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By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell, Stefanie Gans and Jennifer Zeleski
Be like Bob Ross
Ever since I made the claim a few weeks ago that I have no artistic talent, my mom has tried to prove me otherwise. “What about those cute birdhouses you used to paint when you were young?” she said to me while we discussed the pressing matter over FaceTime. Well, her statements stuck with me, as a mom’s words always do. I found myself falling down the deep rabbit hole of watching painting videos on YouTube this past week (yes … I do mean Bob Ross), and convincing myself that maybe my not-so-steady hand can create something beautiful. So instead of buying a trove of expensive art supplies from the nearest Michael’s, I’m going to test my color-blending and landscape-creating techniques at Muse Paintbar at Mosaic on Aug. 23, for the Neon Nights class. The class features a stunning sunset painting as its end goal, and includes snacks like mozzarella sticks and chicken fingers, just like when I used to paint those tiny birdhouses. -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant // 2920 District Ave., Suite 100, Fairfax; Aug. 23, 7:30-10 p.m.; $45
The hills are alive
There are certain movies that transcend generations. As a kid, The Sound of Music was one of my absolute favorites. I would watch it over and over again, singing my little heart out (the larger plot point of escaping the Nazis went over my 8-year-old head). As a mom myself now, I’ve loved introducing my daughter to some of my childhood favorites, so you can find us at Wolf Trap on Saturday for The Sound of Music Sing-a-Long. We’ll spread out a picnic on the lawn and I’ll teach my daughter how to sing her little heart out, just like mom. The evening kicks off with a costume contest—maybe I’ll dig out my wedding veil, which was super long solely because that’s how Maria’s was! -Katie Bianco, Editor // Wolf Trap: 1645 Trap Road, Vienna; Aug. 24, 7:15 p.m. costume contest, 7:40 p.m. film start; $25-$45
Around the world in six hours
Over the past few years I’ve come to an outstanding revelation: I love shopping. Whether it be for clothing, fresh produce or knickknacks for my home, I really enjoy the act of adding new details to my life. Growing up in Boston, there was no shortage of craft fairs, yet they typically spanned across city streets, where crowds would fill, ultimately bringing me more stress than enjoyment. That’s why this weekend, I will be making my first trip to Leesburg to check out the World Heritage Festival held on an open, green field with seemingly endless space and items from cultures around the world. Luckily for me, more than 60 vendors will be selling art for my walls, jewels for my hands and global food for my stomach. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant // Ida Lee Park Recreation Center: 60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg; Aug. 24, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; free entry
A new world view
If I could go back in time and change anything about my education growing up, it would be to learn more about non-Western countries. From history to art, school curriculums mainly focused on the United States and Europe. Ask me anything about the Renaissance or the Roman Empire and I’ll most likely answer correctly, but when it comes to Eastern cultures, I’ll sometimes draw a blank. It’s something I’m aware of and I’m constantly working on, which is why I’ll be attending the 2019 Contemporary Art of Pakistan Exhibition at Tysons Corner Marriott on Sunday, Aug. 25. Artwork showcased will be by local Pakistani artists, and I’m looking forward to gaining new insight into that side of the world and learning a thing or two about Pakistani culture and history. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // Tysons Corner Marriott: 8028 Leesburg Pike, Tysons; 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; free, RSVP strongly encouraged
Want more fun? Check out the August issue’s NoVA in 19 to see what else should be on your radar as we kick off the last month of summer vacation.