“The ArtSpace is always packed for this event, everything from the children’s program to the jazz concert,” said Al Robertson, a Herndon resident and musician who preformed at the ArtSpace Herndon New Year’s Eve gala. “I thank the Town of Herndon and the Herndon Board of Directors and committees at ArtSpace for an outstanding community program.”
Hundreds of visitors from around the community went to the ArtSpace Herndon building on Dec. 31 to participate in activities at the gallery’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration. The celebration began inside at 7 p.m. with art activities for kids and music. The event brought some people to the art gallery for the first time. Among them was Mrs. Becky Wilson and her daughter Abbey Wilson, a student at Clearview Elementary School in Herndon. “I saw an advertisement in the Connection Newspaper, and I thought tonight’s event would be a perfect art outlet. I was excited to be here,” said Mrs. Wilson.
“We just came in from dinner at Mellow Mushroom and walked into the craft room. My daughter was super happy to participate in this crafts event,” said Kris Richmond, a resident of Fairfax who came in with her family and friends. “This is the first time we have gone out for New Year’s in a very long time.”
“I like ArtSpace’s programming with their Cinema and Brew series, and the artistic family events,” said Reston resident Karen Rompalo. “It is artsy programming that bring in people.”
Bill Davis, a resident of Reston and member of the ArtSpace program committee helped direct the crafts event, which was the design of a chandelier in the style of American artist Dale Chihuly. “We are simulating the glass art with plastic, as we are not able to work with glass,” said Davis. Visitors had the opportunity to construct the chandelier, which was later hung in the main gallery.
Herndon residents Pat Beauregard and her husband Marcus Beauregard were assisting Davis with the craft event. “The ArtSpace is a great place to volunteer,” said Pat Beauregard. “I think it is wonderful they opened this place up to the community and expose young kids to art. Here young and old alike can come and experience art in a different perspective. They do a lot of interactive events here which are really engaging.”
Horacio E. Carrera, a resident of Herndon enjoyed viewing the art exhibit “30 Years – 30 Artists.” “It is a fun night, and they have some nice stuff on display here,” said Carrera.
From 8 to 9 p.m., Michele Koros, company director and owner of Sun Dance Performance Company based in Herndon led a creative movement dance party for kids and children. “I love ArtSpace,” said Koros.
A bonfire was lit at 9 p.m., by Town of Herndon Forester John Dudzinsky. Members of the Herndon/Reston Drum Circle Meetup group gathered near the bonfire to practice their drumming. “This is my first time meeting all these nice folks out here, it was a very good turnout,” said Herndon resident Trevor Herasingh Jr. “In the summer we meet at Lake Fairfax Park to do some drumming,” said Bob Peterson, resident of Reston and leader of the group.
Entertainment continued inside with music by the Al Robertson Quartet, as well as songs by Frank Lombardi who sang crooner hits including “Witchcraft” and “That’s Life.” The event concluded with a toast at midnight. “It is always great to come here because the crowd is so welcoming,” said Fairfax resident James Garcia who with his wife Gloria. “It helps make a very special New Year’s Eve.”
To learn more about the ArtSpace Herndon, visit www.artspaceherndon.com.