First Thursday (Gallery Open 12-9pm) - Activity Rescheduled to 4/11
2024-04-04 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Due to the weather: First Thursday activities have been rescheduled to Thursday, April 11. The gallery will still be open until 9pm today!
Join us inside Del Ray Artisans gallery from 6:30-8pm for our family-friendly activity. We are decorating upcycled flower containers! Each person will receive a container to decorate at the gallery and a small bag of potting soil & seeds to take-home for planting and watering.
This First Thursday also get a sneak peek of the Same But Different art exhibit that officially opens with a reception on Friday, April 5 from 7-9pm. Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September.
From March 20–April 14, check out Del Ray Artisans’ gallery exterior decorations for the 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival: Petal Porches. Our theme is Cherry Bomb!

For the first First Thursday of 2024 on April 4th, the Del Ray Business Association has chosen the theme: Del Ray in Bloom to celebrate National Gardening Month. Join the Del Ray community for live music and themed activities. Donations to this First Thursday’s selected nonprofit, the Dunbar Alexandria-Olympic Boys & Girls Club, will be collected at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square (Oxford & Mt. Vernon Avenues).

Every year from April through September Del Ray Business Association celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6pm until dusk on the first Thursday of the month. Del Ray Artisans is a member of Del Ray Business Association. Join us for the neighborhood themes:

April 11, 2024 (Postponed from April 4 due to the weather) – Del Ray in Bloom
May 2, 2024 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June 6, 2024 – Jump into Summer
July 11, 2024 – Red, White and Blue (Gallery is closed to host Figure Drawing Bootcamp; no First Thursday activity)
August 1, 2024 – Olympics or Carnival (TBD)
September 5, 2024 – Saddle Up

Spring2ACTion 2024
2024-04-10 - 2024-04-24 | Online
Donate April 10–24
Starting Wednesday, April 10 through Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (Giving Day) our community comes together to support the amazing work of Alexandria nonprofits through Spring2ACTion, hosted by ACT for Alexandria. Please remember Del Ray Artisans is one of those worthy causes!
Del Ray Artisans has been promoting art for the benefit of local artists and the community since 1992. Del Ray Artisans supports the development of artists at all levels and serves as a center for thriving artistic activity in Alexandria, Virginia.
During Spring2ACTion, please show your support for Del Ray Artisans’ exhibits, programs, youth and outreach activities which help members of our community grow as individuals and as artists.
If you are in a position to do so, please donate to Del Ray Artisans nonprofit today. Other ways to support:

Buy artwork from local artists during our exhibits or from members’ websites.
Share our Spring2ACTion fundraising page with your network. Crowdsourcing adds up, and we absolutely appreciate every single donation and shout-out.
Register for a Creative Workshop or attend an upcoming Creative Program. Learn something new and have fun!

Please consider a tax-deductible donation and spread the word to friends and family. Every donation is appreciated. Thank you for supporting the arts!
Donate April 10–24

Gallery Open 12-9pm; First Thursday Activity Cancelled
2024-04-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This event has been cancelled due to the weather.
Join us outside Del Ray Artisans gallery from 6:30-8pm for our family-friendly activity. We are decorating upcycled flower containers! Each person will receive a container to decorate at the gallery and a small bag of potting soil & seeds to take home for planting and watering.
Also pop into the gallery to see the Same But Different art exhibit. Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September. Please be considerate of the workshop that is happening tonight.
From March 20–April 14, check out Del Ray Artisans’ gallery exterior decorations for the 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival: Petal Porches. Our theme is Cherry Bomb!

For the first First Thursday of 2024 on April 11th (rain date), the Del Ray Business Association has chosen the theme: Del Ray in Bloom to celebrate National Gardening Month. Join the Del Ray community for live music and themed activities. Donations to this First Thursday’s selected nonprofit, the Dunbar Alexandria-Olympic Boys & Girls Club, will be collected at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square (Oxford & Mt. Vernon Avenues).

Every year from April through September Del Ray Business Association celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6pm until dusk on the first Thursday of the month. Del Ray Artisans is a member of Del Ray Business Association. Join us for the neighborhood themes:

April 11, 2024 (Postponed, then cancelled due to the weather) – Del Ray in Bloom
May 2, 2024 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June 6, 2024 – Jump into Summer
July 11, 2024 – Red, White and Blue (Gallery is closed to host Figure Drawing Bootcamp; no First Thursday activity)
August 1, 2024 – Olympics or Carnival (TBD)
September 5, 2024 – Saddle Up

Party for the Arts at Canal Center
2024-04-27 11:00 - 19:00 | Canal Center Gallery, 11 Canal Center Plaza, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States
The City of Alexandria is celebrating its 275th anniversary this year. The Alexandria Arts Alliance commemorates the occasion during the 2nd annual Party for the Arts—a celebration showcasing all artists in Alexandria on Saturday, April 27, 11am-7pm at Canal Center, Alexandria’s waterfront venue in the Old Town North Arts District. The party will feature an art market, games for children, local music groups, singers, dancers, poetry readings, food, and other live performances.
Del Ray Artisans is pleased to have its members featured in Alexandria Arts Alliance’s 2024 Party for the Arts exhibit as a part of our Gallery Without Walls program. This juried visual arts exhibition at the Canal Center Gallery features all local visual artists—and their love for Alexandria expressed through art! The exhibit opens during the Party for the Arts and runs through June 30, 2024. Gallery hours are:

Saturday, April 27, 11am-7pm during Party for the Arts
Saturday, May 18 (hours TBD)
Saturday, June 8 (hours TBD)
Saturday, June 15 (hours TBD)

The Alexandria Arts Alliance is a coalition of arts organizations, artists and arts advocates that works to advance the arts in Alexandria through advocacy, collaboration, education, and marketing. Del Ray Artisans is a member of Alexandria Arts Alliance.

First Thursday Activity: Dog Mask Making 6:30-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2024-05-02 18:30 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Channel your inner hound dog at Del Ray Artisans during the Dog Days of Del Ray First Thursday event! Want to look more like your best friend? From 6:30-8pm on May 2 come by the gallery to color your own dog mask during our family-friendly activity! Then try your hand at a game of outdoor lawn darts FETCH games using soft and safe dartboard balls.
Be sure to bring along your four-legged BFF and family for photo opp fun and games! Pups can be art aficionados too. Dog treats provided while supplies last.
Plus get a sneak peek of The Art of Tea art exhibit. Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September.

Every year from April through September Del Ray Business Association celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6pm until dusk on the first Thursday of the month.
Join the Del Ray community for live music and themed activities. The selected nonprofit for each date will be announced in advance and donations will be collected at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues. Join us for the neighborhood themes:

April 11, 2024 (Postponed, then cancelled due to the weather) – Del Ray in Bloom
May 2, 2024 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June 6, 2024 – Jump into Summer
July 11, 2024 – Red, White and Blue (Gallery is closed to host Figure Drawing Bootcamp)
August 1, 2024 – Olympics or Carnival (TBD)
September 5, 2024 – Saddle Up

Del Ray Artisans is a member of Del Ray Business Association.

Early Morning Gallery Hours during Bike to Work Day
2024-05-17 06:30 - 09:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans gallery has early morning hours, 6:30am to 9:30am, on Friday, May 17 to help support Bike to Work Day 2024. Stop by and see The Art of Tea exhibit now through June 2, 2024.
Fellow Del Ray Business Association member Vélocity Bicycle Cooperative is hosting the Bike to Work Day 2024 Del Ray pit stop in Colasanto Park, next to Del Ray Artisans gallery.

Author Talk: "Get the Picture" with Bianca Bosker
2024-05-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join us for an enlightening author talk and book signing at Del Ray Artisans gallery, featuring Bianca Bosker. In Get the Picture, Bosker immerses herself in the nerve center of art and the people who live for it: gallerists, collectors, curators, and, of course, artists themselves—the kind who work multiple jobs to afford their studios while scrabbling to get eyes on their art. Bosker stretches canvases until her fingers blister, talks her way into A-list parties for billionaire collectors, sells art as a gallerist, and has her face sat on by a nearly-naked performance artist. As a museum security guard, she forces herself to stare at a single sculpture for hours on end. Bosker discovers not only the inner workings of the art machine but also a more expansive way of living. Probing everything from cave paintings to Instagram, from the science of sight to the importance of beauty, Get the Picture examines art’s role in our culture, our economy, and our hearts.
Please register in advance through the Alexandria Library website. This event is organized by the Friends of the Duncan Library, a neighbor volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Register Now

Taste of Del Ray VIP Reception
2024-06-02 11:30 - 13:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Taste of Del Ray is one of Virginia Living Magazine‘s top food festivals in the state. Visit the Del Ray Business Association website for details on the 15th annual Taste of Del Ray.
The event will take place on Sunday, June 2 from 1-3pm at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields next to the gallery. Purchase tickets in advance on eventbrite. Only 500 general admission and 100 VIP tickets will be sold.
VIP benefits include a wine tasting at Del Ray Artisans gallery from 11:30am-1pm. Note: The wine tasting is only for individuals 21 and older (IDs will be checked) who have Taste of Del Ray VIP tickets.

Del Ray Artisans is a member of the Del Ray Business Association. The gallery is open to the public until 4pm on Sunday, June 2nd.

First Thursday Activity: Origami Art 6:30-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2024-06-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
On First Thursday, June 6th, enjoy a sneak preview of the All About Love art exhibit and jump into a summer of love at Del Ray Artisans.
Visit the gallery between 6:30-8pm to make some groovy origami art with tie-dyed paper. All are welcome. This artful activity is family-friendly and free! Be sure to check out the one-of-a-kind Del Ray Artisans’ 30th anniversary t-shirts hand-dyed by artist Lesley Hall for sale too.
Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September (except not in July).

Every year from April through September Del Ray Business Association celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6pm until dusk on the first Thursday of the month.
Join the Del Ray community for live music and themed activities. The selected nonprofit for each date will be announced in advance and donations will be collected at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues. Join us for the neighborhood themes:

April 11, 2024 (Postponed, then cancelled due to the weather) – Del Ray in Bloom
May 2, 2024 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June 6, 2024 – Jump into Summer
July 11, 2024 – Red, White and Blue (Gallery is closed to host Figure Drawing Bootcamp)
August 1, 2024 – Del Ray Olympics
September 5, 2024 – Saddle Up

Del Ray Artisans is a member of Del Ray Business Association.

Party for the Arts #ALX275 at Canal Center Gallery (4/27-6/28/2024)
2024-06-28 17:00 - 21:00 | Canal Center Gallery, 11 Canal Center Plaza, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States
Photo Album
The Alexandria Arts Alliance commemorates the City of Alexandria’s 275th anniversary during the 2nd annual Party for the Arts—a celebration showcasing all artists in Alexandria on Saturday, April 27, 11am-7pm at Canal Center, Alexandria’s waterfront venue in the Old Town North Arts District. The party will feature an art market, games for children, local music groups, singers, dancers, poetry readings, food, and other live performances.
Del Ray Artisans is pleased to have its members featured in Alexandria Arts Alliance’s Party for the Arts #ALX275 art exhibit as a part of our Gallery Without Walls program. This juried visual arts exhibition at the Canal Center Gallery features all local visual artists—and their love for Alexandria expressed through art! The exhibit opens during the Party for the Arts and runs through June 28, 2024. Gallery hours are:

Saturday, April 27, 11am-7pm during Party for the Arts
CANCELLED: Saturday, May 18, 11am-4pm during A Vintage Affair on the Plaza
Wednesday, June 5, 10am-1pm during Coffee Break
Saturday, June 8, 11am-2pm during the ACT for Alexandria’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, June 15, 1-6pm during Art Mart
Friday, June 28, 5-9pm for the Closing Reception

The Alexandria Arts Alliance is a coalition of arts organizations, artists and arts advocates that works to advance the arts in Alexandria through advocacy, collaboration, education, and marketing. Del Ray Artisans is a member of Alexandria Arts Alliance.

Artwork credit: Detail of “Fireworks” by TJ Feeley featured in the exhibit. This photograph captures a moment from the fireworks display on Alexandria’s birthday during the annual celebration with the symphony performing in the park.

First Thursday (Gallery Closed)
2024-07-11 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans gallery is closed to the public from July 8-12 in order to host Figure Drawing Bootcamp. Register for bootcamp to enhance or kickstart your daily drawing routine. Each day features not one, but two unique models, ensuring an engaging experience.
Join us this Saturday and Sunday for the Summer Art Market (July 13-14, 2024 from 10am-4pm each day) and check out original art in a wide range of media from talented local artists. Different artists are featured each day!
The neighborhood First Thursday festival is still happening in Pat Miller Neighborhood Square (located at Mount Vernon & Oxford Avenues) and all along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6pm until dusk on July 11, 2024.

Every year from April through September Del Ray Business Association celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6pm until dusk on the first Thursday of the month. Join us for the neighborhood themes – TBD for 2024:

April 4, 2024 – A Cherry Blossom Celebration?
May 2, 2024 – Dog Days in Del Ray?
June 6, 2024 – Baseball – Every Pitch Counts?
July 11, 2024 – Red, White, and Brews? (Gallery is closed to host Figure Drawing Bootcamp; no outdoor activity)
August 1, 2024 – A Country Music Showdown?
September 5, 2024 – Star Wars Day in a Neighborhood Far, Far Away?

Rummage Sale Fundraiser (Indoor Yard Sale)
2024-07-20 08:00 - 13:00, 2024-07-21 08:00 - 13:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Extended one day! Also on Sunday, July 21, 8am-1pm!
Please share the flyer! (English Version)
¡Por favor comparte! (Versión en español)
Support Del Ray Artisans and go home with new-to-you, used treasures from our rummage sale on Saturday, July 20 AND Sunday, July 21 from 8am-1pm inside the gallery.
All proceeds benefit Del Ray Artisans nonprofit arts organization.
Donated items for the sale (dropped off in advance) are welcomed and appreciated! Drop off times at the gallery for donations are: July 14 (5-8pm), July 15 (5-7pm), July 16 (1-5pm), July 18 (12-8pm), and July 19 (12-8pm).
Donations may include household items, clothing, office supplies, jewelry, toys, books, sports equipment, handheld tools, small appliances, and more.
Please do not drop off hazardous materials, broken items, or anything that requires two people to move (no large furniture or large electronics).
If you have questions about donations, contact Margaret Slipek at fundraising@delrayartisans.org. Thank you!
Volunteer
To help during the drop off dates and/or sale, please contact Morgan Parr at volunteers@delrayartisans.org.
DRA members are reminded to report their volunteer hours monthly.

First Thursday Activity: Science Scavenger Hunt 6:30-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2024-08-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Feeling Olympic? Stop by Del Ray Artisans during the First Thursday in Del Ray this August between 6:30 and 8pm. Enjoy a sneak peek at The Science of our Surroundings art exhibit and participate in a family-friendly Science Scavenger Hunt.
Use clues to discover up to five items found in the artwork in the gallery, and then:

draw and color what you have uncovered in the Olympic Ring coloring page provided.
OR
take a phone pic of the solved clues displayed in the art of science.
OR
take a selfie with the artwork!

There will also be an Olympic photo station in the gallery so feel free to stop by for your Olympic selfie! All the activities are free of charge.
Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September.

Every year from April through September Del Ray Business Association celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6pm until dusk on the first Thursday of the month.
Join the Del Ray community for live music and themed activities. The selected nonprofit for each date will be announced in advance and donations will be collected at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues. Join us for the neighborhood themes:

April 11, 2024 (Postponed, then cancelled due to the weather) – Del Ray in Bloom
May 2, 2024 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June 6, 2024 – Jump into Summer
July 11, 2024 – Red, White and Blue (Gallery is closed to host Figure Drawing Bootcamp)
August 15, 2024 (Rescheduled from August 1 due to the weather) – Del Ray Olympics
September 5, 2024 – Saddle Up

Del Ray Artisans is a member of Del Ray Business Association.

First Thursday Activity 6:30-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2024-09-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join us inside Del Ray Artisans gallery from 6:30-8pm on Thursday, September 5th for our family-friendly activity: a fibertastic selfie station and hands-on knitting instruction to celebrate the new exhibit! Come as a beginner or bring your experience adding rows to a Community Fiber Project. The event is free of charge and all ages and knitting skills are welcome.
Plus get a sneak peek of the Fascinating Fiber, Alluring Fabric art exhibit. Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September. This is the last First Thursday of 2024!

Every year from April through September Del Ray Business Association celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6pm until dusk on the first Thursday of the month.
Join the Del Ray community for live music and themed activities. The selected nonprofit for each date will be announced in advance and donations will be collected at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues. Join us for the neighborhood themes:

April 11, 2024 (Postponed, then cancelled due to the weather) – Del Ray in Bloom
May 2, 2024 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June 6, 2024 – Jump into Summer
July 11, 2024 – Red, White and Blue (Gallery is closed to host Figure Drawing Bootcamp)
August 15, 2024 (Rescheduled from August 1 due to the weather) – Del Ray Olympics
September 5, 2024 – Saddle Up

Del Ray Artisans is a member of Del Ray Business Association.

Art on the Avenue 2024
2024-10-05 10:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 10am-6pm, you’ll find: Art on the Avenue, a multicultural arts festival celebrating our community’s diversity through the arts in Alexandria, Virginia. There will be entertainment for all ages, art activities, food, and artists displaying and selling their work all along Mount Vernon Avenue. Art on the Avenue is sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association.
Artist Demos, Activities, and Art Exhibit
Directly in front of the gallery during Art on the Avenue, Del Ray Artisans will present artist demonstrations, as well as sell handcrafted greeting cards, art by local artists, and upcycled tote bags made from exhibit banners (booths W-194 and W-195). Come visit our tent for these demonstrations:

11am-1:30pm – Morgan Parr – Neurographic Art
2pm-3:30pm – Ditas Katague – Pour Painting
4pm-5:30pm – Kelly MacConomy – Knitting as Coding

Also visit Del Ray Artisans’ booth in the Kids’ Art Corner (Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields) to create your own robot! This activity is for children ages 6 and above. Drop-in to this self-paced activity between 11am-4pm.
Inside the gallery, you’ll find the Artificial or Intelligence? art exhibit, as well as our Alcove Gift Shop, both featuring art by local artists.
Support Del Ray Artisans Members, Local Artists
Many Del Ray Artisans members are juried into Art on the Avenue. Be sure to visit their booths:

W-20 – Andreas Barrett (Painting)
W-49 – Robin Reid (Glass)
W-50 – Diana Manchak (Ceramics & Pottery)
W-84 – Diana Papazian (Jewelry)
W-111 – Bhavani Arabandi (Ceramics & Pottery)
W-136 – Betsy True (Clothing)
W-139 – Courtney Arnold, Lola Earnestine (Jewelry)
W-150 – Betsy Jones (Mixed Media)
W-155 – Kara Macek (Painting)
W-182 – Joyce Wagner (Jewelry)
W-196 – Marcelle Fozard (Fiber)
_
E-8 – Paddy Waldner (Accessories & Bags)
E-32 – Corrin Pumphrey (Painting)
E-51 – Laurel Prucha Moran (Painting)
E-53 – Alexandra Schmeling (Painting)
E-54 – Kellie Sansone (Painting)
E-61 – Stephen Lally (Ceramics & Pottery)
E-74 – Ellen Hamilton (Clothing)
E-103 – Stacy Laine (Wood)
E-174 – Annemarie Kuhns (Printmaking)
E-190 – Tamara Wilkerson (Jewelry)

For more information on Art on the Avenue, visit: www.artontheavenue.org

Photo courtesy of Kelly M. MacConomy (2019)

Chirilagua Neighborhood Arts Day / Día de las Artes del Barrio de Chirilagua
2024-10-12 12:00 - 16:00 | Casa Chirilagua / Four Mile Run Conservatory, 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22305, United States
Photo collage credit: Photographs of MakersFEST 2022 courtesy of Karen Schmitz

English ↓ | Español ↓

Call for Volunteers
Seeking volunteers to help manage the Del Ray Artisans information tent, art-making tents, engage the public, and keep the event attendance tally. Volunteers are needed for both shifts: 11am-2pm (also assists with set-up) and 2pm-5pm (also assists with take down). If you are interested but unable to lift things like chairs, that is OK! Engagement with the community is the biggest priority! To sign up, email Morgan at volunteers@delrayartisans.org.

Chirilagua Neighborhood Arts Day
Come enjoy Chirilagua Neighborhood Arts Day—a free, outdoor, community art-making event on Saturday, October 12, 12-4pm at the Four Mile Run Conservatory (4109 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA). The event is organized by Del Ray Artisans in partnership with Casa Chirilagua.
Marimba Maya Awal
Artist instructors will lead hands-on art activities for all ages, including ColorWOW drawing, brite kites, paper flowers, gelli prints, and Guatemalan worry dolls. Live music will be performed by the band Marimba Maya Awal to get your toes tapping. Don’t miss this family-friendly event!
Note: If it rains, the art-making activities will be moved inside the Four Mile Run Conservatory building.

In 2024, Alexandria is celebrating its 275th anniversary. The Arts 275th Commemorative Program Grant is funded through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Alexandria, VA. The Arts 275th Commemorative Program Grant was established and was available to eligible nonprofit organizations to create art programs and events to honor the past through artistic historical reflections or commissions, embrace the now with thought-provoking art projects mirroring neighborhoods’ culture, and celebrate the city’s future with innovative art projects.
The Chirilagua Neighborhood Arts Day program is made possible through the Arts 275th Commemorative Program Grant from the City of Alexandria, VA through the Office of the Arts. This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.

Día de las Artes del Barrio de Chirilagua
Venga a disfrutar del Día de las Artes del Barrio de Chirilagua, un evento gratuito de creación de arte comunitario al aire libre el sábado 12 de octubre, de 12 a 4 p. m. en el Conservatorio Four Mile Run (4109 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA). El evento es organizado por Del Ray Artisans en asociación con Casa Chirilagua.
Marimba Maya Awal
Los instructores de artistas dirigirán actividades artísticas prácticas para todas las edades, incluyendo el dibujo de ColorWOW, cometas británicas, flores de papel, estampados de gelli y muñecas de preocupación guatemaltecas. La banda Marimba Maya Awal interpretará música en vivo para que se muevan tus pies. ¡No te pierdas este evento familiar!
Nota: Si llueve, las actividades de creación de arte se trasladarán dentro del edificio del Conservatorio Four Mile Run.

En 2024, Alexandria está celebrando su 275 aniversario. La Beca del Programa Conmemorativo Arts 275th está financiada a través de una subvención de la Fundación Nacional para las Artes y la Ciudad de Alexandria, VA. La Beca del Programa Conmemorativo de las Artes 275 se estableció y estuvo disponible para organizaciones sin fines de lucro elegibles para crear programas y eventos de arte para honrar el pasado a través de reflexiones o encargos históricos artísticos, abrazar el ahora con proyectos de arte que invitan a la reflexión que reflejan la cultura de los vecindarios y celebrar el futuro de la ciudad con proyectos de arte innovadores.
El programa del Día de las Artes del Barrio de Chirilagua es posible gracias a la Beca del Programa Conmemorativo de las Artes 275 de la Ciudad de Alexandria, VA a través de la Oficina de las Artes. Este proyecto cuenta con el apoyo en parte de la Fundación Nacional para las Artes. Para obtener más información sobre cómo las subvenciones de la Fundación Nacional para las Artes afectan a las personas y comunidades, visite www.arts.gov.

Paper flower making / Flores de papel (Karen Schmitz)
Brite Kite / Cometas británicas (Roxanne Bradley-Tate)
Guatemalan worry dolls / Muñecas de preocupación guatemaltecas (Guy Jones)
Gelli Print / Estampados de gelli (Karen Schmitz)

Paws in the Park 2024
2024-10-13 11:00 - 16:00 | Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States
Join us at the Paws in the Park outdoor festival! This event is fun for the whole family, featuring entertainment, activities, animal-themed vendors, and, of course, a whole lot of adorable adoptables.
Del Ray Artisans will have a tent with pet-inspired artwork from member Joyce Wagner (Reinvented Elegance), as well as information about current and upcoming events. Please stop by and say hello!
The block party is in the Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street, Alexandria, VA 22314). This free event is open to the community; well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to attend (no Flexi leashes please).
Del Ray Artisans’ Gallery Without Walls partner VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital is a sponsor of Paws in the Park. Stop by the animal hospital (2660 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday 8am-6pm) to see the Original Expressions art exhibit by Del Ray Artisans members.
Artwork credit: “Wagging Woofers I ” by Joyce Wagner

AI & Artists: A Discussion On What Artists Should Know
2024-10-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Torpedo Factory Art Center (Grand Hall), 105 N Union St, Alexandria, 22314, United States
Program: AI & Artists: A Discussion On What Artists Should Know

Location: Torpedo Factory Art Center, Grand Hall (105 N. Union St, Alexandria VA 22314)
“Sum of its parts?” by Nicole Mahoney featured in the “Artificial or Intelligence?” art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is changing the landscape of all industries, including the arts. Should artists embrace, feel comfortable with, or reject AI? Is AI a tool for good, or a threat to creative ownership? Hear from three leading experts in the field of arts and technology, patents, and copyright, moderated by Phyllis Serbes of Pantheon AI, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting human creativity and fostering relationships with generative AI. Discussion is free, drop-in (no registration required), and begins at 6:30pm.
Presenters include:

Ben Knapp, PhD, Executive Director, The Virginia Tech Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT)
Christian Hannon, Senior Patent Attorney at the Office of Policy and International affairs office in the United States Patent and Trademark Office
Karl W. Means, Esq., Counsel in the Intellectual Property Practice at Miles & Stockbridge, P.C. and copyright attorneyfrom the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts

There will be time for a Q&A from the audience. This discussion shall be immediately followed by a performance by Laptop Orchestra in Waterfront Park as part of the City’s Site See public art program.
Free Related Exhibitions in Alexandria:

Artificial or Intelligence? at Del Ray Artisans Gallery (October 4 – 26, 2024) at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue. Open Thu/Sat/Sun 12-6pm, Fri 12-9pm. Opening Reception on Friday, October 4, 7-9pm.
CyberArts: Exploring Cybersecurity Through Imagery, Sound, Performance, Space, and Time (October 5, 2024 – January 19, 2025) at Torpedo Factory Art Center Target Gallery, 105 N Union Street. Open Daily 10am-6pm (visit the Art Center’s website to learn of potential early closures). This exhibit is presented with the Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative with support from Virginia Tech.

This program is presented in partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts and Del Ray Artisans, with collaborative support from the Institute for Creativity, Arts and Technology at Virginia Tech (ICAT), the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Pantheon AI, and the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA).

Vivienne Lukacs' Memorial Celebration of Life
2024-11-06 11:00 - 15:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Vivienne Lukacs (courtesy of Karen Schmitz)
Friends and family are invited to a special Under the Sea themed celebration of life on Wednesday, November 6 for Mary Vivienne Lukacs, an early member who helped make Del Ray Artisans a thriving organization. We gather at the gallery from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to remember and honor Vivienne, who will be buried earlier in the day at Arlington National Cemetery. Please bring a potluck dish, dessert, or drink, as well as memories of Vivienne to share that day.
Vivienne, who died July 16, 2023, at age 90, was active for years with Del Ray Artisans as an artist and served as Director of Membership and Volunteers, Off-Beat Auction coordinator and an instructor for the Youth Art Camp. She was an active volunteer who often pressed her husband Richard into service on behalf of the organization. She will be buried next to him at Arlington National Cemetery.
Vivienne’s daughter, Laura West, welcomes friends to the 8:15am interment at the cemetery as well as to the gallery celebration. Vivienne loved the seashore, and the celebration of her life will pay homage to that love.
Laura West and Karen Schmitz, Del Ray Artisans Director of Grants and Sponsorship, are organizing the celebration at the gallery. For more information, Laura can be reached at beautywest1@gmail.com, and Karen can be reached at kschmitzart@gmail.com.

Art Rx for Madison County NC Donation Drive through December 22
2024-12-22 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
In September 2024 Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina and left behind a trail of devastation. Del Ray Artisans member Betsy Lederer has organized Art Rx for Madison County NC to assist with the recovery by equipping the arts community with supplies—for artists, from artists.
You can support this effort by donating new or like new art supplies. Specifically requested are:
‘Ready for Creating’ kits for both children and adults. Kit examples:

Watercolor paper, paint and brushes
Acrylic canvas, paint and brushes
Drawing sketch book, pencils, pens, eraser, sharpener, colored pencils
Sewing kits with needles, thread, material
Knitting and crocheting kits with yarn needles and patterns
Felting kit with wool, felting needle, foam pads and patterns
Air dry clay and modeling tools
Weaving kits with small looms and assorted yarns
Kid’s kit with paper crayons, markers and glue sticks
Greeting card making kits with blank envelopes and cards, stencils, ink pads, washi tape and adhesives

Classroom supplies such as the following:

Paper – regular copy paper, drawing paper, construction paper, scrapbooking paper and origami paper
Crayola Tempura Paint
Yarn
Tape – Clear scotch tape, making tape, painter’s tape, washi tape
Crayola markers – thick or thin
Black sharpies
Elmer’s glue sticks
Random fun loose supplies like googly eyes, foam shape rubber stickers, brad fasteners, rubber bands, pipe cleaners, feathers, beads, popsicle sticks and straws
Low fire white clay

A collection bin is located in Del Ray Artisans gallery foyer from November 15 through December 22, 2024. Donated supplies will be delivered by Betsy to the Madison County Art Council and two elementary schools particularly hard hit by Helene, Brush Creek and Hot Springs.
Gallery hours for drop-offs until December 1:
Thursday 12-6pm; Friday 12-9pm; Saturday & Sunday 12-6pm
Closed on Thanksgiving Day, 11/28; Open on Wednesday, 11/27, 12-6pm
Holiday Market hours for drop-offs from December 6–22:
Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm, Sundays 11am-5pm
Other ways to help:

GoFundMe Fundraiser – Art Rx for Madison County NC – Supplies for Dreaming
Amazon Wish List – Art Rx: Post-Helene Art Supply Donations for Western NC
Donate to Madison County Arts Council via their Art Rx Donation Page
Donate directly to Brush Creek Elementary School. Checks can be written to BCES PTO, with “Art supplies” in the memo line. The school mailing address is: Brush Creek Elementary School, 265 Upper Brush Creek Road, Marshall, NC 28753

If you have questions, please contact Del Ray Artisans Director of Community, Seán Crumley, at community@delrayartisans.org.

Spring2ACTion 2025
2025-03-26 - 2025-04-09 | Online
Donate March 26–April 9
Starting Wednesday, March 26 through Wednesday, April 9, 2025 (Giving Day) our community comes together to support the amazing work of Alexandria nonprofits through Spring2ACTion, hosted by ACT for Alexandria. Please remember Del Ray Artisans is one of those worthy causes!
Del Ray Artisans has been promoting art for the benefit of local artists and the community since 1992. Del Ray Artisans supports the development of artists at all levels and serves as a center for thriving artistic activity in Alexandria, Virginia.
During Spring2ACTion, please show your support for Del Ray Artisans’ exhibits, programs, youth and outreach activities which help members of our community grow as individuals and as artists.
If you are in a position to do so, please donate to Del Ray Artisans nonprofit today. Other ways to support:

Buy artwork from local artists during our exhibits or from members’ websites.
Share our Spring2ACTion fundraising page with your network. Crowdsourcing adds up, and we absolutely appreciate every single donation and shout-out.
Register for a Creative Workshop or attend an upcoming Creative Program. Learn something new and have fun!

Please consider a tax-deductible donation and spread the word to friends and family. Every donation is appreciated. Thank you for supporting the arts!
Donate March 26–April 9

First Thursday: Make art inspired by Alma Thomas 6:30-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2025-04-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join us inside Del Ray Artisans gallery from 6:30-8pm on the first Thursday of the month from April through September for our family-friendly activity! The activity is free of charge and all ages are welcome.
Activity on Thursday, April 3: Make your own 5×5-inch artwork inspired by Alma Thomas! Alma Thomas’ art was kindled by what she saw around her and used circles, stripes and dashes to create brilliantly colored works of art. New York City’s art museum, The Whitney, featured her Paintings of Earth and Space in the first solo show by a black woman, and she spent most of her life working with and teaching youth about art.
Plus get a sneak peek of the upcoming art exhibit, Synchronous. Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September.
This activity is a part of STEAM-tastic. Del Ray Artisans’ youth program focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.
Make art inspired by Alma Thomas activity (Photo courtesy of Morgan Parr)

Every year from April through September Del Ray Business Association celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6pm until dusk on the first Thursday of the month.
Join the Del Ray community each First Thursday for themed activities, a donation drive to support a local nonprofit, and live music. The theme and nonprofit will be announced in advance, and donations will be collected at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues. Join us for the neighborhood themes:

April 3, 2025 – Music & Dance on the Avenue
May 1, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Dog Days in Del Ray)
June 5, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Jump into Summer)
July 3, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Red, White and Blue (Gallery is closed)
August 7, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Del Ray Olympics)
September 4, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Saddle Up)

Del Ray Artisans is a member of Del Ray Business Association.

STEAM-tastic: Make art inspired by Alma Thomas at Dragon Fest, George Mason Elementary
2025-04-25 17:00 - 20:00 | George Mason Elementary School, 2601 Cameron Mills Rd, Alexandria, VA, 22302, United States
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Friday, April 25, 5-8pm
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
(Drop-in, this is a self-paced activity)
Make your own 5×5-inch artwork inspired by Alma Thomas at Del Ray Artisans’ youth art activity booth at Dragon Fest at George Mason Elementary (2601 Cameron Mills Rd, Alexandria VA).
Alma Thomas’ art was kindled by what she saw around her and used circles, stripes and dashes to create brilliantly colored works of art. New York City’s art museum, The Whitney, featured her Paintings of Earth and Space in the first solo show by a black woman, and she spent most of her life working with and teaching youth about art.

STEAM-tastic @ DRA – Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic program is made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2025 Annual Arts Program Grant and through a generous donation supporting youth art programs from Genesis Inspiration Foundation.

First Thursday: Make art inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe 6:30-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2025-05-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
April showers bring May Day flowers at Del Ray Artisans. Join us for a free, artful, family-friendly activity from 6:30-8:00pm on First Thursday, May 1. Artist Morgan Parr will be exploring the floral expressions of iconic American artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Make your own pretty-in-pastel picture for your home art gallery.
To celebrate this Dog Days in Del Ray First Thursday, humans and dogs are welcome to a sneak peek of the totally terrific Alexandria City High School Titan Student Exhibition. There will be treats available for your canine companions inside the gallery too!
Make art inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe activity (Photo courtesy of Morgan Parr)

Every year from April through September Del Ray Business Association celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6pm until dusk on the first Thursday of the month.
Join the Del Ray community each First Thursday for themed activities, a donation drive to support a local nonprofit, and live music. The theme and nonprofit will be announced in advance, and donations will be collected at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues. Join us for the neighborhood themes:

April 3, 2025 – Music & Dance on the Avenue
May 1, 2025 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June 5, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Jump into Summer)
July 3, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Red, White and Blue (Gallery is closed)
August 7, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Del Ray Olympics)
September 4, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Saddle Up)

Del Ray Artisans is a member of Del Ray Business Association.

Taste of Del Ray VIP Reception
2025-06-01 11:30 - 13:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Taste of Del Ray is one of Virginia Living Magazine‘s top food festivals in the state. Visit the Del Ray Business Association website for details on the 16th annual Taste of Del Ray.
The event will take place on Sunday, June 1 from 1-3pm at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields next to the gallery. Purchase tickets in advance on Eventbrite. Only 500 general admission and 100 VIP tickets will be sold.
VIP benefits include a wine tasting at Del Ray Artisans gallery from 11:30am-1pm and early admission to the food festival starting at 12pm. Note: The wine tasting is only for individuals 21 and older (IDs will be checked) who have Taste of Del Ray VIP tickets.
Get Tickets

Del Ray Artisans is a member of the Del Ray Business Association. The gallery is open to the public until 6pm on Sunday, June 1st.

First Thursday: Create Pop Art featuring Washington Sports Teams 6:30-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2025-06-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join us inside Del Ray Artisans gallery from 6:30-8pm on the first Thursday of the month from April through September for our family-friendly activity. The activity is free of charge and all ages are welcome. Plus enjoy the current art exhibit! Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September.
On the June 5th “Rep Your Team” First Thursday, come to Del Ray Artisans to create pop art featuring Washington sports teams. Choose a template featuring the team logos for the Capitals, Commanders, DC United, Mystics, Nationals, Spirit, or Wizards—or draw your own!
The activity is inspired by renowned pop art artist Andy Warhol, including his piece “The Great One” featuring Wayne Gretzky. Select the Washington Capitals template to honor our own “Great” 8, Alex Ovechkin, and celebrate his recent triumph of surpassing Gretzky as the all-time highest goal scoring player in the NHL.
Drop-in; all ages and skill levels welcome.

Create your own Washington Capitals Pop Art on First Thursday (June 5, 2025)
“The Great One” (Wayne Gretzky) by Andy Warhol
“The Cubist Captain” (Alex Ovechkin) by Kelly MacConomy

Every year from April through September Del Ray Business Association celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6pm until dusk on the first Thursday of the month.
Join the Del Ray community each First Thursday for themed activities, a donation drive to support a local nonprofit, and live music. The theme and nonprofit will be announced in advance, and donations will be collected at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues. Join us for the neighborhood themes:

April 3, 2025 – Music & Dance on the Avenue
May 1, 2025 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June 5, 2025 – Rep Your Team
July 3, 2025 – Red, White, And Bloom
August 7, 2025 – Surf’s Up
September 4, 2025 – Antique Appraisals on the Avenue

Del Ray Artisans is a member of Del Ray Business Association.

First Thursday: Rummage Sale Preview 6:30-8pm
2025-07-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join us inside Del Ray Artisans gallery on the “Red, White, And Bloom” First Thursday (July 3, 6:30-8pm) for our rummage sale preview and check out our selection of red, white, and blooming floral items! The rummage sale is a fundraiser for our nonprofit. Browsing is free of charge and all ages are welcome.
Visit again on Saturday and Sunday, July 5-6, 8am-1pm for the huge rummage sale. Great deals on household items, clothing, office supplies, jewelry, toys, books, sports equipment, handheld tools, small appliances, and more. Support Del Ray Artisans and go home with new-to-you treasures!
Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September. In July there will not be an exhibit on display during First Thursday. Save the dates for our Youth Art Camp exhibits: Saturdays, July 19 and July 26, from 1-3pm.

Every year from April through September Del Ray Business Association celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6pm until dusk on the first Thursday of the month.
Join the Del Ray community each First Thursday for themed activities, a donation drive to support a local nonprofit, and live music. The theme and nonprofit will be announced in advance, and donations will be collected at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues. Join us for the neighborhood themes:

April 3, 2025 – Music & Dance on the Avenue
May 1, 2025 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June 5, 2025 – Rep Your Team
July 3, 2025 – Red, White, And Bloom
August 7, 2025 – Surf’s Up
September 4, 2025 – Antique Appraisals on the Avenue

Del Ray Artisans is a member of Del Ray Business Association.

Rummage Sale Fundraiser (8am-1pm, Indoor Yard Sale)
2025-07-05 - 2025-07-06 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Ver información en Español

Please share the flyer!
Support Del Ray Artisans and go home with new-to-you, used treasures from our rummage sale inside the gallery on Saturday & Sunday, July 5-6, 8am-1pm.
Great deals on household items, clothing, office supplies, jewelry, toys, books, small appliances, and more. All proceeds benefit Del Ray Artisans nonprofit arts organization.
Donate Items
Donated items are welcomed and appreciated. Items must be dropped off no later than July 4th (see dates/times below). Please do not drop off hazardous materials, broken items, or anything that requires two people to move (no large furniture or large electronics).
Donation drop off dates/times are:

Monday, June 30, 5-7pm
Wednesday, July 2, 12-9pm
Thursday, July 3, 12-9pm (Preview Sale from 6-9pm)
Friday, July 4, 12-3pm

Volunteer
Help receive and price donations for our annual rummage sale fundraiser during the drop off dates or help during the sale itself, please contact Morgan Parr at volunteers@delrayartisans.org. English-Spanish bilingual volunteers are especially needed during the sale.
DRA members are reminded to report their volunteer hours monthly.

Gran Venta de Verano (8am-1pm, Dentro de la Galería)
2025-07-05 - 2025-07-06 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
See information in English

¡Por favor comparte!
¡Invitación a una Gran Venta de Verano!
Sábado y Domingo
5 de Julio y 6 de Julio
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
2704 Mt Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
Dentro de la Galería de Arte Del Ray Artisans
Grandes ofertas: artículos para el hogar, ropa, joyas, productos para oficina, materiales para arte, juguetes, libros, artículos para deportes, herramientas, electrodomésticos y más.
Todos los ingresos beneficiaran a la fundación sin ánimo de lucro, Del Ray Artisans.
¡No pase inadvertido, encontrara grandes tesoros!
