The Intersection of The Community, Contemporary Art & Culinary

Welcome back to Industry Night with me, Nycci Nellis.

I’m here today at Capital One Center in Tysons, Virginia, a 35-acre mixed-use development that has completely redefined this part of Fairfax County. It’s not just office towers and retail; it’s a cultural hub with Capital One Hall, The Watermark Hotel, Capital One Park, and The Perch, a three-acre skypark with a biergarten, food trucks, and even mini golf. And built into all of it is a deep commitment to the arts, whether that’s public sculptures, world-class performances, or what’s plated in the restaurants here.

That commitment is front and center this fall with the Capital One Center Celebration of the Arts, a two-day immersive festival happening October 4th and 5th. I will be there leading a fireside chat with artists and chefs. The event will transform the campus into a multi-block celebration filled with installations, workshops, live music, culinary experiences, and more — all in partnership with the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art.

To talk about the festival and the bigger story of Capital One Center, I am thrilled to be joined by:

• Erin Mical, Vice President of Central Operations at Capital One, who oversees much of the vision and growth of this development,
• Meghan Trossen, Senior Manager of Marketing and Community Affairs, who curates the community programming and signature events that bring this campus to life,
• and Jonell Logan, Executive Director of the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art, who is collaborating with Capital One on this year’s festival.

We have a lot to get into — development, community, art, and why creativity matters now more than ever.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
03:32 - Local Flavor and Arts Festival
05:47 - Revitalizing Fairfax: Talent and Arts
09:21 - "Expanding Green Spaces in Fairfax"
13:01 - Cap One Center Culinary Fest
14:49 - Multidisciplinary Arts Festival Planned
19:51 - Contemporary Art Institute Overview
23:50 - Public Art Celebration Event
27:24 - Defining Art Subjectively
28:49 - Office Art Showcase Access
34:24 - "Culinary and Art Festival Preview"
35:25 - "Foodie and the Beast Overview"
36:02 - Outro

Quotes:

“Uniting food and art for a weekend inspires and showcases our community's passionate creators.”- Nycci Nellis

“Integrating hospitality creates welcoming spaces for everyone—enjoying a meal, a show, or connecting with neighbors.”- Erin Mical

“Emphasizing the arts, we ensure everyone leaves inspired and connected, whether they're creating, tasting, watching, or participating.”- Meghan Trossen

“Our space fosters conversation and exploration, offering a safe environment to experience and appreciate the full range of contemporary art.”- Jonell Logan

Key Takeaways:

Redefining Community Spaces
Art in All Forms
A Vision Brought to Life
Hands-On Community Engagement
Heartfelt Partnerships
Art as Experience, Not Just Exhibit
Inspiring Stories, Lasting Impact
Everyone Belongs

Featuring Nycci Nellis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/
Website:https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/

Produced by Heartcast Media
http://www.heartcastmedia.com