ARTfactory Archives - Potomac Local News

Published December 26, 2025 at 7:00AM

New Wellness class has just dropped! [Submitted Photo]

“2026 is the year to reclaim your physical and mental health, and our newest wellness workshop is the perfect way to help organize your thoughts so you can conquer the new year,” Virginia ARTfactory announced. “‘Visualize & Align: A Vision Board Workshop’ is a reflective, hands-on collage workshop led by Endira of Affirmation Ally, in collaboration with The ARTfactory’s Artful Wellness series.”

“With light guidance and gentle prompts, this session offers space to pause, get clear, and visually align with what matters to you in the year ahead,” the organization said.

Features

ARTfactory to host 22nd Annual “Off the Wall” High School Art Exhibit & Competition

By Potomac Local News

Published December 12, 2025 at 11:25AM

“The ARTfactory is proud to present the 22nd Annual Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition, an inspiring showcase of emerging creative talent from across the region,” ARTfactory announced. “This free event invites the community to enjoy the artwork, meet the student artists, and celebrate the top winners in each category.”

“The 2025–26 exhibit features student artwork across five categories: Art & Technology, Painting/Drawing, Poetry, Wearable Art, and Photography,” according to ARTfactory stated. “Wearable Art designs will be unveiled and judged live during the ceremony.”

Features

“Rhythm & Hues” brings René Dickerson’s jazz-inspired art to the ARTfactory

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 3, 2025 at 8:23AM

“The ARTfactory proudly announces a special exhibition featuring the celebrated artist René Dickerson, whose visionary works bridge the worlds of fine art, jazz, and Motown,” the ARTfactory announced. “The exhibition, titled ‘Rhythm & Hues’, will open on November 12 and run through December 14 at the ARTfactory. An Opening Artist Reception will be held on Saturday, November 15 from 6–8 PM.”

Born in Oakland, California, Dickerson’s signature “Linear Art” style fuses cubism, surrealism, and emotional realism, reflecting influences from both jazz and Motown. The exhibition will showcase new works alongside select pieces from his acclaimed My Girl series, inspired by Smokey Robinson and The Temptations. Dickerson, now based in Historic Manassas, continues to collaborate with the Jazz Legacy Foundation and Ocean City Jazz Festival.

Features

“Off the Wall” invites high school students to showcase their creativity across art, tech, and poetry disciplines

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 30, 2025 at 9:26AM

“The ARTfactory is pleased to present the 22nd Annual Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition,” the ARTfactory announced. “Each year, area high school students are invited to share their talent by participating in a high school art exhibit and competition presented by the ARTfactory.”

“The exhibit includes student work in the following categories: Art & Technology, Painting/Drawing, Poetry, Wearable Art, and Photography,” the organization stated. “Each category is adjudicated by a professional in the field.”

Manassas

High school artists invited to compete in ‘Off the Wall’ exhibit

By Press Release

Published October 2, 2025 at 4:30PM

The ARTfactory at 9419 Battle Street in Manassas.

MANASSAS, Va. – The ARTfactory is now accepting student submissions for its 22nd Annual Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition, showcasing young talent from Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

Open to all high school students in grades 9–12, the competition includes categories like Art & Technology, Painting/Drawing, Photography, Poetry, and Wearable Art. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on November 13, 2025, via an online form. Accepted artists will be notified by November 17.

Features

This One-Man Play About Life, Loss, and Ice Cream Is Coming Back to Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 20, 2025 at 4:05PM

MANASSAS, Va. – The folks at the ARTfactory just told Potomac Local News they’re bringing back Every Brilliant Thing—a powerful one-man play that had audiences raving earlier this year. You can catch encore performances on September 5, 6, and 7 in the Wind River Theater.

Directed by Producing Artistic Director Kimberly Kemp and starring longtime ARTfactory favorite David Johnson, the show takes a heartfelt (and often funny) look at mental health, love, and the little things that make life worth living. Think: ice cream, water fights, and staying up past bedtime. It’s all part of one child’s journey to understand their mother’s depression—and grow up in the process.

Features

What’s On Stage This Weekend: August 15–17

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 14, 2025 at 8:37AM

Cast members of “A Bridgerton Too Far” bring Regency-era antics to the stage at Allstate Community Theater in Fredericksburg, August 15–16. Photo courtesy of Stage Door Productions Fredericksburg.

Live music, theater, improv, art, and even a bit of history are all taking center stage across the region this weekend. From Manassas to Fredericksburg, here’s a look at what’s happening August 15–17.

At NOVA Live, the summer tribute concert series wraps up on Saturday, August 16, with all-day performances at theYARD Stage. Headliner Nightrain – A Guns N’ Roses Tribute will close the night. The 12-acre entertainment campus at 9901 Discovery Boulevard includes 2 Silos Brewing Co., The Black Sheep Restaurant, Proof Kitchen + Bar, and more, offering plenty of food and drink options before and after the show.

News

A Fairy Tale with a Twist Is Coming to Manassas—And It’s Just for Kids (and Their Grown-Ups)

By Potomac Local News

Published August 1, 2025 at 10:56AM

MANASSAS, Va. – A brand-new theater troupe for young audiences is making its debut this weekend with a playful spin on a classic fairy tale. The folks at the ARTfactory in Manassas just told Potomac Local News that their new group, Actors Theatre for Young Audiences, is kicking off with The Sleeping Beauty—a musical packed with comedy, magic, and even a dragon.

Performances will be held at the Wind River Theater inside the ARTfactory on August 2, 9, and 16 at 11 a.m.—perfect timing for a morning outing with the kids. This isn’t your typical fairy tale: the show features quirky characters like Chester the Jester, Tipsy the Mystic, and a royal magician who accidentally turns himself into a frog.

Features

Final Curtain for Cabaret as ARTfactory Preps Youthful High School Musical JR and Fall Lineup

By Potomac Local News

Published July 24, 2025 at 9:30AM

Presented at the Wind River Theater, the ARTfactory’s production of Cabaret has sold out nearly every performance. The final show with tickets remaining is set for Saturday, July 26 at 2 p.m., with a pre-show beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Audience members are invited to take a seat at a candlelit table just feet from the stage inside a space reimagined as the famed Kit Kat Club. Premier table seating includes the option to purchase wine from Nokesville Winery and charcuterie boxes from Pampas Fox Catering.

Features

Manassas Gallery Hosts Artist Talk with Painter Behind 30-Year Retrospective

By Potomac Local News

Published July 23, 2025 at 4:45PM

MANASSAS, Va. – A Luray-based painter with more than 30 years of experience will close out his solo exhibition with an in-person artist talk in Old Town Manassas.

Scott Hillman, known for his vibrant use of color and layered compositions, will speak at the ARTfactory on Saturday, July 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free, but attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance at insidenovatix.com.