MPA Inspires: A Weekend of Collecting and Connecting

Save the Date!

Join us as we celebrate MPA’s rich artistic history with MPA Inspires: Collecting and Connecting, an exciting weekend featuring 60+ MPA Alumni Exhibiting Artists. Please save the date for Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 18 and 19, and join us at 6910 Fleetwood Rd., McLean for our inaugural Artist & Collectors’ Weekend.

Alumni Artist Exhibition Showcase
Celebrating 60 Years with Our Extraordinary Community of Artists

Plan to be part of the benefit weekend! Do not miss the chance to add a major artwork to your collection or start your collection. Artists featured in the Artist & Collectors’ Weekend have donated their works in support of the development of a new MPA Art and Education Center. All artworks are available for a $600 purchase. Join us for a fabulous time on Saturday November 18^th from 2-5pm for a collector’s panel and gallery tour by artists in the alumni exhibition, to consider works that intrigue you to purchase. Then collect your artwork by a fun Collectors’ Drawing, after enjoying the Art + Soul Jazz Brunch on Sunday, November 19th! You can also view the works online here.

Alumni Art Exhibition Showcase viewing hours are as follows:

• November 9, 2023: 2-4pm
• November 12, 2023: 2-4pm
• November 14, 2023: 2-4pm
• November 17, 2023: 2-4pm

Saturday, November 18, 2-5pm: Art Insights | Panel Discussion and Alumni Art Exhibition, presented by The Mather — We invite you to embark on an intimate journey into the creative minds behind the captivating artworks you’ll encounter by our exhibiting alumni artists.

The Art Insights event will begin with a panel discussion featuring the following esteemed art collectors:

• Michael Abrams and Sandra Stewart: Seasoned art collectors, Michael Abrams and Sandra Stewart have been collecting together for more than 15 years, with Abrams’ independent collection spanning more than 40 years. Abrams currently serves as Commissioner at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), and previously served on the boards of the Corcoran Museum, Photography Committee of the Art Institute of Chicago, and as past board chair of CulturalDC.
• Nancy Hirshbein, Art Advocate: A passionate advocate for DC arts and artists, Nancy Hirshbein has served on the board of several DC arts organizations, including Hamiltonian Artists and Stable. She is also a docent at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, as well as a volunteer at the National Gallery of Art.
• Eric Key, Arts Program Director at the University of Maryland University College: An art lover, investor, and collector, Eric Key’s background includes more than 35 years of experience in art administration. Over his tenure in the art field, Key has served as curator for the African American Museum Dallas, Assistant Curator of African American History at Old City Park in Dallas, and Special Collections Librarian/University Archivist at Prairie View A&M University. Throughout his tenure, he has curated more than 200 culturally diverse exhibitions.

A ”Meet the Artists” session and gallery tour will follow the panel discussion. Guests will enjoy a unique opportunity to connect with the alumni artists about their work, providing a firsthand glimpse into the inspiration that fuels their artistic expressions. The event will conclude with a reception.

Sunday, November 19, 11:30am-2:30pm: Art + Soul | Jazz Brunch — A casually sophisticated event for artists and art-lovers to connect and have fun, featuring live music, food, bubbles and bloodies, and a special Collectors’ Drawing from those sixty artists’ work. Purchase your brunch tickets here.

Collector’s Drawing, 12:30-2:30pm: The centerpiece of the Art + Soul Art Fundraiser is our highly anticipated Collectors’ Drawing. MPA is thrilled to present an exquisite collection of 60 artworks generously contributed by talented alumni artists who comprise MPA’s artistic legacy. This event represents not only the creative spirit of our community, but also our collective commitment to making a positive impact.

Ticket and Sponsorship Opportunities

A wide variety of sponsorship levels are available–offering options for both individuals and corporate entities. Questions? For more information, please contact Jen Wormser at jwormser@mpaart.org.