Annual Program offers six works of original art for $250

The City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts has launched its second annual Community Supported Art (CSA) initiative. Built upon the traditional Community Supported Agriculture model that connects local farmers with consumers, this CSA is designed to build relationship between artists and communities.

“Community Supported Art programs are cropping up across the U.S.,” said Diane Ruggiero, deputy director of the Office of the Arts. “It’s an entry point for people to become art patrons at an affordable price. It also introduces seasoned collectors to local emerging and mid-career artists. Most importantly, it provides income and a growing audience for working artists in our community. Artists become more visible and thereby more valued.”

The Alexandria CSA operates on an annual basis. Each box, or share, includes six original works of locally produced artwork. Only 50 shares are made available each year at $250 each, about $42 per work of art. Shares can be purchased online via alexandriava.gov/Arts.

Boxes are distributed during the Pick-up party on Wednesday, September 27, at the Durant Center, located at 1605 Cameron Street in Alexandria, Va. CSA members can get to know the participating artists, meet their fellow shareholders, and sign up for the 2018 CSA.

This year’s box includes original work by:

• Pooja Campbell, Germantown, MD – oil paintings
• Josh Manning, Copper Hill, VA – ceramics
• Bruce McKaig, Baltimore, MD – gelatin prints
• Lynette Reed, Fredericksburg, VA – fiber/silks
• Jim Schlett, Reston, VA – photography 
• Gaylia Wagner, Washington, DC – metalwork

The first Community Supported Art program was created in 2010 by Springboard for the Arts and mnartists.org in Minnesota. The program continues to grow in popularity and shares regularly sell out.

About the Office of the Arts

The Office of the Arts promotes the value of arts and culture in Alexandria by nurturing, investing in and celebrating the creative contributions of artists and arts organizations. Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to the arts, the Office of the Arts works with local artists and arts organizations to build a vibrant community for all of the City’s residents, workers and visitors. The Office of the Arts is a division of the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/arts or follow @alexartsoffice on Instagram.