Mason Arts 250
This summer, the Mason District Arts Council organized a community-wide commemoration of the United States Semiquincentennial aimed at engaging the public through the arts, based on the ideas at the heart of the American Revolution.
From late May to early July Artists and community members collaborated on six activities – involving music, poetry, theater, speech, and visual arts – with each activity taking as its starting point one of four central American texts: the Declaration of Independence, “The New Colossus,” “America the Beautiful,” and “What to a Slave is the Fourth of July” by Frederick Douglass.
In planning the Mason Arts 250 program, the Mason District Arts Council identified family-friendly events and activities for this spirited commemoration art activities to bring the meaning of those texts to our multicultural community and encouraged everyone to participate.
Photos by Jay Townsend
Roadside signs promoting our Mason Arts 250 activities in June 2026.
Chorale Concert
June 7
The NoVA Lights Chorale performed a free concert titled “America Celebrates 250” featuring songs focused on the country’s history, beauty, and pursuit of freedom, to a packed crowd of more than 160 people at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bailey’s Crossroads. A reception with light food and beverages followed.
Artistic director Dr. Stanley Livengood conducts the Chorale.
America the Beautiful at 250
June 13
A community parent orchestra, the ATOMS Buskers, and more, presented a free concert with the theme “America the Beautiful at 250” along with the premiere readings of the winning poems from our Mason Arts 250 Poetry Contest at John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Annandale on June 13 along with a “string instrument petting zoo” (courtesy of Day Violins).
The FACE Parent Orchestra performs “Perpetuoso” during the “America the Beautiful at 250” concert.
Poetry Contest
June 13
Community members were asked to submit poems inspired by “The New Colossus.” The winning were read aloud by the authors during the “America the Beautiful” concert event.
Mason District Arts Council poetry contest organizer Lisa Lowry reads the Emma Lazarus poem "The New Colossus."
Oratory by historical reenactors and one-act plays
June 20
Presented at a free community event on at Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia.
Janis Harless, presents the personal perspective of Nancy (Ann) Eilbeck Mason, eldest daughter of founding father George Mason IV.
Community Mural
June 27
In cooperation with ArtLords and inspired by the Emma Lazarus poem “The New Colossus” inscribed on a plaque inside the Statue of Liberty, a community mural painting took place in the parking lot at the ACCA Child Development Center. The completed mural will be displayed throughout July 2026 on the construction fencing at the site of the future Eastgate Apartment building (next to the K-Market).
Community member working on the mural project led by Artlords.
Wishing tree
June 27
Throughout May and June, residents from all over the Mason District were asked to write down their ideas about “What is My America” on ribbons, which were collected and displayed on a “wishing tree” as part of the community mural project.
Tags on the Mason District Arts Council Wishing Tree.
Mason District Arts Council thanks the Fairfax250 Commission for its support. Visit fxva.com/fairfax250 to explore the celebration.