February 14 through February 20
Shutterstock.com/Blanche Branton
SPOTLIGHT:
The Language of Flowers
Feb. 14 @ 1 p.m. Come celebrate Valentine’s Day with author Amy Brecount White as she demonstrates how to improve and enliven your communication skills using the Victorian language of flowers. She’ll discuss the literary origins of the language and assemble tussiemussie messages, which some lucky visitors can take home. / US Botanic Garden, 245 First Street SW, Washington DC; 202-225-1281; event info;
UMW presents “Mid-Atlantic New Painting 2012”
Jan. 20- Feb. 24. Open gallery hours. The “Mid-Atlantic New Painting 2012” exhibit offers a snapshot of the painting medium through the work of 17 artists and is a representation of some of the current themes in painting. Claire Huschle, executive director of the Arlington Arts Center, will serve as juror of the exhibition. Active in arts administration in the Washington D.C. area, Huschle is the 2010 recipient of the AAUW Elizabeth Campbell Award for the Advancement of the Arts in Arlington. / Ridderhof Martin Gallery, College Ave, UMW Fredericksburg campus; 540-654-1013; http://galleries.umw.edu; Free.
A Palette of Paper: the Collages of Megan Coyle
Feb. 8 – Mar 22. Artist talk on Feb. 18 @ 1 p.m. Megan Coyle is a practicing collage artist and designer living in Northern Virginia whose work has been featured in the Washington Post, and has been exhibited in the Smithsonian Ripley Center, Art League Gallery, Fisher Gallery, and Krempp Gallery. All artwork in the show is made entirely from magazine strips, and looks as though it was made from acrylic or oil paint. / Center for the Arts, Caton Merchant Family Gallery, Old Town Manassas; www.mcoyle.com; Free.
Love, Politics and Scrabble: The Games People Play
Feb. 3-26 during gallery hours. Opening reception Feb. 3 @ 7-9 p.m. An all media exhibit of artwork inspired by the various games people play throughout life. This juried show asked artists to depict any of the numerous games people play in life, whether power, Monopoly, manipulation, poker, Angry Birds, baseball, or gossip./ Del Ray Artisans gallery at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria; www.thedelrayartisans.org; Free.
‘Three Bears’ A Cappella Comedy
Feb. 9 –Mar. 4. Times vary. Tyson’s Corner’s award-winning professional theater, 1st Stage, along with First Draft at Charter Theater presents a musical play that offers a comedic twist on the classic fairy tale. The show is fast-paced and fun for the whole family, ages 5 and up. / 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Road, McLean; 703-854-1856; www.1ststagetysons.org; $15, group discounts available.
All In The Timing @ Run Rabbit Run Theatre
Feb. 10- 19. Times vary. The Run Rabbit Run Theatre at Grandale presents four hilarious One Act plays from David Ives including The Universal Language, The Philadelphia, Variations on the Death of Trotsky, and Sure Thing. Make it a Valentines to remember with the gift of gourmet food and great comedy. / Grandale Farm Restaurant, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Neersville (GPS: Purcellville); www.RRRtheatre.org; $45-$55.
Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance at the Inn at Kelly’s Ford
Feb. 14 @ 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Come enjoy a romantic occasion with that special someone, featuring a menu created by Chef Jean Paul Pessaint and live entertainment by the Glass Onion Band starting at 6 p.m. Reservations recommended. / The Inn at Kelly’s Ford, 16589 Edwards Shop Road, Remington; 540-399-1779; http://www.innatkellysford.com/events.asp.
Old House Vineyards Valentine Wine Dinner
Feb. 14. Enjoy this fixed-price Valentine’s menu including a rustic tomato soup, salad of baby greens, with toasted walnuts, fig infused goat cheese, dried cranberries and smoke bacon, roasted garlic and herb infused lamb chops, and a decadent dark chocolate cheesecake. / Old House Vineyards, 18351 Corkys Lane, Culpeper; 540-423-1032; http://www.oldhousevineyards.com/events.cfm.
That’s Amore Valentine’s Day Concert
Feb. 14 @ 7 p.m. Introducing children to opera through local outreach, the Opera Guild of Northern Virginia is hosting this kid-friendly Valentines concert with familiar operatic classics in Italian, French, German, and English, famous love songs, and That’s Amore Sing-Along finale. Proceed support Children’s Opera Productions. / NRECA Building, 4301Wilson Blvd, Arlington; event info; Suggested donations $10-$28.
Brother Russia Presents, Six Session Seminar
Feb. 15- Mar. 5. The Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre is offering theater lovers everywhere the ultimate backstage pass: a six-session seminar that goes behind the scenes of the world premiere rock musicals Brother Russia. C members will meet the creative team and cast members while getting a genuine look at all the stages involved in mounting a professional theatrical production. Register by Feb. 8. / Signature Theater, 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington; 571-527-1857; www.signature-theatre.org/signature-seminar; tuition $300.
Artist Trading Card Night
Feb. 17 @ 7-9 p.m. Make and swap artist trading cards from playing cards. Pick up a blank playing card at the “Love, Politics & Scrabble” (showing Feb. 3- 26), use it to create a 2.5″ x 3.5″ piece of art, and bring your finished ATC with you. Led by Theresa Kulstald./ Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria; www.thedelrayartisans.org; adults 18+; Free.
Jammin Java’s Mid-Atlantic Band Battle 6—The Finals!
Feb. 17 @ 8 p.m. The four finalists from last month’s battle of the bands convene one last time to play against each other in the final round. The winning band receives $2500, a headlining show at Jammin Java, studio time at Cue Recording Studios and 10 hours of rehearsal time at The Music School at Jammin Java. / Jammin Java; event info ; $13 door, $10 advance.
Indoor Spring Flea Market
Feb 18. @ 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. The Young at Heart Seniors are hosting the 6th annual indoor flea market. Experience the excitement of this enormous flea market with interesting booths of odds and ends to browse through. The Young at Heart Café will be serving lunch at a small cost. / City of Fairfax Senior Center, Green Acres Center Cafeteria, 4401 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax; 703-359-2487; Free.
Virginia Wine Showcase
Feb. 18-19, Sat. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Taste over 300 artisan Virginia wines and learn from the pros at culinary seminars from the regions best chefs. All seminars and tastings are included in the ticket price! / Crystal Gateway Marriot, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington; www.vawineshowcase.org; starting at $15.
First Annual Ultimate Winter Weekend Sale
Feb. 18 and 19 @ 10 a.m. Hunt for some wonderful gifts while experiencing the small town charm of Middleburg. Local stores and restaurants will be providing special deals over the weekend. Look for blue and white balloons outside participating stores. / Town of Middleburg, Washington, Madison and Federal Streets; 540-687-8888; event info.
Orchid Mystique: Nature’s Triumph
Feb. 18 – Apr. 29. The 17th annual orchid exhibit, in collaboration with Smithsonian Gardens, features orchids from around the globe. The event will observe the 100th anniversary of Japan’s gift of the cherry blossoms to Washington by presenting our orchids in settings evocative of Japanese gardens. / US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave, SW, Washington DC; 202-225-8333; http://www.usbg.gov/exhibits.cfm
Be Fit McLean Outdoor Adventure Expo
Feb. 18 @ 10 a.m. The McLean Community Center’s second annual Be Fit McLean Outdoor Adventure Expo will give local individuals and families a chance to explore the many outdoor recreation options in the Washington Metropolitan area at a one-stop shop. / McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean; 703-448-8336; http://mcleancenter.org/special-events/befitmclean.asp; free.
Downtown Culpeper CARNIVALE
Feb. 18. 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. Visit Culpeper Downtown with a lively ping pong contest, delicious pancake breakfast with the Culpeper Ruritan’s, mask decorating at the Museum of Culpeper History, events, and specials. Wagon rides by Genesis Clydesdales & Carriages, live music, and street performers are sure to be a treat. Enjoy the tradition of Mardi Gras with beads and masks for all. / Culpeper Downtown; 540-825-4416; http://www.culpeperdowntown.com/events.cfm.
Washington’s Birthnight Banquet & Ball
Feb. 18 @ 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Participate in a reenactment of the 1798 and 1799 balls George Washington attended to celebrate his birthday. Colonial attire encouraged but not required. Dancing lessons are available prior to the Ball. For the first time there will be live Tweeting at the Birthnight Banquet & Ball through @JohnGadsby using the hashtag #GWBall. / Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria; 703-746-4242; http://www.washingtonbirthday.net/events; $100 and up for banquet and ball, $50 for ball only; reservations required.
26th Annual Whammies
Feb. 19 @ 8 p.m. For 26 years, the members of the Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) have shined the spotlight on local musicians, music business professionals, and music organizations. Live performances will celebrate hundreds of top musicians as they are awarded for their accomplishments. / The State Theatre, 220 North Washington St, Falls Church; 703-368-3300; http://www.wamadc.com; $35 general public, $20 WAMA members, $15 nominees.
Meadowlark in Winter
Feb. 19 @ 2:00 p.m. Are the lakes frozen over? Do the geese stay or fly off? Explore Meadowlark in Winter. We may even find some early signs of spring. Dress for the weather. Reservations requested. / Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, 5400 Ox Road, Fairfax Station; http://www.nvrpa.org; 703.255.3631; Free.
George Washington Birthday Parade
Feb 20 @ 1 p.m. Celebrating the 280th anniversary of the birth of the nation’s first president takes place on Washington’s Birthday holiday, Monday, February 20, 1 to 3 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria. / 703-829-6640; http://www.washingtonbirthday.net/events.