Exhibit Dates: May 7–29, 2021
Opening Day Appointments: Friday, May 7 from 12-8pm
For centuries, nature has been an influential factor in the creation of artwork by artists. As more national and international discussion has centered around environmental concerns, The Art of Nature is an art exhibit that reminds us of the gift Mother Earth has given us, the beauty of nature. Artists in this exhibition share their interpretations of the natural world around us, whether it be on the animals who make their homes in nature, water that brings life to riverbeds or beaches and the vegetation, plants and trees that add color to our world. Del Ray Artisans hosts this special exhibit featuring local artists’ artwork from May 7 through May 29, 2021.
Reserve a ticket for a half-hour viewing during the extended hours on opening day: Friday, May 7 between 12-8pm. Opening day tickets are not required, but ticket holders have priority entry. The gallery capacity is limited to 10 people at any one time in order to facilitate social distancing.
Also in May, the following workshops are offered to Del Ray Artisans members and non-members in conjunction with the exhibit:
Zentangle and The Art of Nature, Sunday, May 9 from 1-3pm
The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It increases focus, creativity, self-confidence and well-being. Marisela Rumberg is a Certified Zentangle Teacher and will guide you through this creative process. No previous experience in drawing or art is required. You can do it, and you will love it! This workshop is offered via Zoom.
Oriental Brush Painting Nature, Tuesday, May 11 from 7-9pm
Learn to paint a few basic strokes using ink and color on rice paper to create beautiful roses. In this oriental art technique you will load your brush in layers of color. When you put your brush to the paper the colors come out in the reverse order on the paper. This art form is “food for the soul”—it is active meditation that teaches you to use your chi (energy) to produce a freestyle, beautiful piece of art. A picture of the subject will be emailed to all participants to follow during the class. You will set up your table to paint as the instructor guides you along with step-by-step directions and checks each participant’s progress from time to time. This workshop is offered via Zoom.
Watercolor Painting Dewy Leaves, Friday, May 14 from 6-8pm
Learn to use watercolor techniques such as wet in wet, salt texture, lifting, and scratching to paint beautiful leaves. After painting leaves you will add realistic dew drops. They are so fun and easy you will soon be adding dew drops to all of your paintings! This workshop is offered via Zoom.
Pastel Painting Nature, Sunday, May 16 from 12:30-3:30pm
Have fun learning pastel painting! Pastels are a fun and forgiving medium to use. Whether you are trying this medium for the first time or have experience you want to build on, this workshop is for you. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities you will learn pastel painting techniques such as layering, blending, and mark-making to create beautiful nature scenes. You will also paint on different types of pastel paper including sanded paper. This workshop is offered in-person at Del Ray Artisans gallery. Limited to 8 students. Walk-ins are not allowed.
Register in advance for workshops at DelRayArtisans.org/workshops/
The Art of Nature exhibit is at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Regular gallery hours are Thursdays and Fridays 12-6pm, Saturdays 12-4pm. The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible.
Del Ray Artisans is ALX Promise certified and is committed to the health and safety of our visitors. Please wear a face mask and maintain 6′ of personal space. Gallery capacity is currently limited to 10 people at a time for social distancing.
For more information, please visit www.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits or contact the curator Cynthia Schoeppel (schoeppc@hotmail.com) or Director of Curating Kelly Postula (Curating@DelRayArtisans.org).
Del Ray Artisans, founded in 1992, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community.
Del Ray Artisans (DRA) appreciates the continued support from the City of Alexandria, Alexandria Commission for the Arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts. DRA is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Short Blurb – 35 words or fewer
Come see the beauty of nature! “The Art of Nature” exhibit (May 7-29, 2021) at Del Ray Artisans reminds us of Mother Earth’s gifts. Plus register for nature-themed creative workshops now! www.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits
Synopsis – 75 words or fewer
Come see the beauty of nature! “The Art of Nature” exhibit (May 7-29, 2021) reminds us of Mother Earth’s gifts through local artists’ interpretations of the natural world. View the exhibit at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. Gallery hours: Thursdays and Fridays 12-6pm, Saturdays 12-4pm. Plus register for nature-themed creative workshops now! Del Ray Artisans is ALX Promise certified, requiring face masks and limiting gallery capacity. Details: www.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits