MIDDLETOWN —These days if you walk into the light-filled atrium at Lord Fairfax Community College, you will more than likely find an art exhibit on display.

The community college has always been supportive of the arts, and, in recent years, its Atrium Gallery has become a popular venue for regional artists. In fact, say college staff, the space is booked with shows through May 15, 2002.

Frederick County artist Cynthia Fraula-Hahn is one of the artists who has taken advantage of the atrium, hosting two one-woman shows there in recent years. Her current show, “Debutantes Gone Wrong,” has been extended through today, with a coffee and croissants reception this morning at 11, which the public is invited to attend.

“This place is constantly booked,” Fraula-Hahn said Wednesday afternoon as she and her assistant, Jennifer Barnette, hung a new painting in the atrium. “Lord Fairfax is very supportive of the arts and the shows that it hosts . . . We always have nice turnouts for the openings, and we’ve had lots of nice sales.”

An artist who shows there is asked to give the college a 30 percent commission, according to staff. If no sales are made the artist is asked to donate a piece of artwork to the college.

“This is a viable, professional space to exhibit in,” said Fraula-Hahn, who serves on the college’s Educational Foundation. “I would encourage anyone to pursue having a show here.”

Though the atrium is booked for the coming year, cancellations sometimes occur, and there is a waiting list of artists who can step in if that happens.

Most shows in the atrium last four to six weeks, depending on scheduling. Artists who are interested in having a show there must submit a portfolio to the college’s Institutional Advancement Office for review. The work is then forwarded to college president Marilyn Beck and her staff, who give final approval on which shows are accepted.

“We try to keep artwork in the atrium at all times,” said Judy Rinker, who is Beck’s secretary, “and we try to give special consideration to our local artists.”

In addition to support from the college, Fraula-Hahn said another plus to having a show in the atrium is its high visibility. Located near the college’s library and telecommunications facility, students are constantly walking past the artwork.

“Students and staff really take an interest in the exhibits,” Fraula-Hahn said. “I hear comments all the time.”

Adding to the prestige of having a show there is the college’s recent affiliation with the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C., and the college’s efforts to build a Community Cultural Center.

For more information about booking a show, contact Paula Cooper at 868-7000.