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By Jessica Schmitt
In a world characterized by fast-paced activities, packed schedules, and hustle and bustle, the arts can be a calming oasis. The arts bring about deep emotional awareness, curiosity, and awe, all the while connecting us to the community through shared human principles such as emotions and a sense of belonging.
For the artists trying to bring the beauty of art to the world, several challenges stand in their way. Spaces for artistic production and groups that allow for learning and networking are limited and expensive. Fortunately, the Clearbrook Arts Collective in Lake Ridge offers artists of all levels and mediums the opportunity to create and showcase their art in a warm and supportive environment. For Northern Virginia, this means that the community has more opportunities to experience the arts and artists have more opportunities to create it.
Background
The Clearbrook Arts Collective operates out of the Clearbrook Center of the Arts in Lake Ridge. It was founded by Mary Ann Russell, an artist herself, and John Wooten, project manager for Clearbrook Center of the Arts. In the fall of 2024, Mary Ann was looking for a studio space and reached out to John. Clearbrook offers plenty of space for art, including studios, stages, and walls for displays, but had previously been used
mostly for shows on weekends and smaller family events. John wanted to expand the center’s arts opportunities. He offered her studio space in exchange for help boosting the arts scene at Clearbrook. Together they formed the Clearbrook Arts Collective.
The Clearbrook Arts Collective is a nonprofit group for artists of all skills and experience levels to have a space to produce art and promote their work. It is open to artists creating any type of art, including (but not limited to) visual artists, poets, musicians and film makers. One of the aspects that makes the Clearbrook Arts Collective different from other art collectives is its accessibility. They only charge a $20 per month membership fee. Being a nonprofit, many of the collective’s costs are covered by donations and grants.
Growth of the Collective
The collective has experienced much more growth than expected. The initial response was incredible, with a significant number of applications and lots of activity within their group chats. Their first gallery was a huge success. The catalyst for this momentum? Mary Ann explains, “I would say one thing that has contributed to our success is how passionate our members are.” The artists in the collective have an infectious passion for their work and want to make the most of the opportunity they have been given.
Opportunities for Artists
The Clearbrook Arts Collective offers many opportunities to its members. In addition to studio space, the collective holds monthly meetings where they discuss plans and promotion. There are numerous networking opportunities as well.
The collective holds both experienced and beginner artists, which allows for the exchange of information, ideas, and opportunities. Many of their young members get to experience the milestones of selling their first piece of artwork or having their artwork displayed in their first gallery. The artists also benefit from getting inspiration and encouragement from seeing what the artists around them are creating.
The collective also has opportunities for artists who are not members as well. On the last Friday of every month, the collective hosts a two-hour artist workshop open to anyone. They offer art supplies, such as paint, pallets and more, for people to create art. Additionally, you’ll find a free gallery outside the center where people can drop off and pick up art supplies. It is often empty, proving that the desire within the
community to create is large.
The Collective and the Community
The response to Clearbrook Arts Collective has been encouraging. They have had lots of people, mentors, and other galleries in the area reach out. Many community members want to get involved in helping with events and the overall mission.
The collective also works to engage with the community in numerous ways. They have given many opportunities to artists who wouldn’t have it otherwise and are continually encouraging the local community to create. Clearbrook Center of the Arts also gives back, and the collective has supported their efforts. Overall, the collective’s goal is to enhance and encourage the community through access to the arts.
Thinking About the Future
The Clearbrook Arts Collective is continuing to work toward its goal of expanding membership and increasing overall involvement. In the future, they hope to expand the ways in which they interact with the community, including attending events outside of the Clearbrook Center, further advertising for businesses and arts events, working with more musicians, and sharing flyers and information for upcoming shows in the community. As they work toward these goals, they are staying centered around their mission: to provide an accessible place for artists to thrive. Mary Ann says, “I think a lot of what we’re doing is giving people the courage to go out and make money from their art.” And that they are doing.
The collective encourages readers to keep creating art—-or at least try it out! Being creative in any way is important. To find out more and get connected with the Clearbrook Arts Collective, visit their website clearbrookcenterofthearts.org/clearbrook-arts-collective/. They can be reached by email at clearbrookcenterofthearts@gmail.com, or email Mary Ann at bbednug@gmail.com. Find them on Instagram @clearbrookartistcollective. Get connected with the Clearbrook Arts Collective and experience the beauty of engaging with the arts!
Jessica Schmitt is a Contributing Writer for Prince William Living can be contacted at jschmitt@princewilliamliving.com.
