Prince William County has a rich flair and love for the Arts! I sat down with one of Prince William County’s talented artists, Kelly Haneklau, to talk about what’s new and what events are happening in the area.

Kelly Haneklau is the acting Vice Chair of Programs on the Board of Directors for all art events offered through the PWC Arts Council. She is also the PWC Brentsville District Representative of the Arts Council as appointed by the County Supervisors and a local free-lance visual artist and business owner of Minor Miracles art studios. Kelly loves to give back, and she is the current President of the Art Of Life Charities.

What event should we have on our calendar to attend in Prince William County?

Arts Alive! is the largest family friendly ART EVENT in Prince William County. It encompasses all the arts. There is truly something for everyone with FREE rotating performances in all the Hylton Performing Arts Center indoor state-of-the-art concert halls and stages every 25 minutes. In the Grand Didlake Foyer, there will be fine art exhibitions and sales from the Prince William Art Society and other local artists and a writers and poets’ corner featuring the Poet Laureate Circle and more literary artists. Outside there will be food trucks, strolling performers and a one-of-a-kind ShowMobile stage for more performances of everything from Irish Dancing to a Live Painting Performance. Other acts range from orchestra and dance to theater performances.  

Why is this event so important to the community?

There are so many reasons to be a part of Arts Alive! Of course, taking part is a wonderful time for artists -to get their names out there in the community is so important. To be seen and heard is how artists survive and flourish in their crafts. If you would like to be a part of our event next year, please consider joining the Prince William County Arts Council for many significant benefits besides events like this. There are also grant opportunities. We are now accepting business and corporate partners and welcome everyone to inquire about these opportunities via the website.

This is an important community event for all guests of the occasion. Entertainment is vital for people and considering the pandemic, we have all realized just how important. There are many mental and physical positives when exposed to culture, art and other people having a good time. It’s just great fun too!

As an artist in the community, tell us about your goals?

My hope as an artist is to continue to grow in community responsible impactful directions using my art and knowledge in the field. My most current focus is helping to create a non-profit called Art Of Life Charities. The mission of this organization is “Employing the Arts to Support Communities in Need”. This unique platform will help other charities and organizations in their already established missions to reach their goals through financial help. The proceeds from sponsored community involved art-centric events will achieve this.

What is a positive message you want to share with the community?

Please support your local artists. They are so important to the well-being of everyone. It is not something a lot of us think about daily. However, art has a healing quality for everyone. Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Art, Literary Art…. they encompass not only entertainment, but mental health therapy, children’s classrooms, architecture, fashion, enjoyment, community, culture, inspiration and dreams.  

How we can attend the Arts Alive event?

 Arts Alive! is on SUNDAY, September 12th from Noon–4pm at the Hylton Performing Arts Center

Did you know?

Virginia National Ballet is in its 9th year and will perform a powerful tribute to those who have lost their lives because of the pandemic at Arts Alive.

Ek Dor Dance Academy is an eclectic group of dancers who also are software engineers, nutritionists and managers and have been dancing together for 10 years.

McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance has performed for the White House and the dance drama team won Worlds in 2019!

Woodbridge Dance Academy is in its 18th year.

Prince William Community Band, and New Dominion Choraliers, are both celebrating 25 years!

Manassas Symphony Orchestra is in year 29!

Prince William Theatre is in year 37!

Castaways Repertory Theatre will celebrate 40 years in October!