Del Ray Artisans

80s Sing-Along & Dance Party
2025-09-26 20:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Do you like 80s music? Do you like to sing or dance to 80s music? Then this is the event for you!
Join a bunch of your fellow 80s fans and sing OR dance OR both the night away. We’ll be playing popular 80s music and showing the videos on a screen—lite food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. Dressing up for the 80s is encouraged!
Suggested donation is $10 (or more) per person – all donations go to Del Ray Artisans nonprofit to support this and other awesome programs and events.
Also enjoy the Second Time Around art exhibit before it closes down on Saturday night. We’ll share small flashlights so you can check out all the awesome recycled materials artwork in more detail while singing and dancing.
Register Now

Alcove Gift Shop at Del Ray Artisans (8/1 - 9/27/2025)
2025-09-27 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The Alcove Gift Shop is open for 10 months of the year (closed in July and December for special events). New items will appear in the gift shop each week, and all the artwork is fully refreshed every two months. The current display runs August 1 – September 27, 2025.
All work featured in the gift shop is by Del Ray Artisans members. Unframed 2-D work is available in bins alongside jewelry, fiber art, wood craft, ceramics, and other smaller 3-D items. The gift shop is located in the alcove inside Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301.
The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. Gallery hours are Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays 12-6pm, and Sundays 12-6pm (closed on August 31 and September 28).
For more information, contact the curators Stephen Lally (slallypottery@gmail.com) and Rita Schooley (rlschooley@gmail.com).

CANCELED: Nature Journaling Club on 9/27 due to the weather
2025-09-27 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

80s Movie Nite (Register ASAP)
2025-09-27 19:30 - 23:59 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Organizer: Tracy Wilkerson
Date/Time: Saturday, September 27, starting at 7:30pm
Theater Size: up to 30 movie goers
(Register in advance)
What better way to celebrate the Second Time Around art exhibit than to watch fun 80s movies, sitting in a gallery filled with artwork made with recycled materials?!? Join us at Del Ray Artisans on Saturday, Sept 27 for our movie marathon featuring The Goonies and Night at the Roxbury. 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 or at the event). 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 Goonies – run time 1:54 (rated PG back in 1985, so PG-13 by today’s standards)
9:45pm – short break, more chatting, prep more movie snacks
10:10pm – watch Night at the Roxbury – run time 1:22 (PG-13) – although this is not an 80s movie, it epitomizes everything about the 80s
Space is limited. Register in advance to save your seat! Movies are not suitable for young children.
Register Now

Closed to the Public
2025-09-28 - 2025-10-01 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This time is reserved for the curator to arrange the upcoming exhibit.

Closed to the Public Today; Artist Appointments 12-6pm
2025-09-28 12:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The gallery is closed to the public today while the exhibit is taken down. This time (noon-6pm) is reserved for Del Ray Artisans artists to pick up unsold artwork from the outgoing exhibit and drop off accepted artwork for the incoming exhibit. Contact the curators with any questions (contact info in the call for entry).
Unsold Artwork Pick Up
Time for artists to pick up their unsold artwork from the closing exhibit, Second Time Around.

Accepted Artwork Drop Off
Time for artists to drop off their accepted artwork entries for the upcoming exhibit, Bump in the Night. Artwork must be ready to hang (with screw eyes and wire) or ready for display (with mounting and/or a display stand if necessary). Review the standard artwork presentation guidelines and the call for entry for show specific information.

Volunteer
All artists participating in the exhibit are required to volunteer a minimum of 3 hours towards managing the show. Those hours can be filled by gallery hosting during the month of exhibit, assisting with show hanging or take down, and volunteering to help with other show-specific activities as needed by the curators. Any hours in excess of 3 hours will count towards the membership requirement. DRA members are reminded to report their volunteer hours monthly.

Bump in the Night at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2025-10-03 - 2025-11-01 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Bump in the Night Art Exhibit
October 3 – November 1, 2025
Opening Reception: Friday, October 3 from 7–9pm
“Synergy” by Morgan Parr
Drawing inspiration from Spike Milligan’s poem “Bump” and the old Cornish Litany about ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties, the Bump in the Night art exhibit reveals the source of frightening, unexplainable noises heard at night and the experiences behind “things that go bump in the night.”
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, October 3 between 7-9pm to meet curator Morgan Parr and the artists. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
Also join us during Art on the Avenue, the annual arts festival along Mount Vernon Avenue, on Saturday, October 4. Del Ray Artisans will be open from 10am-6pm during the festival and will host one of the Kids Art Corner activities in the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields from 10am-3pm.
Register in advance for our workshops and save the dates for our other creative programs in October:

Gaudi Mosaic Lizard Workshop – Sunday, October 5, 10am-12pm
Full Hunter’s Moon Sound Bath & Meditation – Sunday, October 5, 6:30-8pm
Figure Drawing (gesture & short poses) – October 7, 21, 28 from 7-9pm
Figure Drawing (costumed) – October 9, 16, 23, 30 from 7-9pm
Creative Book Club – Saturday, October 11, 10am-12pm
Haunted Mansion Workshop – Saturday, October 18, 10am-12pm
Girl Scout “Art & Design” Brownie Badge Workshop – Sunday, October 19, 10am-1pm
Neurographic Art Workshop – Wednesday, October 22, 6-8pm

The Bump in the Night art exhibit runs from October 3 – November 1, 2025 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are Thursday 12-6pm, Friday 12-9pm, Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-6pm (closed November 2).
The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. Del Ray Artisans, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community.
For more information, contact curator Morgan Parr at rmorganparr@gmail.com or Director of Curating Amy Kitchin Hower at curating@delrayartisans.org.

"Bump in the Night" Art Exhibit Opening Reception
2025-10-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States

STEAM-tastic: Make Scratchboard Art during Art on the Avenue (All Ages; Drop-in)
2025-10-04 10:00 - 15:00 | Mount Vernon Recreation Center Athletic Fields, 2701 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria, 22301, United States
Date/Time: Saturday, October 4, 10am-3pm
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
(Drop-in, this is a self-paced activity)
Make scratchboard art at Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic activity tent in the Kids Art Corner during Art on the Avenue! The Kids Art Corner is located outdoors in the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields. Come by any time between 10am-3pm to enjoy this self-paced activity.
Kids will draw designs using the scratching tools on their own butterfly-shaped, Halloween-themed, or rectangular scratchboard. Older kids will learn about and utilize stippling, hatching, and cross-hatching techniques, as well as how to create implied texture through mark-making. Plus pick up the handout on making your own stratchboards at home too!
The hands-on activity is for kids of all ages while supplies last. Family members are welcome. 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 hands-on craft project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic program is made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2026 Annual Arts Program Grant.

Art on the Avenue 2025
2025-10-04 10:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 10am-6pm, you’ll find: Art on the Avenue, a multicultural arts festival celebrating our community’s diversity through the arts in Alexandria, Virginia. There will be entertainment for all ages, art activities, food, and artists displaying and selling their work all along Mount Vernon Avenue. Art on the Avenue is sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association.
Art Exhibit & Kids Art Corner
Directly in front of the gallery during Art on the Avenue, Del Ray Artisans will present member artwork, handcrafted greeting cards, and upcycled tote bags made from exhibit banners (booths W-194 and W-195). Inside the gallery, you’ll find the Bump in the Night art exhibit featuring art by local artists and our Alcove Gift Shop exclusively featuring work by Del Ray Artisans members.
Also visit Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic activity tent in the Kids’ Art Corner (Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields) to make scratchboard art! The activity is for children of all ages. Drop-in to this self-paced activity between 10am-3pm.
Support Del Ray Artisans Members, Local Artists
Many Del Ray Artisans members are juried into Art on the Avenue. Be sure to visit their booths:

W 16 – Purple Cardinal Arts LLC, Miyoung Obenschain (Painting)
W 49 – Moxie & Magic, Robin Reid (Glass)
W 57 – Vega Star Ceramics, Vega Overby (Ceramics & Pottery)
W 85 – Papazian Design LLC, Diana Papazian (Jewelry)
W 103 – Blue Hippo Pottery, Victoria Walchak (Ceramics & Pottery)
W 107 – Chunky Images, Corrin Pumphrey (Painting)
W 111 – Samhara Ceramics, Bhavani Arabandi (Ceramics & Pottery)
W 127 – Permian Designs, John T. Allen (Photography)
W 137 – Lola Earnastine, Courtney Arnold (Jewelry)
W 147 – designsinclay, Diana Manchak (Ceramics & Pottery)
W 179 – FinFurFeathers, Fin Jullien (Youth)
W 182 – Reinvented Elegance, Joyce Wagner (Jewelry)
W 201 – Recycled Bag Lady, Mary Pike (Accessories & Bags)
W 219 – Walter Gordon Art (Painting)

E 6 – Megan Elaine Designs, Megan Levanduski (Clothing)
E 14 – Victoria Barnes Photography (Photography)
E 20 – Stained Glass by Kib, Ernest Kibler (Glass)
E 54 – Kellie Sansone Creates (Painting)
E 61 – Stephen Lally Pottery (Ceramics & Pottery)
E 74 – Yellow Dot Shop, Ellen Hamilton (Clothing)
E 103 – Lainemindinventions, Stacy Laine (Wood)
E 158 – Susan Lefler Studios (Mixed Media)
E 167 – Kardo Lab, Olga Kardonova (Candles)
E 174 – Love + Lino, Annemarie Kuhns (Books & Paper)
E 106 – Ed Colahan Pottery (Ceramics & Pottery)
E-186 – WiRealm by Tamara, Tamara Wilkerson (Jewelry)
E 203 – Bead Therapy, Chris Lederman (Jewelry)

Stop by the Nest Academy parking lot (2609 Mt Vernon Ave) to see these demonstrations by member artists: Nicole Gauvin (Iris paper folding), Betsy Jones (3D Miniatures), Janna Marks (Jewelry), and Courtney Pippin-Mathur (Mixed Media).
For more information on Art on the Avenue, visit: www.artontheavenue.org

Photo courtesy of Kelly M. MacConomy (2019)

RESCHEDULED to 11/29 - STEAM-tastic: Gaudi Mosaic Lizard (All Ages)
2025-10-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been rescheduled to Saturday, November 29.
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Sunday, October 5, 10am-12pm
Cost: $30 child / $40 adult; plus a $20 Supply Fee
Class size: 3-15 participants
(Register by October 1)
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through a unique STEAM-based art experience! Inspired by Antoni Gaudí’s famous mosaic lizard in Park Güell, Barcelona, this activity blends art, architecture, and math.
Participants will design a cardboard lizard, apply joint compound to sculpt a 3D form, and create a mosaic using patterns, colors, and repetition—just like Gaudí’s iconic style. Along the way, explore form, texture, symmetry, and the mathematical principles of tessellation used in mosaic design.
Learn how cultural heritage and creative engineering combine in Gaudí’s work, and make your own masterpiece using provided materials—or bring your own mosaic tiles and rhinestones to personalize it!
This hands-on, family-friendly workshop is perfect for all ages and experience levels—including children under 12.
Register Now

STEAM-tastic @ DRA – Come join us at Del Ray Artisans for interactive classes about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), taught by professionals from each field! Geared toward youth, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on craft project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic workshops are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2026 Annual Arts Program Grant.

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

Full Hunter's Moon Sound Bath & Meditation (Register ASAP)
2025-10-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Ditas Katague
Date/Time: Sunday, October 5, 6:30-8pm
Cost: $45 Del Ray Artisans member / $55 Non-member
Class size: 6-25 participants
(Register in advance to save your space)
Join Ditas for an enchanting Full Moon Sound Bath. This special evening offers the perfect opportunity to release accumulated stress and reconnect with your inner wisdom.
Experience profound healing vibrations of crystal and Tibetan bowls and gong, while bathing in the powerful energy of the full moon. Beginning with gentle movement, then guided meditation, and culminating with a soundbath where harmonic frequencies help clear energy blockages and induce relaxation.
The October Full Moon, traditionally known as the Hunter’s Moon, rises as the leaves turn golden and the harvest season reaches its peak. Named for the time when hunters would track game by moonlight to prepare for winter, this moon symbolizes preparation, gathering resources, and honoring the abundance we’ve cultivated. It encourages us to harvest not only the fruits of our labor but also the wisdom we’ve gained throughout the year.
This moon phase encourages us to ask: What am I ready to release? What new energies am I ready to welcome? The vibrations of the soundbath will support this powerful intention-setting and letting go process.
There will be gentle movement and some light breathwork, a guided meditation and then the beautiful sound bath will fill the gallery with vibration and sound to help participants relax and release.
Participants should bring a yoga/exercise mat or thick blanket, pillow and water bottle for maximum comfort. Eye mask is optional.
Register Now

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

Partners in Art (FULL)
2025-10-06 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

Figure Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2025-10-07 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: “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

Create an Artwork Sales Website with Square (Register ASAP)
2025-10-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 8, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $35 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 Non-member
Class size: 4-20 participants
(Register in advance)
Interested in having an online presence with your artwork but not sure where to start? Set up a simple website using Square (SquareUp.com)! The instructor will show you the basic tools, and then walk you through adding a few artworks to your ‘item library’ and posting them on your Square website.
No experience necessary, but before attending this workshop you must create a Square account (either by downloading the SquareUp app onto your phone or through the create your account process on a computer).
During the workshop, you will:

Add a few items (one for each art piece) to your item library – this will include uploading a description, size, and price, as well as a picture.
Learn about managing inventory and variations
Create a simple website using Square and learn how to manage it

Note: Having a comprehensive item library will help you with sales during art markets; and having a website will allow you to process online sales and share your artwork with a wider audience. Please note that items for sale in your online store will be set to “pick up”; we will not cover setting up shipping in this workshop.
Bring to the workshop:

Your smartphone with the Square app or a laptop
Your log-in info for SquareUp.com
Information for a few of your artworks (title, description, dimensions, price, picture). The pictures must be on the same device you are using to access Square (either your smartphone or laptop).
Notebook for taking notes

Register Now

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

CANCELLED: Figure Drawing – Costumed Session (Oct 9th)
2025-10-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The October 9th session has been cancelled. Join us for the October 16th session.
Drop-in and practice figure drawing through observation of our clothed model on Thursday evenings in October. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery. 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.
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.

Artwork credit: Drawings by Dina Wise

2026 Wall Calendar Pre-order Deadline
2025-10-10 23:59 | Online
Order Now for a Discount!
Order Now
Del Ray Artisans’ 2026 Wall Calendar featuring artwork by Del Ray Artisans members is available for pre-order now at just $18/calendar. (Regular price $22/calendar.)
The pre-order discount price is only available until October 10. Pre-ordering the calendar helps our organization estimate how many calendars to order. If you pre-order, you will be notified when the calendars arrive, so you can come pick up your purchase. Calendars will arrive between October 20 – November 15, 2025.
Thank you to our calendar sponsors: Daniela Spigai, Realtor® / ADVISORY at Compass, Let’s Meat on the Avenue, Los Tios Grill, Taqueria el Poblano, The Zebra Press, and McD Mateos Community Partners!

Order Now

Creative Book Club: "Ways of Seeing" by John Berger
2025-10-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Book: “Ways of Seeing” by John Berger
Facilitator: Marshall Carolus
Meeting Date: Saturday, October 11, 10am-12pm
(Drop-in, set a reminder in Eventbrite)
Join us on October 11 at 10am to discuss John Berger’s “Ways of Seeing”. It’s an adaptation of a 4-part series he did for the BBC. As described by Michael Messmer, “Berger challenges the notion that Western art is solely the product of individual geniuses by exploring the social and economic contexts in which art is produced and consumed. The book comprises seven essays, some of which combine text and images, presenting a non-linear format that invites readers to engage critically with visual culture.”
The Creative Book Club meets on select Saturday mornings at Del Ray Artisans gallery to discuss readings by a variety of authors. The club is open to all who are interested in keeping their creative muse flowing and connecting with other creative people. This is a free event; donations are appreciated. Del Ray Artisans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization. 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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Radical Sewing Club-ALX 2025
2025-10-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Welcome to Radical Sewing Club-ALX!
Started in LA by Scout Quiquivix, the Alexandria chapter is a monthly drop-in style meeting where you can learn clothing repair, hand and machine sewing, or bring your own project to work on with the community.
Radical Sewing Club is about more than sewing–it’s a space to reimagine craft outside of capitalism, to resist exploitation and oppression, and to stitch together a world based on care and solidarity. All who share these values are welcome.
Registration: Registration is not required, but you may set a reminder in Eventbrite.
Cost: Recommended donation of $10 or pay what you can. No one turned away for lack of funds! Monetary donations will be split between Del Ray Artisans (our wonderful hosts) and Radical Sewing Club for continued materials.
Have materials to donate? We welcome fabric (full cuts and scraps alike), thread, needles, interfacing, embroidery hoops, buttons, pins, trims, lace, and functional zippers.
Contact: radicalsewingclubalx@pm.me or @radicalsewingclub_alx on Instagram
View All Upcoming Dates

CANCELLED: Paws in the Park 2025 in Oronoco Bay Park
2025-10-12 11:00 - 16:00 | Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States
UPDATE posted on 10/10: Due to the anticipated weather, including heavy rain, high winds, and flooding in the park, this event has been cancelled.
Join us at the Paws in the Park outdoor festival! This event is fun for the whole family, featuring entertainment, activities, animal-themed vendors, and, of course, a whole lot of adorable adoptables.
Del Ray Artisans will have a tent with pet-inspired artwork from member Joyce Wagner (Reinvented Elegance), as well as information about current and upcoming events. Please stop by and say hello!
The block party is in the Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street, Alexandria, VA 22314). This free event is open to the community; well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to attend (no Flexi leashes please).
Del Ray Artisans’ Gallery Without Walls partner VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital is a sponsor of Paws in the Park. Stop by the animal hospital (2660 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday 8am-6pm) to see the Flora, Fauna, Fantastica art exhibit by Del Ray Artisans members.

Artwork credit: “Wagging Woofers I” by Joyce Wagner

Del Ray Urban Sketchers 2025
2025-10-12 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

Board of Directors Meeting (ONLINE)
2025-10-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Online
This Board meeting will an online meeting through Zoom.
Active members are welcome to attend any Board meeting. If you wish to address the Board or bring something up to the Board during one of these meetings, contact Margaret Slipek at Secretary@DelRayArtisans.org at least four days in advance of the meeting to be included on the agenda and receive the Zoom session link.

Partners in Art Evening (RSVP in Advance)
2025-10-15 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

Figure Drawing – Costumed Session
2025-10-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Drop-in and practice figure drawing through observation of our clothed model on Thursday evenings in October. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery. 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.
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 All Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: Drawings by Dina Wise

“The Mini World: Small Works of Art” Call for Entry Deadline
2025-10-17 23:59 | Online
Call for Entry ~ Open to Del Ray Artisans Members
The Mini World: Small Works of Art
Exhibit Dates: November 7–30, 2025
Digital entry deadline extended to Friday, October 17, 2025 by midnight
“Fairy Shelf” by Mallory Rose Henig; “Bessie Wondered Where Her Niece Had Gone“ by Betsy Jones; “Fluff” by Kellie Sansone
Members are invited to enter 1-4 small-scale pieces of art. Each piece should be no more than 8×10 inches, 9×9 inches, or within 80 square inches, in any direction including the framing and mounting. The artwork may represent any subject matter and the following media will be accepted for consideration to the exhibit: oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, drawings, sculptures in any medium, mosaics, collage, printmaking, photography, and mixed media.
The exhibit is open only to Del Ray Artisans members. If you are not a member, you may join Del Ray Artisans and then enter.
Entry Details & Form

Volunteer in the Gardens
2025-10-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Give some TLC to Del Ray Artisans’ gardens! Join the Gardens Committee to spruce up the landscaping around the gallery.
Bring gloves, knee pads (if desired), and laughter. Even if you don’t know what a weed is, we can teach you. Volunteer for 1 hour or the whole 2.5 hours. If you have any questions, please email Kurt at Gardens@DelRayArtisans.org.
MEMBERS: This task counts towards your annual membership volunteer hours (record your hours).
NON-MEMBERS: You are welcome to come help and learn too.
Save the Dates: During the season (March-October), the committee typically meets the third Saturday of the month from 9am-11am. In June, July, and August, we’ll meet an hour earlier (8am-10am) to avoid the heat. The June session will be a week earlier on Saturday, June 14th; and the September session has been rescheduled to Sunday, September 21st to avoid conflict with the HalloWEIRD art market. Thank you for your volunteer time!

NOTE: All plantings and transplantings must be approved by the Garden Committee. The Garden Committee approval is important to make sure the plants that get chosen are great for nature, located properly for the right amount of sun or shade, don’t conflict with other plants or facility needs, and fit into the overall garden plan with maintenance in mind.

CANCELLED: STEAM-tastic: Haunted Mansion
2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been cancelled. Join us for our other Youth Programs. Register in advance for workshops so instructors can plan.
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Saturday, October 18, 10am-12:30pm
Cost: $25 child / $40 adult; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 3-15 participants
(Register by October 14)
Get into the spirit of the season with a STEAM-powered haunted house build! Design and construct your own cardboard mansion, then transform it into a spooky architectural scene with a moon-lit sky, creepy cobwebs, flapping bats, and eerie textures.
This fall-themed, hands-on project blends art, engineering, and storytelling, encouraging participants to explore 3D construction, light and shadow, and thematic scene creation. Learn about structural design, textural contrast, and how to bring a haunted world to life using mixed media and recycled materials.
This family-friendly workshop is suitable for all ages—including children under 12. All materials are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own spooky stickers, textured papers, or embellishments!
Register Now

STEAM-tastic @ DRA – Come join us at Del Ray Artisans for interactive classes about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), taught by professionals from each field! Geared toward youth, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on craft project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic workshops are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2026 Annual Arts Program Grant.

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

STEAM-tastic Activities @ the Spooky Mad Science Expo (All Ages; Drop-in)
2025-10-18 15:00 - 19:00 | Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave, Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
Date/Time: Saturday, October 18, 3-7pm
Cost: FREE
(Drop-in; these are self-paced activities)
Don’t miss the 10th year of the Spooky Mad Science Expo! This fantastic event brings together hundreds of curious minds for an afternoon of hands-on discovery, eerie tech, and Halloween-inspired science. Arrive at 2pm for the costume parade; the activities run from 3-7pm. The Expo is at Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave, Alexandria VA 22304).
Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic program is hosting two (!!) activities at the Expo:
Databending / Glitch Art – Del Ray Artisans introduces databending, also known as glitch art! Older students will use a computer to edit an image file by corrupting its data through a technique known as .bmp image editing, and then see their artwork projected on the wall. Younger students will personalize glitch art on paper. This hands-on activity is led by Steve Botts of Steve’s Art and Cacti.
Spooky Automata Art Meets Engineering – Come make a fabulously spooky wing-flapping automata mechanical art toy at Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic tinker booth! Learn how cranks and cams work as you construct a mixed-media work of kinetic art that explores the wonder of things in motion, up, down and around! This hands-on activity is led by Victoria Walchak.

STEAM-tastic Program – Come join Del Ray Artisans for interactive classes about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), taught by professionals from each field! Geared toward youth, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic workshops and activities are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2026 Annual Arts Program Grant.

Girl Scout "Art and Design" Brownie Badge Workshop (Register by 10/15)
2025-10-19 10:00 - 13:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Sandra Alami
Date/Time: Sunday, October 19, 10am-1pm
Cost: $30/child
Space is limited to 18 girls and 6 adults
(Register by October 15)
Brownies who attend this workshop will complete all of the steps needed for their Art and Design badge. Brownies will create unique clay sculptures, which will help them further develop their fine motor skills and critical thinking skills. In addition, Brownies will create self-portraits, which will help them learn more about symmetry and proportion. Brownies will also create toothpick structures, which allows them to practice problem-solving skills and helps them develop abstract thinking skills.
Troop leaders should register as a troop and must provide a 6:1 ratio of girls to adults. This is not a drop-off event. Adults must remain on site. Troop leaders are responsible for collecting all necessary paperwork (permission slips, health forms, etc).
All art supplies provided. The actual badge is not provided.
Register Now

Del Ray Artisans’ Youth Art Programs include interactive classes about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) that are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2026 Annual Arts Program Grant and through a generous donation supporting youth art programs from Genesis Inspiration Foundation.

Playing with Resin Workshop (Register ASAP)
2025-10-19 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Sunday, October 19, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register in advance)
Learn the ins and outs of prepping for and mixing resin, and how to use it as an adhesive, a covering, or the main medium. There’s lots of creative time during this 3-hour workshop… No need to rush, which is one of the first lessons in using resin! All supplies are provided, but feel free to bring personal embellishments for your piece(s).
This workshop does not get into using dyes with resin or building big molds to create one-of-a-kind resined tables (as seen on YouTube), but this workshop will provide you with a good understanding of how resin works so you can be bold enough to take the next steps in your creative interests.
Although the class is listed for 3 hours, you can leave once you have finished your creations. Some students finish very quickly while others take the whole 3 hours to create – there is plenty of time for each person to enjoy the creative process while not feeling rushed. You’ll leave your finished masterpiece(s) to set at the gallery at the end of the workshop, and pick them up during gallery hours later in the week.
The workshop is designed for adults. Children ages 16-17 may participate with parental permission. Children ages 12-15 may participate only with a co-participating adult guardian (guardian must contact instructor in advance).
Register Now

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