May 19 and 20, 2012 marks the 21st Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival showcasing the best contemporary fine art and craft from around the country. Over two hundred artists fill the streets of Reston’s up-scale Town Center with an outdoor art exhibition that is regarded as one of the top festivals on the East Coast.  Artists are selected on the basis of quality, originality, and craftsmanship by a panel of jurors who are experts in their fields. Festival  organizers also invite ten award winners from the previous year and six percent of participating artists.  In 2011, thirty percent of exhibitors were first-time artists. The festival is produced by Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in support of its exhibition, education, and outreach programs. No sales commissions are charged and festival admission is free but voluntary donations are encouraged. 100% of the funds collected go directly to support GRACE’s mission. 

Tonight at midnight is the deadline for this festival, which takes place in Reston. Details are here.

The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop is hosting its 6th Annual Contemporary Photography Exhibition, January 6 – February 2, 2012, including over $2,000 in purchase awards and the opportunity for a solo exhibition. Details and submission guidelines are here.

The Prince George's Department of Parks and Recreation, Arts and Cultural Heritage Division, in partnership with the Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council, is pleased to announces Memories from All Directions, this year's exhibition of Prince George's County artists in the Lowe House Office building in Annapolis, during the Maryland General Assembly/ the Legislative Session. 

This call for entries is open to all artists 18 years old or older who live, work, attend school or have studios in Prince George's County, MD. Artists may submit a maximum of 5 artworks for consideration. All works must be original. Artworks may use any media. However, in order to be considered for the exhibition, artworks must incorporate memory as an important theme. Art works must also be presentation-ready and able to hang on a wall without projecting off the wall in such a way that they could obstruct or endanger foot traffic in the exhibition area. To download the prospectus, click here.

Old Brick Warehouse — 4 studios available

This 11,500 sq. ft. artist’s warehouse is about 2.5 miles from the Torpedo Factory and near the intersection of Duke Street and S. Quaker Lane. Onsite parking is free, and you will have 24/7 access. Each artist has a key to his or her studio and another key to the building’s main entrance. There are no requirements to keep your studio open during specified hours. Please contact Liz Boynton at [email protected] or 703-759-4227.