In 2019, the Torpedo Factory Art Center celebrated a year of anniversaries. The building turned 100 and the Art Center turned 45 years old.
To commemorate these milestones, Alexandria-based Istrico Productions has released a documentary titled “A Brush with History: The Torpedo Factory Art Center,” to tell the Art Center’s unique story.
The documentary features historical footage and artist interviews. “The film…celebrates [the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s] rich 100-year history as a structure that went from making weapons of war to producing beautiful works of art. We wanted to honor both the artists and its military history, as the Art Center continues to serve its community, and the nation, to this day” said Nora Kubach, who wrote and directed the film.
The Torpedo Factory Art Center was first built as a munitions factory at the end of World War I and was active during World War II. By the 1950’s, the building was serving as Federal Government records storage until the building was purchased by the City of Alexandria in 1969 and approved for use as an Art Center in 1974.
Today, the Art Center is a treasured Alexandria institution and houses studio and gallery space for over 160 artists. It is the largest art center of its kind in the nation and welcomes half a million visitors a year.
Istrico Productions is an award-winning Alexandria-based production company founded by Anthony Istrico that has been creatively telling stories for almost a decade.
For more information on Istrico Productions visit istrico.com.
