Lake Barcroft Spring Art Tour Raises $10,000 for Local Charities

Forty-six local artists displayed their work in 19 studios and galleries around Lake Barcroft on Sunday. The Falls Church neighborhood was packed with community members eager to view the original artworks of the talented artists. The Lake Barcroft Woman’s Club organized the art tour to provide a venue for the community to share their talents and also to raise money for local charities. Woman’s Club President Jennifer Talati was thrilled to announce that the club raised more than $10,000.

“The art tour was a fantastic success,” Talati said. “I didn't fully appreciate how many talented artists live in our Lake community. We are already talking about plans to do this again next year!”

Charities that will benefit from the ticket and raffle proceeds include the Bailey’s Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, the J.E.B. Stuart Educational Foundation and the Annandale Christian Community for Action.

“This event was typical of the Woman’s Club's importance to our community,” said David Feld, the chairperson of the art tour. “We have more than 160 people participating in the event and 120 volunteers helping the artists in their studios. This is a great example of how communities grow and the Woman’s Club has been an engine of that growth.”

Despite some light rain in the morning, a steady stream of art enthusiasts, friends and neighbors traveled from house to house. “I was concerned since it was raining that it would put a damper on the tour,” said abstract artist Yvonne Piner Kleiman. “But it’s been busy. It’s really been a fabulous day.”

Kleiman’s studio was “Number 17” on the art tour. Visitors followed bright yellow signs marked “Studio” with arrows pointing down a pathway to a lush garden until they reached a bright yellow door to Kleiman’s studio. Once inside, visitors could chat with the artist about her work, make a purchase or just quietly peruse her multimedia art.

“Personally, I think it was a success and I hope it will be repeated,” she said. “I think it’s a great thing to do. I think it was a success just in building an artist community here. I like that camaraderie where we as artists have come together to aid in fundraising for the Woman’s Club.” 

Photographer Lea Bellas shared Kleiman’s sentiment. “The tour was awesome,” she said. “There are just a lot of really talented artists here. I’m really impressed.”

Bellas was one of the artists on the tour who gave visitors the opportunity to watch a live demonstration. She took an interactive approach, allowing the visitors to participate in a professional photo shoot and learn about lighting, composition and other techniques.

Participating artists seemed to be just as excited as those learning about their work. “I’m just back from New York City where I got my signature pin from the American Watercolor Society,” said watercolorist Chica Brunsvold. “But I just had to come back for this.”

To learn more about the art tour or the artists who participated, click here.