“Unfinished/Finished” Art Exhibit at Del Ray Artisans Gallery

Exhibit Dates: April 2 – May 1, 2021
Opening Day Appointments: Friday, April 2 from 12-8pm

Beauty and the Background by Michael Green and Eileen M. O'Brien
“Beauty and the Background” by Michael Green (left, starting artist) and Eileen M. O’Brien (right, finishing artist)

Many artists are notorious for having plenty of unfinished pieces hidden in their workspaces. In preparation for the Unfinished/Finished art exhibit, unfinished works were given to different artists to complete. This exhibit showcases how these partnerships yield impressive finished artworks by local artists and high school students.

Come visit the gallery in April to explore the notion of when and how a work of art is “finished.” Note how the “start” inspired the “finished” piece. The overall concept offered a fun and safe way for artists to collaborate, given the isolation we have all experienced due to the pandemic. Some of the artists paired up with an artist they knew, while others signed up to be randomly paired with another artist. All artists brought a “started” piece to a “finished” state.

Reserve a ticket for a half-hour viewing during the extended hours on opening day: Friday, April 2 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.

Two events will be held in conjunction with this exhibit:

Speed-Painting with Friends on Sunday, March 14 between 3-6pm. In this free activity, artists will use small canvas boards and take turns painting, with each artist building on the prior artist’s work. No art experience necessary! The artwork created during this event will be displayed as part of Del Ray Artisans’ April exhibit, Unfinished/Finished, with proceeds supporting our non-profit arts organization. Due to pandemic restrictions, registration is required. Registration is currently full; check Del Ray Artisans’ website for last-minute openings.

Sketchy: How to Not Finish a Drawing Workshop on Saturday, April 17 from 10am-Noon. Instructor Margaret Wohler will lead participants through a series of short, fast, drawing techniques that will enhance observational skills and focus on natural subjects. Participants will explore blind contour, gesture, and drawing-by-feel techniques along with meditative mindful drawing. The workshop is $25 for Del Ray Artisans members and $35 for non-members; plus drawing kits will be available for purchase for $25. This workshop will be held outside the gallery, weather permitting. Register at sketchy-workshop.eventbrite.com

 
The Unfinished/Finished art exhibit runs April 2 – May 1, 2021 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Regular gallery hours are Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-6pm, and 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.

For more information, please visit www.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits or contact the curator Eileen O’Brien (artbyeileenm@gmail.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.


Unfinished/Finished art exhibit postcardUnfinished/Finished art exhibit postcard



Short Blurb – 35 words or fewer

The “Unfinished/Finished” exhibit (April 2-May 1) at Del Ray Artisans explores when and how art is “finished.” Every artwork in this exhibit has a “starting” artist and “finishing” artist. www.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits

Synopsis – 75 words or fewer

The “Unfinished/Finished” exhibit (April 2-May 1) at Del Ray Artisans explores when and how art is “finished.” Every artwork in this exhibit has a “starting” artist and “finishing” artist. The exhibit features the work of local artists and high school students, plus offered an avenue for collaboration to combat the isolation we have all experienced during the pandemic. View at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA. Details: www.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits