June 1 – August 31, 2025
Find your muse this summer! Del Ray Artisans’ Creative Summer Programs is a series of workshops and events exploring the arts from June 1 through August 31. Sign up for the programs that inspire you and make your own “stay-cation” art experience.
Register now for the upcoming events—and check back throughout the summer because more will be added. Programs are offered for all skill levels and experience. Learn new techniques from local artists, such as how to create a ceramic turtle, bead embroidery mermaid tail, and maritime mobile; explore mindful photography; experience a meditative sound bath; and connect with your inner wisdom or intuition through collage. You can create an acrylic paint pour and then resin your creation—sign up for both workshops at the same time and get a discount! Register for our individual figure drawing sessions or 5-day figure drawing bootcamp (day passes available) to hone your skills in composition, anatomy, mark making, and portraiture.
Sign your child (ages 8-12) up for our week-long Art Camp (choose July 14-18 or July 21-25). Campers will have an immersive creative journey, including painting, sculpting, journaling, and STEAM-tastic activities that celebrate science and art. Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm for $350 per child (scholarship support is available). Children must be registered in advance; no drop-ins.
Children may also attend these workshops with their parents or friends: Ceramic Turtle Workshop (ages 13+ and adults), Pirate Ships and Mermaids (and meet a mermaid!), and First Thursday Family-Friendly Creative Activities. Contact the Programs Director (Programs@DelRayArtisans.org) or the workshop instructor (email on the individual workshop page) if you have any questions about attendance.
Plus don’t miss our free events! Kick off Creative Summer Programs on First Thursday, June 5 with our all ages activity from 6:30-8pm: create pop art featuring Washington sports teams. Drop in to our Del Ray Urban Sketchers meetup at St Elmo’s Coffee Pub, share your thoughts during our Creative Book Club (the book is “Mad Enchantment: Claude Monet and the Painting of the Water Lilies” by Ross King), sketch with our Nature Journaling Club, and join our small, friendly, and supportive artists’ group Partners in Art (RSVP in advance). Swap handcrafted, artful cards with other artists for some sunshine in your mailbox.
Del Ray Artisans’ Creative Summer Programs runs from June 1 through August 31, 2025. Take this opportunity to learn something new and enjoy the experience solo or with friends. Some workshops fill up fast, and registration will end 3-7 days before the workshop, so register now at the gallery or online at DelRayArtisans.org/creative-summer.
Unless otherwise noted, workshops are held at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. The gallery is an accessible facility.
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
Del Ray Artisans’ Creative Summer Programs (June 1-August 31) is a series of workshops exploring the arts. Sign up for what inspires you and make your own “stay-cation” art experience! Register: DelRayArtisans.org/creative-summer
Synopsis – 75 words or fewer
Creative Summer Programs (June 1-August 31) is a series of workshops exploring the arts. Learn techniques in collage, drawing, mixed media, photography, bead embroidery, and more from local artists. Delve into creative exploration solo or with friends. For children and/or adults, free and paid programs are offered. Sign up for what inspires you! Held at Del Ray Artisans (2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA) unless noted. Details: DelRayArtisans.org/creative-summer