Our Man in Arlington

The new Arlington Arts Center will finally reopen on January 11, with a major juried exhibition of mid-Atlantic artists some three years after it was closed for major reconstruction. The gala opening reception for the new exhibition will be on January 14, 2005, from 6-9 pm. The center is located in Arlington’s historic Maury School at 3550 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington. The school, built in 1910, has housed the arts center since its founding in 1976. As demands on the building increased and its increasing age took its toll, it became clear that a major renovation – literally a rebuilding – was necessary. Starting with a $100,000 grant from Virginia’s General Assembly, a very successful fundraising drive, and county bonds, the three million dollar project was begun in early 2002.

The result is stunning, and promises to become quickly one of the premiere arts centers on the region. The high-ceiling, light-filled classrooms are ideal studios for a couple of dozen artists of all types and disciplines. The exhibit space is well designed for all kinds of exhibits.

As the center’s own web page declares: “The Arlington Arts Center (AAC) is dedicated to presenting and supporting the creative work of regional artist. AAC serves as a bridge between artists and the public for awareness, appreciation and involvement in the arts through exhibitions, artists studio spaces and educational opportunities.

The visual centerpiece of the center is a panel of three magnificent floor-to-ceiling authentic Comfort Tiffany windows that grace a large community room in the new section of the building. The windows were found in a mausoleum that was being torn down several years ago. Some wise person prevented them from being thrown on a trash heap, and they have been hiding in county storage ever since.

The room, appropriately named The Tiffany Gallery, will be available for weddings, receptions and other community meetings. I am sure it will be in high demand.

Artists have already moved into the studio space, and a number of exhibitions are in the planning stage. The center also sponsors community arts lectures and education programs.

You, too, can become a member of the center for a mere $35 for individuals, $25 for artists, students, and senior citizens. Call 703-797-4574 or check the web page at www.arlingtonartscenter.org.

With the opening of he new building, the Arlington Arts Center ushers in a new era of even more exciting arts programs to enhance our life in Arlington and the Washington area.

Circuit City Update # 3:

Here is the final (I sincerely hope) update of my long and strained relationship with Circuit City concerning a malfunctioning television set I bought on May 10. To refresh your memory, I left you hanging last week with yet another malfunction, yet another failure to replace the machine, and yet another promise to send out a technician with the final fix at some unspecified date in the future.

I sent the column to the paper on Tuesday. On Wednesday, a miracle occurred! My wife had called the manager of Circuit City’s Baileys Crossroads store. He returned the call quickly, sympathized with our plight, and said he would replace the set. Just like that, thus suddenly ending seven months of anguish. Go figure.

So Circuit City is back on our good guys list now, at least the Baileys Crossroads store. The their national customer service system leaves a lot to be desired, based on our experience. Richard Barton may be emailed at rbarton@towervillas.com