Del Ray Artisans

Life Drawing Session – Gesture and Short Pose
2024-07-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-08-06 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-08-20 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Drop-in and practice life drawing on two select Tuesday evenings 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 leading up to up to two 20-minute poses.
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 or would like to participate as a model for our sessions, please contact Brando Gould at LifeDrawing@DelRayArtisans.org.
View artwork from past DRA Life Drawing Sessions on Instagram! Tag #dralifedraw or @dralifedraw for your work to be featured.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now | View Upcoming Sessions

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

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?

CANCELLED: Playing with Resin Workshop (Register by 7/18)
2024-07-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Sunday, July 21 from 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by July 18)
Learn the ins and outs of prepping for and mixing resin, and how to use it as an adhesive, a covering, or the main medium. There’s lots of creative time during this 3-hour workshop… No need to rush, which is one of the first lessons in using resin! 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).
Register Now

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

RESCHEDULED: Unlock Your Creative Potential: Affirmation Card Workshop
2024-07-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been rescheduled to November 2nd.
Instructor: Sharon J. Burton
Date/Time: Saturday, July 27, 10am-12pm
Cost: $35 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 Non-member; plus a $15 Supply Fee
Class size: 5-10 participants
(Register by midnight on July 23)
Collage by Sharon J. Burton
Are you looking to reignite your creative spark? Do you want to cultivate a mindset that empowers your artistic journey? Join us for a transformative workshop, inspired by the new book, Creative Sparks: 21 Affirmations and Inspiration for Creativity at Midlife by instructor Sharon Burton, where you’ll create personalized affirmation cards designed to inspire and motivate your creative spirit. You’ll learn how to craft affirmations that resonate with your artistic goals and aspirations.
In this workshop, you’ll discover the power of positive affirmations in boosting your creativity and self-confidence. You’ll learn how to craft affirmations that resonate with your artistic goals and aspirations. Through hands-on activities and guided exercises, you’ll create beautiful affirmation cards that serve as daily reminders of your creative potential.
The $15 supply fee includes collage materials, however participants are welcome and encouraged to bring their own collage materials. Signed copies of Creative Sparks: 21 Affirmations and Inspiration for Creativity at Midlife (Swiner Publishing Company, 2024) by the instructor will be available for purchase during the workshop for $15/book.
Register Now

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

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.

STEAM-tastic: Paleolithic Archaeology - Cave Painting (Ages 6-10)
2024-08-03 10:00 - 11:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor Dr. Erica Hughes
Instructor: Dr. Erica Hughes, zarathustraspeaks@msn.com
Date/Time: Saturday, August 3, 10am-11:30am
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
(Register by August 2; drop-ins allowed space permitting)
Join Dr. Erica Hughes as she explains some of the techniques used to locate and excavate some of the oldest hominid sites! Ask questions of a real field archaeologist about paleolithic cave art and then try it yourself! Wear clothing that can get dirty.
The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 6-10. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
Register Now

STEAM-tastic @ DRA – Come join us at Del Ray Artisans for FREE, interactive classes about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), taught by professionals from each field! Geared toward kids and teens, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on craft project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic workshops are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2025 Annual Arts Program Grant.

Photo (top, public domain image): Rhino drawings from the Chauvet Cave; Approximately 30,000 to 32,000 years old.

STEAM-tastic: Paleolithic Archaeology - Cave Painting (Ages 10-15)
2024-08-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor Dr. Erica Hughes
Instructor: Dr. Erica Hughes, zarathustraspeaks@msn.com
Date/Time: Sunday, August 4, 10am-11:30am
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
(Register by August 3; drop-ins allowed space permitting)
Join Dr. Erica Hughes as she explains some of the techniques used to locate and excavate some of the oldest hominid sites! Ask questions of a real field archaeologist about paleolithic cave art and then try it yourself! Wear clothing that can get dirty.
The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 10-15. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
Register Now

STEAM-tastic @ DRA – Come join us at Del Ray Artisans for FREE, interactive classes about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), taught by professionals from each field! Geared toward kids and teens, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on craft project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic workshops are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2025 Annual Arts Program Grant.

Photo (top, public domain image): Rhino drawings from the Chauvet Cave; Approximately 30,000 to 32,000 years old.

Partners in Art (FULL)
2024-08-05 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-09-09 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.
View Upcoming Meetings

CANCELLED: First Crochet Hat: “Just-Like-That Hat” (Two 2-hour classes; Register by 8/1)
2024-08-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Dawn Zurell, dmzurell@gmail.com
Date/Time: Mondays, August 5 and 12, 7-9pm
Cost: $70 Del Ray Artisans member / $80 Non-member; plus students must bring supplies
Class size: 2-6 participants
(Register by August 1)
Are you ready to explore beyond single crochet? This class will get you there! You will learn to work in the round and create a few new stitches for this fun project, “Just-Like-That Hat” by Jenn Wolfe Kaiser. You’ll have a new hat in just two weeks (2 sessions, 2 hours each).
Skills required: Basic crochet knowledge
Skills learned: Working in the round, half double crochet, double crochet, front and back post stitches, increases, decreases.
Materials you must bring to class:

150 yds of any bulky weight yarn (lighter colors or multi-colored yarns are easier to work with)
US K (6.5mm) crochet hook
tapestry needle
scissors

Instructor will provide a printed copy of the pattern.
Register Now

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

CANCELLED: First Knitted Hat: “Simple Hat - the World's Simplest!” (Two 2-hour classes; Register by 8/4)
2024-08-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Dawn Zurell, dmzurell@gmail.com
Date/Time: Wednesdays, August 7 and 14, 7-9pm
Cost: $70 Del Ray Artisans member / $80 Non-member; plus students must bring supplies
Class size: 2-6 participants
(Register by August 4)
Are you ready to explore projects beyond flat knitting? This workshop will get you there. You will learn to work in the round and knit ribbing for this fun project, “Simple Hat – the World’s Simplest!” by Stuart Moulder. You’ll have a new hat in just two weeks (2 sessions, 2 hours each).
Skills required: Basic knitting knowledge
Skills learned: Working in the round, ribbing, increases, decreases.
Materials you must bring to class:

120 yds of any bulky weight yarn (lighter colors or multi-colored yarns are easier to work with)
US 8 (5.0mm) 6-7” double pointed needles, set of 5
US 8 (5.0mm) 16” circular needle
tapestry needle
scissors

The instructor will provide a printed copy of the pattern.
Register Now

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

RESCHEDULED: Unleash Your Creativity: Acrylic Painting Class (Register by 8/3)
2024-08-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Edom Alagaw, E21edomgeta@gmail.com
Date/Time: Thursday, August 8, 6-8pm – Rescheduled to September 26
Cost: $32 Del Ray Artisans member / $42 Non-member; participants bring own supplies
Class size: 4-12 participants
(Register by August 3)
Join our acrylic painting class and unleash your creativity! This class is perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. You’ll learn essential techniques, such as color mixing, brushwork, and layering, while creating your own vibrant masterpiece. Our step-by-step instruction ensures a fun and supportive environment where you can explore your artistic potential. Bring your own acrylic paints and brushes and enjoy a relaxing, inspiring experience.
Materials you must bring to class:

Acrylic Paints: A basic set of primary colors (red, blue, yellow), plus black and white. You may expand with secondary colors (green, orange, purple) and some earth tones (brown, sienna).
Brushes: A variety of brush sizes and shapes, including flat, round, and detail brushes. Synthetic brushes are suitable for acrylics.
Palette: A palette for mixing your paints. A plastic or glass palette is ideal, but a disposable paper palette also works.
Canvas or Painting Surface: Stretched canvas, canvas boards, or canvas paper. For beginners, canvas boards or paper are usually more economical.
Palette Knife: For mixing paints and creating texture on your painting.
Water Container: A container for rinsing your brushes.
Cloths/Paper Towels: For cleaning brushes and wiping up spills.
Apron/Old Clothes: Acrylic paint can be hard to remove from fabric once dry, so wear something you don’t mind getting messy.
Spray Bottle: To keep your paints moist on the palette.
Pencil and Eraser: For sketching your initial design on the canvas.
Storage Box/Bag: To keep all your supplies organized and easy to transport.

Optional materials:

Easel: A tabletop easel if you prefer to paint at an angle, though this is optional and depends on your comfort.
Mixing Mediums: Optional, but you might want to have some acrylic mediums like gloss medium, matte medium, or modeling paste to experiment with different textures and finishes.

Register Now

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

Del Ray Sketchcrawl (Register in advance)
2024-08-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Joan Bicklehaupt
Date/Time: Sunday, August 11, 1-3pm
Cost: $15 Del Ray Artisans member / $25 Non-member; bring your own supplies
Class size: 3-12 participants
(Register in advance)
The main focus of a sketchcrawl is for everyone to meet up…go out…and sketch! We will rotate through different stops along Mount Vernon Avenue, starting from Del Ray Artisans gallery and ending at St Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray. Together, the group will decide how long they’ll sketch at each site. Bring a hat, sunscreen and whatever portable art supplies you would like to carry.
We will discuss Art on the Go: materials, subjects, and approaches to quick, gestural sketches that help capture images around town
Register Now
Artwork Credit: Photo by Joan Bicklehaupt

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

Member Meeting & Art Supplies Swap
2024-08-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join fellow Del Ray Artisans members for the Member Meeting & Art Supplies Swap on Sunday, August 11 starting at 4pm.
Join us for the third member meeting—and second art supplies swap—of 2024! Bring the supplies you no longer need and be ready to find a treasure in other’s discards.
We’ll begin with a short meeting, and then select “new to you” art supplies. Looking forward to seeing you at the gallery.
If you have any questions about the meeting, please reach out the Membership Director, Kate Gibney, at Membership@DelRayArtisans.org.
To volunteer to help set up or donate munchies, contact the Volunteers Director, Morgan Parr, at Volunteers@DelRayArtisans.org.

Create an Art Inventory System in Excel (Register ASAP)
2024-08-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Thursday, August 15, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; Bring items listed below
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome only if space permits)
Do you have lots of art pieces stored at home, but have to whip out the tape measure every time you submit to another show? Do you rack your brain to remember how you priced it last time? Have you submitted an art piece to a show, only to remember later that it is currently hanging elsewhere? Then this workshop is for you!
Designed for those who know the basics of using Excel, this workshop will teach you how to build your art inventory ‘system’ using an Excel file and a file folder holding your art photos. The goal is to create a system for keeping track of each art piece – size, medium, price, and other characteristics – as well as where each art piece currently is, where you’ve shown it before, and any other pertinent information about your artwork.
In this class, you will receive the instructor’s art inventory file ‘template,’ which you will then edit to your specific needs with help from the instructor. By the end of the class, you will have a working Excel inventory file to which you can add more artwork as you continue creating.
Required to bring to class: a laptop, access to Excel, your art inventory list and photos.
Everything you learn in this class will help you create Excel files for other uses, and there are so many other uses!
Register Now

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

Creative Book Club - "Caravaggio and the Creation of Modernity" by Troy Thomas
2024-08-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Book: “Caravaggio and the Creation of Modernity” by Troy Thomas
Facilitator: Rusty Lynn
Meeting Date: Saturday, August 17 from 10am-12pm
(Drop-in, set a reminder in Eventbrite)
“Considered one of the founders of modern painting, Caravaggio is famous for defying convention in his radically new realistic art. This book explicitly focuses on his works’ inherent tensions, contradictions and ambiguities, key aspects of his modernity.”
—Reaktion Books Ltd, Publisher
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.

STEAM-tastic: Satellites in Outer Space - Antenna Pointing (Ages 10-15)
2024-08-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor Aaron Fletchersmith
Instructor: Aaron Fletchersmith, aaron.fletchersmith@gmail.com
Date/Time: Saturday, August 17, 5pm-7pm
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
(Register by August 16; drop-ins allowed space permitting)
Join Aaron Fletchersmith to learn about SATELLITES IN OUTER SPACE! We’ll learn what’s involved in pointing an antenna at a satellite and the concept of orbits. Try out antenna pointing with real professional tools!
The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 10-15. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
Register Now

STEAM-tastic @ DRA – Come join us at Del Ray Artisans for FREE, interactive classes about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), taught by professionals from each field! Geared toward kids and teens, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on craft project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic workshops are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2025 Annual Arts Program Grant.

Photo (top): Model plans provided by Radeus Labs, Inc. Photos courtesy of Aaron Fletchersmith.

STEAM-tastic: Satellites in Outer Space - Satellite Construction (Ages 6-10)
2024-08-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor Aaron Fletchersmith
Instructor: Aaron Fletchersmith, aaron.fletchersmith@gmail.com
Date/Time: Sunday, August 18, 10am-Noon
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
(Register by August 16; drop-ins allowed space permitting)
Join Aaron Fletchersmith to learn about SATELLITES IN OUTER SPACE! We’ll learn what’s involved in pointing an antenna at a satellite and the concept of orbits. Build a (paper) satellite antenna station!
The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 6-10. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
Register Now

STEAM-tastic @ DRA – Come join us at Del Ray Artisans for FREE, interactive classes about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), taught by professionals from each field! Geared toward kids and teens, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on craft project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic workshops are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2025 Annual Arts Program Grant.

Photo (top): Model plans provided by Radeus Labs, Inc. Photos courtesy of Aaron Fletchersmith.

Partners in Art Evening (RSVP in Advance)
2024-08-21 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 BEFORE the day of the meeting.
This program is free. Donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) with questions.
View Upcoming Meetings

SOLD OUT: Playing with Resin Workshop (Register by 8/23)
2024-08-25 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Sunday, August 25 from 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by August 23)
Learn the ins and outs of prepping for and mixing resin, and how to use it as an adhesive, a covering, or the main medium. There’s lots of creative time during this 3-hour workshop… No need to rush, which is one of the first lessons in using resin! 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).

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

Advanced Resin Techniques Lecture (Register ASAP)
2024-08-26 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Presenter: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Monday, August 26, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $20 Del Ray Artisans member / $30 Non-member
Class size: 7-20 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome, space permitting)
Do you like working with resin but want to get a little more creative? In this class, we will discuss advanced resin techniques such as layering, tilting, building in three dimensions, adding lights, and more. The instructor will show physical examples of these techniques and discuss what to be aware of when using each technique. There will be time for questions and discussions during the class. This class will NOT cover resin dyes or pigment powder usage, but will touch on other possible additions to resin (such as glitter and alcohol inks).
You must already know how to use resin before taking this class. This is a lecture rather than a hands-on workshop, so registrants will not be creating anything during the class.
Register Now

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

STEAM-tastic: From Cells to Biomes - Fluid Pours (Ages 6-10)
2024-08-31 09:00 - 11:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor Suzan Ok Shumate
Instructor: Suzan Ok Shumate, suzanok@gmail.com
Date/Time: Saturday, August 31, 9am-11am
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
(Register by August 30; drop-ins allowed space permitting)
Learn about life science with STEM teacher Suzan Shumate. You’ll explore life on Earth from the cells to ecosystems. Then, you’ll use acrylic pouring to create colorful, abstract paintings that look like cells, plants, or biomes. Wear clothes that can get paint on them.
The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 6-10. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
Register Now
Special Guest: Himanvi Panidepu, Miss Virginia USA 2024, joins us to discuss her initiative called STEMpowered Leaders which works to inspire the next generation in STEM through mentorship programs and workshops with nonprofits statewide. She is a Cum Laude dual degree and minor graduate from Virginia Tech. In addition, Ms. Panidepu is an athlete, artist, advocate, model, and trailblazer in cybersecurity, embodying the strength of breaking barriers and embracing diverse talents. She is the recipient of the Best Impact Award at the Miss USA 2024 competition and leads her company’s Women in Tech program.

STEAM-tastic @ DRA – Come join us at Del Ray Artisans for interactive classes about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), taught by professionals from each field! Geared toward kids and teens, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on craft project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic workshops are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2025 Annual Arts Program Grant.

Artwork (top) credit: Acrylic pour by Suzan Ok Shumate

Nature Journaling Club
2024-08-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Practiced by artists and naturalists alike, nature journaling is a centuries-old exercise in refining our powers of observation, appreciation for nature, drawing skills, and mindful presence. This group is open to all experience levels as we meet to sketch, connect, and learn together!
We meet at 10am in front of Del Ray Artisans on the final Saturday morning of the month (except not in July, November, and December). Mark your calendar or set a reminder in Eventbrite.
Participants will need to bring their own sketchbooks and supplies. We will have plenty of time for sketching in nature before gathering again at 11:30am to share our sketches and observations and discuss tips and tools for nature journaling in the wild. We hope you will join us as we strengthen our art and inquiry practice together!
Suggested supplies: sketchbook, pens, pencils, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, or other portable media, and a water bottle since we will be outdoors. You may also want to bring something to sit on (folding chair or blanket).
NOTE: This program is held outdoors and will be canceled if raining.
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. For more information, contact the coordinators: Stephanie Darlene Greenwald (stephanie@stephaniedarlene.com) and Meredith D’Amore (meredith.w.damore@gmail.com).
View Upcoming Dates

Artwork credit: Drawing by Meredith D’Amore

STEAM-tastic: From Cells to Biomes – Fluid Pours (Ages 10-15)
2024-08-31 11:00 - 13:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor Suzan Ok Shumate
Instructor: Suzan Ok Shumate, suzanok@gmail.com
Date/Time: Saturday, August 31, 11am-1pm
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
(Register by August 30; drop-ins allowed space permitting)
Learn about life science with STEM teacher Suzan Shumate. You’ll explore life on Earth from the cells to ecosystems. Then, you’ll use acrylic pouring to create colorful, abstract paintings that look like cells, plants, or biomes. Wear clothes that can get paint on them.
The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 10-15. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
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STEAM-tastic @ DRA – Come join us at Del Ray Artisans for interactive classes about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), taught by professionals from each field! Geared toward kids and teens, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on craft project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic workshops are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2025 Annual Arts Program Grant.

Artwork (top) credit: Acrylic pour by Suzan Ok Shumate

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.

Let's Explore Slow Stitching (Register by 9/7)
2024-09-08 12:30 - 14:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Christine Vinh
Date/Time: Sunday, September 8, 12:30pm-2:30pm
Cost: $45 Del Ray Artisans member / $55 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-10 participants
(Register by Thursday, September 7)
Slow Stitching seems to be all the rage in the fiber world at present. During this combination lecture and hands on session, Christine Vinh will share a variety of hand stitching techniques with samples and reference books. She will talk about the various materials and notions used in several of the techniques and then allow for hands-on practice.
Have you been intrigued by the terms slow stitching, modern hand stitching, sashiko and boro stitching and the mental health benefits these techniques are reported to have? Then you will want to join Christine Vinh for this event. Chris will talk about the differences and similarities of the various techniques along with sharing her own samples. She will share some of her go to reference books along with the materials and tools she uses in her own stitch practice. You will then have time to try your own hand at stitching some of the basic steps that she uses as her go to favorites. Chris’s work has been exhibited in a number of shows and galleries and has been featured on a number of Facebook Live events at Artistic Artifacts which have been archived on the Artistic Artifacts YouTube channel.
Hand stitching techniques covered will include modern hand stitching / embroidery, sashiko and boro stitching or visible mending. Participants will learn the basic stitches along with recommended notions / tools to use in starting a slow stitch practice. There will be time for everyone to practice several basic stitches with a variety of thread types.
The $10 supply fee includes various fabrics, threads, and needles for students to try. If you wish to take home needles and scissors, purchase the optional supply kit for $10 payable to the instructor during the workshop.
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View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility, and policies on the Upcoming Workshops page.

Del Ray Urban Sketchers
2024-09-08 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 most months at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray. (Del Ray Urban Sketchers does not meet in July, August, and December.) 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.
RSVP via Eventbrite | View Upcoming Dates

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

Introduction to Crochet (Three 1.5-Hour Classes; Register by 9/6)
2024-09-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Dawn Zurell
Date/Time: (Mondays) September 9, 16, and 23 from 7 to 8:30pm (Three 1.5 hour classes)
Cost: $75 Del Ray Artisans member / $85 Non-member; Bring own supplies
Class size: 2-8 participants
(Register by September 6)
This introduction class is great for those who have never tried crochet or have crocheted years ago, and want to restart their craft. It is spread out over three weeks, so you will have time to practice the techniques learned in each session. This format will set you up for success in your new hobby, and give you the basic skills needed to continue with future projects. You will also complete a pair of fingerless mitts!
This series of three 1.5-hour classes is for anyone aged 13+ years. The specific skills taught in this class are:

foundation chain
single crochet
half double crochet
double crochet
identifying and fixing simple mistakes

Additionally, you will learn common crochet terms, and be introduced to the vast array of yarns in the fiber world.
Materials you will need to bring to your first class:

150-200 yards of single ply worsted weight (#4) yarn, wool, wool blend, or other natural fiber in a light color (see yarn suggestions at the end of the class description)
US 8-H (5mm) crochet hook
Darning needle or notion kit/set

No preparation is needed, but if you would like to have a book to refer to, here are a couple suggestions:

Mini Hook Book: Learn to Crochet!
A to Z of Crochet: The Ultimate Guide for the Beginner to Advanced Crocheter

Suggestions for yarn:
Natural fibers, single ply yarn, and light colors are easiest for beginners, but we have included acrylic recommendations for those sensitive to wool.

2 skeins of Valley Yarns Berkshire, available at yarn.com
1 skein of Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Worsted, available at yarn.com
1 skein of Facets™ Yarn by Loops & Threads®, available at Michaels
2 skeins of Lion Brand® Landscapes® Fusion Yarn, available at Michaels and JoAnns
1 skein of Manos del Uruguay Maxima, available at Fibre Space, (please have it wound into a cake)

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