Del Ray Artisans

Nature Journaling Club 2025
2025-01-25 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-02-22 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-29 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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!
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

Figure Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2025-01-28 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-02-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-02-25 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-03-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-03-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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 $8 for Del Ray Artisans members and $10 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: “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

Creative Book Club - “Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism” by Sebastian Smee
2025-02-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Book: “Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism” by Sebastian Smee
Facilitator: Marshall Carolus
Meeting Date: Saturday, February 1, 10am-12pm
(Drop-in, set a reminder in Eventbrite)
“The Pulitzer Prize–winning art critic’s gripping account of the “Terrible Year” in Paris and its monumental impact on the rise of Impressionism.
From the summer of 1870 to the spring of 1871, famously dubbed the “Terrible Year” by Victor Hugo, Paris and its people were besieged, starved, and forced into surrender by Germans―then imperiled again as radical republicans established a breakaway Commune, ultimately crushed by the French Army after bloody street battles and the burning of central Paris. As renowned art critic Sebastian Smee shows, it was against the backdrop of these tumultuous times that the Impressionist movement was born―in response to violence, civil war, and political intrigue.
In stirring and exceptionally vivid prose, Smee tells the story of those dramatic days through the eyes of great figures of Impressionism. Édouard Manet, Berthe Morisot, and Edgar Degas were trapped in Paris during the siege and deeply enmeshed in its politics. Others, including Pierre-August Renoir and Frédéric Bazille, joined regiments outside of the capital, while Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro fled the country just in time. In the aftermath, these artists developed a newfound sense of the fragility of life. That feeling for transience―reflected in Impressionism’s emphasis on fugitive light, shifting seasons, glimpsed street scenes, and the impermanence of all things―became the movement’s great contribution to the history of art.”
—W. W. Norton & Company, 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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STEAM-tastic: Pop Art Cats Workshop (Ages 6-12) (Register ASAP)
2025-02-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor Morgan Parr
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Saturday, February 8, 10am-12pm
Cost: $25/child
Class size: 4-20 participants
(Register in advance; walk-ins allowed, space permitting)
Andy Warhol loved cats. In fact, he owned 25 cats and all but one called Sam! He believed that art is everywhere and that even the things we see everyday make a perfect subject to add to a painting, like cats. You will learn color theory while making a series of cats on a colorful painted background. This fun technique allows you to keep creating as many cats as you’d like, each with their own personality to create a work of art inspired by Andy Warhol. All the supplies are provided.
This workshop is for participants ages 6-12 years old. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
Register Now

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

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

Del Ray Urban Sketchers 2025
2025-02-09 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-09 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets the second Sunday of most months at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray. (Del Ray Urban Sketchers does not meet in July, August, and December.)
Urban sketchbooking emphasizes storytelling that conveys a sense of place or a moment in time through drawings completed from direct observations.
Bring your supplies and join us outside at the cafe to produce still life, figure, or architecture subjects in your sketchbook. Participants will spend some time putting their skills into practice and then reconvene for a review of finished works.
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. Meet outside at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301). Contact the organizer, Joan Bickelhaupt (joanbickelhaupt@gmail.com), with any questions.
RSVP via Eventbrite | View Upcoming Dates

Photo courtesy of Joan Bickelhaupt

Partners in Art (FULL)
2025-02-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The afternoon program is FULL. If you would like to join the evening program, contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) for information and registration.
Need support reaching your art related goals? Join this collegial group of artists to share your goals and get feedback on artwork. Monthly meetings include discussions on exhibit opportunities, the creative process and the local art scene. Artist can bring 1-2 works – complete or in progress – for feedback. All skill levels and media welcome.
This program is free, but donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Mila Mateu (milaenartes@gmail.com) or Suzanne Tillman (zannet@verizon.net) with questions about the afternoon program.
View Upcoming Meetings

Playing with Resin Workshop
2025-02-10 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: Monday, February 10, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(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.

RESCHEDULED - STEAM-tastic: Mandalas and Meows (Ages 6-10)
2025-02-16 09:00 - 10:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
UPDATE: This workshop has been rescheduled to Sunday, February 23, 9-10:30am.
Instructor: Suzan Ok Shumate
Date/Time: Sunday, February 16, 9-10:30am
Cost: $10/child
Class size: 1-15 participants
(Register in advance; drop-ins allowed, space permitting.)
Students will learn about the science and culture of mindfulness, as well as how creating mandalas can help support being mindful. In addition, they will explore how our pets keep us grounded in the present moment. For the hands-on portion, students also practice drawing geometric shapes to create their own cat-themed mandala.
The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 6-10. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
Register Now

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

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

RESCHEDULED - STEAM-tastic: Mandalas and Meows (Ages 10-15)
2025-02-16 10:30 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
UPDATE: This workshop has been rescheduled to Sunday, February 23, 10:30am-noon.
Instructor: Suzan Ok Shumate
Date/Time: Sunday, February 16, 10:30am-noon
Cost: $10/child
Class size: 1-15 participants
(Register in advance; drop-ins allowed, space permitting.)
Students will learn about the science and culture of mindfulness, as well as how creating mandalas can help support being mindful. In addition, they will explore how our pets keep us grounded in the present moment. For the hands-on portion, students also practice drawing geometric shapes to create their own cat-themed mandala.
The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 10-15. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
Register Now

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

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

Partners in Art Evening (RSVP in Advance)
2025-02-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-03-19 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. Donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) with questions.
View Upcoming Meetings

RESCHEDULED: Intro to Mindful Photography Workshop
2025-02-22 13:00 - 17:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop is being rescheduled. New date TBD.
Instructor: Rainbow-Wolf Sabin
Date/Time: Saturday, February 22, 1-5pm
Cost: $70 Del Ray Artisans member / $80 Non-member; Bring your camera or smartphone
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by midnight on February 19)
“Mindful” by Rainbow-Wolf Sabin
Sometimes we get stuck in seeing the world around us from the same perspective day after day. We get caught in our routines and hustle through our days without stopping to take pause, take notice of our surroundings in a meaningful way.
Using a camera lens (any camera lens will do—including your smartphone!) we will learn to notice and observe our surroundings from new perspectives. Mindfulness has been scientifically proven to promote an overall sense of well-being in its practitioners, however sometimes more traditional practices may not always resonate, and that’s okay. Through this workshop you can explore and learn the fundamental concepts of mindfulness through a fun and creative medium! All levels of experience with both photography and mindfulness are welcome—including none! This workshop does not focus on technical photography skills, but rather the experience of viewing ourselves, our immediate surroundings, and our connections to the world at large through a new and different lens.
This program focuses on teaching the fundamentals of mindfulness through fun and creative means. It utilizes photography as a tool to explore present moment awareness, curiosity, non-judgment and gratitude while viewing the world from a new perspective. This program does not focus on technical photography skills, so participants only need a smartphone, though all photography equipment is welcome. Part of the workshop will take place outdoors if weather permits, otherwise it will be adapted to take place indoors.
Participants will need access to some kind of camera—a smartphone will suffice, works great and is strongly encouraged, though participants can bring any camera they choose to work with, or multiple camera options. This workshop will mainly be inside, but may move outside for part of the time if weather permits.
Register Now

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

STEAM-tastic: Mandalas and Meows (Ages 6-10)
2025-02-23 09:00 - 10:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Suzan Ok Shumate
Date/Time: Sunday, February 23, 9-10:30am
Cost: $10/child
Class size: 1-15 participants
(Register in advance; drop-ins allowed, space permitting.)
Students will learn about the science and culture of mindfulness, as well as how creating mandalas can help support being mindful. In addition, they will explore how our pets keep us grounded in the present moment. For the hands-on portion, students also practice drawing geometric shapes to create their own cat-themed mandala.
The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 6-10. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
Register Now

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

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

STEAM-tastic: Mandalas and Meows (Ages 10-15)
2025-02-23 10:30 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Suzan Ok Shumate
Date/Time: Sunday, February 23, 10:30am-noon
Cost: $10/child
Class size: 1-15 participants
(Register in advance; drop-ins allowed, space permitting.)
Students will learn about the science and culture of mindfulness, as well as how creating mandalas can help support being mindful. In addition, they will explore how our pets keep us grounded in the present moment. For the hands-on portion, students also practice drawing geometric shapes to create their own cat-themed mandala.
The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 10-15. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
Register Now

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

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

Member Meeting & Art Supplies Swap
2025-02-23 16:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join fellow Del Ray Artisans members for the Member Meeting & Art Supplies Swap on Sunday, February 23 starting at 4pm.
Save the date for the first member meeting of 2025. Bring the supplies you no longer need and be ready to find a treasure in other’s discards.
We’ll begin with a short meeting, and then select “new to you” art supplies. Looking forward to seeing you at the gallery!
If you have any questions, please reach out the Membership Director, Kate Gibney, at Membership@DelRayArtisans.org.

STEAM-tastic: Fairy Home in the Forest Workshop (Ages 6-12; Register ASAP)
2025-03-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor Morgan Parr
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Saturday, March 8, 10am-12pm
Cost: $25/child
Class size: 4-20 participants
(Register in advance; walk-ins welcome only if space permits)
Draw your own fairy home using markers and paint to capture even the tiniest of details.
Young artists will use picture books, drawings, and their creativity to create a 2D home for their imaginary fairies that includes variations on fairy homes, mushrooms, leaves, flowers, insects and more. All supplies included.
This workshop is for participants ages 6-12 years old. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
This workshop is held in conjunction with the Fairy Tales Around the World art exhibit.
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 kids and teens, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on craft project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic workshops are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2025 Annual Arts Program Grant.

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

Partners in Art (CANCELLED)
2025-03-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
UPDATE: The Monday, March 10, 2025 session has been cancelled. Please join us on the next scheduled date.
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

RESCHEDULED: Unleash Your Creativity: Acrylic Painting Class
2025-03-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop is being rescheduled. Please contact the Programs Director at programs@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
Instructor: Edom Alagaw, E21edomgeta@gmail.com
Date/Time: Thursday, March 13, 6-8pm
Cost: $32 Del Ray Artisans member / $42 Non-member; participants bring own supplies
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by midnight on March 11)
Join our acrylic painting class and unleash your creativity! This class is perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. You’ll learn essential techniques, such as color mixing, brushwork, and layering, while creating your own vibrant masterpiece. Our step-by-step instruction ensures a fun and supportive environment where you can explore your artistic potential. Bring your own acrylic paints and brushes and enjoy a relaxing, inspiring experience.
Materials you must bring to class:

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

Optional materials:

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

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

CANCELED: 3-D Paper Mache Fairy Tale Character Workshop (teens 16+ and adults)
2025-03-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been cancelled.
Instructor: Courtney Pippin-Mathur
Date/Time: Fridays, March 14 and March 21, 6-9pm
Cost: $50 Del Ray Artisans member / $60 Non-member; Plus $7 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by midnight on March 11)
Ever dreamed of being a witch, wizard, princess or ogre? Join this workshop to learn to create your own hand-held magical and fairy tale inspired characters. And to make it extra fun, we are doing it with paper mache! Get connected with your inner child as you get messy. Bring any favorite fairy tale inspiration to jump right in.
We start with cardboard, wire and tape to build the armature, add layers with paper mache and come back a week later to paint and add your own special details!
This two-session class is for adults and older teens (16+ years old). Each session is three hours but some students might finish early. All supplies are provided but if you have any thin cardboard you’d like to upcycle, bring it along!
This workshop is held in conjunction with the Fairy Tales Around the World art exhibit.

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

STEAM-tastic: 2-D Paper Mache Room Decoration (Ages 9-15; Register ASAP)
2025-03-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor Courtney Pippin-Mathur
Instructor: Courtney Pippin-Mathur
Date/Time: Saturdays, March 22 & March 29, 10am-1pm
Cost: $25/child
Class size: 4-12 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome if space permits)
Do you love fairy tales? Create your own fairy-tale inspired character to hang up in your room. Let your imagination run wild, from heroes who are scared, to damsels who don’t care, villains who love jelly beans, monsters who want to help and everything in between!
Bring your favorite fairy tale character ideas to get started right away. We use cardboard, paper mache and paint, so come prepared to get messy.
On day 1, you will design your fairy tale character and create your design into a paper mache wall piece. Paper mache takes a few days to dry so you will come back on the 2nd date to paint and finalize your wall piece. The sessions are three hours each, but some students might finish early. Students must be accompanied by an adult who can assist with cutting cardboard. (Only the student needs to register; there is no fee for assisting adults.)
The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 9-15 years old. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
This workshop is held in conjunction with the Fairy Tales Around the World art exhibit.
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 kids and teens, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on craft project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic workshops are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2025 Annual Arts Program Grant.

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

RESCHEDULED: Playing with Resin Workshop
2025-03-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 20.
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Sunday, March 23, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by March 20)
Learn the ins and outs of prepping for and mixing resin, and how to use it as an adhesive, a covering, or the main medium. There’s lots of creative time during this 3-hour workshop… No need to rush, which is one of the first lessons in using resin! All supplies are provided, but feel free to bring personal embellishments for your piece(s).
This workshop does not get into using dyes with resin or building big molds to create one-of-a-kind resined tables (as seen on YouTube), but this workshop will provide you with a good understanding of how resin works so you can be bold enough to take the next steps in your creative interests.
Although the class is listed for 3 hours, you can leave once you have finished your creations. Some students finish very quickly while others take the whole 3 hours to create – there is plenty of time for each person to enjoy the creative process while not feeling rushed. You’ll leave your finished masterpiece(s) to set at the gallery at the end of the workshop, and pick them up during gallery hours later in the week.
The workshop is designed for adults. Children ages 16-17 may participate with parental permission. Children ages 12-15 may participate only with a co-participating adult guardian (guardian must contact instructor in advance).

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

Advanced Resin Techniques Lecture (Register ASAP)
2025-03-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Presenter: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Monday, March 24, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $20 Del Ray Artisans member / $30 Non-member
Class size: 7-20 participants
(Register in advance; walk-ins welcome, space permitting)
Do you like working with resin but want to get a little more creative? In this class, we will discuss advanced resin techniques such as layering, tilting, building in three dimensions, adding lights, and more. The instructor will show physical examples of these techniques and discuss what to be aware of when using each technique. There will be time for questions and discussions during the class. This class will NOT cover resin dyes or pigment powder usage, but will touch on other possible additions to resin (such as glitter and alcohol inks).
You must already know how to use resin before taking this class. This is a lecture rather than a hands-on workshop, so registrants will not be creating anything during the class.
Register Now

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

Spring2ACTion 2025
2025-03-26 - 2025-04-09 | Online
Donate March 26–April 9
Starting Wednesday, March 26 through Wednesday, April 9, 2025 (Giving Day) our community comes together to support the amazing work of Alexandria nonprofits through Spring2ACTion, hosted by ACT for Alexandria. Please remember Del Ray Artisans is one of those worthy causes!
Del Ray Artisans has been promoting art for the benefit of local artists and the community since 1992. Del Ray Artisans supports the development of artists at all levels and serves as a center for thriving artistic activity in Alexandria, Virginia.
During Spring2ACTion, please show your support for Del Ray Artisans’ exhibits, programs, youth and outreach activities which help members of our community grow as individuals and as artists.
If you are in a position to do so, please donate to Del Ray Artisans nonprofit today. Other ways to support:

Buy artwork from local artists during our exhibits or from members’ websites.
Share our Spring2ACTion fundraising page with your network. Crowdsourcing adds up, and we absolutely appreciate every single donation and shout-out.
Register for a Creative Workshop or attend an upcoming Creative Program. Learn something new and have fun!

Please consider a tax-deductible donation and spread the word to friends and family. Every donation is appreciated. Thank you for supporting the arts!
Donate March 26–April 9
