21st Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival

Friday, May 18, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday May 19, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday, May 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Artists and art lovers will illuminate the streets of Reston Town Center this May when the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival returns the weekend of May 18-20, 2012. This large, top-rated, annual juried fine art Festival is produced by Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE), a 501(c) 3 non-profit, whose mission is to enrich community life by promoting involvement and excellence in the visual arts. The juried festival attracts over 50,000 patrons from across the region and provides a personal, interactive experience to view, purchase, and experience art directly from the unique and talented artists featured. New this year, the festival will open on Friday night (May 18) with an artful “happy hour” featuring an upscale opening party surrounded by over 200 contemporary art exhibitors.

Over 200 master artisans in 18 different categories, including oil and acrylic painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, jewelry, metal, leather, wood, furniture, wearable and fiber art will be featured.

Admission to the Festival is free, however for a voluntary donation of $10 to GRACE at the event's colorful ArtCarts, visitors will receive a $10 gift certificate to dine at participating Reston Town Center restaurants. Donation proceeds benefit year round educational and outreach programs produced by GRACE throughout the Northern Virginia area.

GRACE will kick off the weekend festivities with an upscale Opening Night Party on Friday, May 18 from 6:30 p.m. -10 p.m. Held in the heart of the Reston Town Center at the Town Center Pavilion, the party is an opportunity for art lovers, sponsors, media, donors, and for the public to meet artists. The artful evening will feature live music, visual art performances, a silent auction, signature cocktails, and local business leaders.