ONLINE: Creative Revival – A 10-Week Course on The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
2022-03-28 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-04-04 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-04-11 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-04-18 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-04-25 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-05-02 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-05-09 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-05-16 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) and 1 more date | Online
Workshop: Creative Revival – A 10-Week Course on The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Date/Time: Mondays from 6-7:30pm, March 21 through May 23 (10 weeks total)
Instructor: Sharon Burton
Cost: $145 Del Ray Artisans member / $155 Non-member
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by midnight on March 19)
Need to jump start your creativity? Creative Revival is a 10-week course based on The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. The program is focused on identifying and removing creative blocks, fostering confidence and creating a community with other creatives with similar goals and interests. Every week we will meet to discuss each chapter of the book, encourage daily “morning pages” practice, share Artist’s Dates, and engage in other exercises that will foster creativity.
Everyone will also have an opportunity to receive a complimentary one hour individual creativity coaching session with the facilitator, a certified creativity coach, to focus on specific areas regarding their creativity practice. A private web portal will also be available for participants to share thoughts and network with other participants.
The course will be held online via Zoom on Mondays from 6-7:30pm, starting March 21 through May 23, 2022. Participants will need a copy of the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and a dedicated journal for the morning pages.
Register Now

About the Instructor: Sharon J. Burton is an artist, art curator, and creativity coach and Founder of Spark Your Creative based in the Washington, DC area. Sharon is a collage and mixed media visual artist and has shown her work in exhibitions in the Metropolitan DC area and across the country since 2006. As a creativity coach she infuses her coaching with wellness practices to help her clients break through the blocks that prevent them from fully engaging in their creative potential. Sharon is certified by the Creativity Coaching Association as a creativity coach, a Divine Sleep yoga nidra guide and in breathwork and meditation. You can learn more about her artwork at sjbcreativeart.com and her creativity coaching practice at sparkyourcreative.com

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

Gel Print Making Workshop: Recycled Edition
2022-04-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Eileen M. O’BrienDate/Time: Sunday, April 3, 2022 from 6-9pmCost: $40 for DRA members and $50 for non-members; plus $10 supply feeClass Size: 4-10 participants(Register by midnight on April 1)
Printmaking with a gel plate is a fun and easy way to create prints that can be beautiful collage papers or stand on their own. Participants will learn how to pull prints from gel plates using different papers and paints. Recycled items from around the house, along with stamps, stencils, and natural elements, will be used to create amazing prints.
Plate kits will be provided for class use only, but take-home kits will be available for purchase for $20 at the class. All other materials will be supplied, but participants may bring their own as well. Participants will create several pieces in just three hours!
Face masks are required during this workshop.
Register Now

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

Partners in Art (FULL)
2022-04-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The ONLINE afternoon program is FULL; do not drop-in. The April 4th meeting will be the second in-person meeting of 2022.

If you would like to join the evening program that is currently sharing feedback via email and/or in person, 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 1-3 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.
This event will be an online meeting through the Zoom platform. Current afternoon program participants will receive a reminder of the meeting with the Zoom information in advance of the meeting.
View Upcoming Meetings

Del Ray Urban Sketchers (Free)
2022-04-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2022-05-15 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join us at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub on the second* Sunday of the month from 1-3pm!
Urban Sketchbooking emphasizes storytelling that conveys a sense of place or a moment in time through drawings completed from direct observations.
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and typically meets the second Sunday of each month. 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.
“Working Out (St. Elmo’s)” by Cathy Messina
Please wear a face mask. 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.
*PLEASE NOTE: In May 2022, we will meet on the third Sunday of the month. No meeting in July, August, and December.

View Upcoming Dates

CANCELLED: Intro to Moth Pinning Workshop
2022-04-10 18:00 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been cancelled.
Instructor: Justin ToroneDate: Sunday, April 10, 2022 from 6-8:30pmCost: $35 for Del Ray Artisans members and $50 for non-members, plus a $25 supply feeClass size: 10-14 participants(Register by midnight on April 1)
Learn the art of insect pinning! This is a hands-on class by Rest in Pieces owner Justin Torone. Learn how to rehydrate, spread, and pin your very own Day Flying Moth (Alcides orontes). This is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge on this meticulous craft.
All necessary supplies will be provided. You will leave at the end of the class with your own pinned specimen. Class end times are approximate. Specimens will require a drying period prior to mounting them either in the frame provided by us, or the vessel of your choosing. Instructions on finishing your specimen will be given at the end of the class and in a take home sheet.
Participants may bring collage materials if desired for their backgrounds. From 6-6:30pm participants may prepare a collage background for their moths. This self-directed time is optional. The insect pinning instruction begins at 6:30pm.
Ages 16+ or 12+ accompanied by an adult. Face masks and proof of vaccination are required for this workshop and will be reviewed by the instructor.
Register Now
NOTE FROM THE INSTRUCTOR: Our insects are farm raised. In order to maintain populations, females are brought in from the wild to lay their eggs inside a lofty enclosed habitat. This process keeps her and her babies safe from disease, parasites and predators. A female butterfly is able to lay thousands of eggs and the chance of survival dramatically increases by giving them a safe space to do so! Once they reach adulthood, most of them are released back into the wild to supplement the native populations. When the time comes and the insect passes, most will be used to further DNA, evolution, mutation and disease studies. The others will be sold to museums, universities and stores like us. The money generated from these specimens help keep the operations running, so you can feel good about your purchase!

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

Spring2ACTion 2022
2022-04-13 - 2022-04-27 | Online
Donate April 13–27
Starting Wednesday, April 13 through Wednesday, April 27, 2022 (Giving Day) our community comes together to support the amazing work of Alexandria nonprofits through Spring2ACTion, hosted by ACT for Alexandria. Please remember Del Ray Artisans is one of those worthy causes!
Del Ray Artisans has been promoting art for the benefit of local artists and the community since 1992. This year marks our 30th anniversary! Del Ray Artisans supports the development of artists at all levels and serves as a center for thriving artistic activity in Alexandria, Virginia.
During Spring2ACTion 2022, please give your support to Del Ray Artisans’ exhibits, programs, youth and outreach activities which help members of our community grow as individuals and as artists. Funds are needed for mission-driven in-person and virtual exhibits and programs.
If you are in a position to do so, please donate to Del Ray Artisans nonprofit today. Other ways to support:

Buy artwork from local artists in the Second Life art exhibit at the gallery or from members websites.
Designate Del Ray Artisans as your AmazonSmile charity of choice, or order your BLICK art materials through this link and Del Ray Artisans will receive a donation from BLICK.
Share our Spring2ACTion fundraising page with your network. Crowdsourcing adds up, and we absolutely appreciate every single donation.

Plus attend these special events during Spring2ACTion:

Join us for our Facebook Live events to celebrate Del Ray Artisans nonprofit arts organization. Watch live at facebook.com/DelRayArtisans

Wednesday, April 13 at 8:30pm – Interview with Tracy Wilkerson, curator of the Second Life art exhibit. Tracy Wilkerson is a professional art events organizer who also arrange for many special events at Del Ray Artisans this month!
Wednesday, April 20 at 8:30pm – Interview with Barbara Januszkiewicz, juror of the upcoming Drips, Lines, Splatters, and Splash: A Celebration of the Washington Color School art exhibit. Barbara Januszkiewicz is a prominent Washington area painter and studied with two well-known members of the Washington Color School, Paul Reed and Hilda Thorpe.

Jewelry Fix-it Nite is on Thursday, April 14 (in half-hour appointments from 6:30-8:30pm). Register in advance, bring in 1-3 jewelry items that need fixing, tip your jewelry repair artist and consider a Spring2ACTion donation to Del Ray Artisans. (See details)
Earth Day Movie Nite is on Friday, April 22 starting at 7:30pm. Come see 2 cautionary (but exciting) movies, sitting in a gallery filled with artwork made with recycled materials. Spacing is limited; please register in advance to save your seat. (See details)
Plus check out our upcoming Creative Workshops! Register in advance for workshops. (View workshops)

Please consider a tax-deductible donation and spread the word to friends and family. Every donation is appreciated. Thank you for supporting the arts!
Donate April 13–27

Jewelry Fix-It Nite
2022-04-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Organizer: Tracy WilkersonDate/Time: Thursday, April 14, 2022 from 6:30-8:30pm (in half-hour appointments)
Do you have a bracelet/necklace/earrings that need fixing? Maybe your piece is missing a clasp or a hook or needs to be longer or shorter. If so, mark April 14 between 6:30-8:30pm on your calendar and RSVP.
Here’s how it works:

Register for a half-hour appointment.
Bring in 1-3 jewelry items that need fixing. Attending jewelers work in sterling silver – they can fix a gold piece, although the replacement clasp or loop will not be in gold.
You will be paired with one of our on-site jewelry artists who will quickly assess what your item needs and repair it. If the piece cannot be repaired on Fix-It Nite, the artist will discuss repair options. You can then choose to commission them to fix your piece for delivery at a later date.
Tip your jewelry repair artist.
Enjoy wearing your jewelry again!

Registration: This event is free to the public but you must register for a half-hour appointment to help maintain an even flow of people throughout the evening.
Tip/Donation: While this event is free to you, please plan on tipping the artist who fixes your jewelry. These jewelers are supplying their materials and tools in addition to their time and expertise for this event. We ask that you tip artists in cash. Please also consider making a donation to Del Ray Artisans nonprofit online, through Spring2ACTion, or at the event.
Face masks are required during this event.
Register Now

Playing with Resin Workshop
2022-04-17 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Tracy WilkersonDate/Time: Sunday, April 17, 2022 from 6-9pmCost: $40 for Del Ray Artisans Members and $50 for non-members, plus a $10 supply feeClass size: 6-12 participants(Register by April 14; do not drop-in)
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!
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).
Face masks are required during this workshop.
Register Now

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

VIA EMAIL and/or IN-PERSON: Partners in Art Evening
2022-04-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2022-05-24 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 (choose to participate via email or in-person) BEFORE the day of the meeting. Face masks must be worn by all while visiting the gallery.
This program is free, but donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) with questions.
View Upcoming Meetings

First Thursday FREE Paper Craft Project 6-9pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2022-04-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6-9pm on the first Thursday of the month (April through September).
Visit Del Ray Artisans gallery (open 12-9pm on First Thursdays) for a peek at the art exhibit. Come to our outdoor activity (6-9pm) each First Thursday:

The theme on April 21, 2022 (postponed from April 7 due to the weather) is Books on Parade! Del Ray Artisans along with Upcycle invite you to join us for First Thursday for this fun upcycled paper project. Choose to make a feather or flower from craft paper, book pages or old comic books. Plus see the Second Life art exhibit featuring art made with at least 50% recycled materials!

The theme on May 5, 2022 is Dog Days in Del Ray. We’ll be “Making Art Splash!” Come create a “Washington Color Rule-the-School” canvas in Colasanto Park outside the gallery and recreate a Gene Davis Stripe Sidewalk Painting in conjunction with the upcoming art exhibit: Drips, Lines, Splatters, and Splash: A Celebration of the Washington Color School

June – Unmask Your Inner Superhero
July – Red, White, & Blue
August – Aloha Thursday
September – Show Your Spirit

Earth Day Movie Nite
2022-04-22 19:30 - 23:59 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Organizer: Tracy WilkersonDate/Time: Friday, April 22, 2022 – 7:30pm to 12:30amTheater Size: 4-14 movie goers(Register in Advance)
What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to watch 2 cautionary (but exciting) movies, sitting in a gallery filled with artwork made with recycled materials?!? Join us at Del Ray Artisans on Friday, April 22 for our movie marathon featuring The Core and Day After Tomorrow. Stop in for the first movie or stay for both!
There is no fee for this event, but donations to Del Ray Artisans nonprofit are encouraged (online, through Spring2ACTion, or at the event). Chairs are provided so bring your own drink and popcorn, as well as a small something to share with other movie-goers (these items will go on a movie snack table for all viewers to enjoy).

7:30pm – get to the gallery, find your spot, prep your movie snacks, and chat with other movie-goers
7:45pm – watch The Core (PG-13) – run time 2:15
10pm – short break, more chatting, prep more movie snacks
10:15pm – watch The Day After Tomorrow (PG-13) – run time 2:04

Face masks are recommended inside the gallery. Spacing is limited; please register in advance to save your seat. Movies are not suitable for young children.
Register Now

Beginning Relief Printmaking Workshop
2022-04-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Ellen RosenthalDate: Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 9am-12pmCost: $15 for Del Ray Artisans members / $25 for non-membersClass size: 3-10 participants(Register by April 13)
Learn how to make fine art original relief block prints. This 3-hour class will teach the basics to get you started making relief block prints. This involves carving a design into a block of some material like wood or latex, inking it, and then applying paper to make the print. This workshop is designed for beginners (ages 16+) and those who want to reconnect with block printing. Please bring all the materials listed below.
The materials and supplies are all available from various ONLINE vendors, such as Blick Art Supplies (see “DRA Printmaking 2022” wish list), Amazon, or Plaza Art. Please be aware that due to the current delivery slowdowns, you will need to order any supplies at least 10 days in advance. If you have any questions or concerns about supplies, email the instructor at efrosevalley@gmail.com.
Students should bring:

Speedball Block Printing Starter Kit—includes brayer, lino handle and cutters, and Speedy Carve block. (Blick or Amazon)
Speedball Water Soluble Block Printing Ink Starter Set—6 colors with satiny finish 1.25 tubes, water-soluble inks. (Blick or Amazon—If you don’t want the full starter set, at least purchase a tube of brown and a tube of purple ink.)
Drawing paper, approx 8.5 x 11 inches. Suggested: Strathmore 400 Series Sketch paper pad 9 x 12 inches (Blick or Amazon)
Strathmore printmaking paper:

Strathmore 333-11 300 Series Printmaking, Lightweight, 11 x 14 inches, 30 sheets (Amazon) OR
Strathmore 400 Series Printmaking Paper – 8″ x 10″, 20 Sheets (Blick)

Additional printmaking paper:

Ucreate Printmaking Paper, 9″x12″, White, 100 Sheet (Amazon) OR
Speedball Printmaster Paper Pads – 9″ x 12″, 50 Sheets (Blick)

Speedball Bench Hook and Inking Plate for Block Printing, 9 x 7 inches (Blick or Amazon)
Pencil for drawing
Art Envelope or mesh bag to take artwork home (Blick or Amazon)
Smock or apron (Water soluble ink should wash off clothing, but may not from certain fabrics.)
Paper towels
Roll of wax paper
Stack of newspapers (if possible)

Face masks are required during this workshop.
Register Now

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

First Thursday "Making Art Splash!" Activity 6-9pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2022-05-05 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
We’ll be “Making Art Splash!” outside the gallery from 6-9pm. Come create a “Washington Color Rule-the-School” canvas and recreate a Gene Davis Stripe Sidewalk Painting.
Inside the gallery (open 12-9pm) get a sneak peek of the upcoming art exhibit: Drips, Lines, Splatters, and Splash: A Celebration of the Washington Color School.
Photo credit: “Splatters on the Avenue” during Art on the Avenue 2021, photograph courtesy of Kelly and Scott MacConomy

Del Ray celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6-9pm on the first Thursday of the month (April through September).
Visit Del Ray Artisans gallery (open 12-9pm on First Thursdays) for a peek at the art exhibit. Come to our outdoor activity (6-9pm) each First Thursday:

The theme on April 21, 2022 (postponed from April 7 due to the weather) is Books on Parade! Del Ray Artisans along with Upcycle invite you to join us for First Thursday for this fun upcycled paper project. Choose to make a feather or flower from craft paper, book pages or old comic books. Plus see the Second Life art exhibit featuring art made with at least 50% recycled materials!

The theme on May 5, 2022 is Dog Days in Del Ray. We’ll be “Making Art Splash!” Come create a “Washington Color Rule-the-School” canvas in Colasanto Park outside the gallery and recreate a Gene Davis Stripe Sidewalk Painting in conjunction with the upcoming art exhibit: Drips, Lines, Splatters, and Splash: A Celebration of the Washington Color School

June – Unmask Your Inner Superhero
July – Red, White, and Blue
August – Aloha Thursday
September – Show Your Spirit

Spring Art Market 2022 (Outdoor on 5/7, RAIN or SHINE!)
2022-05-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Colasanto Park (outside Del Ray Artisans Gallery), 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
UPDATE: Due to the weather the market will be ending early (approx 2pm).
Our Spring Art Market is an annual outdoor market, the day before Mother’s Day, that gives you the chance to purchase original handcrafted artwork from talented local artists. This market showcases artwork in a wide range of media including ceramics, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, paper, photography, and more. Shop original work from local artists—perfect for gifts or treat yourself!
The Spring Art Market will be on Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 10am-4pm in Colasanto Park, adjoining Del Ray Artisans gallery at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA (at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Mount Vernon Avenue). The event is held RAIN or SHINE, FREE to browse, and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but you may register for a reminder through Eventbrite. Drop in anytime during the event to meet the artists and enjoy the outdoor market.
Set A Reminder

The featured artists are:

Victoria Barnes Photography
Michael Bostick, SporeCrafts
Amy Castine, Castine Beadwork
Stephanie Darlene
David DeJulio, Personal Inspirations
Eileen Egan Pottery
Syd Evans
Patricia Moloney Figliola, Aisling PhotoArt
Holly Fries, Holly’s Art Imaginarium
Erica Hughes & Suzan T. Ok, Fox Arrow
BWS Johnson
Stephen Lally Pottery
Christine Lederman, Bead Therapy
Diana Manchak, designsinclay
Liz Martinez
Laurel Prucha Moran, Blue Room Studio / DMV Matchbooks
Edith Sanabria, Grace Jewel & Art
Alexandra Schmeling Fine Art
Martina Sestakova, RADOST
Meg Talley, Meg by Hand
Ana Tkabladze, GalleriaGeorgiAna
Joyce Wagner, Reinvented Elegance
Tamara Wilkerson, WiRealm by Tamara
Tracy Wilkerson, Recycled Works

Photo Album
.

If you have questions about the market or how to apply for a market artspace, contact Erica Hughes (Programs Director) at Programs@DelRayArtisans.org.

ONLINE: Partners in Art (FULL)
2022-05-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Online
The ONLINE afternoon program is FULL. If you would like to join the evening program that is currently sharing feedback via email and/or in person, 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 1-3 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.
This event will be an online meeting through the Zoom platform. Current afternoon program participants will receive a reminder of the meeting with the Zoom information in advance of the meeting.
View Upcoming Meetings

SOLD OUT: Fun with Beginning Watercolor Techniques Workshop
2022-05-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop is now full.
Instructor: Ellen RosenthalDate: Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 9am-12pmCost: $15 for Del Ray Artisans members / $25 for non-membersClass size: 3-10 participants(Register by May 10)
Watercolor is an art medium that everyone loves or loves not. The spontaneity and sparkle of watercolor comes at a cost; it can be unpredictable and messy, but it doesn’t have to be. In this three-hour class we’ll learn some basic skills and explore ways to tame watercolor and have some fun. This class is designed for beginners, but students of all levels are welcome, especially those who want a fresh start with watercolor. Please come prepared with all the materials and supplies from the list, and bring your creativity and flexibility.
The materials and supplies are all available from various vendors, such as Blick Art Supplies (see “Watercolor Class DRA 2022” wish list), Amazon, Michaels, or Plaza Art. When ordering online, please be aware that due to the current delivery slowdowns, you will need to order any supplies at least 10 days in advance. If you have any questions or concerns about supplies, email the instructor at efrosevalley@gmail.com.
Students should bring:

Watercolor “Pan” Set (8-12 colors). Suggested:

Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Sketchers’ Pocket Box, Half Pans (Amazon) OR
Daler-Rowney Aquafine Watercolors and Sets – Travel Set, Set of 12, Assorted Colors, Half Pan (Blick) OR
Prang Washable Watercolor Pans – Oval, Set of 8 colors, Pans (Blick or Amazon)

Watercolor brushes; round and flat (sizes #6, #8. #10, #14). Suggested:

Artegria Watercolor Brush Set (Amazon) OR
Princeton Velvetouch Series 3950 Synthetic Brushes (Blick) AND Oval Mop, Size 1/4″ (Blick)

Watercolor paper, Cold press, 11 x 15″ or 12 x 18″, at least 10 sheets. Suggested: Strathmore Watercolor 400 series 140 lb. (Blick or Amazon)
Color pencil set, 10-12 color pencils. Suggested:

Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils (Blick or Amazon) OR
Sargent Art Colored Pencils (Blick)

Drawing pencils, HB or #2
Drawing paper or sketching pad, 8 x 10″ or 9 x 12″. Suggested: Strathmore 400 Series (Blick or Amazon)
Masonite drawing board at least 16 x 18″ (Blick)
Portfolio or art envelope for taking artwork home (Blick or Amazon)
Container for water
Masking tape
Roll of paper towels

Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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

Intro to Bookmaking and Binding Workshop
2022-05-16 - 2022-05-18 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Cristin Guinan-Wiley
Date/Time: Monday and Wednesday, May 16 and May 18, 2022 from 7-10pm
Cost: $40 for DRA members and $50 for non-members; plus $20 supply fee
Class size: 4-14 participants
(Register by midnight on May 8)
Do you love books and want to learn how to make your own? In this workshop you will learn how to create a long stitch journal. The long stitch is only one of the many styles of exposed spine sewing and is one of the easiest for beginners.
The course will take place over two days. Day one will be a general introduction and the creation and construction of the exterior of the book. Day two will be preparing the spine and paper and sewing the signatures. The two-day time period is to make sure that 1) everyone has the time they need and 2) the glue has enough time to dry before we start sewing.
A selection of decorative paper for the interior and exterior of the covers will be provided and is included in the supply fee; however, you are welcome to also bring your own. Bookmaking tools will be provided for use during the workshop. If you wish to take a tool set with you when we are done, the kits are $20 payable to the instructor during the workshop.
Face masks are required during this workshop.
Register Now

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

Now July 16: Member Meeting & Art Supplies Swap Rescheduled
2022-05-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
UPDATE: This event has been rescheduled to Saturday, July 16 at 2pm. View Details
If you have any questions, please reach out the Membership Director, Beth Richardson, at Membership@DelRayArtisans.org.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.

Color School Kickoffs Summer with Live Music
2022-05-28 15:00 - 17:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The band Color School performs outdoors in Del Ray Artisans gardens from 3-5pm on the closing day (Saturday, May 28) of the Drips, Lines, Splatters, and Splash: A Celebration of the Washington Color School art exhibit to kickoff summer and the start of our Creative Summer Programs (June 1–August 31).
Most of the members of the local band Color School are themselves DC-area natives. Their name was the suggestion of the band’s bass player, photographer Charles Steck, who had taken pictures of all the original Washington School artists. Steck had suggested the name ten years ago. The band liked the idea of being a DC-based band not using a name with a political bent. As drummer Bill Kalish notes, “Art and music bump up against each other in all kinds of great ways and we thought that all the bright colors and bold graphics of the Color School fit our Pop band.”
These days, however, the Color School sound has moved in more of a funk direction. Color School recently dropped their new single, Gateau. Living on Music’s Steve Houk will be in conversation with Bill Kalish and other members of the Color School band to chat about Gateau and promote their DRA gallery gig. Tune in @ youtu.be/g6q879aNEYw
Come on over to Del Ray Artisans and check out the local live music bumping into some ARTastic channeling of the Washington Color School and Color Field movements. DC-area superstar artist, student of the Color School, and exhibit juror Barbara Januszkiewicz will be dropping by to meet and greet artists, patrons, and Color School band fans alike.
Check out our Creative Summer Programs (June 1–August 31) now to see the upcoming workshops and events. Register in advance for workshops at delrayartisans.org/creative-summer

First Thursday: Unmask Your Superhero (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2022-06-02 12:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
On First Thursday 6/2 at Del Ray Artisans gallery get a sneak peek of the upcoming Afros and Abstract art exhibit (open 12-9pm). The evening outdoor activity has been canceled due to the weather.
Artwork credit: “The Other Lois and Clark” by Gordon Thomas Frank featured in the “Afros and Abstract” exhibit.

Del Ray celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6-9pm on the first Thursday of the month (April through September).
Visit Del Ray Artisans gallery (open 12-9pm on First Thursdays) for a peek at the art exhibit. Come to our outdoor activity (6-9pm) each First Thursday:

The theme on April 21, 2022 (postponed from April 7 due to the weather) is Books on Parade! Del Ray Artisans along with Upcycle invite you to join us for First Thursday for this fun upcycled paper project. Choose to make a feather or flower from craft paper, book pages or old comic books. Plus see the Second Life art exhibit featuring art made with at least 50% recycled materials!

The theme on May 5, 2022 is Dog Days in Del Ray. We’ll be “Making Art Splash!” Come create a “Washington Color Rule-the-School” canvas in Colasanto Park outside the gallery and recreate a Gene Davis Stripe Sidewalk Painting in conjunction with the upcoming art exhibit: Drips, Lines, Splatters, and Splash: A Celebration of the Washington Color School

The theme on June 2, 2022 is Unmask Your Superhero. The outdoor activity has been canceled. Inside the gallery get a sneak peek of the upcoming Afros and Abstract art exhibit.

July – Red, White, and Blue
August – Aloha Thursday
September – Show Your Spirit
