GRACE Launching ‘Generation Next’ on Wednesday

The Greater Reston Arts Center is turning 40, and to celebrate it is looking towards the next 40 years.

One way of looking ahead: getting younger Reston residents involved in the arts.

GRACE is hosting a reception to launch a new program, Generation Next, Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the gallery at 12001 Market St. There will be free food and Happy Hour-priced beer and wine provided by Il Fornaio and sponsored by Reston’s Beloved Yoga.

Generation Next is a new group of patrons and rising business, civic, and social leaders under the age of 40 who will be the future of the Greater Reston Arts Center, says GRACE executive director Damian Sinclair. Organizers hope that the group will inspire and involve the next generation of GRACE members and leaders by hosting art-infused events.

Wednesday’s reception will  feature a conversation with GRACE Curator Holly McCullough on the current exhibition 40 for 40: Celebrating Four Decades of GRACE and an opportunity to network with other arts-loving colleagues.

GRACE recently embarked on a new fundraising campaign, 40 Forward, which is aimed at increasing contributions to the arts center so it can enhance the annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, expand marketing efforts, grow the quality of exhibitions, and improve its online presence, among other things.

“We only started the campaign in August and have already raised more than $135,000,” Sinclair said, adding that that amount has surpassed original goals.

“The Center at 40 is at a unique crossroads,” say 40 Forward materials. “Planning experts and developers envision a Reston Town Center that, capitalizing on Metro, becomes a dynamic, urban, regional destination with a rich array of live, work, and play options. Re-imagining the Greater Reston Arts Center as a regional center for fine art and culture perfectly aligns with this bold vision. The challenge before us: grow anew and be a vibrant part of the new Town Center that is coming.”