What to See in Arlington January 8-21

arlington-arts
arts news update

January 8, 2026

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MLK

MLK Tribute: Dreams, Faith, and Justice in Action

Sun, Jan 18 | Wakefield High School | Claremont

Each year, Arlington comes together to honor the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a heartfelt tribute that celebrates his enduring impact. The 2026 MLK Tribute, themed "Dreams, Faith, and Justice in Action," continues this meaningful tradition with an inspiring program.

This year's event will feature powerful dance performances, moving musical renditions, and captivating oration all showcasing the vibrant talent within our community. In addition, the program will spotlight local individuals who embody Dr. King's principles of equality, justice, and service, demonstrating how his vision is brought to life every day in Arlington. Join us for an unforgettable experience as we reflect, celebrate, and reaffirm our commitment to Dr. King's dream. More

 


What to See in Arlington January 8-21

JD Deardourff screenprinting

MoCA Arlington:
Inks & Drinks: An Artist Led Workshop and Happy Hour with JD Deardourff

Fri, Jan 16 | 4:30-7:30p | Innovation Studio | National Landing

Drop in to this happy hour event with artist-in-residence JD Deardourff at the MoCA Arlington Innovation Studio + Store. This screen printing session is equal parts making, mingling, and unwinding.

  • see what JD’s working on in the studio
  • pull a print (or two)
  • enjoy some complimentary snacks & drinks
  • take home a tote bag made by you!

This casual, drop-in–style workshop where you can see what JD has been working on in the studio, hang out, and to try your hand at the screenprinting process. No prior experience necessary. Come with your curiosity! More

 

High School Musical Jr

Encore Stage & Studio: Disney's High School Musical Jr.

Jan 9-18 | Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre | Arlington Heights

Join Troy, Gabriella, and the students of East High in Disney’s High School Musical Jr., a fun-filled musical about friendship, self-discovery, and following your dreams. As cliques clash and the "status quo" is challenged, this energetic show reminds everyone that it's okay to break the mold and shine in your own way. Recommended for ages 4 and older. More

 

Hedieh Javanshir Ilchi: Here the waving flag. Here the other world. Installation view. Photo by Vivian Marie Doering.

MoCA Arlington:
In Conversation: Hedieh Javanshir Ilchi, Eleanor Jones Harvey, and Laura Roulet

Sun, Jan 11 | 2-3:30p | MoCA Arlington | Virginia Square

Join MoCA Arlington for a conversation with artist Hedieh Javanshir Ilchi, along with the art historians and curators who contributed to the catalog for her current exhibition Hedieh Javanshir Ilchi: Here the waving flag. Here the other world. The catalog published in conjunction with the exhibition features essays by exhibition curator Blair Murphy and Eleanor Jones Harvey, Senior Curator, Smithsonian American Art Museum, as well as an extended interview with the artist by independent curator Laura Roulet. In this conversation, Ilchi and the catalog contributors will discuss her artistic practice, art historical influences, and the life experiences that inform Ilchi’s work. More

 


Community Arts Banner

Iterations

Panel Discussion and Reception for Iterations: School of Design + Art Faculty Exhibition

Weds, Jan 21 | 4-7p | Ballston Center/Cody Gallery | Ballston

The School of Design and Art at Marymount University proudly presents “Iterations,” an exhibition of works by eleven faculty members who teach in the Art and Design, Fashion Design, and Interior Architecture and Design programs. Visible or not in a final art or design piece, we all work through iterations of process and concept to achieve our strongest work. Within the exhibition, we’ve broadly interpreted this theme. This exhibition broadly interprets this theme, including hand-beaded wedding dresses, abstract ink compositions, ceramics, gouache paintings, wall and floor sculptures, and much more. Panel Discussion, 4-5pm, Reception 5-7pm. More

 

Let's Tell Our Tales

Let’s Tell Our Tales: Personal Storybooks with Sushmita Mazumdar

Saturdays | Jan 10, 17, & 31 | Studio PAUSE | Columbia Pike

Created to celebrate the exhibit “Making My Voice Visible: The Early Years of Handmade Storybooks by artist Sushmita Mazumdar”, Sushmita created Let’s Tell Our Tales so participants can tell their stories as they fill three unique handmade books with original art and writing. Each book, inspired by one of Sushmita’s, presents an opportunity to work with different techniques and media, from paper-cutting and 3-D structures to color pencils on pastel paper, Chinese ink and brush, and collage. Weekly themes for book forms and writings include inspiring structures, single words that suggest a story, and creating a container for memories. No previous experience needed! More

 

Between Sky and Sea: Music and Dance of the French Baroque

Between Sky and Sea: Music and Dance of the French Baroque

Sun, Jan 11 | 3pm | St. George's Episcopal Church | Virginia Square

Enjoy the costumed splendor of French courtly baroque dance! Renowned dancers Caroline Copeland and Julian Donahue perform selections from Rameau’s Dardanus and Nais, with live accompaniment by the Capitol Early Music Dance Band. The program also features solos by the virtuoso recorder player Anne Timberlake, bringing French Baroque Dance music vividly to life. More

 

St. George's

FMMC Composers Series

Fri, Jan 9 | 12p | St. George's Episcopal Church | Virginia Square

The FMMC Composers Group will present works by member composers: Leslie Bennett, Jonathan Newmark, and Sharon Guertin Shafer. More