Arts + Culture

Artist Jill Banks:

Painting Life, Love and Serendipity Article by Yankel Polak “I started this journey in 2003 with drawing and painting classes,” says artist Jill Banks, whose joyful, light-filled paintings have become beloved throughout Northern Virginia and beyond. “It took no time at all before painting was an all-in passion. My dream from almost the beginning was to travel, to capture life in oils, and to support a full, exciting life through my art. I’ve now been painting — almost every day — for 22...

Arts + Culture

The Magic of Gifting

How McLean’s Child’s Play Helps Families Find Joy in Every Gift Article and Photography by The holidays have a way of bringing out the best in all of us — that childlike excitement, the joy of discovery, and the spirit of giving. And when it comes to choosing toys that truly spark imagination and connection, there’s no better place to turn than McLean’s beloved Child’s Play — a local treasure inspiring creativity and generosity for decades. In a season overflowing with wish lists and flashing...

Arts + Culture

Pauline Thompson: Queen of Tysons

A Legacy of Leadership, Generosity, and Gratitude Article by Yankel Polak As the holidays bring warmth and reflection to Northern Virginia, few stories embody the spirit of perseverance, gratitude, and generosity quite like that of  Pauline Thompson , Founder, President, and CEO of  Tysons Realty, Inc. Known affectionately as  “The Queen of Tysons,”  Pauline has spent more than four decades helping to shape one of the region’s most vibrant communities. Her name is woven into the very story...

Arts + Culture

Gratitude in Every Brushstroke

Ellen’s Journey from Architecture to Art Article by Yankel Polak Walking into Ellen’s studio at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria feels like stepping into a world of soft light, vibrant colors, and quiet reflection. Her landscapes breathe with calm energy, holding both the familiar rhythms of rural America and the refined balance of an architect’s trained eye. This month, as we celebrate gratitude, Ellen’s story is one of transformation, persistence, and the deep sense of thanks she carries...