The arts have always been an integral part of the Reston lifestyle, with many groups and organizations responsible for the success of the arts programs and performances. Local businesses, government, educators and individuals support the arts in many ways. From volunteer work to fund-raising to major donations for facilities, there is an abundant eagerness to encourage the visual, performing and fine arts.

The Greater Reston Arts Center is a privately supported, non-profit arts organization with nearly 500 members, committed to expanding the public's understanding, knowledge and appreciation of contemporary visual arts through exhibitions, publications, education and special programs. The Center also maintains a small shop at One Fountain Square in Reston Town Center which has well designed and finely crafted items for sale.

Incorporated in 1972 as a non-profit organization, RCP evolved from the Reston Players, a for-profit entity founded in 1966. The Reston Community Players has brought to the public a variety of theatrical experiences over the years, including classics and original plays as well as popular Broadway musicals, dramas, mysteries and comedies. Partially funded by grants from Fairfax County, in cooperation with the Arts Council of Fairfax County, we welcome one and all, and offer something for everyone. For more info, please visit www.restonplayers.org.

Founded in 1993, the Noble Blades comprise the resident stage combat troupe of the Reston Community Players and the area's only professionally-trained, community theatre-based fight group. The Noble Blades are committed to the performance of stage combat in an entertaining, educational, historically accurate and safe manner. Members of the Noble Blades receive extensive schooling from certified teachers with the Society of American Fight Directors and are available for show choreography, classes, demos and workshops. For more information, please visit www.nobleblades.org.

The Reston Chorale is an acclaimed, mixed-voice chorus of more than 100 people. The group performs choral music from the Renaissance to the present in several major concerts each year.

This membership organization is a collection of artists and friends involved in promoting recognition and the sale of area artists' work.

The Reston Art Gallery offers exhibit space for juried artists and various community arts groups as well as art classes, a weekly cable TV program, and poetry readings.

he Fairfax West Music Fellowship is an organization of professional music teachers established to provide performance opportunities for students in formal settings.

The Arts Alliance of Reston is a not-for-profit visual and performing arts group providing shared support and information, and promoting arts as a community presence.

Wolf Trap is America's only national park dedicated to the performing arts, and is located just ten minutes from Reston. The park provides a year-round roster of performances for every age and taste and is a very popular spot to enjoy the best in music, dance, opera, theater and ballet from around the world. Also enjoyed is The Wolf Trap Opera Company which is one of the country's outstanding, career-entry programs for young singers.

Reston Town Center is a natural gathering place that is an ideal environment for art activities, art galleries and sculpture. During the annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, Reston Town Center showcases more than 100 artists from around the US The year-round list of activities includes live concerts, choral performances, art demonstrations, children's art activities and ice carving demonstrations.

Outdoor sculpture has been installed each year for the cultural enrichment of visitors and now includes several large and small pieces in addition to the popular Mercury Fountain

Galleries and art oriented shops include: the Greater Reston Arts Center,
Paradise Wild, ArtInsights and Appalachian Spring.

Within close proximity to Reston are an almost unlimited supply of world-acclaimed museums, galleries and theaters dedicated to the enrichment of the cultural experience for residents and visitors alike.