Del Ray Artisans

Creative Book Club - "How Painting Happens; and Why It Matters" by Martin Gayford
2026-01-10 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Book: “How Painting Happens; and Why It Matters” by Martin Gayford
Facilitator: Marshall Carolus
Meeting Dates: Saturdays, January 10 and April 11, 10am-12pm
(Drop-in, set a reminder in Eventbrite)
The book, “How Painting Happens; and Why It Matters” by Martin Gayford, is filled with interviews with artists. To give us time to contemplate and enjoy the material, the book will be divided in half between the winter and spring discussions. The first half of the book will be discussed on Saturday, January 10, 10am-12pm and the second half on Saturday, April 11, 10am-12pm.
The Creative Book Club meets on select Saturday mornings at Del Ray Artisans gallery to discuss readings by a variety of authors. The club is open to all who are interested in keeping their creative muse flowing and connecting with other creative people. This is a free event; donations are appreciated. Del Ray Artisans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization. Future book selections will be announced on this website and in the Weekly eNews email in advance.
If you have questions, please contact Marshall Carolus at marshallcarolus@aol.com.
Remind Me

Del Ray Urban Sketchers @ St. Elmo's Coffee Pub
2026-01-11 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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 St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301) 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.
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets on the second Sunday of the month (except not in July, August, and December) at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray, as well as on the third Thursday of most months at a time and location that is varied (view upcoming dates).
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. Contact the organizer, Joan Bickelhaupt (joanbickelhaupt@gmail.com), with any questions.
RSVP via Eventbrite | View Upcoming Dates

Photo courtesy of Joan Bickelhaupt

Create an Artwork Sales Website with Square (Register ASAP)
2026-01-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson
Date/Time: Sunday, January 11, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $35 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 Non-member
Class size: 4-20 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome if space permits)
Interested in having an online presence with your artwork but not sure where to start? Set up a simple website using Square (SquareUp.com)! The instructor will show you the basic tools, and then walk you through adding a few artworks to your ‘item library’ and posting them on your Square website.
No experience necessary, but before attending this workshop you must create a Square account (either by downloading the SquareUp app onto your phone or through the create your account process on a computer).
During the workshop, you will:

Add a few items (one for each art piece) to your item library – this will include uploading a description, size, and price, as well as a picture.
Learn about managing inventory and variations
Create a simple website using Square and learn how to manage it

Note: Having a comprehensive item library will help you with sales during art markets; and having a website will allow you to process online sales and share your artwork with a wider audience. Please note that items for sale in your online store will be set to “pick up”; we will not cover setting up shipping in this workshop.
Bring to the workshop:

Your smartphone with the Square app or a laptop
Your log-in info for SquareUp.com
Information for a few of your artworks (title, description, dimensions, price, picture). The pictures must be on the same device you are using to access Square (either your smartphone or laptop).
Notebook for taking notes

Register Now

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

CANCELED: Create an Art Inventory System in Excel
2026-01-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been cancelled.
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Monday, January 12, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; bring items listed below
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by January 8)
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.

Del Ray Urban Sketchers @ St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub
2026-01-15 16:00 - 18:00 | VA
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 St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301) 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.
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets on the third Sunday of the month (except not in July, August, and December) at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray, as well as on the third Thursday of most months at a time and location that is varied (view upcoming dates).
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. Contact the organizer, KC Hodge (email coming soon), with any questions.
RSVP via Eventbrite | View Upcoming Dates

Photo courtesy of Joan Bickelhaupt

Tortured Poets Workshop (Register by 1/12)
2026-01-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Suzanne Fine, suzanne.fine@gmail.com
Date/Time: Thursday, January 15, 6-7:30pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member
Class size: 3-10 participants
(Register by January 12)
We’ll walk through a brief history of ‘tortured poets’ – Sylvia Plath, Virginia Woolf, Ernest Hemingway, L.M. Montgomery, etc. and link them to the lyricism of pop culture musicians. Then attendees will have time to construct and write, and maybe even share their own diaristic excerpts.
Participants will gain understanding of writing techniques and the importance of journaling consistently. Journals are provided – just bring yourself!
Register Now

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

Radical Sewing Club-ALX
2026-01-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Welcome to Radical Sewing Club-ALX!
Started in LA by Scout Quiquivix, the Alexandria chapter is a monthly drop-in style meeting where you can learn clothing repair, hand and machine sewing, or bring your own project to work on with the community.
Radical Sewing Club is about more than sewing–it’s a space to reimagine craft outside of capitalism, to resist exploitation and oppression, and to stitch together a world based on care and solidarity. All who share these values are welcome.
Registration: Registration is not required, but you may set a reminder in Eventbrite.
Cost: Recommended donation of $10 or pay what you can. No one turned away for lack of funds! Monetary donations will be split between Del Ray Artisans (our wonderful hosts) and Radical Sewing Club for continued materials.
Have materials to donate? We welcome fabric (full cuts and scraps alike), thread, needles, interfacing, embroidery hoops, buttons, pins, trims, lace, and functional zippers.
Contact: radicalsewingclubalx@pm.me or @radicalsewingclub_alx on Instagram
View All Upcoming Dates

Live From Your Studio - Connect with fellow DRA artists
2026-01-18 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-02-15 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Live From Your Studio is a free, members-only, virtual gathering where Del Ray Artisans members can connect from their art-making space. This virtual event will take place monthly on the third Sunday of the month (excluding December) over Zoom. Artists are encouraged (but not required) to join from their studios and make art during the session. These events will allow members to paint and create art together, and forge deeper connections to other members.
RSVP at least a week before the gathering to help organizers prepare. Zoom connection information will be emailed to you two days before the gathering. If you have any questions, please contact organizer Laura Flynn Geissel at flynnmail52@proton.me and Membership Director Kara Macek at membership@delrayartisans.org.
Not a member? It’s easy to join Del Ray Artisans. Artist ($30-$110) and Patron ($250+) level memberships enjoy exhibition and program privileges. Supporter level memberships ($40/year) do not have exhibition privileges, but supporters have program privileges and may participate in programs such as this one!
Although this is a free event, as a nonprofit organization, donations are always welcome to support our mission of promoting art for the benefit of artists and the community. Donate online or at the gallery.
RSVP Now

Junk Journaling Workshop (Register ASAP)
2026-01-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Azita R. Houshiar
Date/Time: Sunday, January 18, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus $10 supply fee
Class size: 5-12 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome, space permitting)
Collage by Azita Houshiar
Come to play and experiment freely, and leave with pages started and ideas you can continue exploring long after the class ends. Junk Journaling blends the art of collage with the practice of journaling, offering a playful, low-pressure way to explore creativity without worrying about perfection. The emphasis is on curiosity, intuition, experimentation, and discovering your own expressive style.
In this workshop, you’ll learn practical techniques for collage, layering, and composition, and receive guidance on using found paper, packaging, tags, embellishments, and everyday “junk” to create layered, expressive journal pages that reflect your personal perspective and storytelling style.
Please bring your own journal. If you don’t have one yet, high-quality paper will be provided so you can experiment and create during class. All other supplies will be included, such as paper, ephemera, stickers, tape, glue, and basic tools. You’re also welcome to bring old photographs, mementos, or personal collage materials you enjoy using, especially items that hold meaning for you.
This beginner-friendly class is open to teenagers and adults of all skill levels.
Register Now

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

Life Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2026-01-20 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Drop-in and practice figure drawing on select Tuesday and Thursday 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 $10 for Del Ray Artisans members and $15 for non-members. If you have any questions or would like to participate as a model for our sessions, please contact LifeDrawing@DelRayArtisans.org.
View artwork from past DRA Figure Drawing Sessions on Instagram! Tag #dralifedraw or @dralifedraw for your work to be featured.
Register Now | View Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

POSTPONED: Neurographic Art Workshop - Teen edition!
2026-01-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop will be held during the ACHS Student Exhibition in May 2026. Exact date TBD.
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Sunday, January 25, 10am – noon
Cost: $15 per teen; plus $5 supply fee
Class size: 4-24 participants
(Register by January 20)
You don’t have to be an artist to make art with Neurographic Art. A neuron is a cell that carries messages between the brain and other parts of our body and that is the basic unit of our central nervous system. Graphic is the artistic use of pictures, shapes and words. This activity helps you to connect with the art making process and allows your mind to relax.
This workshop is for participants’ ages 13-19 year olds. All supplies are included in the supply fee.

Image credit: Neurographic art by Morgan Parr

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 youth, 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 FY2026 Annual Arts Program Grant.

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

POSTPONED: Playing with Resin Workshop (SOLD OUT)
2026-01-25 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop is being rescheduled to February 8 due to the snowstorm.
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Sunday, January 25, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by January 21; This workshop is now sold out.)
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.

POSTPONED: Advanced Resin Techniques Lecture
2026-01-26 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop will be offered again by the instructor at a later date.
Presenter: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Monday, January 26, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $20 Del Ray Artisans member / $30 Non-member
Class size: 7-20 participants
(Register by January 22)
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.

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

CANCELLED: Life Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2026-01-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The January 27th session has been cancelled due to weather. Tickets will be transferred to a future session or request a refund through Eventbrite. See you at the next session on February 12th!
Drop-in and practice figure drawing on select Tuesday and Thursday 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 $10 for Del Ray Artisans members and $15 for non-members. If you have any questions or would like to participate as a model for our sessions, please contact LifeDrawing@DelRayArtisans.org.
View artwork from past DRA Figure Drawing Sessions on Instagram! Tag #dralifedraw or @dralifedraw for your work to be featured.
Register Now | View Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

CANCELLED: Nature Journaling Club
2026-01-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The January 31st session has been cancelled due to the weather. See you at the next session on February 28th!
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!
Del Ray Artisans’ Nature Journaling Club meets at 10am in front of Del Ray Artisans on the final Saturday morning of the month (except not in July, November, and December).
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

CANCELED: Del Ray Urban Sketchers @ St. Elmo's Coffee Pub
2026-02-08 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This event has been canceled due to weather. Please join us for future Urban Sketchers sessions!
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 St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301) 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.
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets on the second Sunday of the month (except not in July, August, and December) at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray, as well as on the third Thursday of most months at a time and location that is varied (view upcoming dates).
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. Contact the organizer, Joan Bickelhaupt (joanbickelhaupt@gmail.com), with any questions.
RSVP via Eventbrite | View Upcoming Dates

Photo courtesy of Joan Bickelhaupt

Playing with Resin Workshop (Register ASAP)
2026-02-08 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, February 8, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins allowed only if space permits)
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.

CANCELED: Partners in Art (RSVP in Advance)
2026-02-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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.
RSVP to Mila Mateu (milaenartes@gmail.com) and Suzanne Tillman (zannet@verizon.net) for details before the day of the meeting.
View Upcoming Meetings

Stretchy Chainmail Bracelet Workshop (Register ASAP)
2026-02-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Janna Marks, jannam22@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Monday, February 9, 6-8pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 supply fee
Class size: 2-12 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome only if space permits)
6 bracelets by Janna Marks
Make your own colorful, everyday accessory! Join Janna Marks of Mad Marks Designs for a beginner-friendly class that dives into the world of chainmail jewelry. Pick your own colors and make your pieces as bold or subtle as you like. Create something uniquely yours.
Learn how to use two pairs of pliers to open and close jump rings the correct way. Once you can open and close a jump ring, you can make chainmail! The class walks through the building of a bracelet step-by-step using the “Helm” chainmail weave. The bracelet includes a mix of metal and rubber rings to create a unique piece with stretch, so a clasp is not needed.
This class is designed for adults, but teens ages 16-17 years old may participate with guardian permission. Kids ages 12-15 years old may participate if an adult guardian is also participating.
All supplies for making your bracelet are provided, including the use of tools during the class.
Registration coming soon.
Register Now

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

Dime Store Alchemy: Make a Found Object Poetry Box (Register by 2/7)
2026-02-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Viki Walchak, vwalchak@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 11, 6-9pm
Cost: $55 Del Ray Artisans member / $65 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by February 7)
In the spirit of Joseph Cornell, a 20th century artist inspired by the poetry of found objects rearranged into evocative tableaus, participants will craft small inventive shadow boxes. A variety of mixed media and assemblage techniques will be introduced. This will be an opportunity to creatively explore memories, dreams and personal visions or give tribute to a friend or family member. It is a great way to practice intuitive art making skills and mine your personal and collective unconscious for insights and wisdom.
Participants will look at examples of Joseph Cornell’s assemblages and learn a bit about his motivations and techniques before crafting a shadowbox of their own design. Various mixed-media, collage and assemblage techniques will be discussed and demonstrated. Materials, wooden boxes and small hand tools will be provided, but participants are invited to bring in small bits of ephemera from their personal spaces too. Old cards, stamps, small objects, prints, broken electronics and such can all be intriguingly arranged using this art-making approach.
All materials and tools will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own collection of small objects and ephemera too.
Register Now

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

Creating Monotypes with Gelatin Plates (SOLD OUT)
2026-02-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Allie Lundquist
Date/Time: Sunday, February 15 from 6-9pm
Cost: $30 Del Ray Artisans member / $40 Non-member, plus a $20 supply fee
Class size: 3-8 participants
(Register in advance)
The instructor will guide you through the creation of your own acrylic paint monotypes on cardstock using gel plates of various sizes.
Learn about the art of “thinking backwards” to achieve the kind of layering you would like to achieve—the first layer of paint you put down on the plate will form the background, not the foreground. During this workshop you’ll also learn how to see colors on a grayscale.
All supplies are included. Explore a wide variety of materials to use on the plate—plastic, wood, and metal found objects, fabric, leaves, etc.—and find which results resonate the most for you.
Join Waitlist

Image credit: Allie Lundquist

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

Lunar New Year Block Printing Workshop (Family-friendly; Register ASAP)
2026-02-17 16:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Tuesday, February 17, 4-6pm
Cost: $10 Child / $20 Del Ray Artisans member / $30 Non-member; plus $5 supply fee
Class size: 3-15 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome only if space permits)
Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse through playful, hands-on printmaking. Participants will design and carve soft foam printing plates inspired by zodiac horse imagery and celestial constellations, then ink and hand-print their designs using brayers and water-based inks. Create multiple prints to take home and share.
Participants will explore introductory printmaking, focusing on pattern-making, symbolism, and visual storytelling. They will gain hands-on experience with accessible tools. They will leave with original prints and a deeper understanding of the printmaking process.
No experience needed. This hands-on workshop is open to adults and children ages 7+ with an adult—families welcome! All materials are provided.
Register Now

Image credit: Block prints by Morgan Parr

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. The discount ticket price per child is made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2026 Annual Arts Program Grant.

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

Partners in Art Evening (RSVP in Advance)
2026-02-17 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

Tiny Lunar New Year Altars (Register by 2/17)
2026-02-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Mallory Henig
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 18 from 7-9pm
Cost: $30 Del Ray Artisans member / $40 Non-member, plus a $10 supply fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register before noon on February 17)
A tiny Lunar New Year altar is a miniature, personal space for honoring ancestors, setting intentions, and welcoming prosperity, using small items like beads to represent symbolic fruits, red lanterns, gold ornaments, crystals, family photos, flowers, and zodiac figurines all fitting in a tin can.
All supplies are included and attendees are welcome to bring their own items such as photos. During this workshop you will create your tiny altar assemblage and learn some tips in working in miniature and upcycled art.
Register Now

Image credit: Mallory Henig

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

Del Ray Urban Sketchers @ Del Ray Pizzeria
2026-02-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Pizzeria, 2218 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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 Del Ray Pizzaria (2218 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria VA) on Thursday, February 19 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.
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets on the third Sunday of the month (except not in July, August, and December) at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray, as well as on the third Thursday of most months at a time and location that is varied (view upcoming dates).
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. Contact the organizer, KC Hodge (email coming soon), with any questions.
View Upcoming Dates

Photo courtesy of Joan Bickelhaupt

Laurel Burch Inspired Horses Workshop (Family-friendly; Register ASAP)
2026-02-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Sunday, February 22, 10am-12pm
Cost: $10 Child / $20 Del Ray Artisans member / $30 Non-member; plus $10 supply fee
Class size: 1-20 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome only if space permits)
Explore color, pattern, and expressive design in this hands-on workshop inspired by the joyful, decorative style of artist Laurel Burch. Participants will create a stylized horse artwork using bold color, repeated patterns, strong outlines, and metallic accents.
Stencils and pattern references are provided, and no prior art experience is needed.
This hands-on workshop is open to adults, teens, and children ages 7-12 with an adult – families welcome! All materials included; participants leave with a finished artwork. The first 10 participants to register may take home a set of metallic markers at the end of the workshop.
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Artwork credit: Laurel Burch Inspired Horses by Morgan Parr

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. The discount ticket price per child is made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2026 Annual Arts Program Grant.

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

Member Meeting & Art Supplies Swap
2026-02-22 18:00 - 20:00 | 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, February 22 starting at 6pm.
Save the date for the first member meeting of 2026. Bring the supplies you no longer need and be ready to find a treasure in other’s discards!
If you are bringing boxes of supplies, please limit to no more than three boxes. To help things run smoothly, drop off your treasures at the start of the art supply swap; we won’t be able to accept any treasures after 6:15pm.
We’ll begin with a short meeting, and then select “new to you” art supplies. Looking forward to seeing you at the gallery!
To volunteer to help set up, contribute refreshments, or distribute leftovers elsewhere, please contact the Membership Director, Kara Macek, at Membership@DelRayArtisans.org.
