Dance, improv comedy, music part of bigger Manassas Gallery Walk

Gallery Walk is back and bigger than ever in historic Downtown Manassas on Friday May 6 from 6 to 9 pm. Residents and visitors are invited to come out and explore all of the arts this vibrant downtown has to offer.

This year, along with stationary visual arts, there will also be live performances of dance, music, and improv comedy throughout the streets.

Partnering with the Prince William County Arts Council, this year’s Spring Gallery Walk event has attracted a larger number of artists thus adding excitement for all that there is to see throughout the evening.

— The intersection of Center and Main Streets will house three dance groups – Showcase Dance Studio, McGrath Academy of Irish Dance and the Manassas Ballet Theatre.

— The Manassas Museum lawn will feature performances by the New Dominion Choraliers and the Prince William Chorale.

– – Those attendees looking for a good laugh, have to look no further than the Center for the Arts parking lot where Fools Improv Comedy will be supplying entertainment.

— This coupled with the 30 artists and art groups being housed inside downtown merchants shines a spotlight on the City’s initiative to bring art to all those who visit.

“The Gallery Walk is a great way for residents and visitors to experience all that downtown has to offer,” said Historic Manassas, Inc. Executive Director, Debbie Haight. “While you’re following the balloons to explore the arts at each location, you also have the ability to browse and shop at the unique stores that you might not have shopped in before.”

‘Follow the balloons’ has become a slogan for this free biannual event. Merchants place balloons in front of their businesses to inform attendees that there is more art to be seen inside of their respective businesses.

In the last few years, the arts have exploded in Downtown Manassas and with the Spring Gallery Walk welcoming in warm weather it lays way for a great event to shine a light on the arts. Along with the four art galleries in the downtown district, little bits of art have popped up on brick buildings, benches, fire hydrants and other locations with more to come.

In addition to the little bits, ten new sculptures are on display from students at the Woodbridge Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. The Banner Art Project is in its second year adding more than 60 pieces of original artwork to the light posts lining the downtown streets.

Voting for the People’s Choice award banner will begin on Saturday, May 7. Ballots can be picked up and dropped off in the Visitors Center, seven days a week from 9AM-5PM – and don’t forget to mark your calendars for the first Friday in November when the winner will be announced at the Fall Gallery Walk.

As you come to downtown to experience the art, don’t forget to #ManassasArt as you share your photos on social media. For more information on the blossoming arts in Manassas, visit manassascity.org.