Mason Arts 250
This summer, the Mason District Arts Council is organizing a community-wide commemoration of the United States Semiquincentennial.
Our Mason Arts 250 program is aimed at engaging the public through the arts, based on the ideas at the heart of the American Revolution.
Artists and community members are collaborating on six activities – involving music, poetry, theater, speech, and visual arts – in June and July. Each activity will take 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 specific art activities that will bring the meaning of those texts to our multicultural community. Some events are site-specific and will take place on a certain day and others will take place over the five weeks leading to the July 4, holiday.
Everyone is welcome to participate in the following family-friendly events and activities for this spirited commemoration:
- Choral concert — The NoVa Lights Chorale will perform a concert titled “America Celebrates 250” featuring songs focused on the country’s history, beauty, and pursuit of freedom on June 7 at 4 p.m., at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bailey’s Crossroads. A reception will follow.
- America the Beautiful — A community parent orchestra will present a concert with the theme “America the Beautiful” at John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Annandale on June 13 at 4 p.m. along with an “instrument petting zoo” for the kids and other activities starting at 3 p.m.
- Oratory and One-act plays — Community residents are encouraged to submit short-form scripts or recitations of historical narratives applicable to the event to be presented at a community event on June 20 at 2 p.m. at Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia. Submission deadline for final scripts: June 1, 2026.
- Community mural — Residents are invited to participate in a community mural project on the theme “The New Colossus” in central Annandale on June 27. The mural will be displayed throughout the month in a prominent location. The sonnet, “The New Colossus,” written by Emma Lazarus in 1883, is inscribed on a plaque inside the Statue of Liberty. It welcomes immigrants to America with the lines, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
- Poetry contest — Community members are invited to submit new poetry here inspired by “The New Colossus.” Works will then be shared online and at some of the Mason Arts 250 events.
- Wishing tree collaboration — Throughout May and June, residents will be asked to write down their ideas about “What is My America” on ribbons, which will be collected and displayed on a “wishing tree.” Look for the wishing tree box at community events and share your message. Confirmed locations (more to come):
May 1, at 5 p.m. • Arts in Daily Spaces Opening at the Mason Governmental Center
May 2, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. • Opening at the Artisans United Craft Gallery
May 9, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. • Art in Daily Spaces event at John Calvin Presbyterian Church
June 6, time TBD • Graduation and Family Day at ACCA in Annandale
June 7, at 4 p.m. • NoVa Lights Chorale at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
The Mason District Arts Council is composed of artists, art lovers, and organizers with the goal of elevating the arts and culture in our community. The council is excited to invite the public to participate in Mason Arts 250. For updates, check this website, our Facebook page, and Annandale Today for information on each project as the summer approaches. Additional activities may be added in the next couple of months.
