Committee of 100 panelists applaud The Arts in Prince William County

“Are the Arts Alive in Prince William County?” the Prince William Committee 100 asked in its monthly forum on Jan. 18, held at the Clearbrook Center of the Arts in the Tackett’s Mill Center of Lake Ridge.  “Yes!” came the anwers from all five panelists.

“Did you know our county is home to a world class professional ballet company?” asked, Mark Wolfe.  The Mananssas Ballet Theatre has a company of internationally renown dancers performing year round at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. 

“Did you know this company performs on a world class stage inside Prince William County?” asked Bill Reeder, whose vision helped bring us the grand copper building on the George Mason Manssas campus, adorned in majestic interior colors, mohair seats, and a large enough stage for classic ballet. 

“Did you also know that our state’s first Interjurisdictional Cultural Art District, inclusive of the Lorton Workouse Arts Center, is located inside PWC?” asked Liz Quist as she explained the positive impact this designation will have on our area. 

Amelia May, current chair of the Prince William Arts Council, expanded on this vision and let eveyrone know we have a vibrant and active arts council that is part of PWC Parks & Recreation.

“So why don’t more people know the Arts Are Alive in PWC?” asked Sheyna Bur, musician and past chair of the Prince William Arts Council.

Everyone attending the forum agreed the arts are needed in our community and that, “the county as a whole needs to do a better job letting people know so they will show up and care,” says Sheyna Burt.

“The arts impact our quality of life.  Art is what we leave behind,”  Bill Reeder said.