Five Arts Festival Things You Need to Know

Ready for the 21st annual ?

Patch has your last-minute details.

* For the first time, the festival will begin on Friday. Artists will display works from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

* There is still time to get tickets to the Opening Night Preview Party. Tickets are $100.

* The kids tent is open Saturday and Sunday. to read all about the family friendly, hands-on activities.

* Festival organizers had applications from 900 artists for this year's show. The 200 selected by jurors represent accomplishment in categories such as 2D & 3D, Mixed Media, Ceramics, Decorative Fibers, Drawing and Pastels, Furniture, Glass, Jewelry and more.

Of the 200 selected artists, 39 are new participants to the 2012 Festival.  Notable first-time artists include mixedmedia artist Kathrine Allen-Coleman, jeweler Roberto Vengoechea, sculptor Gregory Story and wearable artist Kathleen Tesnakis.

Ann Barbieri, Dana Ann Scheurer, Ginny Herzog, and Connie Slack are among those returning artists who have participated in a majority of GRACE’s Festivals over the past 21 years. 

To see a full list of artists and some of their works, click here.

 * There will also be performance art and music as part of the festival. to read more about that.

The 21st Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at begins Friday, May 18 (5 to 8 p.m.) It continues Saturday, May 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Admission is free, but patrons who donate $10 to GRACE will get a $10 gift crad to dine at participating Reston Town Center restaurants.