Arts + Culture

Art That Grows With a Community

The Works of Matthew Johnston Article by Katie Moore | Photography by Matthew Johnston In a town where history and creativity walk hand in hand, Matthew Johnston has long been a quiet force shaping the local arts landscape. A resident artist at the iconic Torpedo Factory for over four decades, Johnston isn’t just a painter, he’s a pillar of the Alexandria arts community. His studio is more than a workspace; it’s a place where conversations turn into friendships, and first-time visitors often...

Life + Culture

The First Teacher We Never Forget

How a Kindergarten Teacher Shaped a Community Article and Photography by Katie Moore Think back to your very first classroom: the smell of crayons, the tiny chairs, the teacher who knelt to your level and called you by name. For many of us, kindergarten wasn’t just the start of school; it was the beginning of learning how to be in the world. For over two decades, Nancy Stansberry was that first teacher for hundreds of children in McLean, Virginia — and her impact has rippled far beyond the...

Home + Design

Custom Architecture, Personal Touch

Designing Where Luxury Lives Article by Katie Moore | Photography by James McDonald Associate Architects McLean and Great Falls is a melting pot of lifelong locals and post-graduate transplants, all of whom contribute to the area’s blossoming community and hometown feel. Those who moved to the area, or simply switched neighborhoods, each play a role in the towns’ character and personality — and nothing speaks to character and personality like a person’s home.  The architecture of Northern...

Real Estate

Understanding the Market

Insight from a Local Expert Article by Katie Moore | Photography by Casey Margenau No zip code is immune to the ups and downs of the housing market — even the most sought after neighborhoods like McLean and Great Falls experience shifts that impact buyers and  sellers alike. While online research can offer a starting point, truly understanding when and how  to act in today’s real estate landscape often requires insight from those who live and breathe  the market every day. One powerful way to...