Special to The Fairfax County Times, May 10, 2019
If you ask ArtsFairfax’s recent Artist Grant honorees’ Tom Teasley and Foon Sham, it is through the audiences’ experience that brings their work to life and gives it meaning.
Teasley and Sham, widely known for their individual achievements and their demonstrated history of accomplishment in the art world, received the 2019 ARTSFAIRFAX’s Artist Award in April.
The Artist Grants recognize the talent of individual artists and the diversity of art created in Fairfax County. Teasley, a solo percussionist, composer and collaborator and Sham, a sculptor, take a unique perspective in how they share their artistic vision and story with the audience.
Teasley says, “As a musician I am a multi-dimensional performer and composer, crossing the boundaries of solo performance through the use of instruments from all over the world, cross-pollinating techniques, rhythms and styles from diverse traditions, and combining ancient percussion with digital technology.”
For Sham, a professor and sculptor, his work goes beyond enjoyment, it is reflective of the physical and spiritual aspect of his life. Sham’s wood sculptures invite audiences into a moment of time and space.
Do You Know?
Fairfax County is home to many talented artists who bring their own unique perspective and interpretation to their art. Individual artists are at the center of Fairfax County’s thriving creative life. A few to check out in May include:
Alex Tolstoy, watercolors
Caroline Weinroth, musician & writer
Diane Coburn Bruning, choreography
Francesca Hurst, piano
John Brannon, book artist
Gabrielle Nami, visual artist
Gina Biver, composer
Humayun Khan, musical performance
Hyun Gi, visual arts
Judith Peck, visual arts
Jesse Stanchak, micro flash fiction
Julia Dzikiewicz, visual arts
Maremi Andreozzi, visual arts
Paula Saneaux, visual arts
Sarah Hardesty, visual arts
Sean Heely, multi-genre violinist and fiddler
Sean Pfueger, bass-baritone and composer
Travis Childers, visual arts
Plan your art outing
Vienna Choral Society presents “There is Always Plan B,” a concert May 18 at the Providence Presbyterian Church that tells the story of music from Bach to the Beatles. 1st Stage explores racism of the rural South in a coming of age story set in 1946 rural Georgia in “The Member of the Wedding” through June 2. Amadeus Orchestra presents emerging artists in a concert on May 19 at Saint Luke Catholic Church in McLean. Reston Community Players present the family fun adventure of “Annie” at the Reston Community Center’s CenterStage on May 11 and 18. The Art Guild of Clifton invites the public to enjoy their 6th annual Plein Air painting event May 16 -19th. The Northern Virginia Players present the Disney classic, “The Jungle Book,” May 10 -19 at the Northern Virginia Community College Lakeside Theater, and the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra presents “Circus Spectacular” on May 19 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center.
Celebrate the Creative Aging Festival
Fairfax is celebrating adults over 50 with the month long Creative Aging Festival. Over 60 events are planned at senior and community centers, public libraries and other locations throughout the County. Participants can learn how to create floating gardens, listen to African drumming, read poetry out loud, try their hand at drawing, and so much more throughout May. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/creativeagingfestival/events to find an event.