Arts Fest Events: On-Stage Sampler, Hoe Down, Puppets

Art lovers hold on to your (undoubtedly ridiculous) hats. This year's Spotlight on Arts Festival features over 40 art events spanning 30 days. The performances vary from high school art galleries to a battle of the bands to live bluegrass to an inaugural ball and auction.

Can't wait? Well before you go off salivating over the festival's calendar, scroll down. I've taken 40 events and made a handy guide of what-you-need-to-knows for this weekend. And so you don't get overwhelmed, I'll do the same for you every few days.

Check back for updated event listings... and let me know what you think of the festival. I'll be out and about talking to people, taking photos. Say hi if you see me!

Now to the good stuff:

• “Super Specific” Adam Lister Gallery

Founded in 2009, the Adam Lister Gallery provides the community with contemporary art exhibitions, educational programs and a variety of art-related activities and events. The gallery located in the City of Fairfax, in the center of the Old Town Village Plaza focuses on creating opportunities for emerging artists with the aim of giving local, national and international artists exposure in the Northern Virginia area. The gallery is brought to you in collaboration with George Mason University School of Art.

April 14–May 6, theSPACE @ Old Town Plaza, free.

• Fairfax Art League Exhibition

A group of local artists dedicated to promoting the arts in Fairfax will show off their latest masterpieces at Old Town Hall.

April 16–May 3, Old Town Hall, free.

• AFYP Presents Spotlight On-Stage Sampler

Acting for Young People and Adults presents a taste of their onstage presence at the new community center on Old Lee Highway.

April 18-20, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center

• Spring Break Art Program

School's out, but art's always in style. Bring your family for some art inspiration. Held at the same time as the AFYP sampler.

April 18-22, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, register at www.fairfaxva.gov, $

• Children’s Performance: Bob Brown Puppets

Bob Brown Puppets have been a major children's theater company for the past fifty years, offering the finest in children's education and entertainment and performing to over 300,000 children a year.

Monday, 10:30 a.m., Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, free

• Commission on the Arts: John Mason Arts Achievement Award & Recital

Get your quick art fix at the new community center on Old Lee Highway Tuesday afternoon.

Tuesday, 2 p.m., Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, free

• Friday Morning Music Club on Thursday Morning at Old Town Hall

A community of music lovers and musicians, the Friday Morning Music Club, Inc., has promoted classical music in the Washington area for over 120 years. FMMC’s public concerts—now held throughout the week—provide performing members with a host of outlets for their talents as well as delighting audiences in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 11 a.m. NOTE: The Friday Morning Music Club performance will be held Thursday morning.

Thursday, 11 a.m., Old Town Hall, free

• “A Country Hoe Down with the Country Stepper Dance Team”

Yeehaw! The Steppers take country-western dance into the community by demonstrating all aspects of traditional country-western dance and by teaching the dance basics.

Friday, 7 p.m., Old Town Hall

• U.S. Air Force String Orchestra

Listen to the sounds of a music institution that's been around for more than 60 years. The string orchestra is part of the U.S. Air Force Band.

Friday, 8 p.m., Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, free