The Fairfax Art League was founded in 1986 by six artists exhibiting their work as a group in the John C. Wood complex. In 1987 the six artists, after much consideration about the name this new group should adopt (Guild, Club, etc.), chose The Fairfax Art League. League was selected since League, by definition, is a covenant between persons. In our case the covenant is to promote art in the community. In 1988, the League applied for incorporation through the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts resulting in the League's incorporation as a Non Profit Corporation in February 1989. In the years since its inception the League's membership has grown to over 100.

League activities include monthly meetings from September through June on the first Saturday of the month at 1:00 PM, at Green Acres Center, 4401 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, Virginia. Each meeting includes a short business session, refreshments and conversation, and a demonstration by an accomplished professional in some phase of the visual arts. Members have the opportunity to see various artistic approaches and techniques, and to exchange technical information. Crafts are not included in League activities.

The Fairfax Art League has an active exhibit program in the Fairfax area. The League's Gallery is in Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax, Virginia, with shows changing monthly. The public is invited to view the art Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are also monthly receptions where the public is invited to come and to vote for their favorite work of art, to receive a "People's Choice Award". The Gallery is staffed by League member volunteers. A continuing exhibit is maintained in Fairfax City Hall on Armstrong Street and can be viewed during the regular City Hall hours.

A highlight of the League's exhibit season is the annual City of Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts held every spring. Created to enhance the cultural opportunities in the Fairfax/George Mason University area, the Spotlight features a series of musical events, arts and crafts tours of Old Town Fairfax, and many other events of interest to the community. The Fairfax Art League's reception for its Spotlight exhibit is in the Gallery in Old Town Hall, the center for many of the Spotlight activities. Each year the Fairfax Art League displays an annual Holiday Fine Arts Exhibit at the Old Town Hall Gallery with a reception and refreshments appropriate for the occasion.

Artists and persons interested in the arts are always welcome to attend one meeting to enjoy the good fellowship and learn more about League activities before applying for membership. Application form include area of artistic interest. Dues-paying members receive a monthly newsletter, are eligible to hold office, vote in the election of officers, and participate in the volunteer activities. Without the volunteers, none of the activities of the League would be possible.

For more information, email Melinda Rhodesa at me1rho@aol.com. Or, call President Kathleen Stark at 703 569-8760.