Del Ray Artisans

UFO: UnFinished prOjects (Register ASAP; Walk-ins Welcome)
2025-06-08 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Coordinator: Amy Castine
Date/Time: Sunday, June 8, 6-9pm
Cost: $15 Del Ray Artisans member / $25 Non-member
Class size: 6-24 participants
(Register to save your seat; Walk-ins welcome, space permitting)
Do you have an unfinished art project that you want to get done but haven’t made time for it yet? Then this is for you! Grab your art project and supplies, come on down to Del Ray Artisans, and socialize with others while you work on or finish your project.
DRA will provide small snacks, water, glue (Elmer’s and glue sticks), tape, pens, and scissors – you bring whatever else you need.
Although we’d love to see everyone, workspace is limited so please only bring projects that can fit on a table shared with 3 other people AND that is not too messy, time-consuming, or sensory-sensitive.
Register Now

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

Partners in Art (FULL)
2025-06-09 14:00 - 16:00, 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

Intro to Acrylic Paint Pour Workshop (Register ASAP)
2025-06-09 18:30 - 20:30
Instructor: Ditas Katague
Date/Time: Monday, June 9, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $15 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register in advance)
Join us for a creative journey into acrylic “dirty pour” technique! In this 2-hour workshop at Del Ray Artisans, you’ll learn the art of creating mesmerizing abstract paintings using the fluidity of acrylic paints. Ditas Katague, local painter, jewelry maker and yoga instructor will guide you through the layered cup “dirty pouring” method, to achieve stunning, one-of-a-kind artworks.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your pouring skills, this workshop offers a relaxed and supportive environment for exploration and creativity.
Option: Finish off your masterpiece by also registering for the Resin Your Canvas or Panel Workshop taught by Tracy Wilkerson on Monday, June 16, 6:30-8:30pm and save $10 when you sign up for both at the same time!
You’ll leave your finished artwork to set at the gallery at the end of the workshop, and pick it up during gallery hours later in the week. If you are planning to resin your art during Tracy Wilkerson’s workshop on June 16, you can leave the piece there for the resin workshop.
This 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: La Siréne: Bead Embroidery Workshop
2025-06-12 18:00 - 21:00
Instructor:Amy Castine
Date/Time: Thursdays, June 12th and 19th, 6-9pm
Cost: $90 Del Ray Artisans member / $100 Non-member; plus $15 supply fee
Class size: 4-8 participants
(Register by June 9 – No walk-ins allowed)
As summer approaches, many peoples’ thoughts are filled with warm afternoons lounging by the sea. If this visual calls to your inner mermaid, we have just the creative class for you.
Please join us for La Siréne, an intermediate bead embroidery class. In this class, you will learn beaded backstitch stitch and brick stitch edging as you make your very own mermaid tail. If you are already comfortable with backstitch, you can learn how to add a beautiful coil border to your work.
We will meet in two class sessions (June 12 and June 19) allowing you to practice the stitches and to complete your personalized mermaid tail.

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

Resin Your Canvas or Panel Workshop (Register ASAP)
2025-06-16 18:30 - 20:30
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson
Date/Time: Monday, June 16, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $20 Del Ray Artisans member / $30 Non-member; plus a $15 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-12 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome, space permitting)
Do you have a canvas or panel (up to 12 x 12 inches) that you want to cover with resin? Then sign up for this class! You will learn the basics of resin and then mix the resin and cover your piece. You’ll leave your finished artwork to set at the gallery at the end of the workshop, and pick them up during gallery hours later in the week.
Option: First take the Acrylic Paint Pour Workshop with Ditas Katague on Monday, June 9, 6:30-8:30pm, and then come to this workshop to resin your masterpiece! Save $10 when you sign up for both workshops at the same time. Register by June 6 for this discount.
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.

Figure Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2025-06-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-06-24 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-08-05 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

Partners in Art Evening (RSVP in Advance)
2025-06-18 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

CANCELED: Pirate Ships and Mermaids Workshop
2025-06-21 10:00 - 12:00
This workshop has been canceled.
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Saturday, June 21, 10am-12pm
Cost: $30 Del Ray Artisans member / $40 Non-member; plus a $5 Supply Fee
Class size: 3-15 participants
(Register by June 18)
Create your own textured paper to make a pirate ship seascape or a mermaid. We will create a seascape, including a pirate ship collage, using cardboard, paper, and crayons.
While geared towards a younger audience, all ages and experience levels are welcome to join in this whimsical family-friendly adventure.

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

CANCELED: Make a Maritime Mobile Workshop
2025-06-22 18:00 - 21:00
This workshop has been canceled.
Instructor: Susan Fitter Harris
Date/Time: Sunday, June 22, 6-9pm
Cost: $35 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 Non-member; Plus $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 5-10 participants
(Register by June 19)
In this three-hour workshop, we will take to the seas with a variety of ocean creatures that you can turn into a kinetic sculpture all on your own. You will be able to select and decorate pre-cut wooden shapes and then learn the basics of how to construct a mobile with their artwork. We will explain how to start building your mobile from the bottom up and find the right balance as you add each new piece.
All supplies are included in the supply fee, but you may bring your own wire bending pliers, if you have them.

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

Nature Journaling Club 2025
2025-06-28 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

Tea & Herbs with Area 2 Farms (RSVP)
2025-06-28 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

First Thursday: Rummage Sale Preview 6:30-8pm
2025-07-03 18:30 - 20:00
Join us inside Del Ray Artisans gallery on the “Red, White, And Bloom” First Thursday (July 3, 6:30-8pm) for our rummage sale preview and check out our selection of red, white, and blooming floral items! The rummage sale is a fundraiser for our nonprofit. Browsing is free of charge and all ages are welcome.
Visit again on Saturday and Sunday, July 5-6, 8am-1pm for the huge rummage sale. Great deals on household items, clothing, office supplies, jewelry, toys, books, sports equipment, handheld tools, small appliances, and more. Support Del Ray Artisans and go home with new-to-you treasures!
Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September. In July there will not be an exhibit on display during First Thursday. Save the dates for our Youth Art Camp exhibits: Saturdays, July 19 and July 26, from 1-3pm.

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.

Figure Drawing Bootcamp (6pm–10pm/day)
2025-07-07 - 2025-07-11
Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 11
6pm–10pm each day
Register Now
Del Ray Artisans is offering an instructional 5-day Figure Drawing Bootcamp. Each evening we will be honing our skills in composition, anatomy, mark making, and portraiture by studying the body through dynamic and long pose life drawing and activities. Each evening features a new model and new lessons, ensuring an engaging experience for artists at any stage of their journey. Can’t attend every evening? Get a one-day pass!
$200/week – Del Ray Artisans member
$250/week – Non-member
$55/day – Del Ray Artisans member
$65/day – Non-member
Immerse yourself in a creative environment, fostering both artistic expression and community. Whether you are drawing with traditional media or digitally, our bootcamp will have plenty to challenge you!
General Overview of Daily Instruction:

Day 1: Tools, starting your drawing, and composition
Day 2: Backgrounds, mark making, structure
Day 3: Intro to perspective and getting unstuck while drawing
Day 4: Why anatomy matters + advanced shadow/light and mark making
Day 5: Contrast, how to make final marks + portrait lessons

Supplies: Bring your own supplies or purchase our $30 supply kit (optional). The kit will provide you with a basic set of tools to get started including newsprint, charcoal, fine art paper, and pastels.
If you’d like to bring your own supplies, we recommend:

1 pad of Newsprint (preferably 14″ x 16″ or 18″ x 24″)
Charcoal (a variety of vine, compressed, pencils, and/or sticks)
Grey and/or Tan Toned Drawing Paper (for longer poses)
Rags/Blending stumps/Paper towels
Kneaded & Solid Erasers
Or anything you currently feel comfortable drawing with
Clipboards/Easels are welcome! (We will provide small tv trays for participants.)
Note: No oil paint during these sessions due to fumes. Dry media, acrylic paints, and watercolor are allowed.

Questions? Contact Figure Drawing Coordinator, Brando Gould at lifedrawing@delrayartisans.org. View scenes from last year’s bootcamp: Figure Drawing Bootcamp 2024.
Register Now

Art Camp 2025 (Choose July 14–18 or July 21–25)
2025-07-14 - 2025-07-25
Register Now
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
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.

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.

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
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.
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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.
