Del Ray Artisans

Figure Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2025-05-06 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-20 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | 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

Del Ray Urban Sketchers 2025
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

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!

Partners in Art Evening (RSVP in Advance)
2025-05-21 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-06-18 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

Nature Journaling Club 2025
2025-05-31 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-28 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

Figure Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2025-06-03 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-06-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-06-24 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.

Intro to Mindful Photography Workshop (Register ASAP)
2025-06-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Rainbow-Wolf Sabin
Date/Time: Sunday, June 8, 1-4pm
Cost: $60 Del Ray Artisans member / $80 Non-member; Bring your camera or smartphone
Class size: 4-12 participants
(Register by June 5)
“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.

UFO: UnFinished prOjects (Register ASAP; Walk-ins Welcome)
2025-06-08 18:00 - 21:00 | 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 | 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

Intro to Acrylic Paint Pour Workshop (Register ASAP)
2025-06-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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.

CANCELED: Pirate Ships and Mermaids Workshop
2025-06-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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.

Tea & Herbs with Area 2 Farms (RSVP)
2025-06-28 13:00 - 14:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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Del Ray Artisans invites young campers ages 8-12 years old for “Brushes & Beyond” Summer Art Camp to spend a week creating art with professional local artist instruction. Students will have an immersive creative journey, including painting, sculpting, journaling, and STEAM-tastic activities that celebrate science and art. During nice weather, kids will even have outdoors time to get fresh air, unwind, and replenish their creative energy. All artist supplies are provided. Students must bring their own lunches.
Choose Week One (July 14–18) or Week Two (July 21–25).
Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm.
For Ages: 8-12 (class size limited to 15 children per week)
Cost: $350 per child
Scholarship support is available; contact Gallery@DelRayArtisans.org for an application.
There will also be a special, one-day only, gallery show on the Saturday following camp (July 19 for week one campers and July 26 for week two campers) to show off students’ work. The reception is from 1-3pm and is a great chance for campers, family, and friends to talk to the camp coordinators and other students about their experience. Thank you to MCD Mateos McDonald’s for their generous donation of reception refreshments.
Art Camp will be at the Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301. The gallery is accessible. For more information, contact Morgan Parr (Art Camp Administrator) at ArtCamp@DelRayArtisans.org, Sandra Alami (Youth Programs Director) at Youth@DelRayArtisans.org and Anna Sherlock (Office Manager) at Gallery@DelRayArtisans.org.
Registration
Choose one of the following schedule options:

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

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

Walk-ins are NOT allowed. You must register in advance. Cost is $350/child. Your application is not complete until the registration form is filled out, payment is received, and your schedule choice is confirmed by the Youth Programs Director, Art Camp Administrator, or Office Manager. You may pay with cash, check, or credit card at the gallery or by credit card online (instructions in the application).
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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.
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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 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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.
