History of Arts for All Loudoun
Arts for All Loudoun, an affiliate of Access/VSA International for 35 years, is non-profit organization offering performing and visual arts opportunities. fully inclusive of people with disabilities. Artists for All Loudoun offers theater and fine arts programs for those of all abilities, fostering skills development and social engagement.
Loudoun County's AFA was founded in 1989 as Very Special Arts (VSA) - Loudoun and established the name Arts for All in 2019, while continuing membership in VSA-International. AFA has played a significant role in enriching the theater and fine arts offerings to the Loudoun community. The performing arts arm of AFA provides fall theater workshops, a full set of rehearsals, and a complete spring musical production, immersing participants in the artistic experience.
AFA works in partnership with Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services and the Franklin Park Performing & Visual Arts Center, creating theatre and fine arts programming for people with and without disabilities. We come together to learn, participate in and enjoy all forms of art and are proud to present quality, family-friendly entertainment alongside opportunities for growth.
The timeline of our growth is dotted with milestones. In 1991 under the leadership of Alice Power,, we took our first steps into the world of theater with a riveting performance of 'The Wizard of Oz' at the Luckett’s Community Center. A surge in our audience soon followed, leading us to the Loudoun Valley Community Center for subsequent rehearsals and performances. However, as our reach in the community grew, so did our audiences, surpassing the gymnasium's capacity. Our journey took a new turn when we began rehearsals at the Round Hill Arts Center. But in 2008, the Franklin Park Arts Center swung open its doors to us, and it has been our cherished home since.
On the global stage, we've showcased our talent at three International VSA Festivals – in Brussels, Belgium (1994), Los Angeles, California (1999), and Washington, DC (2004). Another memorable event in our repertoire was in September 2005, when our Clowning Group graced the Down Syndrome Buddy Walk in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Committed to nurturing talent, we initiated theatre workshops in 2017. These workshops, conducted every fall, serve as a foundation for our spring musical auditions and as a deeper dive into the world of performing arts. Over the years, participants have experienced a rich tapestry of activities - from musical theatre dance, the art of Japanese bowing, and Square Dancing, to puppeteering and drumming classes, and foundational acting skills such as character readings and audition techniques.
Currently, Arts for All Loudoun hosts the Not-Too-Scary Haunted Trail in the fall as our workshop, and a Spring musical.
The fine arts element of AFA, the DaVinci Art Studio, provides ongoing visual arts studio sessions, designed to foster artistic expression in adults with special needs. These artists produce artwork at their own pace with personalized attention. Works from the DaVinci Art Studio have been displayed and offered for sale at area galleries. This integration with other artists also inspires Davinci artists by exposing them to a variety of medial, styles, and techniques, and providing them an opportunity to meet local artists. The DaVinci Art Studio has and will continue to offer classes and workshops to students of various ages. Artists enjoy using a variety of media, from fiber arts to ceramics.
Loudoun County's AFA was founded in 1989 as Very Special Arts (VSA) - Loudoun and established the name Arts for All in 2019, while continuing membership in VSA-International. AFA has played a significant role in enriching the theater and fine arts offerings to the Loudoun community. The performing arts arm of AFA provides fall theater workshops, a full set of rehearsals, and a complete spring musical production, immersing participants in the artistic experience.
AFA works in partnership with Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services and the Franklin Park Performing & Visual Arts Center, creating theatre and fine arts programming for people with and without disabilities. We come together to learn, participate in and enjoy all forms of art and are proud to present quality, family-friendly entertainment alongside opportunities for growth.
The timeline of our growth is dotted with milestones. In 1991 under the leadership of Alice Power,, we took our first steps into the world of theater with a riveting performance of 'The Wizard of Oz' at the Luckett’s Community Center. A surge in our audience soon followed, leading us to the Loudoun Valley Community Center for subsequent rehearsals and performances. However, as our reach in the community grew, so did our audiences, surpassing the gymnasium's capacity. Our journey took a new turn when we began rehearsals at the Round Hill Arts Center. But in 2008, the Franklin Park Arts Center swung open its doors to us, and it has been our cherished home since.
On the global stage, we've showcased our talent at three International VSA Festivals – in Brussels, Belgium (1994), Los Angeles, California (1999), and Washington, DC (2004). Another memorable event in our repertoire was in September 2005, when our Clowning Group graced the Down Syndrome Buddy Walk in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Committed to nurturing talent, we initiated theatre workshops in 2017. These workshops, conducted every fall, serve as a foundation for our spring musical auditions and as a deeper dive into the world of performing arts. Over the years, participants have experienced a rich tapestry of activities - from musical theatre dance, the art of Japanese bowing, and Square Dancing, to puppeteering and drumming classes, and foundational acting skills such as character readings and audition techniques.
Currently, Arts for All Loudoun hosts the Not-Too-Scary Haunted Trail in the fall as our workshop, and a Spring musical.
The fine arts element of AFA, the DaVinci Art Studio, provides ongoing visual arts studio sessions, designed to foster artistic expression in adults with special needs. These artists produce artwork at their own pace with personalized attention. Works from the DaVinci Art Studio have been displayed and offered for sale at area galleries. This integration with other artists also inspires Davinci artists by exposing them to a variety of medial, styles, and techniques, and providing them an opportunity to meet local artists. The DaVinci Art Studio has and will continue to offer classes and workshops to students of various ages. Artists enjoy using a variety of media, from fiber arts to ceramics.
