Alexandria Commission for the Arts will mark its 20th Anniversary with a gala celebration at the Hilton Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, on May 10.
Jennifer Cover Payne, executive director, Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington, has been selected as the event's mistress of ceremonies, according to Leon Scioscia, commission chair. "Jennifer is not only an incomparable leader of the arts in our region, she is a dynamic and popular speaker who will add immeasurably to the event," Scioscia said.
In declaring 2004 "The Year for Art in Alexandria," Mayor William D. Euille said, "The Alexandria Commission for the Arts has made a major contribution to the quality of life in Alexandria over the past 20 years. In that relatively brief period, the city has achieved a national and international reputation for artistic excellence.
"This impacts us both culturally and economically and in ways we often take for granted. Funding for the arts has been one of the best investments we have ever made."
Scioscia added, "Having had the privilege of directly participating in the cultural development of the city, I look forward to the Gala as a way to share that privilege with a wider audience of my fellow Alexandrians."
IN ACCEPTING the invitation to serve as the event's mistress of ceremonies, Payne said, "I graciously accept this invitation to preside over the program. I consider this a landmark event and I applaud the Commission on its work and invaluable support of the artists, the culture and arts organizations. The Commission is a major force in ensuring the quality of life for the Alexandria community."
In addition to Payne, the program will feature an array of visual presentations retrospective of two decades of artistic excellence in Alexandria, according to the Gala committee. It is expected to attract a variety of business and community leaders, they noted.
The evening will commence with a reception at 6:30 p.m. This will be followed by dinner at 7:15 p.m. Guest will be guided from the reception to dinner by Alexandria's Town Crier, portrayed by John Yagerline.
Live entertainment will be supplied by a variety of musical groups that include "Mercury," a quartet of the Alexandria Harmonizers; the Alexandria Choral Society; a children's choir from the Choral Society; and a string quartet from the Mount Vernon Orchestra.
ONLY 250 TICKETS are available at $60 per person with proceeds from ticket sales as well as corporate sponsorships and contributions benefiting the Commission's arts education and public programs. Dress is business attire. Reservation can be made by contacting the Commission at 703-838-6348.
Alexandria's Commission for the Arts was created by City Council in 1984. It's charge is "to lead and advocate for cultural development within the City of Alexandria and surrounding region, to stimulate excellence and make the arts accessible to all Alexandrians."