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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
3550 Wilson Boulevard,
703-248-6800

Mission

To enrich community life by connecting the public with contemporary art and artists through exhibitions, educational programs, and artist residencies.

Vision

To be a leading center for contemporary art in the Mid-Atlantic region, and a champion of the power of art to enhance public life.

About the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit contemporary visual arts center, was established in 1974 and has been housed since 1976 in a historic school building. Our facility includes nine exhibition galleries, working studios for twelve artists, and three classrooms. At 17,000 square feet, the museum is one of the largest non-federal venues for contemporary art in the Washington metropolitan area.

About the Building

The Clarendon Elementary School was built in 1910 to serve the growing Clarendon neighborhood. The two-story symmetrical building was designed by noted school architect Charles M. Robinson, with a central hall and four classrooms on each floor.

The school closed in 1975, and the building became home to the Arlington Arts Center in 1976. After an extensive renovation in 2005, it now boasts original Tiffany Windows. The Clarendon School is a designated Arlington County Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is an independent non-profit organization, not a county agency. The museum holds a long-term lease with Arlington County to operate within the Clarendon School building. This valued partnership with the County provides the museum with exceptional space in which to fulfill its mission.


Upcoming Events at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

Exhibition - Assembly 2024: Horizon Scanning

Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Arlington, VA
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Exhibition - Assembly 2024: Horizon Scanning

Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Arlington, VA
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Morning Yoga in the Galleries

Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Arlington, VA
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Exhibition - Assembly 2024: Horizon Scanning

Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Arlington, VA
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Exhibition - Assembly 2024: Horizon Scanning

Sunday, Nov 10, 2024 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Arlington, VA
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Recent News

Exhibition - Best in Class: MoCA Arlington Artist Instructors at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

Featured Artists: arah Emily Balough, Joey Enríquez, Jade Fiedtkou-Leonard, Jason Horowitz, Melanie Kehoss, Stephanie Lane, Molly McCracken, and Lindsay Mueller Since its founding in 1974, MoCA Arlington has been committed to connecting the…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - October 4, 2024

On View Now @ the Museum Assembly 2024: Horizon Scanning September 28, 2024 - January 26, 2025 Main Level and Lower Level Galleries Featured artists: Nyame O. Brown, Everything is Collective, Allegra Hangen, Elisa Harkins, Marnie Ellen…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - September 28, 2024

The museum's galleries are OPEN! Join us for a special Art After Hours on Saturday, October 5 from 4-8pm. On View Now @ the Museum Assembly 2024: Horizon Scanning September 28, 2024 - January 26, 2025 Main Level and Lower Level Galleries …

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - September 6, 2024

Artist Talk @ Innovation Studio Artist Talk with Zhenya Parish @ the Innovation Studio Wednesday / September 11 / 6pm 525 14th St S, Arlington, VA 22202 Free. No Registration Required. Join us for a conversation with current…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - August 16, 2024

Wish You Were Here Featured artists: Kate Fleming, Emily Fussner, David Ignacio, Stephanie Lane, Marissa Long, Rebecca Rivas-Rogers, Johab Silva, Marisa Stratton, Olivia Tripp Morrow, Milan Warner, Bahar Yürüko?lu and Lianna Zaragoza. …

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - August 8, 2024

New Date + Time! Pups make art @ Met Park! MoCA on the Move: Paw-casso Party @ Met Park Wednesday / August 21 / 11am - 2pm 1331 S Elm St, Arlington, VA 22202 Free. No Registration Required. Unleash your dog’s inner Paw-casso and help…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - July 26, 2024

In the Galleries @ the Museum Golden: Fifty Years of New Classics Featured artists: Merryn Omotayo Alaka, Wendy Babcox, Andrea Chung, Lily Cox-Richard, Ann Fessler, Steven Frost, Anne Hancock, Walter Kravitz, Jackie Milad, Jefferson Pinder,…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - July 20, 2024

In the Galleries @ the Museum Golden: Fifty Years of New Classics Featured artists: Merryn Omotayo Alaka, Wendy Babcox, Andrea Chung, Lily Cox-Richard, Ann Fessler, Steven Frost, Anne Hancock, Walter Kravitz, Jackie Milad, Jefferson Pinder,…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - June 19, 2024

50th Anniversary Exhibition Golden: Fifty Years of New Classics Golden: Fifty Years of New Classics June 15 - September 8, 2024 Featured artists: Merryn Omotayo Alaka, Wendy Babcox, Andrea Chung, Lily Cox-Richard, Ann Fessler, Steven Frost, Anne…

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Exhibition - Golden: Fifty Years of New Classics at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

Main Level and Lower Level Galleries Featured artists: Merryn Omotayo Alaka, Wendy Babcox, Andrea Chung, Lily Cox-Richard, Ann Fessler, Steven Frost, Anne Hancock, Walter Kravitz, Jackie Milad, Jefferson Pinder, Michael B. Platt, and Katarina Wong …

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Exhibition - Wish You Were Here at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

“Wish You Were Here” is MoCA Arlington’s resident artist summer exhibition, featuring new artworks by Kate Fleming, Emily Fussner, David Ignacio, Stephanie Lane, Marissa Long, Rebecca Rivas-Rogers, Johab Silva, Marisa Stratton,…

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Exhibition - Tape it Up: Community Photos with Reclining Liberty at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

We’re excited to experiment in our Jenkins Community Gallery this summer for the exhibition Tape it Up: Community Photos with Reclining Liberty! Our goal is to fill the Jenkins Community Gallery with as many photos of our community enjoying…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - March 23, 2024

Spring 2024 Classes + Workshops Classes begin April 7 Registration is now open for Kid, Teen, and Adult Classes this spring! And, we've added a few classes at our new Innovation Studio + Store! Sign up today to secure your spot in one of MoCA…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington Announces New Spring 2024 Exhibitions

MoCA Arlington will open four new solo exhibitions, including three taking place as part of SOLOS 23-24 and a fourth featuring work by one of the Museum's resident artists. ARLINGTON, VA. – Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is proud to…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - March 8, 2024

Spring 2024 Classes + Workshops Registration is now open! Registration is now open for Kid, Teen, and Adult Classes this spring! And, we've added a few classes at our new Innovation Studio + Store! Sign up today to secure your spot in…

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MoCA Arlington Announces Solace and Sisterhood

Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is proud to present Solace and Sisterhood, an exhibition featuring work by artists Lavett Ballard, Amber Robles-Gordon, and Evita Tezeno. The exhibition is organized by guest curator Dr. Lauren Davidson and runs…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington Newsletter - February 3, 2024

Exhibitions on view at MoCA Arlington An Adventure of Being September 9 – February 11, 2024 Featuring work by Vincent Cy Chen, Nicki Cherry, Jeremy Olson, and Stephanie J. Williams Meyer & Smith Galleries, Main Level …

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News: We Opened a Second Location!

Our Innovation Studio + Store at Met Park is OPEN! Join us today from 10am-2pm for a special Family Fun Day! Launch Week: Family Fun Day MoCA Arlington's Innovation Studio + Store Saturday / 10am - 2pm / Free 525 14th Street…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington Newsletter - December 16, 2023

We need your help... Our friends, Diane and Brad Smith, announced that they'll match every donation up to $20,000 to help us raise $75,000 by December 31. If you like what we do and where we're headed, join us for another adventure in 2024 when…

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MoCA Arlington in The Washington Post

Read the Review! Time is running out to see current exhibitions! Free admission for all! An Adventure of Being September 9 – February 11, 2024 Featuring work by Vincent Cy Chen, Nicki Cherry, Jeremy Olson, and Stephanie J.…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington Newsletter - December 2, 2023

Have you signed up for an art workshop? Handmade Holiday Workshops Sunday / December 10 $50 Kids - $75 Adults. Registration required. Sign up today for MoCA Arlington's Annual Handmade Holiday Workshops! MoCA's wonderful arts…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - November 24, 2023

Artist Talk with Marissa Long Wednesday / November 29 / 6pm Free. Registration not required. Join MoCA Arlington Resident Artist Marissa Long for an artist-led tour of Blister Pearl, the artist’s solo exhibition in the Wyatt Resident Gallery.…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - November 22, 2023

** MoCA Arlington's galleries will be CLOSED on Thursday (11/23) and Friday (11/24) for the Thanksgiving holiday! We will reopen on Saturday (11/25) at 12pm! ** Join us for an Artist Talk with Marissa Long! Artist Talk with Marissa Long …

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - November 9, 2023

Need something fun to do this month? Looking for something to do this weekend? Our galleries are open from 12-5pm and admission is always FREE! Plus, this weekend we have some great workshops if you want to explore your creativity! See…

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Museum Of Contemporary Art Arlington News - October 12, 2023

Weekend Art Workshops Looking & Drawing: The Portrait Saturday / October 14 / 12pm - 4pm Artist Instructor: Marisa Stratton $80 Includes supplies. Registration Required. In this workshop, students will learn the process of drawing a…

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Museum Of Contemporary Art Arlington News - October 10, 2023

Thank You to everyone who came out to support the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington for Neon Nights, our gala and silent auction on Wednesday, September 27! And whether you were with us or not that night, click the link below for our second…

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Museum Of Contemporary Art Arlington News - September 30, 2023

Last Call! Classes begin October 8! From drawing and painting to ceramics and printmaking, you are sure to find a class that inspires you. Can't commit to a multi-week class? Consider one day workshops! Available Kids & Teens My 1st…

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Museum Of Contemporary Art Arlington News - September 15, 2023

Our fall season has begun! Read below for info on exhibitions, classes, and public programs! And, join us for our gala and silent auction, Neon Nights, on Wednesday, September 27! An Adventure of Being September 9 – December 17, 2023…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - September 8, 2023

MoCA Arlington Reopens from Sep 9th with FIVE New Exhibitions! An Adventure of Being September 9 – December 17, 2023 Featuring work by Vincent Cy Chen, Nicki Cherry, Jeremy Olson, and Stephanie J. Williams Meyer &…

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Fall Classes On Sale Now! Plus, One More Week Until Fall Exhibitions Open!

Fall Art Classes open for Registration! Registration is now open for Kid, Teen, and Adult Classes this fall! Introduction to Figure Drawing with Marisa Stratton or Drawing: The Art of Seeing with Melanie Kehoss! Interested in learning about a new…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington Announces Fall 2023 Exhibitions

Arlington, VA - Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is proud to announce its fall exhibitions, opening on September 9, 2023. Art After Hours, an opening celebration, will take place on Saturday, September 9 from 5pm-8pm. Throughout the fall, the…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington : Last Call for Summer Adult Classes

LAST CALL! Summer Adult Classes Start Next Week! Have you signed up for a summer art class yet? Registration is open for MoCA Arlington's summer class season! Classes begin NEXT WEEK and there are still a few spots left in some classes.…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - We're Coming Down to the Wire!

Dear Friends, We're in the homestretch of the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington's Summer Community Arts Drive and we need your help! With our midnight deadline –– and the end of MoCA Arlington's fiscal year –– just…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News June 30,2023

Did you see my earlier reminder that the deadline for the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington's Summer Community Arts Drive is midnight tonight? If you've already given, THANK YOU! With just a few hours left to reach our $30,000 goal, your…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - June 30, 2023

Apply for Residency Long & Short-Term Studios: DEADLINE EXTENDED: Wed. July 12 Notification Date: Mid-August 2023 Application Fee: None MoCA Arlington is seeking applicants for its artist residency program! Applications are due at 11:59 pm on…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - June 29, 2023

Apply for Residency Long & Short-Term Studios: DEADLINE EXTENDED: Wed. July 12 Notification Date: Mid-August 2023 Application Fee: None MoCA Arlington is seeking applicants for its artist residency program! Applications are due at…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington and Arlington Public Art bring Zaq Landsberg's Reclining Liberty

Arlington, VA - Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington and Arlington Public Art are thrilled to announce the upcoming installation of artist Zaq Landsberg's celebrated Reclining Liberty in Arlington, Virginia. The 25-foot long sculpture will be…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - June 16, 2023

We're delighted to announce our outreach programming, MoCA on the Move at Metropolitan Park! If you live in the area, you'll know that Metropolitan Park and Amazon's HQ2 just opened this week! You'll find us there starting this Sunday with free art…

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Celebrate an Arts-filled Summer in Arlington!

Dear Friends, As our busy summer season gets underway here at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, we have so much on tap for your family and our entire community including exciting new exhibitions, hands-on arts education, fun special…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - June 8, 2023

June 8th's Program is Postponed Until June 13, 2023 We're so sorry to have to postpone this program this evening due to the hazardous outdoor air quality in the region. We'll try again on Tuesday, June 13 at 4pm. Drop by anytime between 4pm-5:30pm…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington - Weekend Plans

May 20: Learn how to take care of your art! Collecting & Caring for Works on Paper with Calder Brannock & Bonner Sale Saturday / May 20 / 3-5 PM In-person Works on paper are often the first artworks people buy...but how do you care…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington: Neon Nights is Happening - September 27, 2023

Get out your calendars, save the date, and join us on Wednesday, September 27 for a special gala and silent auction to benefit MoCA Arlington! Tickets range from $250 to $500 and include access to an exclusive silent auction, a delicious three…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington Announces Summer 2023 Exhibitions

Exhibitions include work by Columbia Pike Documentary Project, two solo exhibitions by Mid-Atlantic artists, a group exhibition of Arlington's resident artists, and the presentation of new work created as part of the Arlington Cultural Affairs…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington Announces Upcoming Solo Exhibitions by Eight Artists Based in the Mid-Atlantic

The artists were selected through an open call as part of the Museum’s long-running SOLOS program. Arlington, VA – Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is proud to announce eight solo exhibitions featuring work by artists based in…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington Classes and Workshops Spotlight - April 19, 2023

Classes & Workshops Spotlight Ceramics: Throwing & Hand Building Sundays, 10:00-1:00 pm OR 2:00-5:00pm, April 30 - June 25 Instructor: Maura McCandlish Join MoCA Arlington at Marymount University and get an introduction into hand…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington News - Last Call for Spring Classes! Register Now!

Spring session starts this week! Register Now for classes or workshops to enjoy a creative adventure this season! Click the link below to see all of the offerings Highlighted Multi-Week Class Options Fundamentals of Painting (Ages 14-18)…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington : Spring Registration is Open!

CLASSES FOR KIDS & TEENS My 1st Portfolio (Ages 3-4) Thursday | April 20 - June 8 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM 8 sessions | Instructor: Sarah Loden Art Explorers (Ages 5-7) Tuesday | April 18 - June 6 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM 8 sessions |…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington : So Much to See And Do. New Exhibitions And Summer Camp!

Crisis of Image On view: February 11 - May 14, 2023 Featured Artists: Ayanna Dozier, Amy Elkins, Melissa Joseph, Lydia McCarthy, Triton Mobley, Steve Pauley, Sasha Rudensky, and Rob Swainston + Zorawar Sidhu Curated by Jacob Rhodes, Kris…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington : Announces New Exhibitions featuring Local, National, and International Artists

ARLINGTON, Va., February 15, 2023 – Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is proud to announce new exhibitions opening in February. These first new exhibitions of 2023 showcase the strength and diversity of the Museum’s program,…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington - Summer Camp Registration is Open

2023 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN! The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington’s summer camps are fun experiences for ages 5-18! Campers go on artistic journeys and explore the visual arts through exciting projects in 2D and 3D media while…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington - Last Call for Adult Classes: Playful Mixed Media Making and Drawing: Focus on Nature!

LAST CALL! MoCA Arlington is offering two Friday morning classes that are coming up quick. Drawing: Focus on Nature and Playful Mixed Media Making (ONLINE) both begin next week! Drawing: Focus on Nature (Ages 18+) Fridays, 10:00-12:00 am,…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington - New Classes and Programs in February 2023

New Classes and Programs in February 2023 This weekend is your last chance to see Assembly 2022: Time and Attention, the Museum's biennial exhibition. MoCA Arlington's galleries will be closed January 30 to February 10 for the installation of…

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Museum Of Contemporary Art Arlington : Last Call Winter Classes Start Soon

Last Call! MoCA Arlington's Winter Class season begins this Friday with Jennifer Wilkin Penick's Art Journal Joy on Friday and Eliza Clifford's New Year's Bookmaking Workshop on Saturday! We also have a wide variety of programs starting in the…

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Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington : Winter Class Registration Now Open!

Registration for the winter season of classes & workshops for all ages is now open! Do you have a creative kid or teen at home? We have a wide array of classes focused on personal expression, creativity, and honing your artistic skills. Are you…

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Winter Class Registration Now Open at MOCA Arlington

Registration for the winter season of classes & workshops for all ages is now open! Do you have a creative kid or teen at home? We have a wide array of classes focused on personal expression, creativity, and honing your artistic skills. Are…

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Register Now for MoCA Arlington's Annual Handmade Holiday Workshops

Sign up today to secure your spot in one of MoCA Arlington's Annual Handmade Holiday Workshops next weekend! Create your own custom wrapping paper or holiday cards or do you have a creative kiddo at home? Local artist and arts educator, Eliza…

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