McLean Project for the Arts

06/02/2026

David Carlson’s exhibition, Subtle Connections, has officially opened our new Sally & John Simms Gallery at MPA’s Berlage Center for Arts & Education.

“Through the language of abstraction, I seek to express deeper themes of connection, perception, and the ineffable. The goal is an exploration into that which is and that which is ongoing,” Carlson shared.

Thanks to all who joined us… we were thrilled to have such a fabulous turnout and invite you to see the exhibition through August 15, 2026.

Learn more at https://www.mpaart.org/exhibition-details/subtle-connections

ArtsFairfax
East City Art
McLean Community Center

05/29/2026

Join us Saturday morning at 11am and hear from our three Spring Solos artists — Sabine Carlson (pictured), Zsudayka Nzinga and Darlene R. Taylor — as well as Artistic Director & Curator Nancy Sausser!

McLean Project for the Arts invites you to an Artist Talk, led by our curator and Artistic Director Nancy Sausser!

Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m.
MPA's MCC Galleries
Register: https://ow.ly/pVOv50Z5JSK

05/29/2026

THIS SATURDAY, MPA AT THE MCLEAN COMMUNITY CENTER

⭐️Spring Solos Artist Talk ⭐️
May 30, 2026
11am

Join McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) this Saturday, May 30, at 11am for our artist talk with MPA Curator & Exhibitions Director Nancy Sausser, and the three artists from this year’s Spring Solo exhibitions.

The three exhibitions will be on display through June 13, 2026, in our two galleries at the McLean Community Center.

Zsudayka Nzinga: Ancestral Iconography

Rooted in research, Zsudayka Nzinga is interested in examining issues related to American labor systems and their historical and ongoing impact on the communities and cultures of the diaspora in America.

Darlene R. Taylor: Heirlooms: Garden Beauty

Remembering histories of everyday Black women centers Taylor's practice. The under-imagined and under-heard stories of their lives drive her curiosity to better understand the past.

Sabine Carlson: Dream a Better World

Sabine Carlson brings together a series of paintings where water birds and humans appear to be engaged in various kinds of rescue efforts. Birds are holding a wobbly balance on wondrous feet of sea shells and fins, while humans in costumes or protective clothing carry signs, megaphones and orange floats.

RSVP requested but not required at https://mpaart.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F44982

ArtsFairfax
East City Art
Virginia Commission for the Arts
McLean Community Center
Zsudayka Nzinga Designs

05/26/2026

Join MPA this Week for TWO Exciting Exhibition Events!

— Subtle Connections: Works by David Carlson Opening Reception — Thurs., May 28, 7pm
— Spring Solos Artist Talk, featuring Curator & Artistic Director Nancy Sausser and Spring Solo Artists — Sat., May 30, 11am

This Thursday, May 28, at 7pm, stop by our NEW MPA Berlage Center for Arts & Education for an Opening Reception to celebrate Subtle Connections: Works by David Carlson. Through the language of abstraction, David Carlson seeks to express deeper themes of connection, perception, and the ineffable.

This Saturday, May 30, at 11am, join us in our galleries at the McLean Community Center for an Artist Talk featuring our three Spring Solo Artists — Zsudayka Nzinga, Darlene R. Taylor and Sabine Carlson — led by MPA's Curator & Artistic Director, Nancy Sausser. Our 2026 Spring Solo artists navigate media and traditions in these three solo exhibitions: Ancestral Iconography: Works by Zsudayka Nzinga, Heirlooms: Garden Beauty by Darlene R. Taylor, and Dream a Better World by Sabine Carlson.

Visiting Our Galleries:
MPA at McLean Community Center
Atrium Gallery: Available for viewing during McLean Community Center operating hours
Emerson Gallery: Open Monday - Saturday from 10am-4pm

MPA Berlage Arts & Education Center:
Monday - Thursday: 11:30am-9pm Friday: 11:30am-10pm
Saturday: 10am-10pm
Sunday: 10am-9pm

And don't forget to stop by our NEW Café Monet during your visit.
Learn more at https://mpaart.org/exhibitions/ current-exhibitions/ or at link in our bio.

ArtsFairfax
East City Art
McLean Community Center
Dranesville District - Supervisor Jimmy Bierman

05/24/2026

Café Monet is open for Memorial Day! Stop in and join us!

Cheers to the long weekend at Café Monet ☀️🥂🎨

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with brunch, cocktails, and vibrant weekend energy at Café Monet.

Sip on our Kati’s Holiday — made with Drumshanbo Sardinian Citrus Irish Gin, Italicus Bergamot Liqueur, basil, and lemon. Bright, refreshing, and made for a long weekend toast. ✨

Gather your friends, order another round, and settle into a weekend filled with good conversation, colorful cocktails, and brunch worth lingering over.

📍 Café Monet at McLean Project for the Arts

05/24/2026

MPA’s McLean Community Center galleries and office will be closed for Memorial Day.

Our Berlage Arts & Education Center and Café Monet will be open!

A reminder regarding Memorial Day 🇺🇸