Overlooking the rolling hills of Purcellville sits Franklin Park Arts Center, recognizable by its bright green roof and tall silo that sits against it. Home to hundreds of shows each year, the Arts Center has been described by its patrons as a gem of Western Loudoun County.
When Loudoun County bought the land that would become Franklin Park, community members advocated for the old barn on the property to become a visual and performing arts center. Before work could begin, an arsonist burned the barn down, leaving only the silo standing. Reconstruction efforts by the town and the Timber Framers Guild of North America created Franklin Park Arts Center as it is today, still dedicated to the community that revived it.
Elizabeth Bracey, the manager of the Arts Center, shared, “The thing I think makes it different is that it really was a project that started with the community spirit, the community effort, the community idea…We put the community first, in terms of use of space and how we program the facility.”
The Arts Center has something for everyone. Last year, along with monthly art exhibitions, there were almost 200 performances, including comedy, theater, music, and puppet shows. They also have camps, workshops, and classes for those interested in deepening their relationship with the arts. Additionally, the Arts Center serves as the homebase for Arts For All Loudoun, a non-profit organization that offers opportunities in the arts to individuals with and without disabilities.
Kellie Goossens, who serves as the programming specialist for both Franklin Park Arts Center and Arts For All, expressed, “The highlight of my year is when our performing participants that are in Arts For All come and perform the show that they’ve been working on for such a long time. This year it’s going to be The Wizard of Oz, and as of right now we’re going to have over 60 participants in the show.”
The Arts Center’s intimate performance space offers a unique experience for visitors. “You can listen to music anywhere, but when you come to the Arts Center maybe you learn something about jazz or classical music that you didn’t know,” Bracey explained. “Maybe you’re able to talk to the performers afterwards or talk to other people and make some new connections. It’s more than just going to a concert or having music in the background while you do something else. It’s very much meant to be an engaging place.”
Franklin Park Arts Center has many exciting events planned to celebrate its 16th season of bringing the arts to Western Loudoun. With numerous upcoming holiday performances, this is the perfect time to visit.