Divas and Bards will be on hand to help raise support for local artists at a special fundraising gala Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Arts Center at Convergence.
The Seven Sopranos (Courtesy Photo)
This special gala, with a theme of Divas and Bards: A Winter’s Enchantment, will begin with a 7 p.m. concert by the 7 Sopranos. Following their lively performance, guests will be invited to a party in the gallery featuring a new exhibit by visual and performing artist, Eve Hennessa whose work was once described as “the bastard offspring of DaDa and Surrealism by way of Neo-Pop.” Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine and champagne from 8 to 9 p.m. During the reception, guests will enjoy the music of Marimba player Adam Garcia and special appearance by performance artist, Deborah Lash modeling one of her “sculpture dresses.” From 9 to 10:30 p.m. the evening will continue its enchantment with a D.J. and beer from Dogfish Head Alehouse. Tickets are $35 per person at the door or $30 in advance and can be purchased at Convergence or reserved online at www.convergenceccf.net or at Convergence during office and gallery hours.
Convergence’s highly successful resource center provides material support to more than 100 Northern Virginia artists. All proceeds from Divas and Bards: A Winter’s Enchantment will be used help Convergence provide an affordable artistic space and performing arts venue in Alexandria. Convergence provides much-needed low-cost theater and concert space in Alexandria, truly accessible to developing artists and companies. The 350-seat primary venue of Convergence has proven itself to be ideal for concerts, such as the successful Jan. 30 Swedish Musical Extravaganza; despite a blizzard, even the mayor attended. It is also a home for 7 Sopranos, a Virginia Artist Touring Group.
The Lab at Convergence, which seats 150-200, is Alexandria’s long-awaited and much-needed experimental space for theater. It serves as an incubator for young musicians and bands. “As the only dedicated and equipped alternative venue in Alexandria, the Lab is indispensable,” explains Lisa Hawkins, Artistic Director. Moreover, Convergence offers studios, gallery space, rehearsal rooms, and offices to local artists, performers, arts entrepreneur and arts organizations. Notable resident organizations include Empowered Women International, the Songwriter’s Association of Washington and Port City Playhouse.
Convergence is a community focused on nourishing the artistic process. Convergence provides more than simply arts spaces in a physical sense. “We provide the atmosphere and environment for fostering the exploration, inner development, and experimentation essential to artistic activity,” Hawkins notes. Any businesses and individuals interested in supporting this event can contact Lisa Hawkins at 703-593-7642.
About Convergemce
Convergence, founded in 2006, is a creative community of people who value diversity, exploration, and spirituality. We believe that imagination, creativity, and the arts are spiritual matters and their cultivation is of benefit to the church, our local community, and our world. Through association with local arts organizations, artists, counselors and the Church at Convergence, we provide resources of space, community, and professional and spiritual development. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Convergence relies on grants, private donations, corporate sponsorships, and facility rentals.