for the moving expense, which averages around $250-300 (when using a professional piano moving company) depending on the distance traveled, number of stairs involved, etc. Also, acoustic pianos usually require a tuning from a professional piano tuner after a move as well.

If you think you have a need (and a space) for this piano, it’s a great opportunity to look into. As per usual, we will handle this on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please email us at [email protected]  (no phone calls please) and put “Piano Available to Good Home” in the subject. A recipient will be matched as soon as possible.

Please note that these opportunities typically come up several times throughout the year, so keep checking the Academy Newsletter!

 

UPDATE: THIS PIANO HAS ALREADY BEEN CLAIMED

 

The Academy is thrilled to introduce to you our new Marketing Coordinator – Regina Schneider. We’ve enjoyed getting to know her and thought you might too!

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MCAA Staff: You came to MCAA from Louisiana–which is a big change geographically and professionally. How are you finding life in NOVA so far? 

Regina: “Virginia was very high on my list of places I wanted to live. I’ve really liked it so far. Louisiana is very flat and I love the hills and scenery.”

MCAA Staff: As you begin to get settled in at MCAA, getting through all the paperwork, orientation, and trainings, what are your first impressions or thoughts about your new role?  

Regina: “I have a very good impression so far. I was not completely satisfied in my previous position and feel very happy so far with this more informal atmosphere. Training has not been overwhelming and I feel like I’m getting settled in.”

MCAA Staff: You are still new to the marketing role at MCAA, but any immediate goals or directions for the marketing strategies for the Academy? 

Regina: “Sure – I’ve been familiarizing myself with the website and the Academy’s social media presence. I would like to find ways to enhance both for more engagement and visibility.”

MCAA Staff: Tell us a little about yourself. I believe you grew up in Hawaii?  

Regina: “Yes, I lived in Honolulu through middle school and then my family moved to Louisiana. I attended Louisiana State University for my undergrad and graduate degrees and I stayed there through the pandemic, but am very happy to be here now.”

MCAA Staff: Do you have any hobbies or special activities? 

Regina: “I love being active with walking, hiking, and working out. I also like to read, and I enjoy movies and music. I especially enjoy self-help and science fiction literature. The last good book I read was “Come fly the World”. I highly recommend it!”

MCAA Staff: Tell us a little more about the role the arts have played in your life and how it feels working with an arts organization?  

Regina: “I love music and especially playing instruments. I currently play ukulele and a little piano but violin, harp, and cello are on my bucket list. I also took a lot of visual art classes and love the graphic design side of marketing. I’m learning to sew and enjoy upcycling clothes. Being and staying creative is very important to me.”

MCAA Staff: As you have found out, we are big animal lovers at the Academy. Are you? And if so, are you a cat or dog person?  

Regina: “I definitely love animals and have two cats, Lucky and Lorelei, with me here in Virginia. Back home in Louisiana my Mom has 5 cats! I hope to have the space to have a dog someday and would love a Golden Retriever.”

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Please join us in welcoming Regina!

Due to expected inclement weather, all in-person activities will be either canceled or will go virtual for Saturday, March 12th. All regular online activities will continue virtual as normal:

• Saturday Visual Art Classes = CANCELED – except for the “Digital Illustration: Anime Character Studio ONLINE” class which will run VIRTUAL as normal.
• Saturday Theater Classes = CANCELED
• Saturday Private Music Lessons = ALL scheduled In-Person lessons will switch to VIRTUAL. ALL Online lessons will run VIRTUAL as normal.

We will schedule a make-up day for any canceled group classes at the end of the session. Please email the Academy at [email protected] with any questions.

Stay safe and warm!