Little Art Galleries, Big Impact: Introducing the Mount Vernon District Arts Advisory Council

“Engaging, Exciting, Transformative.” -Cathy Hosek, Chair of the Mount Vernon District Arts Advisory Council, on the future of the arts in Mount Vernon District.

Cathy Hosek, Mount Vernon District Arts Advisory Council Chair and arts enthusiast, knows just how vibrant, diverse, and creative the district is. But last year, as art activities flourished in neighboring districts, she asked herself: Why doesn’t Mount Vernon have its own arts council? The Mount Vernon community is full of art, yet there was no central organization dedicated to bringing those artistic voices together.

That question found momentum in June 2025 at a Mount Vernon Arts Roundtable hosted by Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck’s office and ArtsFairfax. From this gathering that brought together local artists and arts administrators, the vision for the Mount Vernon District Arts Advisory Council began to take shape.

The goal of the Mount Vernon District Arts Advisory Council is clear: to bring the art community front and center in Mount Vernon. One of the ways the Council will accomplish this is through Free Little Art Galleries, also referred to as “FLAGs.” Similar to the Free Little Libraries initiative, FLAGs encourage community members to create works of art that can be shared with the community through miniature galleries located in front of homes, stores, schools, and pedestrian areas.

Although it may seem like a novel idea, Free Little Art Galleries can be found all over the world. While on a family vacation in Michigan, Hosek happened upon a FLAG, and after discovering three in the town, she visited them every day, adding and taking art. This discovery lead to a search for more local FLAGs, but not a single one was located in Mount Vernon District. The Mount Vernon District Arts Advisory Council now hopes to have 10 across the Route 1 Corridor, with the first installation coming soon on April 8, 2026 in the Mount Vernon Plaza.

“I hope to accomplish several goals. I would like for people to be able to experience art, either by creating it or simply enjoying art in their daily lives. We currently have the sculptures “The Faces of 1,” as well as mural projects to enjoy. I would like to have art social meet ups so that artists can collaborate on projects and build their connections within our community. I would also like to see more support for art in the local schools.” -Cathy Hosek

The Mount Vernon District Arts Advisory Council kicked off their first meeting on February 24, 2026, which was met with enthusiasm to activate public spaces and to foster a connected, creative, and visible community.

According to Hosek, “the energy in the room wasn’t passive. It was participatory. People want hands-on creation, public spaces that feel alive, opportunities for all ages to engage, and celebrations of local history and diverse voices. What emerged was a powerful picture: a community where art is not an afterthought, but a daily presence. Where children create alongside elders. Where history is honored, nature is integrated, and culture is celebrated. Where public spaces invite participation, and where creativity strengthens mental wellness and civic pride.”

Now, the Mount Vernon District Arts Advisory Council is working to move from vision to action. The next Council meeting will be held on May 11, and members of the Mount Vernon community are encouraged to get involved through numerous volunteer positions, such as joining the Communication or Grant Teams and working with public art projects. Interested applicants should fill out the interest form.