WHIRLY TWIRLY: First Thursday (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2022-09-01 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, check out our rhyming programs in September—including our WHIRLY TWIRLY: “Show Your Spirit” First Thursday!
Come to the gallery during the last First Thursday of 2022 (September 1st) to make an Ojo de Dios at our outdoor activity table from 6-8pm. An Ojo de Dios “is a spiritual and votive object made by weaving a design out of yarn upon a wooden cross. Often several colors are used. They are commonly found in Mexican, Peruvian people and Latin American communities, among both Indigenous and Catholic peoples.” (source: Wikipedia)
Inside the gallery get a sneak peek of the upcoming The Big 3-0 art exhibit celebrating Del Ray Artisans’ 30th Anniversary with a stunning members showcase. The gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays (April through September).
Photo credit: Douglas P. Perkins, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Del Ray celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6pm until dusk on the first Thursday of the month (April through September).
Visit Del Ray Artisans gallery (open 12-9pm on First Thursdays) for a peek at the art exhibit. Come to our outdoor activity starting at 6pm each First Thursday:

The neighborhood theme on April 21, 2022 (postponed from April 7 due to the weather) is Books on Parade! Del Ray Artisans along with Upcycle invite you to join us for First Thursday for this fun upcycled paper project. Choose to make a feather or flower from craft paper, book pages or old comic books. Plus see the Second Life art exhibit featuring art made with at least 50% recycled materials!

The neighborhood theme on May 5, 2022 is Dog Days in Del Ray. We’ll be “Making Art Splash!” Come create a “Washington Color Rule-the-School” canvas in Colasanto Park outside the gallery and recreate a Gene Davis Stripe Sidewalk Painting in conjunction with the upcoming art exhibit: Drips, Lines, Splatters, and Splash: A Celebration of the Washington Color School

The neighborhood theme on June 2, 2022 is Unmask Your Superhero. The outdoor activity has been canceled due to the weather. Inside the gallery get a sneak peek of the upcoming Afros and Abstract art exhibit.

The neighborhood theme on July 7, 2022 is Red, White, and Blue. Take a photo with Liberty, the Art Town Crier, at the corner of Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenues! The gallery is closed to prepare for the Summer Art Market on July 9-10.

The neighborhood theme on August 4, 2022 is Aloha Thursday. We welcome you to Del Ray Artisans with a lei and encourage you to visit our outdoor Luau Selfie Station. Inside the gallery get a sneak peek of the upcoming A Space Between art exhibit.

The neighborhood theme on September 1, 2022 is Show Your Spirit. Come make an Ojo de Dios at our outdoor activity table from 6-8pm while inside the gallery get a sneak peek of the upcoming The Big 3-0 art exhibit.

30th Anniversary Party & "The Big 3-0" Exhibit Reception
2022-09-03 15:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans, founded in 1992, celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year with a members art exhibit, anniversary party & reception, and programs that rhyme with THIRTY. The Big 3-0 members showcase features stunning artwork in a variety of media and themes. Member artists share their favorite works, as well as memories of Del Ray Artisans nonprofit in this exhibit.
Join us for The Big 3-0 exhibit reception and 30th Anniversary Party on Saturday, September 3 from 3-6pm. The party will be inside and outside (rain date is September 10). Curators Dawn Wyse Hurto and Dale Spivey will announce artist awards, special volunteers will be recognized, and a good time is planned for all. Thank you to local restaurants Alexandria Cupcake, Del Ray Pizzeria, Los Tios Grill, McD Mateos McDonald’s, and Tsim Yung for sponsoring the event and to Bill Cabrera for the live music. Mark your calendar or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
Also save the date for these programs that rhyme with THIRTY:

WHIRLY TWIRLY: “Show Your Spirit” First Thursday on Sept 1 starting at 6pm
PURTY: Life Drawing Session (Gestures & Short Poses) on Tuesday, Sept 6 from 7-9pm (drop in with your art supplies; no oils or acrylics)
FUR-DY: Pet Portrait in Glass workshop on Saturday, Sept 10 from 9:30am-12pm and pick up on Wednesday, Sept 14 from 7-8pm (register by Sept 6)
EARTHY: Garden volunteers pulling weeds and sharing laughter on Saturday, Sept 17 from 9-11:30am (help keep the gallery grounds looking great!)
WORDY: Creative Book Club discusses “Amazing Grace: The Life of Beauford Delaney” by Davy Leeming on Saturday, Sept 17 from 10am-12pm
JOURNEY: Del Ray Urban Sketchers meets Sunday, Sept 18 from 1-3pm at St Elmo’s Coffee Pub (drop in with your sketchbook & supplies)
QWERTY: Playing with Resin workshop (upcycle old keyboard keys into art while learning the ins and outs of resin!) on Sunday, Sept 18 from 6-9pm (register by Sept 14)
SHOW-ME: Partners in Art Evening on Tuesday, Sept 20 from 7-9pm (Bring 1-2 artworks for feedback; RSVP to the coordinator before the day of the meeting)
HURDY GURDY: Build your own medieval musical instrument on Saturday, Sept 24 from 5:30-8:30pm and Sunday, Sept 25 from 10am-1pm (register by Sept 10)
NERDY: Tessellation workshop on Wednesday, Sept 28 from 12-3pm (learn how to make mathematically inspired art like M.C. Escher)

PLUS, join us for our first outdoor HalloWEIRD Art Market on Saturday, September 24 from 10am-4pm in the park adjoining the gallery, as well as for the annual community festival Art on the Avenue on Saturday, October 1 from 10am-6pm all along Mount Vernon Avenue.
For more information on all these events, visit DelRayArtisans.org/calendar
Year-round Del Ray Artisans carries one-of-a-kind handcrafted greeting cards created by local artists to benefit our nonprofit. During this exhibit, you’ll find EVEN MORE CARDS extending beyond the merchandise area into the gallery space and sorted by a word that rhymes with THIRTY, such as flirty, earthy, wordy, purty, and more. Card making has been an ongoing part of Del Ray Artisans’ history. Even prior to having our own physical gallery, cards were made for sale by individual members for fundraising purposes. This tradition has continued for thirty years!
More recently, in 2020, the Creative Card Swap was started to keep artists connected to each other during the pandemic. The activity was so popular it became an ongoing, recurring Del Ray Artisans program. In conjunction with The Big 3-0 exhibit, we’ll launch an online exhibit of special cards traded in the Creative Card Swap. View this collection to witness the great breadth, creativity, and joy of handcrafted cards.
The Big 3-0 members showcase runs September 2 – October 1, 2022 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 Sunday, October 2, 2022).
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery. The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. Del Ray Artisans, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community.
For more information, contact the curators Dawn Wyse Hurto (Technology@DelRayArtisans.org) and Dale Spivey (President@DelRayArtisans.org).

Artwork Credit: Detail of “The Big 3-0” by Dawn Wyse Hurto (Mixed media collage of members artwork)

PURTY: Life Drawing Session - Gesture and Short Poses
2022-09-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, check out our rhyming programs in September—including our PURTY: Life Drawing Session focused on gesture and short poses.
Drop-in and practice life drawing on Tuesday, September 6 from 7-9pm. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery to draw or paint our nude model. Traditional drawing media (such as pencils, pens, and charcoal) are welcome; and pastels, watercolor and ink are permissible. Please do not bring acrylics or oil paints. We don’t supply easels – only plenty of chairs – but you are welcome to bring your own easel if you want to use one. All skill levels are welcome.
The first part of this session will be focused on gesture poses (dynamic 1-5 minute poses) to loosen up and participate in a fun, fast-paced drawing experience. The second hour will be a few short poses for more detailed drawings.
Fees for this session are $8 for members and $10 for non-members. Register now or pay at the gallery before the session. If you have any questions, please contact Erica Hughes at Programs@DelRayArtisans.org.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now |
View All Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: Detail of “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

FUR-DY: Pet Portrait in Glass Workshop
2022-09-10 09:30 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Betsy MeadDate/Time: Saturday, September 10 from 9:30am-12pm, plus pick up on Wednesday, September 14 from 7-8pmCost: $65 DRA member / $75 Non-member; plus $30 Supply FeeClass size: 9 participants maximum(Register by September 6)
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, take one or more of our rhyming programs in September!
During the FUR-DY: Pet Portrait in Glass Workshop honor your favorite pet by creating a portrait with powdered glass! Following the “sgraffito” technique, students will use glass powder to create black and white portraits of their favorite pets on an 8” x 8″ fusible glass square. (The instructor may be able to bring additional limited colors such as brown, beige, and orange. This is TBD.)
Students will create their portraits and get them “ready to fire” on Saturday, September 10 from 9:30am-12pm. After the class the instructor will take the portraits to her studio, kiln-fire them, and then return the finished, framed portraits to students on Wednesday, September 14 from 7-8pm for a class discussion.
All supplies are provided. No experience is needed. Students should bring at least 2 black and white photos of their pet printed on computer paper. The photos should fit nicely on an 8″ x 8″ square. If you need assistance in sizing your image, please contact instructor Betsy Mead at egmead@gmail.com.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility and policies on the Upcoming Workshops page.

SHOW-ME: Partners in Art (FULL)
2022-09-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Online
The ONLINE afternoon program is FULL. If you would like to join the evening program that is currently sharing feedback via email and/or in person, contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) for information and registration.
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, check out our rhyming programs in September—including our SHOW-ME: Partners in Art program where creatives gather and share feedback with each other!
Need support reaching your art related goals? Join this collegial group of artists to share your goals and get feedback on artwork. Monthly meetings include discussions on exhibit opportunities, the creative process and the local art scene. Artist can bring 1-3 works – complete or in progress – for feedback. All skill levels and media welcome.
This program is free, but donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Mila Mateu (milaenartes@gmail.com) or Suzanne Tillman (zannet@verizon.net) with questions about the afternoon program.
This event will be an online meeting through the Zoom platform. Current afternoon program participants will receive a reminder of the meeting with the Zoom information in advance of the meeting.
View Upcoming Meetings

FUR-DY: Pet Portrait Pick Up
2022-09-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Wednesday, September 14 from 7-8pm is reserved for participants in the FUR-DY: Pet Portrait in Glass Workshop to pick up their fired pieces.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.

View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility and policies on the Upcoming Workshops page.

WORDY: Creative Book Club - “Amazing Grace: The Life of Beauford Delaney” by Davy Leeming
2022-09-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, check out our rhyming programs in September—including our WORDY: Creative Book Club program reading and discussing biographies of visual artists!
Book: “Amazing Grace: The Life of Beauford Delaney” by Davy LeemingFacilitator: Rusty LynnMeeting Date: Saturday, Sept 17 from 10am-12pm(Drop-in, set a reminder in Eventbrite)
The book for the September meeting is “Amazing Grace: The Life of Beauford Delaney” by Davy Leeming (published in 1998). This book tells the life story of a very fine 20th Century artist who was black and includes accounts of his struggles with racism as he sought to make a living as an artist in mid twentieth century America and France. The book features a small number of color reproductions of his paintings and a few photographs of Beauford and his friends.
The Creative Book Club meets on select Saturday mornings to discuss readings by a variety of authors. The club is free and open to all who are interested in keeping their creative muse flowing and connecting with other creative people. Future book selections will be announced on this website and in the Weekly eNews email in advance.
If you have questions, please contact our book club leader Rusty Lynn at rustylynn@earthlink.net.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.

JOURNEY: Del Ray Urban Sketchers
2022-09-18 13:00 - 15:00 | VA
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, check out our rhyming programs in September—including our JOURNEY: Del Ray Urban Sketchers program exploring and documenting the world around us!
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and typically meets the second Sunday* of each month at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray. Mark your calendar or set a reminder in Eventbrite.
Urban Sketchbooking emphasizes storytelling that conveys a sense of place or a moment in time through drawings completed from direct observations.
Bring your supplies and join us outside at the cafe to produce still life, figure, or architecture subjects in your sketchbook. Participants will spend some time putting their skills into practice and then reconvene for a review of finished works.
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. Meet outside at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301). Contact the organizer, Joan Bickelhaupt (joanbickelhaupt@gmail.com), with any questions.
*PLEASE NOTE: In May and September 2022, we will meet on the third Sunday of the month. No meeting in July, August, and December.

View Upcoming Dates

QWERTY: Playing with Resin Workshop (CANCELED)
2022-09-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This event has been canceled by the instructor.
Instructor: Tracy WilkersonDate/Time: Sunday, September 18 from 6-9pmCost: $40 DRA member / $50 Non-member; plus $10 Supply FeeClass size: 6-12 participants(Register by September 14)
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, take one or more of our rhyming programs in September!
During the QWERTY: Playing with Resin Workshop, upcycle old keyboard keys into art while learning the ins and outs of resin! Artist-instructor Tracy Wilkerson will teach you how to prep, mix, and use resin as an adhesive, a covering, or the main medium. All supplies are provided, but feel free to bring personal embellishments for your piece(s).
This workshop does not get into using dyes with resin or building big molds to create one-of-a-kind resined tables (as seen on YouTube), but this workshop will provide you with a good understanding of how resin works so you can be bold enough to take the next steps in your creative interests.
Although the class is listed for 3 hours, you can leave once you have finished your creations. Some students finish very quickly while others take the whole 3 hours to create – there is plenty of time for each person to enjoy the creative process while not feeling rushed. You’ll leave your finished masterpiece(s) to set at the gallery at the end of the workshop, and pick them up during gallery hours later in the week.
The workshop is designed for adults. Children ages 16-17 may participate with parental permission. Children ages 12-15 may participate only with a co-participating adult guardian (guardian must contact instructor in advance).
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.

View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility and policies on the Upcoming Workshops page.

SHOW-ME: Partners in Art Evening
2022-09-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, check out our rhyming programs in September—including our SHOW-ME: Partners in Art program where creatives gather and share feedback with each other!
Calling fellow artists, beginners to professionals, you are invited to join our art-support group, to share artistic goals, techniques, and the local art scene. Participants may show one or two artworks, any medium, in any stage, for advice and feedback.
To join our small, friendly, and supportive artists’ group, contact Michele Reday Cook at mredaycook@gmail.com for details and registration (choose to participate via email or in-person) BEFORE the day of the meeting. Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
This program is free, but donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) with questions.
View Upcoming Meetings

HalloWEIRD Art Market 2022 (Outdoor on 9/24, RAIN or SHINE)
2022-09-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Colasanto Park (outside Del Ray Artisans Gallery), 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join us for HalloWEIRD (our new outdoor art market) on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10am–4pm to browse Halloween-inspired creations that are spooky, creepy, crawly, and goth-like. Or, maybe you like art that focuses on the upbeat, fun side of the season (e.g., costumes, hot cider, hay rides, autumn colors). You can see that too! The market offers diverse, original handcrafted artwork from talented local artists in a wide range of media including ceramics, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, paper, photography, and more. There is something for everyone!
This is an outdoor, family-friendly, rain-or-shine event in Colasanto Park adjoining Del Ray Artisans gallery at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA (corner of Commonwealth and Mount Vernon avenues). The market is FREE to browse and open to the public. Mark your calendar or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
The artists featured in HalloWEIRD are:

Raquel Brueggemann, Just Because Resin
Amy Castine
Meredith D’Amore, Rare Bird Press
Danielle Deemer, Gothee
Amanda Fletchersmith, Custom Monster
Erica Hughes & Suzan T. Ok, Fox Arrow Artisans
BWS Johnson, Blooms of Paradise
Betsy Jones, Betsysmallpeople
Mary Katz, Star and Moon Craft Shop
Annemarie Kuhns, Love + Lino
Megan Levanduski, Megan Elaine Designs
Samantha Ludwitzke, Samantha’s Doodles
Liz Martinez
Nami Oshiro
Joyce Wagner, Reinvented Elegance

Plus, special performances! Del Ray Artisans and Monarca in Flight present Human Spiders during HalloWEIRD! Monarca in Flight is Northern Virginia’s first studio devoted primarily to aerials and aerials education. (UPDATE: The aerials have been cancelled.)
Visit inside Del Ray Artisans gallery to see The Big 3-0 art exhibit (Sept 2 – Oct 1, 2022) featuring members’ artwork and celebrating the 30th Anniversary of our nonprofit arts organization.
For more information on HalloWEIRD, contact Erica Hughes (Programs Director) at Programs@DelRayArtisans.org.

Artwork by Meredith D’Amore (Rare Bird Press)

HURDY GURDY: Build your own musical instrument! (FULL)
2022-09-24 17:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop is full.
Instructor: Erica HughesDate/Time: Saturday, Sept 24 from 5:30-8:30pm AND Sunday, Sept 25 from 10am-1pmCost: $15 DRA member / $25 Non-member; plus $60 Supply FeeClass size: 2-10 participants(Register by September 10)
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, take one or more of our rhyming programs in September!
During the HURDY GURDY workshop you will build your own working medieval wheel instrument! The hurdy gurdy looks like a spaceship, but you turn the handle that presses a rosined wheel against two strings. First mentioned in a 10th century manuscript with two operators, the hurdy gurdy became a one-person instrument in the 13th century and all the rage in the 17th century court of King Louis XIV. In Ukraine, it is known as the lira or relia. It was and still is played by professional, often blind, itinerant musicians known as lirnyky.
No experience necessary. Follow step-by-step instructions with a punning historian who can’t remember left and right! You will be chortling as you assemble your very own wooden puzzle and sing along to Donovan.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility and policies on the Upcoming Workshops page.

HURDY GURDY: Build your own musical instrument! (day 2 of 2)
2022-09-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Sunday, September 25 from 10am-1pm is reserved for participants in the HURDY GURDY workshop to complete their musical instruments.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.

View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility and policies on the Upcoming Workshops page.

NERDY: Tessellation Workshop
2022-09-28 12:00 - 15:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Bridget Anthony-HliouiDate/Time: Wednesday, September 28 from 12-3pmCost: $60 DRA member / $70 non-member; plus $5 Supply FeeClass size: 4-10 participants(Register by September 24)
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, take one or more of our rhyming programs in September!
During the NERDY: Tessellation Workshop use your love of art with basic math and geometry to explore the process of tessellation on a 2D surface. To tessellate you create a pattern that completely covers a surface without gaps or overlaps. Think of the awe-inspiring Al Humbra, works of Escher, and American quilts.
First the instructor will review artworks that use tessellation and share how this process has influenced her own artistic process and art; then, through a working demonstration, you will measure, make templates, and trace. Next you will explore patterns made by adjacent, sliding and translating shapes. Upon the completion of your basic pattern, make the creative decision to either maintain a purely geometric theme or add organic variances through subtle details. Once your pattern is established, you will “ink” and apply color patterns. WARNING: The drawing of repeated patterns is known to have a calming effect! 😉
Upon the completion of the workshop, you will have a better understanding of how artists use math and geometry, and will have practiced the tessellation process completing at least one work of art.
The $5 supply fee covers basics. Please bring these supplies with you:

12-inch ruler
Scissors
Black Illustration Pens or Ultra-Fine & Fine point Sharpies
Controllable Medium for adding color in small areas. (Suggestions: Colored pencils, permanent or alcohol markers, watercolor pencils, and/or paints: Gouache, watercolor, acrylic. If you bring paints, please also bring small brushes.)

Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now
About the Instructor: Bridget Anthony-Hlioui is a veteran educator, art curriculum developer, Certified Art Therapy Life Coach, and working artist who incorporates her love of geometry in her own artwork.

View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility and policies on the Upcoming Workshops page.

Cocktails with the Curator (Online Gathering)
2022-10-08 19:30 - 20:30 | Online
In Ecclesiastes it is written that “there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry.” The Return to Eating, Drinking, and Merriment exhibit celebrates the way that food and drink bring people together and bring joy to our lives. It is a hybrid show that combines a National Ceramic Cup Show focused on drinking vessels; with a regional two-dimensional and non-ceramic three-dimensional show that echoes these themes.
Join us online on Saturday, October 8 at 7:30pm for Cocktails with the Curator. Stephen Lally, curator of the Return to Eating, Drinking, and Merriment exhibit, will share his vision for this hybrid exhibit, share details about the award winners (selected by juror Jeremy Wallace), and answer questions.
The online platform allows for participants from across the country to attend. Juried in to the National Ceramic Cup show include artists from Alabama, Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, New York, as well as local DMV artists.
Make your favorite drink and join the session!
Register before Saturday, October 8 at 6:30pm ET in order to receive the connection information in time. The meeting will be online through the Zoom platform. Registered members will be sent the connection information via email the day before the meeting and again one-hour before the meeting. You may attend on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Register Now

Artwork credit: (above) Vessel by juror Jeremy Wallace;(page top) “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry” (photograph) by Sam Lally featuring pottery by Stephen Lally

Del Ray Urban Sketchers (Free)
2022-10-09 13:00 - 15:00, 2022-11-13 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join us at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub on the second* Sunday of the month from 1-3pm!
Urban Sketchbooking emphasizes storytelling that conveys a sense of place or a moment in time through drawings completed from direct observations.
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and typically meets the second Sunday of each month. Bring your supplies and join us outside at the cafe to produce still life, figure, or architecture subjects in your sketchbook. Participants will spend some time putting their skills into practice and then reconvene for a review of finished works.
“Working Out (St. Elmo’s)” by Cathy Messina
Please wear a face mask. This program is FREE! Donations appreciated.
Meet outside at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301). Contact the organizer, Joan Bickelhaupt (joanbickelhaupt@gmail.com), with any questions.
*PLEASE NOTE: In May 2022, we will meet on the third Sunday of the month. No meeting in July, August, and December.

View Upcoming Dates

ONLINE: Partners in Art (FULL)
2022-10-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2022-11-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Online
The ONLINE afternoon program is FULL. If you would like to join the evening program that is currently sharing feedback via email and/or in person, contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) for information and registration.
Need support reaching your art related goals? Join this collegial group of artists to share your goals and get feedback on artwork. Monthly meetings include discussions on exhibit opportunities, the creative process and the local art scene. Artist can bring 1-3 works – complete or in progress – for feedback. All skill levels and media welcome.
This program is free, but donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Mila Mateu (milaenartes@gmail.com) or Suzanne Tillman (zannet@verizon.net) with questions about the afternoon program.
This event will be an online meeting through the Zoom platform. Current afternoon program participants will receive a reminder of the meeting with the Zoom information in advance of the meeting.
View Upcoming Meetings

Floristry for Merry Beginners Workshop
2022-10-16 18:30 - 19:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: BWS JohnsonDate/Time: Sunday, October 16 from 6:30-7:30pmClass size: 1-10 participantsCost: $35 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 Non-member; plus $20 supply fee(Register by noon on Oct 15)
Have you always wanted to arrange flowers? Would you like to try different hand tools before you buy them? Are you fond of color but aren’t quite confident putting different hues together?
Interact with other budding florists in a friendly environment. Learn the basics of the color wheel and explore flower shapes. Select blooms and create a masterpiece you’ll bring home at the end of the workshop.
All the supplies to create a basic arrangement are included in the workshop cost. These include a small vessel and a small array of seasonal flowers. If desired, students may bring their own additional supplies, blooms, and vessels to supplement the selection on hand.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility, and policies on the Upcoming Workshops page.

Life Drawing Session - Gesture and Short Pose
2022-10-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2022-11-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Drop-in and practice life drawing on one select Tuesday evening each month. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery to draw or paint our nude model.
Traditional drawing media (such as pencils, pens, and charcoal) are welcome; and pastels, watercolor and ink are permissible. Please do not bring acrylics or oil paints. We don’t supply easels – only plenty of chairs – but you are welcome to bring your own easel if you want to use one. All skill levels are welcome.
The first part of this session will be focused on gesture poses (dynamic 1-5 minute poses) to loosen up and participate in a fun, fast-paced drawing experience. The second hour will be a few short poses for more detailed drawings.
Fee for each session is $8 for Del Ray Artisans members and $10 for non-members. Register now or pay at the gallery before the session. If you have any questions, please contact Erica Hughes at Programs@DelRayArtisans.org.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now | View All Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: Detail of “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

ONLINE: 2022 Annual Member Meeting with Elections
2022-10-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Online
Thursday, October 20, 2022 starting at 7pm(Register & Vote before Oct 19 at Noon)
The meeting will be an online Zoom meeting. Registration will be published in advance. Registered members will be sent login information via email the day before the meeting. You may attend on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
We have a full agenda planned for you during the ONLINE Annual Member Meeting! This will be your opportunity to hear information about all the shows planned for 2023. Dale Spivey, President, will present a special message about the organization and introduce the newly elected 2023 Board of Directors. Due to the pandemic, voting will be online this year. (Voting details in the next section.)
Register for the Meeting

Voting for the Slate or Individual Candidates
“Members in Good Standing” (current membership) are eligible to vote—so please renew your membership if you haven’t already. You do not need to attend the meeting to vote. All electronic votes must be received by Wednesday, October 19 at noon. Select the “VOTE NOW” button to open the ballot.
VOTE NOW
If you do not wish to vote electronically, we urge you to make a Proxy vote by phone. Please do this by calling the gallery at 703-838-4827 with your vote (“yes” or “no” for the entire slate or individual candidates) on Thursday (10/13) or Friday (10/14) between noon and 6pm.
Slate of Nominees
Here is the slate of nominees for Del Ray Artisans’ 2023 Board of Directors:

President – Dale SpiveyVice President – Kellie SansoneSecretary – Kathryn BrownTreasurer – Rita SchooleyAssistant Treasurer – Stephen Lally
Director of…Archives – Bill CabreraCommunications – Debi SteinbacherCommunity – Sean CrumleyCurating – vacantFacilities – Kurt PetersonFundraising Events – Maria HartGrants & Sponsorship – Karen SchmitzMembership – Kate GibneyOutreach – Kelly MacConomyPrograms – Erica HughesTechnology – Dawn Wyse HurtoVolunteers – Joshua OliveiraYouth Programs – Amy Castine
Advisory (Not Nominated by the Membership)Emeritus (Selected by the Board of Directors) – Marlin Lord

VOTE NOW
If you are interested in running for a Board Position or have questions, contact Nominations@DelRayArtisans.org. You are welcome to run for any position on the Board, except for the advisory position. The 2023 Board will begin its one-year term on January 1, 2023.

MakersFEST
2022-10-22 14:00 - 18:00 | Casa Chirilagua / Four Mile Run Conservatory, 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22305, United States
Join us for a free, outdoor, art-making day with local artists. MakersFEST is sponsored by Del Ray Artisans in collaboration with Casa Chirilagua Center and Alexandria Citizens Band.
FREE ART MAKING: ● Paper Flowers ● Watercolor Cardmaking ● Worry Dolls ● Gelli Printmaking ● Artful Flags
Thank you to local artists: Joan Bickelhaupt (Del Ray Urban Sketchers), Charles Farmer, Erin Ford, Guy Jones, Debbie Messetta, Eileen M. O’Brien, Julian Olivos, Kitty Russell, and Karen Schmitz.
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Del Ray Artisans is a proud recipient of a Creative Neighborhood Grant Program grant award. The Creative Neighborhood Grant Program is made possible by City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts and an Arts Project grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Creative Neighborhood grant program will help underwrite the cost associated with MakersFEST.
To learn more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov. To learn more about other programs and services of the Office of the Arts visit: alexandriava.gov/arts.

Leather Mask Making Workshop
2022-10-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Lynn FernandezDate/Time: Sunday, October 23 from 6-9pmClass size: 4-8 participants*Cost: $35 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 Non-member; Plus $25 supply fee(Register by midnight on October 21)
Just in time for Halloween! Looking to level up your costume this year? Come make and take your own custom leather mask. Learn some basic and intermediate leather working techniques, and go home with a piece of wearable art.
*Note: Leather is cut using very sharp tools, due to this no one under the age of 16 may take this workshop unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility, and policies on the Upcoming Workshops page.

VIA EMAIL and/or IN-PERSON: Partners in Art Evening
2022-10-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Calling fellow artists, beginners to professionals, you are invited to join our art-support group, to share artistic goals, techniques, and the local art scene. Participants may show one or two artworks, any medium, in any stage, for advice and feedback.
To join our small, friendly, and supportive artists’ group, contact Michele Reday Cook at mredaycook@gmail.com for details and registration (choose to participate via email or in-person) BEFORE the day of the meeting. Face masks must be worn by all while visiting the gallery.
This program is free, but donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) with questions.
View Upcoming Meetings

Pen, Ink, and Watercolor Workshop
2022-11-14 18:00 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Holly BlackDate: Monday, November 14 from 6-8:30pmCost: $35 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 non-member; plus $10 supply feeClass size: 6-14 participants(Register by midnight on November 11)
Learn traditional and contemporary pen & ink techniques using a Uniball Vision fine point pen. Explore techniques such as hatching, cross-hatching and stippling with the pen and wet-into-wet techniques in watercolor. Learn about different types of paper. Create your own drawing and painting by using the flower still life, bird images or bring your own image (can be on a smart phone).
We will begin with drawing exploration and end with painting exploration. Take home your fantastic art work which will make a great holiday gift (with suggestions for making it show ready), along with a Uniball Vision fine point pen, watercolor set, and new #8 watercolor brush (all included in the supply fee).
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility and policies on the Upcoming Workshops page.

Basic Block Printing Workshop (SOLD OUT)
2023-01-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Ellen Rosenthal
Date: Saturday, January 7 from 9-11am
Cost: $20 Del Ray Artisans member / $30 non-member
Class size: 3-12 participants
(Register by midnight on December 31)
The Basic Block Printing workshop is for beginners and others who would like a reintroduction to this fun and creative art form. Instructor Ellen Rosenthal will cover the basics of block printing—including designing a block; carving a block; inking and printing the block; and ways to incorporate block printing into other art media. Students will carve their own blocks with their own designs and print their own original block prints.
Students are responsible for bringing all the supplies on the Basic Block Printing Supply List. Due to the delivery slowdowns, you will need to order supplies at least 7-10 days in advance. If you have any questions or concerns about supplies, please email the instructor at efrosevalley@gmail.com.
Following this workshop begin incorporating block printing into your own art practices and keep an eye out for the call for entry for the “Prints in May @ DRA” exhibit in May 2023.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility and policies on the Upcoming Workshops page.

Del Ray Urban Sketchers
2023-01-08 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets the second Sunday of each month* at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray. Mark your calendar or set a reminder in Eventbrite.
Urban sketchbooking emphasizes storytelling that conveys a sense of place or a moment in time through drawings completed from direct observations.
Bring your supplies and join us outside at the cafe to produce still life, figure, or architecture subjects in your sketchbook. Participants will spend some time putting their skills into practice and then reconvene for a review of finished works.
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. Meet outside at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301). Contact the organizer, Joan Bickelhaupt (joanbickelhaupt@gmail.com), with any questions.
View Upcoming Dates
*NOTE: Del Ray Urban Sketchers does not meet in July, August, and December.

Artwork credit: Detail of “Working Out (St. Elmo’s)” by Cathy Messina

Partners in Art (FULL)
2023-01-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The afternoon program is FULL. If you would like to join the evening program, contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) for information and registration.
Need support reaching your art related goals? Join this collegial group of artists to share your goals and get feedback on artwork. Monthly meetings include discussions on exhibit opportunities, the creative process and the local art scene. Artist can bring 1-2 works – complete or in progress – for feedback. All skill levels and media welcome.
This program is free, but donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Mila Mateu (milaenartes@gmail.com) or Suzanne Tillman (zannet@verizon.net) with questions about the afternoon program.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
View Upcoming Meetings
