All Fairfax Reads celebrated, and concluded, its fifth successful season in September. The program began in 2004, when county residents were encouraged to read Harper Lee’s forceful novel To Kill a Mockingbird. With the choice of Hosseini’s bestseller The Kite Runner in 2005, the program soared. All Fairfax Reads is a comprehensive effort to promote literature, an initiative spearheaded by the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL). From May through September, every adult in the county is challenged to read and discuss one book, which has been nominated by a committee of enthusiastic, knowledgeable readers. Study guides for the book, library talks, blogs, lectures, films, and demonstrations are components of AFR. The event culminates during The Fall for a Book Festival, a week-long series of lively literary activities at or near George Mason University.
In 2008, Alan Bennett’s novel The Uncommon Reader was chosen for All Fairfax Reads. Bennett is considered one of England’s foremost contemporary playwrights. Since his first play was produced in 1960, he has kept audiences in stitches. “What a brilliant choice!” his many Fairfax fans undoubtedly exclaimed. Others less familiar with his writing might have been put off by the volume’s plain cover, its brevity, and its seemingly prosaic title. But the truth of a couple of old saws becomes quickly apparent; good things do come in small packages, and judging a book by its cover is indeed shortsighted. After the first few paragraphs, the title’s clever pun is revealed. When the Queen’s rowdy Corgis are introduced on the second page of the slender novella, readers are enchanted – and hooked, relishing every turn in the plot and savoring each delicious phrase.
The planning of All Fairfax Reads is managed by the office of Katie Strotman, the FCPL Programming Coordinator. Each year, a book is nominated, and a committee, composed of residents, professors, FCPL personnel and Board members, staff from other County agencies and representatives from the business world, develops program ideas. Strotman and her committee have a realistic, but inspiring goal for the program: “We hope this project gives our citizens a comfortable place to start reading and discussing books with friends and neighbors, and maybe that will lead to continued conversations and a deeper understanding of others and of the community.”
George Mason University’s Theater of the First Amendment (TFA) was a valued participant in All Fairfax Reads. A Celebration of Alan Bennett was offered on Sept. 23 at the Old Town Village Gallery in Fairfax. TFA Managing Director Kevin Murray picked the play Habeas Corpus for this presentation because, he observed, “it struck me as the most accessible and funniest of the plays I read. Much of Bennett’s work is commentary on the political and social life of Britain, and I am not an expert in that area. But I know comedy. It's also refreshing for TFA, which often does serious, thought-provoking work, to have a little fun with this.” And fun they had with Bennett’s mildly risqué, wildly funny farce. The staged reading sparkled. Cast members included Naomi Jacobson, Lynn-Jane Foreman, Frank Robinson, Jr, and Lisa Nanni-Messegee, who have all performed in previous TFA productions. “The City of Fairfax and Fall for the Book both sponsored the event, and we were proud to be part of it,” concluded Murray.
Like book clubs all over Fairfax, the Democratic Women of Clifton’s book club focused on The Uncommon Reader. The group, which is organized by Peggy Azouqha, held its September meeting in Springfield. Leah Johnson, who lives in Little Rocky Run, was the moderator. She began by presenting a brief biography of Alan Bennett, then moving on to questions in the FCPL study guide. Clifton resident Jane Barker commented that everyone at the meeting enjoyed the novella. Captivated by the British humor, they “loved the irony of the title.” The unanticipated ending delighted the participants immensely. Gretchen Klimoski, also of Clifton, found it interesting that such a “small book” could make an extremely important point. “Through her reading, the Queen learned how little she knew of real people and their concerns. Can we make a comparison with the Queen and our political leaders today? Do our elected officials read, and if they do, what is the impact of their reading?” To Klimoski, “this funny little story’s relevance to our choice of leaders today” is significant.
Many activities to enhance our appreciation of The Uncommon Reader were developed by the Fairfax County Public Library. The Web site is easy to use and informative (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/allfxreads/). It contains not only a thought –provoking reading guide, but also Her Majesty’s Reading List, which is impressive. Discussion groups were scheduled at the Oakton and Burke Centre Libraries and the George Mason, Reston, Sherwood and Centreville Regional Libraries. In addition, horticulturist Bruce Nash gave a well-attended lecture and demonstration on The Art of Flower Arranging, UK Style, at Pohick. Helen Mirren’s 2006 Film, The Queen, was screened at the George Mason Regional Library, and British writer Alison Larkin spoke about her recent novel, The English American.
The Uncommon Reader gives us a peek into a world unfamiliar to most of us. While presentng a vision of the insularity of leaders who must depend on their staff for information, it emphasizes the importance of reading widely with style and charm. In describing The Uncommon Reader, Gerald E. Connolly, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, commented astutely: “This year’s book selection is a witty, quick read that speaks to the importance of literacy in an active community. I strongly encourage you to read this book, or any of the previous All Fairfax Reads selections, and discuss them with family, friends and neighbors.” What a ringing endorsement both for the book and for the many activities surrounding it!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
ARTS BY GEORGE! An Evening of Enchantment - August, 2008
The third annual ARTS By George! will be held on September 27 at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts (CFA). The event supports student scholarships at the College of Visual and Performing Arts, as well as the CFA Great Performances at Mason series. Organized by an energetic core of volunteers and staff members. ARTS By George! is co-chaired by Fairfax Station residents Shirley and Charles Joyce, whose dedication to the arts is well-known in the community. The sponsorship chairs are Carolyn Peterson, Enrique Tessada, and Julie Dyson. The Steering Committee includes Robert C. Buchanan, Don and Tota Conwell, Richard Henneberg, Don and Sonja Palomaki, Robert Purks, Candy Reeder, Carole Scanlon, Sue Skaddan, and Judy Weltz.
This group of art aficionados, who have worked together for many months, had one overriding goal: introducing the College of Visual and Performing Arts to the community. Although audiences in Northern Virginia are devoted to the Center for the Arts, many are less familiar with Mason’s dynamic student productions. Guided by a dedicated, gifted faculty, CVPA students routinely give brilliant presentations at impressive recitals, plays, concerts, operas, and gallery shows.
Guests who previously have attended ARTS By George! anticipate a celebration of exceptional artistry. The format of the evening is unique. When guests arrive at the university’s Fairfax campus in the late afternoon, they are ushered to reserved parking, greeted by Mason Student Ambassadors, serenaded by musicians, and escorted to the Performing Arts Plaza. There, they enter different studios in the Performing Arts Building, viewing “behind-the-scene” artistic presentations by Mason’s outstanding students. Along the way, hungry guests eat their fill of delicacies prepared and graciously served by RSVP Catering.
The visual arts will be showcased at every venue, in the Welcome Tent, along the hallways of the Performing Arts building, and in the Concert Hall’s lobby. The exhibit presents an extensive display of original paintings, prints, photographs, drawings, and sculptures by students and faculty. The Art and Visual Technology (AVT) Department chair Harold Lnton explains that printmaking for collectors receives special emphasis in the AVT Show, which he describes as “masterfully curated by Solomon Wondimu.” In Linton’s opinion, it provides a perfect opportunity for art lovers to build their collections and contribute to scholarship funds.
A new feature has been added to ARTS By George! Committee members Sue Skaddan and Bob Purks, along with Nyla Louh, CVPA’s Assistant Director of Development, have orchestrated an unusual silent auction. Visitors can bid on premiums while strolling from one student performance to another or they can view them and bid online. What kinds of items are offered at the ABG! silent auction? Consider these: A week’s vacation at an exclusive condo in North Carolina; a Chilean wine-tasting and tapas buffet for ten; private gallery tours with artists Chawky Frenn in Washington and Peter Winant in New York City; a behind-the-scene tour and luncheon with members of the Dance Department; an hour-long lesson on conducting with Professor Anthony Maiello; courtside seats at a GMU men’s hoops game and a basketball signed by Coach Jim Larranaga. The entire list is a bidder’s dream!
At 8 o’clock, ARTS By George! participants will settle into premier orchestra seats at Mason’s imposing Concert Hall to enjoy a performance by baritone Brian Stokes Mitchell. Described by The New York Times as “the last leading man,” Mitchell has performed with many of the world’s foremost classical conductors and their orchestras, including Leonard Slatkin, John Williams, and Michael Tilson Thomas. He has starred in performances of works such as Porgy and Bess, Man of La Mancha, South Pacific, Carnival, Kismet, and Ragtime. Awarded a Tony for Kiss Me Kate, he has received several Tony nominations, a Helen Hayes Award, and a Theater World Award. In addition, he has acted on TV shows such as Crossing Jordan, Frasier, and Trapper John, M.D. What versatility! The Washington Post commented that Mitchell is “a talented musician and an engaging personality, but his rarest gift is for knocking show tunes over the moon.” His admirers are awaiting his fabulous renditions of Embraceable You, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, and The Impossible Dream.
The performance will be followed by a champagne and chocolate reception, saluting the end to a memorable celebration. Mitchell will join the guests, and many of Virginia’s elected officials will also attend the on-stage reception. Fairfax resident Carole Scanlon, who has assembled a star-studded Honorary Committee, which features Governor Timothy Kaine as the 2008 Honorary Chair. In addition, Mason’s own stars, President Alan Merten, former President George Johnson, and Coach Larranaga, will assuredly please the crowd of their faithful fans.
ARTS By George! is an unforgettable evening. Participants meet the students and their teachers, savor a delectable meal, watch impressive student performances, and enjoy Brian Stokes Mitchell’s beautiful baritone. But most important of all, guests support the scholarship fund for talented young dancers, singers, musicians, dramatists, film-makers, visual artists, and arts managers – or support the Center for the Arts program, which benefits everybody in our region. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the Web site (www.artsbygeorge.com) or call Deborah Paez (703.993.4188).
This group of art aficionados, who have worked together for many months, had one overriding goal: introducing the College of Visual and Performing Arts to the community. Although audiences in Northern Virginia are devoted to the Center for the Arts, many are less familiar with Mason’s dynamic student productions. Guided by a dedicated, gifted faculty, CVPA students routinely give brilliant presentations at impressive recitals, plays, concerts, operas, and gallery shows.
Guests who previously have attended ARTS By George! anticipate a celebration of exceptional artistry. The format of the evening is unique. When guests arrive at the university’s Fairfax campus in the late afternoon, they are ushered to reserved parking, greeted by Mason Student Ambassadors, serenaded by musicians, and escorted to the Performing Arts Plaza. There, they enter different studios in the Performing Arts Building, viewing “behind-the-scene” artistic presentations by Mason’s outstanding students. Along the way, hungry guests eat their fill of delicacies prepared and graciously served by RSVP Catering.
The visual arts will be showcased at every venue, in the Welcome Tent, along the hallways of the Performing Arts building, and in the Concert Hall’s lobby. The exhibit presents an extensive display of original paintings, prints, photographs, drawings, and sculptures by students and faculty. The Art and Visual Technology (AVT) Department chair Harold Lnton explains that printmaking for collectors receives special emphasis in the AVT Show, which he describes as “masterfully curated by Solomon Wondimu.” In Linton’s opinion, it provides a perfect opportunity for art lovers to build their collections and contribute to scholarship funds.
A new feature has been added to ARTS By George! Committee members Sue Skaddan and Bob Purks, along with Nyla Louh, CVPA’s Assistant Director of Development, have orchestrated an unusual silent auction. Visitors can bid on premiums while strolling from one student performance to another or they can view them and bid online. What kinds of items are offered at the ABG! silent auction? Consider these: A week’s vacation at an exclusive condo in North Carolina; a Chilean wine-tasting and tapas buffet for ten; private gallery tours with artists Chawky Frenn in Washington and Peter Winant in New York City; a behind-the-scene tour and luncheon with members of the Dance Department; an hour-long lesson on conducting with Professor Anthony Maiello; courtside seats at a GMU men’s hoops game and a basketball signed by Coach Jim Larranaga. The entire list is a bidder’s dream!
At 8 o’clock, ARTS By George! participants will settle into premier orchestra seats at Mason’s imposing Concert Hall to enjoy a performance by baritone Brian Stokes Mitchell. Described by The New York Times as “the last leading man,” Mitchell has performed with many of the world’s foremost classical conductors and their orchestras, including Leonard Slatkin, John Williams, and Michael Tilson Thomas. He has starred in performances of works such as Porgy and Bess, Man of La Mancha, South Pacific, Carnival, Kismet, and Ragtime. Awarded a Tony for Kiss Me Kate, he has received several Tony nominations, a Helen Hayes Award, and a Theater World Award. In addition, he has acted on TV shows such as Crossing Jordan, Frasier, and Trapper John, M.D. What versatility! The Washington Post commented that Mitchell is “a talented musician and an engaging personality, but his rarest gift is for knocking show tunes over the moon.” His admirers are awaiting his fabulous renditions of Embraceable You, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, and The Impossible Dream.
The performance will be followed by a champagne and chocolate reception, saluting the end to a memorable celebration. Mitchell will join the guests, and many of Virginia’s elected officials will also attend the on-stage reception. Fairfax resident Carole Scanlon, who has assembled a star-studded Honorary Committee, which features Governor Timothy Kaine as the 2008 Honorary Chair. In addition, Mason’s own stars, President Alan Merten, former President George Johnson, and Coach Larranaga, will assuredly please the crowd of their faithful fans.
ARTS By George! is an unforgettable evening. Participants meet the students and their teachers, savor a delectable meal, watch impressive student performances, and enjoy Brian Stokes Mitchell’s beautiful baritone. But most important of all, guests support the scholarship fund for talented young dancers, singers, musicians, dramatists, film-makers, visual artists, and arts managers – or support the Center for the Arts program, which benefits everybody in our region. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the Web site (www.artsbygeorge.com) or call Deborah Paez (703.993.4188).
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