Turtle Magic Clay Workshop (Ages 6-11)
2023-07-15 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Diana Manchak, designsinclay@hotmail.com
Date/Time: Saturday, July 15 from 1-4pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 8-12 participants
(Register by midnight on July 8)
Children ages 6-11 are invited to design and create a one-of-a-kind keepsake turtle. Students will use stoneware clay to hand-build a turtle by forming shapes from soft clay in different patterns and learn how to make limbs and head to complete their turtle. We will use a variety of basic clay techniques that are the foundation for all clay work.
Students will select a glaze color or two and the instructor will dry and fire each turtle and return the finished pieces for pick up at the gallery.
Register youth ages 6-11 for this workshop. Have an older child? Youth ages 12+ and adults should attend the separate Ceramic Turtle Workshop.
Please wear clothes appropriate for art projects or bring a smock. Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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

Ceramic Turtle Workshop (Sold Out)
2023-07-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Diana Manchak
Date/Time: Saturday, July 15 from 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 8-12 participants
(Register by midnight on July 8)
Design and create a one-of-a-kind keepsake turtle. Students will use stoneware clay to hand-build a turtle by forming shapes from soft clay in different patterns and learn how to make limbs and head to complete their turtle. We will use a variety of basic clay techniques that are the foundation for all clay work.
Students will select a glaze color or two and the instructor will dry and fire each turtle and return the finished pieces for pick up at the gallery.
Participants ages 12+ and adults are welcome. Children ages 6-11 yrs old should attend the separate Turtle Magic Clay Workshop.
Please wear clothes appropriate for art projects or bring a smock. Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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

Papier-Mache Sculpture Workshop
2023-07-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Jonathan Ottke, ottkej@gmail.com
Date/Time: Sunday, July 16 from 9am-12pm
Cost: $45 Del Ray Artisans member / $55 Non-member; plus a $5 Supply Fee
NOTE: Children ages 8+ may attend with a registered parent. Cost is $25/child + $5 Supply Fee.
Class size: 4-12 participants
(Register in advance)
Papier-mâché is not just the fun project of you remembered from your youth, it’s a sophisticated sculptural form that can even be used outside if one uses special materials to make it. Artists such as Claes Oldenburg and Niki de Saint Phalle used to great effect. It can be used to make small to very large work. We will use cardboard and paper to map out the overall structure, then build our papier-mâché sculpture to its final result. While it’s drying, we’ll paint the work to achieve a colorful exciting masterpiece.
Please wear clothes appropriate for art projects or bring a smock. Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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

Art Camp 2023 (Registration Closed)
2023-07-24 - 2023-07-28 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans invites young campers ages 8-12 years old for “Kids Just Wanna Have Fun” Summer Art Camp to spend a week creating art with professional local artist instruction. Students will have an immersive creative journey: painting, sculpting, journaling and other artful planned activities. During nice weather, kids will even have outdoors time to get fresh air, unwind, and replenish their creative energy. All artist supplies are provided. There will be an online photo album highlighting the art camp available later in August for parents, friends and the community to enjoy.
July 24–28
Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm.
For Ages: 8-12 (class size limited to 12 children per week)
Cost: $350 per child
Scholarship support is available; contact Gallery@DelRayArtisans.org for an application.
Instructors have taken the ALX Promise pledge and follow the current pandemic policies in accordance with CDC and the State of Virginia during summer camps. Face masks are recommended inside the gallery. Students must bring their own lunches.
Art Camp will be at the Del Ray Artisans gallery at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301. The gallery is accessible. For more information, contact the Office Manager at Gallery@DelRayArtisans.org.
Registration
Walk-ins are NOT allowed. Registration is open to DMV area residents only. You must register in advance. Cost is $350/child. Your application is not complete until the registration form is filled out, payment is received, and your schedule choice is confirmed by the Youth Programs Director, Art Camp Administrator, or Office Manager. You may pay with cash, check, or credit card at the gallery or by credit card online (instructions in the application).
Register Now

Sponsor a Camper
Every year Del Ray Artisans offers scholarships to children who cannot otherwise afford to attend this magical camp. Interested in sponsoring a camper? Your donation will help send a youth to camp. Thank you for your support.
Donate Now

Thank you to Community Partners MCD Mateos for sponsoring art camp.

Nature Journaling Club
2023-07-29 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 every month. 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 of pinks and larkspur by Meredith D’Amore

First Thursday: Luau Selfie Station 6-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2023-08-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
We welcome you to Del Ray Artisans on Visit Del Ray’s First Thursday (theme Del Ray’s Country Music Showdown, formerly Aloha Thursday) with a lei and encourage you to visit our outdoor Luau Selfie Station from 6-8pm on Thursday, August 3!
Inside the gallery get a sneak peek of the upcoming Treasures of the DMV art exhibit exploring the famed, overlooked, natural, and abstract highlights from the region. The gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays (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 us for these neighborhood themes:

April 13, 2023 (rescheduled from April 6 due to the rain) – A Cherry Blossom Celebration
May 4, 2023 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June 1, 2023 – Baseball – Every Pitch Counts!
July 6, 2023 – Red, White, & Brews (Gallery is closed; no outdoor activity)
August 3, 2023 – A Country Music Showdown
September 7, 2023 – Star Wars Day in a Neighborhood Far, Far Away

Introduction to Intuitive Collage Workshop
2023-08-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Sharon Burton, sjbcreativeventures@gmail.com
Date/Time: Saturday, August 5 from 10am-12pm
Cost: $35 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 Non-member
Class size: 4-10 participants
(Register before noon on August 4)
Intuitive collage is a practice of using magazine images and collage to connect with your inner wisdom or intuition. Participants will be guided through a simple meditation, then given time to create a collage card, followed by journal prompts to reflect on the meaning of their piece.
All supplies are included but you may also bring your own. No artistic experience is necessary. This is a great and fun way to slow down, connect with yourself creatively, and tap into your inner wisdom.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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

Partners in Art (FULL)
2023-08-07 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-09-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-10-09 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

Pie Contest, Indoor Picnic, and Summer Member Meeting
2023-08-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join fellow artists and friends at the annual Pie Contest, Indoor Picnic, and Summer Member Meeting on Sunday, August 13 from 5-7pm. Prepare a savory or sweet entry for the pie contest or sign up to be a judge and get the first sample of the delicacies. There will be prizes for both sweet and savory pies.
In addition to the Annual Pie Contest, we’ll have an indoor picnic and enjoy (after the pie contest judging) pies for dessert!
Preceding the picnic will be a short meeting with information on upcoming events and the fall exhibit schedule. Plan to be there for fun and comradery.
Please RSVP by August 10 to help the organizers plan the food and beverage quantities. Members who RSVP will be entered into a drawing for prizes.

Life Drawing Session - Gesture and Short Pose
2023-08-15 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 Upcoming Sessions

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

Creative Book Club – “Brunelleschi’s Dome” by Ross King
2023-08-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Book: “Brunelleschi’s Dome” by Ross King
Facilitator: Rusty Lynn
Meeting Date: Saturday, August 19 from 10am-12pm
(Drop-in, set a reminder in Eventbrite)
The book for our August 19th discussion is “Brunelleschi’s Dome” by Ross King. The book is about the construction of the largest dome ever built by the 15th century. It had been a challenge for the architects and builders of the cathedral in Florence for several hundred years. So when Brunelleschi devised a plan for the building and won the job, it became a central concern in the city. Ross King is an art historian who delves into the art, as well as the political and social challenges of the period. I have read a number of his books, and I am sure whoever gets into reading it will be rewarded in ways they never expected.
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.
.

Partners in Art Evening (8/22 Cancelled)
2023-08-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The Tuesday, August 22, 2023 meeting has been cancelled. Please join us on Tuesday, September 19 from 7-9pm.
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, but donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) with questions.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
View Upcoming Meetings

Nature Journaling Club
2023-08-26 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 every month. 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. Join the “Nature Journaling Club at Del Ray Artisans” Facebook Group to stay informed on weather cancellations, plus share your sketches!
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 of pinks and larkspur by Meredith D’Amore

Creative Canvas Workshop (Cancelled)
2023-09-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been cancelled.
Instructor: Kelsey Joyce, kelseyjoyceart@gmail.com
Date/Time: Saturday, September 2 from 9am-12pm
Cost: $35 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-10 participants
(Register by midnight on August 28)
Learn how to reuse everyday objects and discover new ways to approach a canvas. The canvas you choose can greatly affect how viewers interpret the artwork created. During this workshop you will learn how to creatively choose a canvas to amplify the message you are trying to communicate or add desired aesthetic appeal, as well as create a painting on the object.
All supplies included. Instructor Kelsey Joyce will bring a bunch of objects to choose from and encourages you to bring your own!
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.

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

Life Drawing Session - Gesture and Short Pose
2023-09-05 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 Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

First Thursday RESCHEDULED to October 5
2023-09-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Due to the projected thunderstorms, the last First Thursday of 2023 has been rescheduled from September 7 to October 5.
The gallery will still be open late on September 7 from 12-9pm.
Come inside Del Ray Artisans gallery to see the Farther Afield art exhibit. Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September.

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

April 13, 2023 (rescheduled from April 6 due to the rain) – A Cherry Blossom Celebration
May 4, 2023 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June 1, 2023 – Baseball – Every Pitch Counts!
July 6, 2023 – Red, White, & Brews (Gallery is closed; no outdoor activity)
August 3, 2023 – A Country Music Showdown
October 5, 2023 (rescheduled from Sept 7 due to thunderstorms) – Star Wars Day in a Neighborhood Far, Far Away

Beaded Lanyard Thingies Workshop (Register Now)
2023-09-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Amy Castine, amy.castine@aim.com
Date/Time: Saturday, September 9 from 9am-12pm
Cost: $60 Del Ray Artisans member / $80 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-10 participants
(Register by noon on September 8)
Join instructor Amy Castine for a great introduction to off loom bead weaving as you learn to make your own lanyard/glasses keeper. This versatile beaded rope is a useful and beautiful way to hold some of the necessities of life while adding your personal style to any outfit. You will also have a chance to do a little beginner wire wrapping and make a lovely pendant to transform your lanyard into a necklace. Sign up today as space is limited!
The supply fee includes all the materials to make a similar piece—but not identical—to the photo. Each piece will be one-of-a-kind.
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 (Canceled on Sept 10)
2023-09-10 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The September 10, 2023 session has been cancelled. Please join us on Sunday, October 8.
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. 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 Evening
2023-09-19 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, but donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) with questions.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
View Upcoming Meetings

CANCELLED: Sword Making for Kids Workshop
2023-09-30 09:30 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been cancelled.
Instructor: Dani and Erica
Date/Time: Saturday, September 30, choose 9:45am–10:45am or 11am–12pm
Cost: $10 Del Ray Artisans member / $15 Non-member; plus a $5 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-12 participants
(Register by midnight on September 25)
Join Dani and Erica as they guide small warriors to make foam swords and pool noodle staves. These ‘swords’ can then be used during the CHALLENGE ROYALE (Saturday, October 7, 10am). This one-hour workshop (choose either 9:45am–10:45am or 11am–12pm) is for kids 12 and under. Kids under 7 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
This event is held in conjunction with the Curses! Foiled Again! The art of swords and sorcery art exhibit.

Nature Journaling Club
2023-09-30 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 every month. 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. Join the “Nature Journaling Club at Del Ray Artisans” Facebook Group to stay informed on weather cancellations, plus share your sketches!
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 of leaves by Meredith D’Amore

RESCHEDULED: Stretchy Bracelets with Healing Properties Workshop
2023-09-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been rescheduled to Saturday, November 4 from 6-9pm.
Instructor: Y’vonne Page-Magnus
Date/Time: Saturday, September 30 from 6-9pm (NEW DATE!)
Cost: $15 Del Ray Artisans member / $25 Non-member; plus a $30 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by noon on Sept 29)
Design and make two stretchy bracelets out of a sorbet selection of semi-precious stones, crystals, and accent beads. Instructor Y’vonne Page-Magnus will teach you the secret to tying a knot using elastic and share knowledge on the healing properties of popular semi-precious stones.
The supply fee includes all the materials. Each piece will be one-of-a-kind.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.

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

First Thursday Activity 6-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2023-10-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join us on Thursday, October 5 from 6-8pm outside the gallery for a Star Wars photo opt, droid masks for kids, and themed coloring sheets. Costumes encouraged! The neighborhood theme for this last First Thursday of 2023 is Star Wars Day in a Neighborhood Far, Far Away.
Come inside Del Ray Artisans gallery for a sneak peek at the Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery art exhibit. Del Ray Artisans gallery will be open 12-9pm on First Thursday, October 5, 2023.

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 these neighborhood themes:

April 13, 2023 (rescheduled from April 6 due to the rain) – A Cherry Blossom Celebration
May 4, 2023 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June 1, 2023 – Baseball – Every Pitch Counts!
July 6, 2023 – Red, White, & Brews (Gallery is closed; no outdoor activity)
August 3, 2023 – A Country Music Showdown
October 5, 2023 (rescheduled from Sept 7 due to thunderstorms) – Star Wars Day in a Neighborhood Far, Far Away

CHALLENGE ROYALE: Outdoor Costume Party and Duel
2023-10-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Organizer: Erica Hughes
Date/Time: Sunday, October 7, 10am-noon
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
Come in costume with a pool noodle ‘sword’ to the Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery CHALLENGE ROYALE at Del Ray Artisans during Art on the Avenue.
Meet at 10am in front of the gallery and present your pool noodle ‘sword’ for inspection and registration. The challenge begins at 11am on the playing fields of the Mount Vernon Rec Center next to the gallery. When challenged by another costumed participant, you may yield or duel! Inflatable ‘swords’ are also allowed. NO other foam, wood, rubber or metal allowed. This is a KID-FRIENDLY event for ages 6+.
This event is held in conjunction with the Curses! Foiled Again! The art of swords and sorcery art exhibit.

Del Ray Urban Sketchers
2023-10-08 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

CANCELLED: What’s In The Box? A 2-day box making workshop
2023-10-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been cancelled.
Instructor: Cristin Guinan-Wiley
Date/Time: Wednesday & Thursday, Oct 11 & Oct 12, from 6pm-9pm
Cost: $80 Del Ray Artisans member / $95 Non-member; plus a $15 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-10 participants
(Register by midnight on October 8)
In this two-day novice level workshop you will create your own hinged lid box using book board, book cloth, decorative papers, and PVA (archival glue). There will be a myriad of combinations of papers and cloths to choose from to create your own distinctive box.
The supply fee includes all materials for the finished box. The tools will be provided for use during the workshop and, if desired, are available for purchase for $30 (payable directly to the instructor) following the workshop.
This workshop is being held in conjunction with the Curses! Foiled Again! The art of swords and sorcery art exhibit. Learn a new skill and celebrate the art of swords and sorcery!
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.

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

Magical Creatures Workshop (Register by 10/13)
2023-10-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Kelsey Joyce, kelseyjoyceart@gmail.com
Date/Time: Saturday, October 14 from 9am-12pm
Cost: $50 Del Ray Artisans member / $60 Non-member; plus a $15 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-12 participants
(Register by noon on October 13)
Learn how to design and build a sculpture of an original imaginary creature in the style of Mexican folk art alebrijes. Alebrijes were created by Pedro Linares Lopez, a Mexican cartoneria artisan who created Papier-mâché figurines that he coined alebrijes after imagining them in a fever dream. Alebrijes are creatures that consist of features that represent multiple creatures and the four elements of nature. Dragons are great alebrije because they have all four elements of nature: air represented in their wings, fire represented in their flames, land represented in their legs, and water represented in their ability to swim.
In this workshop we will explore the cultural importance of Linares’ alebrijes and how they have become a tradition in Mexico. We will build our imaginary creatures with armature sculpting wire, clay, papier mache, aluminum foil, resin eyeballs, acrylic paint, glitter, feathers, and many more mixed media materials. We will work swiftly to get as much done as possible and will be utilizing hair dryers to help us dry our papier mache & artworks quickly. I look forward to you bringing your imagination to life!
All materials will be supplied to use during the workshop to create your creature. If you wish to also own one of Kelsey Joyce’s creations and paint it at home, separate Imaginary Creature kits will be available for purchase directly from the instructor at the end of the workshop.
This workshop is held in conjunction with the Curses! Foiled Again! The art of swords and sorcery art exhibit. Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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

Fencing Demonstration & Mini Lessons (Register by 10/13)
2023-10-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Mark and Erica, Fairfax Fencers
Date/Time: Sunday, October 15, 10am-noon (four 30-minute sessions)
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
Class size: 1-8 participants per 30-minute session
(Register by noon on October 13 for a mini lesson)
Come see free fencing demonstrations by Mark and Erica of Fairfax Fencers in the tennis courts behind the gallery, and register in advance for a free 30-minute mini lesson for beginners (children ages 6+ and adults).
This event is held in conjunction with the Curses! Foiled Again! The art of swords and sorcery art exhibit.
Register Now
