Virginia Changemakers
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Marian A. Van Landingham (1937 - )

Van Landingham2.jpg

Locality

Alexandria

Occupation

Civic Leader

Biography

Marian A. Van Landingham (born September 10, 1937) encourages artistic spirit and volunteerism in her community. She was born in Albany, Georgia. In 1973, as the president of the Alexandria Art League, Van Landingham led a movement to renovate a dilapidated torpedo factory on the Potomac River and transform it into a center for artists' galleries, classrooms, and studio spaces. She not only handled much of the politicking but also pitched in on the manual labor of renovation. The Torpedo Factory Art Center opened in 1974 and has become an innovative space for working artists as well as the centerpiece of the revitalized historic downtown Alexandria.

In 1980 Van Landingham established the organization that became Volunteer Alexandria to match prospective volunteers with organizations in need of help. As a member of the House of Delegates from 1982 to 2005, she fought to increase funding for human services, education, healthcare, and aid for the homeless. Van Landingham was the first woman to chair the important Committee on Privileges and Elections. She has received numerous awards for her public service, and several annual service awards bear her name.

Always an artist at heart, Van Landingham still keeps a studio at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. One of her favorite themes is the depiction of pathways or doorways leading away into the distance. Of the theme she says, "On a path there is always the possibility of discovery."


2010 Virginia Women in History honoree, Library of Virginia.

File Citation(s)

Image Courtesy of the Library of Virginia.

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