McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) bestows naming rights for newest gallery to long-time arts supporters Matthew Bullock and Todd Hitt for their generous gifts
The gallery in MPA@ChainBridge, McLean Project for the Arts’ second location, was formally dedicated as the Bullock | Hitt Gallery during its exhibition opening last September. Mr. Bullock and Mr. Hitt each donated $25,000 towards the build-out of MPA@ChainBridge.
“We are so grateful to Matthew Bullock and Todd Hitt for this generous donation, which will allow MPA to continue with our mission to exhibit contemporary art by critically-acclaimed mid-Atlantic artists, and offer high-quality educational programs and art classes,” said MPA Executive Director Lori Carbonneau. “In recognition and appreciation of Mr. Bullock and Mr. Hitt’s deep support, our gallery at MPA@ChainBridge is named the Bullock | Hitt Gallery for these two years while our permanent space in the McLean Community Center is under renovation.”
“Now more than ever, we need to step up and support our creative organizations,” said Todd Hitt, President of global alternative asset management firm Kiddar Capital. “The arts are an essential cornerstone of our culture and enrich all of our lives. Our lives would be much emptier without them.”
Matthew Bullock, CMO of Walnut Industries Inc. and a major supporter of the arts, maintains that it is a creative approach to business that has been the most important factor in building his companies. Mr. Bullock sees his support of MPA@ChainBridge, “as a vehicle to encourage youth to channel the power of innovative and creative solutions in facing complex challenges. As such, it was an honor to help bring the Bullock | Hitt Gallery to fruition.”
MPA relocated in December 2016 from the McLean Community Center, its home of 25 years, to accommodate major renovations in the building. Through the generous support of McLean Properties, MPA conceived MPA@ChainBridge as a second, temporary location in the Chain Bridge Corner Shopping Center. MPA@ChainBridge will serve as MPA’s primary gallery, classroom, and office space for about two years.
To cover the costs of converting and staffing their new space (formerly a retail store), MPA launched the MPA@ChainBridge Build-Out Fund, which was met with tremendous support.
“The funding and opening of this new space was a true community collaboration, and we could not have done it without the support of our committed and generous partners,” said Carbonneau. “Many individuals and organizations contributed to our capital campaign, including 100% of the MPA Board of Directors. Additionally, the McLean Community Foundation bestowed a generous $10,000 grant towards the build-out of the McLean Community Foundation Education Studio within MPA@ChainBridge. Examples like these showcase the munificent and unwavering support MPA has in the heart of the amazing McLean community, of which we are so thankful to be members.”
For more information, visit mpaart.org.
