Columbia Pike Documentary Project: Living Diversity exhibition opening at the Arlington Mill Community Center

Monday, October 19, 2015

Living Diversity exhibition opening at the Arlington Mill Community Center

Our exhibition had a large turnout, and we are still in a bit of awe and happiness at the presence of so many supporters, and the positive expressions made to us about the work.

Arlington County Board members Walter Tejada, Libby Garvey, John Vihstadt, Jay Fissette, Board Chair Mary Hynes, Virginia State Delegate Alfonso Lopez, School Board Chair Emma Violand Sanchez, and David Bearinger of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities were in attendance. Most of them shared their words in celebration of the event and of the harmonious diversity that exists in our community.

A huge thank you to Susan Soroko, director of creative economy with the Arlington County Economic Development office, Takis Karantonis and Christine Hopkins of CPRO, all of whom navigated the mazes of the bureaucracy, got the art on the wall, provided funds and other critical support - who made it all happen. Much obliged.

Thanks also to Claudia Salazar of Cafe Sazon, who catered the delicious food, and to Rick Franklin, our fine local Piedmont blues musician, who graced us with his stylings.

And blessings to all of you who attended, and who have supported our efforts,in ways great and small, to document the community over the years.

Thank you.

We love you.

These terrific photographs of the opening are courtesy © of Gerald Martineau, a veteran Washington Post photographer, and long-time Arlington resident. Thanks neighbor!