Art Camp 2025 (Choose July 14–18 or July 21–25)
2025-07-14 - 2025-07-25 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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Del Ray Artisans invites young campers ages 8-12 years old for “Brushes & Beyond” Summer Art Camp to spend a week creating art with professional local artist instruction. Students will have an immersive creative journey, including painting, sculpting, journaling, and STEAM-tastic activities that celebrate science and art. During nice weather, kids will even have outdoors time to get fresh air, unwind, and replenish their creative energy. All artist supplies are provided. Students must bring their own lunches.
Choose Week One (July 14–18) or Week Two (July 21–25).
Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm.
For Ages: 8-12 (class size limited to 15 children per week)
Cost: $350 per child
Scholarship support is available; contact Gallery@DelRayArtisans.org for an application.
There will also be a special, one-day only, gallery show on the Saturday following camp (July 19 for week one campers and July 26 for week two campers) to show off students’ work. The reception is from 1-3pm and is a great chance for campers, family, and friends to talk to the camp coordinators and other students about their experience. Thank you to MCD Mateos McDonald’s for their generous donation of reception refreshments.
Art Camp will be at the Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301. The gallery is accessible. For more information, contact Morgan Parr (Art Camp Administrator) at ArtCamp@DelRayArtisans.org, Sandra Alami (Youth Programs Director) at Youth@DelRayArtisans.org and Anna Sherlock (Office Manager) at Gallery@DelRayArtisans.org.
Registration
Choose one of the following schedule options:

WEEK ONE: July 14–18, 2025 from 9am-4pm daily

WEEK TWO: July 21–25, 2025 from 9am-4pm daily

Walk-ins are NOT allowed. 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

Del Ray Artisans’ Youth Art Programs are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2026 Annual Arts Program Grant and through a generous donation from Genesis Inspiration Foundation.

Art Camp Week 1 Show
2025-07-19 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
The week of Art Camp culminates with a one-day gallery show of campers’ art to share with the public, and then campers will take their artwork home.
Join us for these two special art exhibits on the Saturday following each week of art camp to show off students’ work. The hours and reception for the exhibits are 1-3pm on July 19 and July 26. This is a great chance for campers, family, and friends to talk to the camp coordinators and other students about their experience.

Art Camp Week 2 Show
2025-07-26 13:00 - 15:00

Creative Book Club: “Mad Enchantment: Claude Monet and the Painting of the Water Lilies” by Ross King
2025-08-02 10:00 - 12:00
Book: “Mad Enchantment: Claude Monet and the Painting of the Water Lilies” by Ross King
Facilitator: Marshall Carolus
Meeting Date: Saturday, August 2, 10am-12pm
(Drop-in, set a reminder in Eventbrite)
“Claude Monet’s water lily paintings are among the most iconic and beloved works of art of the past century. Yet these entrancing images were created at a time of terrible private turmoil and sadness for the artist. The dramatic history behind these paintings is little known; Ross King’s Mad Enchantment tells the full story for the first time and, in the process, presents a compelling and original portrait of one of our most popular and cherished artists.”
—Bloomsbury Publishing, 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 Marshall Carolus at marshallcarolus@aol.com.
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Ceramic Turtle Workshop (Adults & Youth ages 13+, SOLD OUT)
2025-08-02 18:00 - 21:00
Instructor: Diana Manchak
Date/Time: Saturday, August 2, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 8-12 participants
(Register in advance; SOLD OUT)
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. Students will be notified once the finished pieces are back at the gallery.
Adults and participants ages 13+ years old are welcome. Please wear clothes appropriate for art projects or bring a smock.
Register Now

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

POSTPONED - STEAM-tastic: Monet-Inspired Bridge Workshop (All Ages)
2025-08-03 10:00 - 11:30
This workshop has been postponed.
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Sunday, August 3, 10-11:30am
Cost: $20 child / $30 adult; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 3-15 participants
(Register by July 30)
Explore the science of color and light through the art of Claude Monet, one of the founding fathers of Impressionism. In this hands-on, STEAM-integrated workshop, attendees will use oil pastels and watercolors to create their own artworks inspired by Monet’s gardens at Giverny.
Participants will learn how color theory, perception, and artistic technique come together to create shimmering, light-filled scenes. Through layering, optical blending, and the interaction of oil and water-based media, attendees will experiment with the similar tools and visual effects that defined the Impressionist movement.
Perfect for all ages and experience levels, including children under 12. All materials are included in the supply fee.
Register Now

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.

Mixing Media with Photography (Register by 8/1, 1 seat left!)
2025-08-03 19:00 - 21:00
Instructor: Alicyn Drew
Date/Time: Sunday, August 3, 7-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; Plus $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 3-6 participants
(Register by August 1; There is just 1 seat left!)
In this hands-on workshop, explore the fusion of black and white portrait photography with acrylic painting to create a mixed media artwork. You’ll begin with your own printed black and white portrait (emailed to me in advance and printed onto mulberry paper), then learn how to integrate it into a canvas using acrylics, texture, and creative layering techniques. I will also have ribbons, glitter and other fun odds and ends to embed into your image.
Although all materials are supplied, you are encouraged to bring lace, string, yarn, watercolors or other things to personalize your image.
We’ll walk through a live demo together, and you’ll have time to create your own unique piece. All materials — including paint, canvas (8″x12″), and your printed image are provided. No painting experience required, just a spirit of exploration and play. Please find a photo that you would like to embellish and make sure you email it to me at Alidrew@gmail.com at least 2 days before the workshop. The best photos for this technique have a lot of contrast, meaning more dark and light and less gray.
Register Now

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

Partners in Art (FULL)
2025-08-04 14:00 - 16:00
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

Neurographic Art Workshop (Register ASAP)
2025-08-04 18:00 - 20:00
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Monday, August 4, 6-8pm
Cost: $25 Del Ray Artisans member / $35 Non-member; plus $5 supply fee
Class size: 4-25 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome space permitting)
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.
Supplies are provided but please feel free to bring markers, pens or watercolors to add color to your project.
Register Now

Image credit: Neurographic art by Morgan Parr

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

Figure Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2025-08-05 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-08-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-08-26 19:00 - 21:00
Drop-in and practice figure drawing on two select Tuesday* evenings each month. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery to draw or paint our nude model.
*Most sessions are on Tuesday evenings, but in 2025 there will be a session on Thursday, November 13 and a few costumed sessions on Thursday evenings in October.
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 Brando Gould at 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: Detail of “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

CANCELED - Create an Art Inventory System in Excel (Register by 8/3)
2025-08-06 18:30 - 20:30
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 6, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; bring items listed below
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by August 3)
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.

First Thursday: Make art inspired by Andy Goldsworthy 6:30-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2025-08-07 18:30 - 20:00
Join us inside Del Ray Artisans gallery from 6:30-8pm on the first Thursday of the month from April through September for our family-friendly activity! The activity is free of charge and all ages are welcome.
“I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree” is a line from Joyce Kilmer’s poem “Trees.” Come see the Lovely As A Tree art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans gallery from August 1-30, 2025. View member artwork indeed as lovely as a tree! Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September.
On First Thursday, August 7 from 6:30-8pm, come make your own collage homage to a tree using found organic materials inspired by the art of the sculptor, photographer, and environmentalist Andy Goldsworthy.

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

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

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

CANCELED: Introduction to Intuitive Collage Workshop (Register by 8/5)
2025-08-09 10:00 - 12:00
Instructor: Sharon Burton, sjbcreativeventures@gmail.com
Date/Time: Saturday, August 9, 10am-12pm
Cost: $45 Del Ray Artisans member / $55 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-10 participants
(Register by August 5)
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.
No artistic experience is necessary. All supplies are provided, but feel free to bring personal embellishments for your piece(s). This is a great and fun way to slow down, connect with yourself creatively, and tap into your inner wisdom.
The topic is focusing on using art to guide intention and intuition. Skills include collage, mixed media and journal writing. Participants will learn how to use an art medium as a means of jump starting creativity as well as self-care.
This workshops has been canceled.

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

Tea & Herbs with Area 2 Farms (RSVP)
2025-08-09 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-23 13:00 - 14:30
Meet Area 2 Farms, the neighborhood organic farm based in Shirlington (less than 3 miles away), at Del Ray Artisans gallery for an afternoon of sensory exploration. Area 2 Farms does more than just grow food for you, they build community around it.
Join us for an immersive journey into the world of herbs–where you’ll explore their origins, benefits, aromas, and flavors. You’ll harvest fresh herbs and blend your own tea to sip and enjoy a relaxed conversation with your farmers.
Whether you’re herb-curious or already tending a garden full, this is your invitation to slow down, connect, and bring a little bit of the farm into your daily rituals.
Space is limited—reserve your spot and experience what it means to sip slowly with your farmers. Note: Registration is through Area 2 Farms.
RSVP Now

Full Sturgeon Moon - Sound Bath & Meditation (Register ASAP)
2025-08-09 19:00 - 20:30
Instructor: Ditas Katague
Date/Time: Saturday, August 9, 7-8:30pm
Cost: $45 Del Ray Artisans member / $55 Non-member
Class size: 6-20 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome, space permitting)
Join Ditas for an enchanting Full Moon Sound Bath. This special evening offers the perfect opportunity to release summer’s accumulated stress and reconnect with your inner wisdom to move toward harvest season.
Experience profound healing vibrations of crystal and tibetan bowls and gong, while bathing in the powerful energy of the full moon. Beginning with gentle movement, then guided meditation, and culminating with a soundbath where harmonic frequencies help clear energy blockages and induce relaxation.
The August Full Moon, traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, marks a time when these ancient fish were most readily caught in the Great Lakes. It symbolizes abundance and the importance of harvesting what nourishes us while releasing what doesn’t serve our highest good.
This moon phase encourages us to ask: What am I ready to release? What new energies am I ready to welcome? The vibrations of the soundbath will support this powerful intention-setting and letting go process.
There will be gentle movement and some light breathwork, a guided meditation and then the beautiful sound bath will fill the gallery with vibration and sound to help participants relax and release.
Participants should bring a yoga/exercise mat or thick blanket, pillow and water bottle for maximum comfort. Eye mask is optional.
Register Now

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

CANCELED: STEAM-tastic: A Trail of Trouble (Ages 6-12)
2025-08-10 10:00 - 12:00
This workshops has been canceled.
Instructor: Danielle Simone
Date/Time: Sunday, August 10, 10am to Noon
Cost: $25/child
Class size: 8-16 participants
(Register in advance)
Danielle Simone is a Virginia author and will share some activities from her book, A Trail of Trouble. Participants will work through 4 stations: create signs for Leave No Trace camping, engage in an outdoor natural items scavenger hunt, explore natural first aid remedies, and design a suspension bridge. While students are engaged in these activities, they will learn about global warming and the importance of protecting our environment.
All participants will also receive a copy of Danielle’s book, A Trail of Trouble. To learn more about Danielle Simone and her book, visit daniellesimoneauthor.com.
All supplies are included. The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 6-12. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn.

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.

Playing with Resin Workshop (Register ASAP)
2025-08-10 18:00 - 21:00
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Sunday, August 10, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register in advance to guarantee a spot; walk-ins welcome, space permitting.)
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: Advanced Resin Techniques Lecture
2025-08-11 18:30 - 20:30
Presenter: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Monday, August 11, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $20 Del Ray Artisans member / $30 Non-member
Class size: 7-20 participants
(Register by August 7)
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.
This workshops has been canceled.

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

Radical Sewing Club-ALX 2025
2025-08-16 18:00 - 20:00
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

STEAM-tastic: Squishmallow Adoption & Art 🧠❤️ (All Ages; Register ASAP)
2025-08-17 10:00 - 12:00
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Sunday, August 17, 10am-noon
Cost: $30 child / $40 adult; plus a $15 Supply Fee
Class size: 3-15 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome, space permitting)
Bring curiosity, creativity, and compassion to this unique STEAM-centered experience where art, imagination, and empathy collide! Select your Squishmallow from a diverse collection—practice choice, observation, and categorization as you compare textures, colors, and sizes. Proceed to the Adoption Station, where you’ll complete an Adoption Certificate, giving your new plush pal a name.
Engage your spatial and fine motor skills by drawing your Squishmallow—either freehand for extra creativity or with a pre-designed template. This interactive workshop integrates early design thinking, emotional learning, and visual arts—perfect for aspiring young makers, artists, and engineers.
Take Home:

Your adopted Squishmallow
An official adoption certificate
Your painted portrait masterpiece

Family-friendly and all-ages welcome—no prior art experience needed! One adoption per attendee. All materials included in the supply fee.
Register Now

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.

Member Meeting & Art Supplies Swap
2025-08-17 16:00 - 18:00
Join fellow Del Ray Artisans members for the Member Meeting & Art Supplies Swap on Sunday, August 17 starting at 4pm.
Save the date for the third member meeting of 2025. Bring the supplies you no longer need and be ready to find a treasure in other’s discards! To help things run smoothly, we kindly ask that you limit the number of boxes you bring and drop off your treasures at the start of the art supply swap. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to accept any treasures after 4:15pm.
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, please reach out the Membership Director, Kara Macek, at Membership@DelRayArtisans.org.

Partners in Art Evening (RSVP in Advance)
2025-08-20 19:00 - 21:00
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

POSTPONED: Neurographic Art Workshop
2025-08-23 10:00 - 12:00
This workshop has been postponed.
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Saturday, August 23, 10am-noon
Cost: $20 child / $30 adult; plus $5 supply fee
Class size: 4-25 participants
(Register by August 19)
You don’t need to be an artist to explore neuroscience-inspired creativity! In this STEAM-based activity, we’ll create Neurographic Art, where art meets brain science. A neuron is a cell that transmits messages in your brain and body—and this relaxing drawing process is inspired by the organic structure of these neural pathways.
Through structured linework and spontaneous design, participants explore the connection between neural activity and creative expression. This calming activity promotes emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and visual mindfulness.
The hands-on activity is family-friendly and suitable for ages 10 and above, including adults! All supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your own markers, pens, or watercolors to add a personal touch.

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.

Dime Store Alchemy: Make a Found Object Poetry Box (Register ASAP)
2025-08-23 18:00 - 20:30
Instructor: Viki Walchak, vwalchak@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Saturday, August 23, 6-8:30pm
Cost: $55 Del Ray Artisans member / $65 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome, space permitting)
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.

CANCELED - Mindful Nature Journaling: Discovering Yourself Through Nature’s Wisdom (Register by 8/24)
2025-08-28 18:00 - 19:30
Instructor: Ashleigh Diserio, Diserio Consulting
Date/Time: Thursday, August 28, 6-7:30pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member
Class size: 5-15 participants
(Register by August 24)
This event has been canceled.
Join this guided outdoor journaling session to learn how to slow down, tune into your emotions, and gain clarity through nature-inspired reflection. We will go through a grounding and sensory awareness exercise, then do a journaling prompt with a reflection exercise.
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

Describe the purpose and benefits of nature journaling as a tool for mindfulness, emotional awareness, and personal insight.
Engage in a grounding and sensory awareness practice to become more present in their bodies and connected to the natural environment.
Identify and articulate your emotions through metaphors and imagery inspired by nature.
Express inner thoughts and feelings creatively using guided journaling prompts, free-writing, drawing, or doodling.
Reflect on their journaling experience to gain personal clarity and deepen self-understanding.
Explore ways to integrate nature journaling into daily or weekly routines as a sustainable practice for emotional well-being and self-care.

Please bring your own journal, or you are welcome to purchase one from the instructor for $10 at the beginning of the workshop.
Register Now

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

Nature Journaling Club 2025
2025-08-30 10:00 - 12:00
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

RESCHEDULED: First Thursday: Make a picture frame inspired by Matisse's decoupages 6:30-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2025-09-04 18:30 - 20:00
This neighborhood event has been postponed to Thursday, September 11 due to the weather.
Join us inside Del Ray Artisans gallery from 6:30-8pm on the first Thursday of the month from April through September for our family-friendly activity! The activity is free of charge and all ages are welcome.
On the last First Thursday of the year, come make your own picture frame using puzzle pieces. This activity is inspired by mosaic artists and cut paper collages (decoupages) by Matisse.
Plus get a sneak peek of the upcoming art exhibit, Second Time Around. 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 each First Thursday for themed activities, a donation drive to support a local nonprofit, and live music. The theme and nonprofit will be announced in advance, and donations will be collected at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues. Join us for the neighborhood themes:

April 3, 2025 – Music & Dance on the Avenue
May 1, 2025 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June 5, 2025 – Rep Your Team
July 3, 2025 – Red, White, And Bloom
August 7, 2025 – Surf’s Up
Rescheduled to September 11, 2025 – Antique Appraisals on the Avenue

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