Provided by Del. Richard Anderson’s Office
Delegate Richard L. Anderson, who represents Prince William County’s 51st House District in the Virginia General Assembly, will again sponsor his “Art Day at the Capitol” program on Friday, Feb. 17th, from 9:30 a. m. to 12:00 noon in the Fourth Floor West Conference Room at the General Assembly Building on Richmond’s Capitol Square.
All public school students in the 51st House District are invited to participate. This year’s event features artwork from a variety of elementary, middle, and high school students across the district represented by Anderson, which runs from Lake Ridge to Nokesville.
Student artists will have their art work displayed on Capitol Square for several weeks. Afterwards, they and their families will get a personally-guided tour of the Virginia State Capitol, be introduced to other House members, and receive Commonwealth of Virginia commendations recognizing their work and talent. Art teachers nominated artwork by their students for this year’s Art Day at the Capitol, which are considered to be “on loan” during the General Assembly’s 2017 session. Artwork has already been transported to Richmond where it will hang from January 9th through Art Day on February 17th.
“I am always amazed what students come up with,” Anderson said. “Their creativity and talent are truly a testament to the fantastic programs our Prince William County Schools run. Normally, people think of students who are interested in government or civics when they think of running a program in Richmond, but I want our artists to know that they are important members of our community, too!”
Kristina Schnack Kotlus, Delegate Anderson’s Community Outreach Coordinator, oversees the program and works closely with Jasmine Hawkins, Coordinator for the Arts in the Office of Student Learning at Prince William County Schools. This state-local partnership has ensured the success and widespread popularity of the program over the last four years. As soon as the 2017 program is complete, Anderson and his staff will begin planning with county school officials for the 2018 program.
In announcing final plans for the 51st House District Art Day at the Capitol, Kotlus noted that “We are always honored to display the talent of our Prince William County public school students. You certainly won’t find a better decorated office in Richmond than our 51st office, that’s for sure!”
The selected student art can be viewed at the Capitol through Feb. 17th, and Anderson and Kotlus invite Prince William residents who visit the Capitol over the next two months to stop by Anderson’s office in Room 406 of the General Assembly Building to get a first-hand appreciation of the county’s student artistic talent.
