Categories
Events

The Hollywood Special FX Show, Feb 3rd

The whole family can get the inside scoop and discover the science and secrets to making movie magic in this interactive and explosive show, part of the Family Series at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas.

Live on stage, join special effects professionals who’ve worked on action-packed blockbusters like The Dark Knight RisesGuardians of the GalaxyPhantom of the Opera, and Game of Thrones for thrilling and revealing insights that bring the audience closer to the action than ever before. Marvel at gruesome sci-fi monsters and be blown away by apocalyptic weather!

 

 

WHEN: Saturday, February 3rd at 2PM and 5PM

 

GET DETAILS, TICKET INFORMATION & DIRECTIONS

Categories
Art Community Outreach Events Music

Musical Instrument Sculpture Project Gets Buzz

WRITTEN BY ZACHARY WILCOX

In 2008, Mason Community Arts Academy (“MCAA”, formerly known as Potomac Arts Academy) started a green initiative and outreach program named “Instruments in the Attic”. This program takes in old & unused musical instruments donated by generous community members with the idea of bringing as many as possible back to working order for deserving students of all ages to enjoy and play for years to come. Since its creation, Instruments in the Attic has brought in over 850 instruments, returning many back to the community for further use… but not all instruments are able to be repaired. One of the primary goals of the program is to keep these instruments out of the landfill, so we needed to find another green solution for these irreparable instruments.

MCAA thought about how to recycle these instruments in a more artistic and meaningful way, which sparked an idea to collaborate with the Patriot Green Fund (part of Mason’s Office of Sustainability) and Mason’s School of Art. We figured that these instruments could be “up-cycled” into sculpture art projects which told a story, powered by a STEAM approach. School of Art Associate Professor Edgar Endress had an even more innovative idea. He invited Dr. Daniel Lofaro from the Volgenau School of Engineering to assist him in constructing an orchestra of automated sound sculptures using new (and old) media technology balanced with influences of 20th century Russian Constructivist art , amongst other styles, forms, and ideas. Special funding from the Patriot Green Fund helped to facilitate this unique undertaking.

 

Musical Instrument Sculpture

 

EVENT: Come and see the “Narrative Machine” sculpture prototypes on display
Overall, this is a long-term project involving several steps. However, the fruits of step one are complete! The sculpture prototypes of this data-fueled, artistic adventure are currently on display in Mason’s Center for the Arts Lobby through mid-February.

The exhibit is getting a lot of buzz, with articles already included in the Center for the Arts newsletter and featured on Mason’s newsletter The George, plus an upcoming article in Mason’s Office of Sustainability newsletter. Read the articles below to learn more, and come interact with these instruments – be a part of “The Narrative Machine”!

 

SEE ARTICLE FROM THE GEORGE

 

SEE ARTICLE FROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS

 

Categories
Art Events

Fall Student Art Shows, December 2

Our visual art students in our Fall semester classes are busy finishing up their projects to showcase in the final art shows this Saturday, December 2nd. Free and open to the public, these short presentations provide the perfect sneak-peak into our art curriculum and classrooms, which are located in the Art & Design Building on the Mason Fairfax Campus.

WHAT: Fall 2017 Art Showcases
WHEN: Saturday, December 2, 2017 (see times below)
WHERE: Art & Design Building (Lower Level), Mason Fairfax Campus     See Map
COST: FREE
PARKING: Visitors can park in the adjacent Lot A for free (this Saturday only) or the Shenandoah Parking Deck for $8.

The art show presentations take place the last 15 minutes of the final class time:
Art Adventures for Ages 4-7 = 11:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m., Room L002
Art Foundations for Ages 8-11 = 12:30 p.m.-12:45 p.m., Room L002
Art Explorations for Ages 12-18 = 12:30 p.m.-12:45 p.m., Room L004

A light reception will follow, and Academy staff and instructors will be available for questions. Please call the Academy office during regular business hours at 703-993-9889 if you need more information.

Good luck to all of our wonderful art students, and a special thank you to our wonderful instructors!

 

SEE OUR SPRING VISUAL ART CLASSES

 

Categories
Events Music

Hurricane Relief Concert, Nov 19th

The Music Student Organizations of George Mason University will perform a concert in the de Laski Performing Arts Building on Sunday, November 19th in support of the hurricane relief efforts. In light of the recent tragedies, many students felt there was an opportunity to use their talents to serve those in need. Students and faculty have prepared performances with a wide variety of instrumentation, genres, and backgrounds to contribute to the cause.

WHAT: Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert
WHEN: Sunday, November 19th, 6:30PM
WHERE: de Laski Performing Arts Building Room 3001, Mason Fairfax Campus
PARKING: Free parking on Sunday in Lot K, or $8 in Mason Pond Parking Deck

Your purchase of a $5 ticket goes directly to Habitat for Humanity and will help the victims of hurricanes.

LEARN MORE AND GET TICKETS HERE

 

Please note that this is not an Academy event.

Categories
Acting Events Music

Winter 2017 Recitals & Shows, Dec 9 & 10

Our Winter 2017 Student Recital & Showcase Weekend celebration is coming up on Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th, which includes several music recitals and theater performances. Come enjoy a fun and free weekend of the arts on the Mason Fairfax Campus!

MUSIC RECITALS

Due to our large number of Music students, we break up performances into hour-long (approximately) Music Recitals that are presented throughout the weekend. All performances are FREE and open to the public.

[one_half]Saturday, December 9
10:00 AM
10:30 AM (designated for “8 and under”)
11:30 AM
1:00 PM
2:30 PM
[/one_half] [one_half]Sunday, December 10
12:00 Noon
12:30 PM (designated for “8 and under”)
1:30 PM
3:00 PM
4:30 PM
[one_half_last]

 

A light reception with follow each recital. Come and enjoy some great music from performers of all ages and instruments!

PARKING: On Saturday and Sunday, you can park in Parking Lot K for free. It is about a 5-10 minute walk to the Performing Arts Building (note: NOT the Center for the Arts). You can also park in the Mason Pond Parking Deck for  $8, right next to the Performing Arts Building.
DIRECTIONS TO CAMPUS

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RECITALS

 

FOR OUR POTOMAC MUSIC STUDENTS/ FAMILIES:
READ OUR HELPFUL GUIDE TO A SUCCESSFUL RECITAL EXPERIENCE

 

 

Theater Students acting on stage

THEATER SHOWCASES

Our Acting students who study with Acting For Young People will present several performances throughout the weekend in TheaterSpace (lower level of the de Laski Performing Arts Building). There may be a nominal ticket price depending on which show you choose to attend.

SEE ACTING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

As we say, ENJOY THE SHOW!!