Partners in Art (FULL)
2025-04-07 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-05 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | 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

Unleash Your Creativity: Acrylic Painting Class (Register ASAP)
2025-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Edom Alagaw, E21edomgeta@gmail.com
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 9, 6-8pm
Cost: $32 Del Ray Artisans member / $42 Non-member; participants bring own supplies
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register in advance; walk-ins welcome only if space permits)
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.

Register Now

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

Creative Book Club: “Falling Rocket: James Whistler, John Ruskin, and the Battle for Modern Art” by Paul Thomas Murphy
2025-04-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Book: “Falling Rocket: James Whistler, John Ruskin, and the Battle for Modern Art” by Paul Thomas Murphy
Facilitator: Marshall Carolus
Meeting Date: Saturday, April 12, 10am-12pm
(Drop-in, set a reminder in Eventbrite)
“The untold story of the artistic battle between James Abbot MacNeill Whistler and John Ruskin over Whistler’s controversial, ground-breaking Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket.
“In November 1878, America’s greatest painter sued England’s greatest critic for a bad review. The painter won—but ruined himself in the process. The painter: James Abbot MacNeill Whistler, whose combination of incredible talent, unflagging energy, and relentless self-promotion had by that time brought him to the very edge of artistic preeminence. The critic: John Ruskin, Slade Professor of Art at Oxford University, whose four-decades’ worth of prolific and highly respected literary output on aesthetics had made him England’s unchallenged and seemingly unchallengeable arbiter of art.
“Though Whistler and Ruskin both lived in London and moved in the same artistic world, they had, until June, 1877, managed to remain entirely clear of one another. This was unusual because Whistler had a mercurial temperament, a belligerent personality, and seemed to thrive on opposition: he once challenged a man to a duel because the man accused the painter of sleeping with his wife. (Whistler had, in fact, slept with the man’s wife.)”
—Excerpt from Pegasus Books, 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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Del Ray Urban Sketchers 2025
2025-04-13 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-11 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-08 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets the second Sunday of 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

Figure Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2025-04-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-04-22 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-06 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-20 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

Partners in Art Evening (RSVP in Advance)
2025-04-16 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-21 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: Playing with Resin Workshop (New date 5/11)
2025-04-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been rescheduled to Sunday, May 11, 6-9pm.
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Sunday, April 20, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by April 17)
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.

CANCELLED: Create an Art Inventory System in Excel (Register by 4/18)
2025-04-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been cancelled.
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Monday, April 21, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; Bring items listed below
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by April 18)
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!

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

Everlasting Paper Blooms Workshop (Register ASAP)
2025-04-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Jill Welch, contact@fairydusted.com
Date/Time: Thursday, April 24, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $75 Del Ray Artisans member / $85 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-18 participants
(Register by April 23)
Make your own everlasting paper blooms! Take a deep breath, tap into your creativity, and rejuvenate your spirit in this hands-on workshop, where you’ll learn how to craft stunning, long-lasting paper flowers using simple materials. Starting with a flat sheet of high-quality European crepe paper, you’ll sculpt beautiful artistic blooms that will last.
No prior crafting experience is necessary—if you can cut, color, and follow instructions, you’ll leave with a gorgeous creation and the skills to continue your paper flower-making journey. By the end, you’ll have at least one beautiful bloom to take home, along with the skills and supplies to create a small bouquet.
Skills you’ll leave with: 1) How to cut, shape and color crepe paper into petals; 2) How to cut and wire leaves for added details; and 3) Tips on adding artistic details and dimension to your blooms.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just wanting to unwind and refresh, this workshop is perfect for everyone.
Register Now

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

STEAM-tastic: Make art inspired by Alma Thomas at Dragon Fest, George Mason Elementary
2025-04-25 17:00 - 20:00 | George Mason Elementary School, 2601 Cameron Mills Rd, Alexandria, VA, 22302, United States
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Friday, April 25, 5-8pm
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
(Drop-in, this is a self-paced activity)
Make your own 5×5-inch artwork inspired by Alma Thomas at Del Ray Artisans’ youth art activity booth at Dragon Fest at George Mason Elementary (2601 Cameron Mills Rd, Alexandria VA).
Alma Thomas’ art was kindled by what she saw around her and used circles, stripes and dashes to create brilliantly colored works of art. New York City’s art museum, The Whitney, featured her Paintings of Earth and Space in the first solo show by a black woman, and she spent most of her life working with and teaching youth about art.

STEAM-tastic @ DRA – Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic program is made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2025 Annual Arts Program Grant and through a generous donation supporting youth art programs from Genesis Inspiration Foundation.

Nature Journaling Club 2025
2025-04-26 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Practiced by artists and naturalists alike, nature journaling is a centuries-old exercise in refining our powers of observation, appreciation for nature, drawing skills, and mindful presence. This group is open to all experience levels as we meet to sketch, connect, and learn together!
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

Neurographic Art Workshop (Register ASAP)
2025-04-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Saturday, April 26, 10am-noon
Cost: $20 Del Ray Artisans member / $30 Non-member; plus $5 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-25 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome if space permits)
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.

Courtney LeBlanc, Book Launch
2025-04-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join Courtney LeBlanc, Arlington Poet Laureate, for the launch party celebrating her new book, Her Dark Everything, on Saturday, April 26 from 7-9pm. This event is for adults only.

First Thursday: Make art inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe 6:30-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2025-05-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
April showers bring May Day flowers at Del Ray Artisans. Join us for a free, artful, family-friendly activity from 6:30-8:00pm on First Thursday, May 1. Artist Morgan Parr will be exploring the floral expressions of iconic American artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Make your own pretty-in-pastel picture for your home art gallery.
To celebrate this Dog Days in Del Ray First Thursday, humans and dogs are welcome to a sneak peek of the totally terrific Alexandria City High School Titan Student Exhibition. There will be treats available for your canine companions inside the gallery too!
Make art inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe activity (Photo courtesy of Morgan Parr)

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 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Jump into Summer)
July 3, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Red, White and Blue (Gallery is closed)
August 7, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Del Ray Olympics)
September 4, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Saddle Up)

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

STEAM-tastic: Analogous Watercolor Leaves (Ages 6-12)
2025-05-03 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, May 3, 10am-12pm
Cost: $25/child
Class size: 3-15 participants
(Register in advance; walk-ins allowed, space permitting.)
Georgia O’Keeffe’s style of large-scale flowers, trees, and leaves that used distortion were inspired by her summer vacations to New Mexico. These beautifully colored leaves are sure to brighten up your home. Join us while we practice drawing organic shapes to create curvy oak leaves while learning about Color Theory and the amazing pioneer of modern art: Georgia O’Keeffe. 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.

RESCHEDULED: Playing with Resin Workshop
2025-05-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been rescheduled to Sunday, August 10th.
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Sunday, May 11, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by May 8)
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.

CANCELED: STEAM-tastic: Have a Voice - Poster for the Planet! (Ages 6-10)
2025-05-18 09:00 - 10:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor Ruth Furpahs
Instructor: Ruth Furpahs
Date/Time: Sunday, May 18, 9-10:30am
Cost: $20/child
Class size: 1-15 participants
(Register by May 14)
Create a poster with a Punch! To honor the earth, create a poster emphasizing an environmental problem and/or solution. These may be from personal experience or from any background knowledge you may have. Also the instructor will share some of the leading environmental issues today to help with ideas. Before this workshop, you can research topics or imagery (on a non-copyrighted site such as Unsplash).
Let’s hear your voice – create a poster with a positive solution to an environmental issue of today! Using colored soft pastels, markers, and other drawing materials you will create a poster that you can display in your home or post online for family and friends to see.
Participants will learn how to focus on craftsmanship, understand the use of color to create a poster and more about the principles and elements of art and design.
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.

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.

CANCELED: STEAM-tastic: Have a Voice - Poster for the Planet! (Ages 11-17)
2025-05-18 11:00 - 12:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor Ruth Furpahs
Instructor: Ruth Furpahs
Date/Time: Sunday, May 18, 11am-12:30pm
Cost: $20/child
Class size: 1-15 participants
(Register by May 14)
Create a poster with a Punch! To honor the earth, create a poster emphasizing an environmental problem and/or solution. These may be from personal experience or from any background knowledge you may have. Also the instructor will share some of the leading environmental issues today to help with ideas. Before this workshop, you can research topics or imagery (on a non-copyrighted site such as Unsplash).
Let’s hear your voice – create a poster with a positive solution to an environmental issue of today! Using colored soft pastels, markers, and other drawing materials you will create a poster that you can display in your home or post online for family and friends to see.
Participants will learn how to focus on craftsmanship, understand the use of color to create a poster and more about the principles and elements of art and design.
The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 11-17. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.

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.

Spring Member Meeting & Benefit Program: Prepping Your Artwork for Success
2025-05-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
On Sunday, May 18 starting at 4pm, join your fellow Del Ray Artisans members for the spring member meeting and this FREE member benefit program to find out how you can prepare to show your work successfully at Del Ray Artisans and beyond.
Many art galleries will refuse to accept artwork that is poorly wired, incorrectly framed, or otherwise not finished professionally. Why risk losing your entry fee for something that is so easily within your control? Come to this program to learn tips and tricks for successful finishing! In addition, you’ll learn how to prep files ahead of time, including creating and maintaining your artist bio, building an inventory database of all your pieces, and keeping a photo library. When you have everything properly set up, you can respond to calls for entry whenever they pop up, even if the deadline is tomorrow (or today)!
The event will begin with a brief meeting and include light refreshments. If you would like to contribute refreshments (thank you!), please reach out to the Membership Director, Kara Macek, at Membership@DelRayArtisans.org.
We look forward to seeing you at the gallery!

Figure Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2025-06-03 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 $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

First Thursday: Create Pop Art featuring Washington Sports Teams 6:30-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2025-06-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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. Plus enjoy the current art exhibit! Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September.
On the June 5th “Rep Your Team” First Thursday, come to Del Ray Artisans to create pop art featuring Washington sports teams. Choose a template featuring the team logos for the Capitals, Commanders, DC United, Mystics, Nationals, Spirit, or Wizards—or draw your own!
The activity is inspired by renowned pop art artist Andy Warhol, including his piece “The Great One” featuring Wayne Gretzky. Select the Washington Capitals template to honor our own “Great” 8, Alex Ovechkin, and celebrate his recent triumph of surpassing Gretzky as the all-time highest goal scoring player in the NHL.
Drop-in; all ages and skill levels welcome.

Create your own Washington Capitals Pop Art on First Thursday (June 5, 2025)
“The Great One” (Wayne Gretzky) by Andy Warhol
“The Cubist Captain” (Alex Ovechkin) by Kelly MacConomy

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.

RESCHEDULED to 8/2: Ceramic Turtle Workshop (Adults & Youth ages 13+)
2025-06-07 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshops has been rescheduled to August 2nd.
Instructor: Diana Manchak
Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 8-12 participants
(Register by midnight on June 4)
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.

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