Commission for the Arts Seeks Public Comment on Temporary Mura

Alexandria Commission for the Arts Seeks Public Comment on Temporary Mural for Sports Equipment Facility Wall near the the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center

The Alexandria Commission for the Arts invites the public to provide comment on a proposed temporary mural for the Sports Equipment Facility located near the Miracle Field League of Alexandria and the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson Street. The display will be available for review and comment from through Monday, September 24.

Bruce Scallon’s and Howard Connolly’s proposals are on display. One of these proposals will be selected as the winning design for the temporary mural. According to the City’s Policy on Acquired Art, temporary art is displayed for only two years. The Kelly Cares Foundation and the Miracle Field of Alexandria are funding the costs for the mural. Public comment is sought on these two proposals. Comments will be given to the Public Art Committee and the Alexandria Commission for the Arts prior to the selection of the artist.

Comments can be offered at the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center, in a notebook near the display, during normal operating hours, or by email to aca@alexandriava.gov  with Miracle Field Mural in the subject line. All comments received by September 24 will be reviewed by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.

For more information and questions on the Miracle Field Mural, contact the Alexandria Commission for the Arts at703.746.5588 or aca@alexandriava.gov.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Cheryl Anne Colton with the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.746.5565 (VA Relay 711) or e-mail cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov. 

365 - Chalk

City of Alexandria Again Named One of 100 Best Communities for Young People

City of Alexandria Again Named One of 100 Best Communities for Young People

For Immediate Release:  September 17, 2012

Alexandria was again named one of America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best Communities for Young People. The national award, presented by ING, was given to the City in recognition of  its outstanding and innovative work in addressing the high school dropout crisis and for its programs and services that make the City a great  place for youth to live, learn and grow.

Alexandria, a five-time 100 Best winner, enhances the quality of life for its youth through various academic and after-school programs. The Alexandria City Public Schools is in the second year of a five-year Strategic Plan to close the achievement gap through pre-school and special education programs, individual achievement plans, more course offerings and a new curriculum. This strategic plan recently won a Magna Award, a national program sponsored in part by the National School Boards Association, which recognizes best practices and innovative programs that advance student learning.

Outside of school, youth benefit from the Fund for Alexandria’s Child, which promotes community awareness and support for foster children and youth at risk of abuse and neglect. Monies raised by the Fund allow these children to participate in activities that other children take for granted such as dance, art or karate lessons, summer camps, field trips, scouting and team sports. At-risk preteen girls in Alexandria can join the Space of Her Own mentorship program to take classes on healthy habits, communications and art. At the end of the program, each girl refurbishes her bedroom with her own art projects. 

In recognition of this achievement, Alexandria will receive a $2,500 grant, signage identifying the community as one of the nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People, and access to America’s Promise Alliance’s community development resources.

For more information, contact Ron Frazier, Director of Youth Services, Department of Human and Community Services, at 703.746.5967 orron.frazier@alexandriava.gov.