MPA Downtown: Art in the Heart of the Community
MPA’s new Arts and Education Center has been years in the making, and we’re thrilled to bring this vision to life. This new, permanent, and cost-effective space is perfectly suited to fulfill MPA’s mission. Located in the heart of McLean’s central business district, right next to a Metro bus stop and within walking distance of hundreds of homes, MPA Downtown will be a landmark for the arts. It will offer the McLean community a vibrant place to gather, learn, and connect.
The vision for MPA Downtown includes two new galleries for our exhibition programming, inspiring education offerings in state-of-the-art teaching spaces, and an elegant, flexible café and entertaining venue. With complementary indoor and outdoor spaces for exhibiting, educating, and entertaining, ample parking availability, and back-of-house facilities, this new location will provide autonomy, brand identity, and earned revenue opportunities for MPA. We can’t wait to welcome you to this exciting new chapter for the arts in McLean!
Our Story
MPA is uniquely positioned to harness its longstanding dedication to the arts by spearheading the establishment of a regional hub for art exhibitions, education, and outreach. The envisioned result is a vibrant, 6,000-square foot facility in which the possibilities for creativity are boundless.
To advance MPA’s enduring mission of exhibiting, educating, and inspiring, MPA is working with award-winning architects, CannonDesign, and W. Kenneth Wiseman, Design Principal and fellow of the American Institute of Architects, to create a new MPA Art and Education Center. MPA’s expanded presence will complement the existing galleries and studio at the McLean Community Center with new interior and exterior spaces in downtown McLean.
The establishment of this new Arts and Education Center presents a pivotal opportunity for MPA to advance its mission and build a long-term asset solidifying MPA’s future, while inviting and inspiring an expanding audience in our growing region through the programs it makes possible.
Fast Facts
- Nearly 6,000 square feet
- Gallery
- Education Space
- Ceramics Studio
- Staff offices
- Café with accompanying outdoor terrace
- Architect: Cannon Design, Ken Wiseman
- General Contractor: Rand Construction Corporation
- Expected Opening: July/August 2025
“MPA Downtown will enhance McLean’s cultural and economic landscape, becoming a vibrant hub for community engagement and growth.”
-Lori Carbonneau, MPA Executive Director
Sign Up to Play!
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.
The vision for MPA Downtown currently includes:
- Two new galleries for MPA’s exhibition programming
- Inspiring education offerings in state-of-the-art teaching spaces
- Elegant, flexible cafe and entertaining venue
- Complementary indoor and outdoor spaces for exhibiting, educating, and entertaining
- Ample parking availability and back-of-house facilities
- Autonomy, brand identity and earned revenue opportunities for MPA
Doubles matches on each court, and we encourage you to register with your foursome to keep participants safe during this continuing time of social distancing.
Sign up to play on Friday, May 14th at Washington Golf & Country Club:
Sign up to play on Saturday, May 15th at River Bend Golf & Country Club:
All participating tennis players are invited to join us for the social event afterwards.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsor a court at ArtSmash and receive court signage and tickets for 4 players (1 team).
If you are unable to attend or sponsor the event, you can still make a general tax deductible donation in support of MPA and ArtSmash.
