October 2–31, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, October 2 from 7–9pm
Welcome one and all to the Carnival of Curiosities art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans where we’ll explore all things carnival and circus related, from fun foods and silly games to quirky costumes, haunted attractions, terrifying oddities, and magical slights of hand! Step right up! But beware, not everything is as it seems.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, October 2, between 7-9pm to meet curators Tiara Safic-Martin and Morgan Parr and exhibiting artists. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite at carnival-of-curiosities.eventbrite.com.
Come back for an encore Masquerade Party on Friday, October 30, between 7-9pm, where we’ll reveal the People’s Choice Award! Guests are encouraged to don their most creative mask or carnival-inspired attire for an evening of music, drinks, snacks. Mingle with artists one more time before the exhibit closes.
Register in advance for our workshops and save the dates for our other creative programs in October:
- Intro to Block Printing Workshop – Oct. 4, 10am-12pm
- Partners in Art – Oct. 5, 2-4pm
- Playing with Resin Workshop – Oct. 5, 6-9pm
- Life Drawing – Oct. 6 & 27, 7-9pm
- Girl Scout “Art and Design” Brownie Badge Workshop – Oct. 11, 10am-12pm
- STEAM-tastic: DIY Masquerade Masks Workshop – Oct. 17, 10am-12pm
- Partners in Art Evening – Oct. 20, 7-9pm
- Movie Nite – Oct. 24, 7:30pm-midnight
- Painting with Natural Pigments Workshop – Oct. 25, 10am-12pm
- Fairy Bookshelf Workshop – Oct. 28, 7-9pm
Visit the gallery during Art on the Avenue, the annual arts festival along Mount Vernon Avenue, on Saturday, October 3. Del Ray Artisans will be open from 10am-6pm during the festival and will host a STEAM-tastic activity (Make Scratchboard Art) in the Kids’ Art Corner in the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields from 10am-3pm.
The Carnival of Curiosities art exhibit runs October 2-31, 2026 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are Thursday 12-6pm, Friday 12-9pm, Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-6pm (closed on November 1).
The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. This art exhibit is made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2027 Annual Arts Program Grant. Del Ray Artisans is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community. For more information, please visit delrayartisans.org/exhibits.
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, and Virginia Commission for the Arts. DRA is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Short Blurb – 35 words or fewer
Step right up to the Carnival of Curiosities art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans (October 2-31)! Explore circus foods, games, costumes, haunted attractions & magic. Not everything is as it seems. Details: DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits
Synopsis – 75 words or fewer
The Carnival of Curiosities art exhibit (October 2-31) explores all things carnival and circus: fun foods, silly games, quirky costumes, haunted attractions, terrifying oddities, and magical sleights of hand. Step right up, but beware, not everything is as it seems. View at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA. Opening Reception: Friday, October 2, 7-9pm. Masquerade Party: Friday, October 30, 7-9pm. Hours: Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays & Sundays 12-6pm. Details: DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits