In 2017 Del Ray Artisans celebrated 25 years of making opportunities possible through art. Del Ray Artisans’ 25th Anniversary year was jam packed with fun and exciting events, opportunities to give back to the community, and promising plans for the future. It was a rewarding year for Del Ray Artisans.
Silver Legacy Project
In addition to celebrating the founding of the organization in 1992, the 25th Anniversary Committee pledged to continue Del Ray Artisans’ commitment to contributing to the community and established the 25th Anniversary Silver Legacy Project for this purpose. The Silver Legacy Project’s task was to raise funds for art-related books and instructional material for Alexandria City elementary schools which have art needs. Del Ray Artisans is proud to announce the success of this project!
Through donated funds from Silver Star purchases and with the assistance of two local companies, Jack Taylor’s Alexandria Toyota and Alexandria Hyundai, Del Ray Artisans presented a check for $2100 to Alexandria City Public Schools. The funds will be used to purchase books related to art and artisans for Cora Kelley, William Ramsay, John Adams, Jefferson Houston, and Patrick Henry Elementary Schools.
25th Anniversary Events
In honor of our 25th Anniversary, Del Ray Artisans hosted these special events:
(Back Row) Marlin Lord, Melissa Kuckro, Rod Kuckro, Terry Rowe, Kathryn Brown, and Nancy Reder.
“Reflecting on our Future” Silver Anniversary Reception (March 19, 2017)
The 25th Anniversary Reception officially began the year-long celebration with fanfare in March. A grand reception honored Del Ray Artisans’ Founding Members. Attending officials including Alexandria Mayor, Alexandria city officials, local state officials, and local and state arts commission members were recognized. The large crowd enjoyed bounteous food featuring recipes from the newly published Del Ray Artisans cookbook.
“Red, White and Tuna” at The Little Theatre of Alexandria (June 2, 2017)
A wonderful evening collaborating with The Little Theatre of Alexandria was enjoyed by members and guests in June as part of the 25th Anniversary Celebration. “Red, Hot, and Tuna” was a fun, zany production accompanied by marvelous foods and a classy art raffle with fantastic artwork donated by Del Ray Artisans members.
“Twisted Masterpieces” Auction (September 28, 2017)
During its 25-year history, Del Ray Artisans became well known for its Offbeat Auctions, so certainly the 25th Anniversary year would not have been complete without an auction. Numerous artwork donations were gathered, and a modern, ‘twisted’ version of those past Del Ray Artisans auctions was planned. The Twisted Masterpieces Auction was held at Alexandria’s Port City Brewing Company and was a swell evening of fun, festivities, and fundraising.
Thank You for Supporting Us During Our Anniversary Year
Thank you to all our members whose dedication and volunteer hours drive this organization. Thank you to the 25th Anniversary Committee who organized three large special events and a heart-felt project to celebrate and honor Del Ray Artisans’ legacy.
Anniversary Committee: Linda Elliff (chairperson), Barbara Boehm, John Bordner, Angela Calos, Michele Reday Cook, Joe Franklin, Brandy Lellou, and Kurt Peterson
Thank you to the many patrons who supported Del Ray Artisans in the past, present, and future. During the anniversary year, two special donation drives were organized: Silver Stars and Corporate Silver Supporters.
Silver Stars were sold for $25 each, and over 120 stars were purchased! A portion of the funds raised from Silver Stars was used for the Legacy Project benefiting local elementary schools. Silver Star donors had a star with their name on it hung in the gallery entryway during the anniversary year.
Corporate Silver Supporters were asked to donate $250 in support of our silver anniversary and mission. Thank you to these businesses for their generous donation and dedication to making the Alexandria community an inspiration where together creativity and enterprise thrive:
- Alexandria Hyundai
- BB&T
- Bobi Bomar’s Homes of Alexandria
- Cosmopolitan Boat Club
- Del Ray Café
- Del Ray Smiles
- Forum One
- Jack Taylor’s Alexandria Toyota
- La Brocante
- Los Tios Grill
- Pork Barrel BBQ
- Rosemont Landscaping & Lawncare, LLC
- Stomping Ground
- Truly-Life
- Vintage Dress Company
Del Ray Artisans was also gifted with donations of $100-$200 from these local businesses: Affordable Signs & Banners, Alexandria Picture Framing, Cheesetique, Sue and Allison Goodhart of the Goodhart Group, Let’s Meat on the Avenue, Salon Bisoux, and Whole Foods Market Old Town Store.
Thank you to all our patrons! Through their generous support during our 25th Anniversary year, we were able to host artistic activities for a diverse, multi-generational group of creative individuals and groups within the community.
Del Ray Artisans is an invaluable and integral part of the City of Alexandria and the Del Ray community. The 25th Anniversary year was a time of looking back and also ahead to the future. Del Ray Artisans continues to thrive, providing inspiration to artists as well as the public.