“Groovy Movies: Artwork Inspired by Motion Pictures” Art Exhibit at Del Ray Artisans Gallery

Exhibit Dates: November 5–28, 2021
Opening Day: Friday, November 5 from 12-9pm

Technicolor 1977 by John W Hiller
The photograph “Technicolor John, 1977” is a self portrait by John W. Hiller (1935-2020).

Lights! Camera! Art Action! The Film-Fun Groovy Movies: Artwork Inspired by Motion Pictures exhibit features artwork influenced by the movies—from American Film Institute (AFI) classics to cult films like “Abbott & Costello Meets Frankenstein”, “Barbarella” to “Yellow Submarine” and “Zorba the Greek”. This is a curated exhibit showcasing artwork by local artists interpreting the movies and presented in partnership with the Alexandria Film Festival.

Reserve tickets for a half-hour viewing on opening day: Friday, November 5 between 12-9pm. Opening day tickets are not required, but ticket holders have priority entry. Find tickets at groovy-movies.eventbrite.com.

The word “groovy” can mean excellent, exciting, fashionable, wonderful, cool, funky, hip and happening. Artworks are influenced by movie titles, actors, characters, catch phrases, costumes, locations and genres in any medium—ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, paintings, photography, sculpture and more. Represented film genres range from action and adventure, comedy, musical, rom-com to horror, science fiction, and beyond.

Alexandria Film FestivalPrizes and events will include:

  • Curator Karen Schmitz presents “Rosebud Awards”
  • All Fest Passes (November 11-14) Awards by the Alexandria Film Festival
  • Fantasy & Adventure Soap-making workshop on Saturday, November 6 (9:30am-noon) – Make your own dragon eggs, unicorns, and more! Handcrafted shea butter soaps with premium fragrance oils—all in your very own gift box.
  • “Saturday Night Fever” Cardmaking Party Benefit on Saturday, November 20 (7-9pm) – A free social disco evening making art cards. “Cardie Host” Karen Schmitz shows art techniques, and all supplies are provided. Cards replenish the gallery card display or may be purchased. Registration required; registration fee is refunded upon attendance. 12-person event limit.
  • Check out DelRayArtisans.org/event/groovy-movies for more details!

The exhibit also features a special display of John W. Hiller’s artwork. Proceeds support the new John W. Hiller Photography and Film Scholarship for high school students for photography or film excellence. John W. Hiller (1935-2020) was a longtime Del Ray Artisans member, cinematographer, producer, and an Oscar and Emmy winner. Donations are appreciated to help fund this new scholarship.

The Groovy Movies: Artwork Inspired by Motion Pictures exhibit runs November 5–28, 2021 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. Del Ray Artisans is ALX Promise certified and committed to the health and safety of our visitors. Face masks must be worn by all while visiting the gallery.

Gallery hours are Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays 12-6pm, and Sundays 12-6pm. The gallery is closed on Thanksgiving day (Thursday, November 25). Typically the gallery is closed the last Sunday of the month, but this exhibit is extended through and open on Sunday, November 28 from 12-6pm.

For more information, please visit DelRayArtisans.org/event/groovy-movies or contact the curator Karen Schmitz (kschmitzart@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.


Groovy Movies exhibit postcard (front)Groovy Movies exhibit postcard (back)



Short Blurb – 35 words or fewer

Come see the “Groovy Movies: Artwork Inspired by Motion Pictures” exhibit at Del Ray Artisans (November 5– 28). This flick-fun curated exhibit features artworks influenced by films from Amadeus to Zoolander. Details: DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits

Synopsis – 75 words or fewer

Come see the “Groovy Movies: Artwork Inspired by Motion Pictures” exhibit at Del Ray Artisans (2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria) starting Opening Day: Friday, November 5. This flick-fun curated exhibit features artworks influenced by films from Amadeus to Zoolander. Artists “Go Ahead, Make My Day!” inspired by cult and classic movies. Dig this cool, fantastical and funky show with fabulous awards. Runs November 5–28. Open Fridays 12-9pm; Saturdays, Sundays, Thursdays 12-6pm. Details: DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits