Spotlight on Little City Studios and Gallery

Art galleries are often viewed as intimidating spaces with an air of pretension. Little City Studios and Gallery defies this stereotype. The neighborhood gallery has a friendly atmosphere that makes it accessible to art enthusiasts and local patrons alike. 

“We think of ourselves as a fine arts gallery in a relaxed setting,” said Elisabeth Hudgins, one of the gallery’s 14 artists and the press liaison for the group. “Our hope is to provide professional, vibrant art to the Northern Virginia community.”

When Little City Studios and Gallery launched last year, 12 of the artists were already selling their work at City of Falls Church boutique Stifel & Capra. Most of them also had their own studios or gallery space within the store’s walls.

“We realized [that] in addition to being a part of the Stifel & Capra family, we could also create our own identity and promote the fact that there are working artists’ studios and a fine arts gallery right in the middle of Falls Church,” said Hudgins, a mixed media artist. “We have been called the mini Torpedo Factory.” 

The gallery is home to an eclectic group of artists offering a wide range of works including watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings, sculpture, glass, pen and ink, mixed media collage, paper, pastels, iconography, hand-painted furniture and many types of jewelry. Hudgins said that each of the artist’s work is different and unique, although the media some of them work in overlaps.

The artists, most of whom live in the City of Falls Church, Arlington and Fairfax, are from varied backgrounds and range in age from their 20s through their 70s. But Hudgins said they have all been practicing their craft for many years and see themselves as professional artists, even if they are not able to create art for eight hours a day.

“The artists in the group are a special lot and I enjoy working alongside them,” she said. “And of course, [the owner] Theresa Stifel is a very special person that creates the magic of the whole place.”

Painter and sculptor Jane McElvany Coonce said there is a real sense of community among the artists.

 “Previously, I was painting in a studio in my basement and it felt lonely,” Coonce said. “Now I am able to take breaks and chat with people. There is never a dull moment there!”

The artists host open studios twice a year, where patrons can watch artists demonstrate their craft, ask them questions and talk about commissioned pieces. They also participate in the city-wide FIRSTfriday celebrations and get to know Stifel & Capra’s visiting artists who share their space upstairs each month. 

In conjunction with the Tinner Hills Blues Festival on June 8-10, the artists will be concentrating on all things to do with music, Falls Church and the color blue. They are also exchanging ideas with the non-profit organization Falls Church Arts to see how they can work together to promote the arts in Falls Church.

Artist Sandi Parker, who specializes in oil paintings and sea-inspired jewelry, said the FIRSTfriday celebrations and other special events are a great time to visit Little City Studios and Gallery to share in the camaraderie. 

“The interaction and support I have received from our customers and the other artists has been wonderful,” Parker said. “It is truly an inspiring place.”

Click here to learn more about Little City Studios and Gallery. 

260 W. Broad St. (second floor); (703) 533-3557
Open Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, 12 - 5 p.m.