Mayor Alyia Gaskins announced her new initiative Art In Every Space, piloted yesterday (Monday), to bring art to more businesses in Alexandria.
The initiative places original artwork by Alexandria-area artists in local businesses at no cost to either the artists or businesses. According to the mayor, the initiative supports the work of Alexandria’s art organizations by providing additional locations for artists to display their work.
Visual artist Robin Jordan helped develop the idea of Art In Every Space from an Alexandria resident’s suggestion.
“Alexandria has always been a city that values creativity and community,” Gaskins said in a release. “Art In Every Space is about making sure that creativity lives not just in galleries, but in the everyday places where our residents work, shop, and gather, while helping our local businesses thrive in the process.”
The initiative will debut at two businesses. The first event will happen 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, July 7 at real estate firm Corcoran McEnearney (109 S. Pitt Street). The second will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 8 at audio video services provider AV Actions (3905 Wheeler Avenue).
Jordan leads the initiative’s task force, which also includes representatives from the mayor’s office, Christine Macey, Amber Bryson, Mary Ann Burstein, Josh Heit, Andrew McCarthy-Clark, Ashley Wood and Catherine Radachi Chumley. Residents, artists and businesses interested in joining the initiative can contact Jordan at [email protected] or Macey at [email protected].
To date, more than 30 artists have offered original artwork for the initiative.
“Collaborating with our incredibly talented local artists, partnering with Alexandria’s wonderful small businesses, and connecting with residents across our community has reminded me just how vibrant and special this city truly is,” Jordan said. “Art belongs in every space—and Alexandria is proving it, one wall at a time!”
