Exhibit Dates: June 3–26, 2022
Opening Day: Friday, June 3 from 12-9pm
Visit Del Ray Artisans gallery between June 3-26, 2022 to experience the Afros and Abstract exhibit celebrating the individuality of hair, body, space, imagination and time. This exhibit hopes to provoke interest in the visual beauty of a culture that reaches the expanse of humanity and a movement, encapsulating the amorphous state of lines, color, hues and tones. And if you are looking for something else, you’ll also find local artisan pottery, jewelry, fiber pieces, and much more in our Alcove Gift Shop inside the gallery.
Join us on opening day, Friday, June 3 between 12-9pm. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite. Plus join us for these other special June events:
- Art Exhibit Sneak Peek (12-9pm) and Outdoor Activity (6-8pm) on First Thursday, June 2 – Visit the gallery during this free neighborhood event for a preview of the exhibit inside and a Black Panther superhero photo opp on the lawn out front in the evening!
- Wire Jewelry & Repair Basics Workshop on Tuesday, June 7 from 6-8:30pm – Instructor Tamara Wilkerson reviews the components and skills for assembling basic wire jewelry pieces and teaches you to assemble your class projects (a pendant necklace & a pair of earrings). Register by June 4
- Mini Mosaic Pendant Workshop on Saturday, June 11 from 6:30-8:30pm – Create a one-of-a-kind mini mosaic pendant out of beautiful millefiori, tiny ceramic tiles, glass tiles, natural stones & other fun materials. Instructor Shona D’Cruz. Register by June 7
- Del Ray Urban Sketchers on Sunday, June 12 from 1-3pm at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub – Drop-in with your drawing or painting supplies and produce still life, figure or architecture subjects in your sketchbook. This is a free activity. Review the finished works with other sketchers and organizer Joan Bickelhaupt.
- Playing with Resin Workshop on Sunday, June 12 from 6-9pm – Learn the ins and outs of prepping for and mixing resin, and how to use it as an adhesive, a covering, or the main medium. Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson. Register by June 9
- “Monday-Mania” Card Making Party on Monday, June 13 from 4-8pm – Drop-in and create all-occasion artful cards to benefit Del Ray Artisans nonprofit. During this free event Karen Schmitz demos art techniques. The cards made will replenish the gallery card display or may be purchased to cover supplies.
- Creative Book Club on Saturday, June 18 from 10am-12pm – The book for this discussion is “The Duchamp Dictionary” by Thomas Girst. Marcel Duchamp was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Drop in and participate in this free book club led by Rusty Lynn.
- Partners in Art Evening on Tuesday, June 21 from 7-9pm – All artists, beginners to professionals, are invited to join our free art-support group, to share artistic goals, techniques, and the local art scene. Participants may show 1-2 artworks, in any medium, at any stage, for advice and feedback. Do not drop-in; RSVP required
- Colors, Shapes, and Scents Soap-Making Workshop on Saturday, June 25 from 10am-1pm – Create your own soaps using a moisturizing shea butter base, premium fragrance oils, and skin-safe colorants. Instructor: Suzan Ok. Register by June 22
Event details are available at DelRayArtisans.org/calendar, and workshop registration is at DelRayArtisans.org/workshops.
The Afros and Abstract exhibit is on display at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Face masks are recommended inside the gallery. The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. Gallery hours are First Thursday (Apr-Sept) 12-9pm, Thursday 12-6pm, Friday 12-9pm, Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-6pm. The gallery will have different hours and activities in July.
For more information, please visit DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits or contact the curator Maria I. Hart (afrosandabstract@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.
Short Blurb – 35 words or fewer
The “Afros and Abstract” exhibit (June 3–26) at Del Ray Artisans gallery celebrates individuality of imagination, the beauty of humanity and an art form, encapsulating the amorphous state of color. Details: DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits
Synopsis – 75 words or fewer
The “Afros and Abstract” exhibit (June 3–26, 2022) celebrates imagination and passion that reaches the expanse of humanity and a movement, encapsulating the amorphous state of color. Join us on opening day (Friday, June 3, 12-9pm) for the widest selection of artwork. View at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA. Open Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays & Sundays 12-6pm. Also visit our online calendar for creative programs and workshops: DelRayArtisans.org