MPA Downtown: Art in the Heart of the Community

MPA’s new Arts and Education Center is years in the making. This new, permanent and cost-effective space is ideally suited to deliver on MPA’s mission. This second location–in the heart of McLean’s central business district, next to a Metro bus stop, and in walking distance of hundreds of homes–will be a landmark for the arts, giving the McLean community a vibrant place to gather, learn, and connect.

Opening Doors to Innovate

This new art campus in downtown McLean will have a powerful impact on the community, spanning three key programmatic areas:

Noteworthy Exhibitions

Designed to complement MPA’s existing galleries, two new public galleries will enhance MPA’s exhibition capacity, further solidifying its reputation as a premier venue for contemporary art. These additions will expand the region’s gallery offerings, providing a platform for established and emerging artists. The multifunctional MPA Downtown gallery will showcase diverse art forms, including digital, light, and installation art. Outdoor spaces will accommodate large-scale sculptures and installations. With these new exhibition spaces alongside MPA’s current galleries, the organization can increase both the number of exhibitions and the variety of art forms presented to the public.

Educational Initiatives

Art education has been central to MPA’s mission from its inception. This new center is designed with teaching spaces strategically co-located with our exhibition area, fostering collaboration and inspiration among MPA students and the broader community. Working artists will engage in teaching, exhibiting, and creating, fostering community and dialogue around their art. For the first time, MPA will have purpose-built spaces tailored to specific mediums, enabling both new and accomplished artists to produce ceramics on-site. Painting, drawing, and mixed media will continue to be taught in the DuVal Studio at McLean Community Center. This fundraising effort will support the enhancement of existing and new classrooms.

Distinctive Hospitality

Building community involves bringing people together. Through carefully curated public spaces, including a café and a courtyard, MPA’s opportunity for ever-important gatherings and connections further expands. MPA’s signature hospitality, appreciated by artists and members of our community alike, will have a permanent home in our downtown location, Café Monett. This flexible space will allow for performances, lectures, and even afternoon teas to bring together art lovers from across the region and beyond.

Event Details

Sponsorship Opportunities

Contact Laura Gleason if you have any questions at lgleason@mpaart.org.

Please note: MPA is a nonprofit organization, and our 60th anniversary events raise critical funds needed to support our mission-based programs. At this time, we cannot accommodate splitting sponsor packages between individuals, companies, or families. Sponsorship packages are intended to be purchased by one entity. We appreciate your understanding.
For donors interested in giving from a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), please note that IRS regulations do not permit any benefits, including tickets, to be conferred in connection with DAF contributions. IRS regulations state that ticket costs, including both cost of goods/services and charitable amount, should be paid for from sources other than a DAF. Please consult your tax professional for more information.
For donors interested in employer matching gifts, please contact MPA first to determine the tax-deductible amount.

I’m unable to attend, but would like to show my support!

We are pleased to recognize donors at $1750 and higher as event sponsors on our website and in printed materials.
Please note, no changes will be made to the event program after September 7, 2022.
Contact Jennifer Wormser with sponsorship inquiries.

McLean Project for the Arts is a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, with the tax identification number of EIN #52-1374407. Your donation (less cost of goods and services) is considered a charitable contribution under the U.S. Tax Laws. Consult your tax advisor to determine the extent of the applicable tax deduction.

Individual Tickets

MPA is offering discounted ticket prices for working artists, students, and young professionals.

Artist Tickets $35

Student Tickets $35

Young Professionals Tickets $35

*Thanks to our event sponsor Total Wine & More, ticket holders will receive a coupon for redemption at any Total Wine store for a discount on a 750ml bottle of wine. 

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