Del Ray Artisans

Summer Art Market Applications Due
2023-06-11 23:50 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Online
Call for Artists
Del Ray Artisans’ Summer Art Market
Application deadline: Sunday, June 11, 2023 by midnight
Apply now for our indoor Summer Art Market! Different artists will be selected for each market day (Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9 from 10am-4pm). Seeking a range of media including ceramics, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, and more.
Details and Application

Del Ray Urban Sketchers
2023-06-11 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-05-14 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 each month* at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray. Mark your calendar or set a reminder in Eventbrite.
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.
View Upcoming Dates
*NOTE: Del Ray Urban Sketchers does not meet in July, August, and December.

Artwork credit: Detail of “Working Out (St. Elmo’s)” by Cathy Messina

Imaginary Creature Workshop (Registration Closed)
2023-06-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Kelsey Joyce, kelseyjoyceart@gmail.com
Date/Time: Saturday, June 10 from 9am-12pm
Cost: $50 Del Ray Artisans member / $60 Non-member; plus a $15 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-10 participants
(Register by midnight on June 7)
Learn how to design and build a sculpture of an original imaginary creature in the style of Mexican folk art alebrijes. Alebrijes were created by Pedro Linares Lopez, a Mexican cartoneria artisan who created Papier-mâché figurines that he coined alebrijes after imagining them in a fever dream. Alebrijes are creatures that consist of features that represent multiple creatures and the four elements of nature. Dragons are great alebrije because they have all four elements of nature: air represented in their wings, fire represented in their flames, land represented in their legs, and water represented in their ability to swim.
In this workshop we will explore the cultural importance of Linares’ alebrijes and how they have become a tradition in Mexico. We will build our imaginary creatures with armature sculpting wire, clay, papier mache, aluminum foil, resin eyeballs, acrylic paint, glitter, feathers, and many more mixed media materials. We will work swiftly to get as much done as possible and will be utilizing hair dryers to help us dry our papier mache & artworks quickly. I look forward to you bringing your imagination to life!
All materials will be supplied to use during the workshop to create your creature. If you wish to also own one of Kelsey Joyce’s creations and paint it at home, separate Imaginary Creature kits will be available for purchase directly from the instructor at the end of the workshop.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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

Life Drawing Session - Gesture and Short Pose
2023-06-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Drop-in and practice life drawing on one select Tuesday evening each month. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery to draw or paint our nude model.
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.
Fee for each session is $8 for Del Ray Artisans members and $10 for non-members. Register now or pay at the gallery before the session. If you have any questions, please contact Erica Hughes at Programs@DelRayArtisans.org.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now | View Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: Detail of “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

Have a Heart Workshop
2023-06-05 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Amy Castine
Date/Time: Monday, June 5 from 6-9pm
Cost: $60 Del Ray Artisans member / $80 Non-member; plus a $20 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-8 participants
(Register by midnight on June 2)
Come and create a fun piece of wearable bead art! While bead embroidery may look complicated, it doesn’t have to be. In this workshop, you will learn four beginning bead embroidery stitches as you create your own beautifully embellished heart pendant. Plus, the skills you learn can be combined and added to all sorts of fiber arts, giving you a solid foundation to expand your creativity.
The $20 supply fee includes all the materials to make a pendant similar—but not identical—to the photo. Each pendant will be one-of-a-kind.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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

Partners in Art (FULL)
2023-06-05 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-05-08 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.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
View Upcoming Meetings

Taste of Del Ray VIP Reception
2023-06-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Taste of Del Ray is one of Virginia Living Magazine‘s top food festivals in the state. Visit the Del Ray Business Association website for details on the 14th Annual Taste of Del Ray.
The event will take place on Sunday, June 4 from 1-3pm at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields next to the gallery. Purchase tickets in advance. Only 500 general admission and 100 VIP tickets will be sold.
VIP benefits include a reception in Del Ray Artisans’ gardens from 12-1pm. Note: The VIP reception is for individuals 21 and older, IDs will be checked.

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

“American Patchwork” Exhibit Opening Reception
2023-06-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
American Patchwork Art Exhibit
June 2–25, 2023
Opening Reception: Friday, June 2 from 7–9pm
The United States is a patchwork of 50 states, 1 federal district, 5 major territories, and various minor islands. This country has beautiful beaches and majestic mountains, bustling cities and quiet towns, pastoral ranches and farms, vast natural beauty and amazing technology, and so much more. The American Patchwork art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans gallery highlights the diversity of cultures, landscapes, and artistic styles that make up the American experience.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, June 2 between 7-9pm to meet curator TJ Feeley and the artists. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite. Developed by local artists, the exhibit includes a mix of artforms (including textiles, mosaics, and photographs) and broadly explores and captures the patchwork spirit of the United States and her people. Each artist revealed in their own way what it means to be an American in the 21st century, contributing to the patchwork experience of over 330 million people who make up America today.
Plus register now for our Creative Summer Programs. This series runs June 1–August 31 and includes creative workshops, classes, discussions, and more. Choose what fits you best and schedule your own “stay-cation” this summer with artful and interesting programs! View details at DelRayArtisans.org/creative-summer
The American Patchwork art exhibit runs June 2–25, 2023 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Face masks are recommended inside the gallery. The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible.
Gallery hours are Thursday 12-6pm, Friday 12-9pm, Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-6pm. For a sneak peek of the exhibit, visit the gallery on First Thursday, June 1 from 12-9pm. The gallery will be open on Sunday, June 25 (the last day of the exhibit), but hours will differ June 28–August 2, 2023. 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 the curator TJ Feeley at tjfeeley@gmail.com.

Artwork credit: “American Patchwork #1” by TJ Feeley

American Patchwork at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2023-06-02 - 2023-06-25 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States

First Thursday: Black Panther Mask Making 6-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2023-06-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Visit the gallery this super(hero) First Thursday for our outdoor activity from 6-8pm: Black Panther mask making! Plus take a picture in front of our superhero photo op backdrop.
Inside the gallery get a sneak peek of American Patchwork, the upcoming art exhibit. Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September.

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 us for these neighborhood themes:

April 13, 2023 (rescheduled from April 6 due to the rain) – A Cherry Blossom Celebration
May 4, 2023 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June 1, 2023 – Baseball – Every Pitch Counts!
July is typically Red, White, and Blue
August is typically Aloha Thursday
September is typically Show Your Spirit

"American Patchwork" Artwork Drop Off
2023-05-28 15:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Time for artists to drop off their accepted artwork entries for the upcoming exhibit, American Patchwork. Artwork drop off is Sunday, May 28 from 3-6pm.
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.
Questions? Contact the curator: TJ Feeley at tjfeeley@gmail.com.

Artwork credit: “American Patchwork #1” by TJ Feeley

"Prints in May @ DRA" Artwork Pick Up
2023-05-28 12:00 - 15:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Time for artists to pick up their unsold artwork from the closing show, Prints in May @ DRA.

Questions? Contact curators Ellen Rosenthal at efrosevalley@gmail.com and Kitty Russell.

Artwork credit – clockwise from upper left: Block printed Bandanas by Meredith D’Amore; “It’s a Beautiful Day” by Meredith D’Amore; “Crinkles” by Eileen O’Brien; “Sometimes I Dream” by Gordon Frank; Covered Ceramic Vessel by Petra Roth; “Book Time” by Ellen Rosenthal

Poet Courtney LeBlanc, Book Launch Party
2023-05-27 18:30 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Come celebrate Courtney’s newest collection of poetry, Her Whole Bright Life, winner of the Jack McCarthy Book Prize!
There will be a reading, light snacks and drinks, and books available for sale!
Please leave the kids at home, this is an adults-only event!

Can’t make it to the party? You can order a copy of Her Whole Bright Life here:
Order Book

Introduction to Stone Carving Workshop
2023-05-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Jonathan Ottke, ottkej@gmail.com
Date/Time: Saturday May 27 from 9am-12pm
Cost: $55 Del Ray Artisans member / $65 Non-member; plus a $25 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-12 participants
(Register by midnight on May 21)
Learn basic sculpting techniques by carving in soapstone—a beautiful, soft stone that is ideal for your first stone sculpture. You will sketch an idea in three dimensions to picture what it will look like; then sculpt, sand and finish the artwork. You’ll use tools such as knives, rasps and saws; and then finish and polish your work. Soapstone finishes beautifully!
This is a great way to start thinking in three dimensions.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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

Partners in Art Evening
2023-05-23 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, but donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) with questions.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
View Upcoming Meetings

Volunteer in the Gardens
2023-05-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Spring is here! Del Ray Artisans’ gardens need some TLC. Join the Gardens Committee on Saturday, May 20 from 9am-11am to help in the gardens.
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 2 hours. If you have any questions, please email Kurt and Jenny at Gardens@DelRayArtisans.org.
MEMBERS: This task counts towards your annual membership volunteer hours.
NON-MEMBERS: You are welcome to come help and learn too.
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.

Member Meeting - Rescheduled to Aug 13
2023-05-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
UPDATE: This event has been rescheduled to Sunday, August 13.
If you have any questions, please reach out the Membership Director, Kate Gibney, at Membership@DelRayArtisans.org.

Life Drawing Session - Gesture and Short Pose
2023-05-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Drop-in and practice life drawing on one select Tuesday evening each month. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery to draw or paint our nude model.
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.
Fee for each session is $8 for Del Ray Artisans members and $10 for non-members. Register now or pay at the gallery before the session. If you have any questions, please contact Erica Hughes at Programs@DelRayArtisans.org.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now | View Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

“American Patchwork” Call for Entry Deadline
2023-05-14 23:50 - 23:59 | Online
Call for Entry ~ Open to area artists
American Patchwork
Exhibit Dates: June 2–25, 2023
Digital entry deadline extended to Sunday, May 14, 2023 by midnight
The United States is a patchwork of 50 states with beautiful beaches and majestic mountains, bustling cities and quiet towns, pastoral ranches and farms, vast natural beauty and amazing technology, and so much more. This exhibit is focused on highlighting the diversity of cultures, landscapes, and artistic styles that make up the American experience. Open to all mediums, especially interested in textiles, mosaics, and photography—anything that captures the patchwork spirit of the United States and her people.
The exhibit is open to all area artists. Del Ray Artisans members pay a discounted entry fee.
Entry Details & Form

Artwork credit: “American Patchwork #1” by TJ Feeley

Spring Art Market 2023 in Colasanto Park (RAIN or SHINE)
2023-05-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Colasanto Park (outside Del Ray Artisans Gallery), 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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 13, 2023 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). Mark your calendar or set a reminder in Eventbrite.
The event is held RAIN or SHINE, FREE to browse, and open to the public. Drop in anytime during the event to meet the artists and enjoy the outdoor market.
The featured artists are:

Veronika Amaya, Handmade by LMAC
Maxine Cholmondeley, Max’s Mixtures Candles & Soaps
Gretchen D’Amore
Meredith D’Amore | Rare Bird
Shelley Degges
Eileen Egan Pottery
Patty Moloney Figliola, Aisling PhotoArt
Brandon Gould, Brando
B A Hlioui Art
BWS Johnson
Mary Katz, Star and Moon Craft Shop
Camille Kouyoumdjian
Audrey Kremer, AudreyK Designs
Christine Lederman, Bead Therapy
Susan Livingston Studio
Diana Manchak, designsinclay
Liz Martinez
Diana Papazian – Papazian Design, LLC
Mayre Perez, Handmade Goods by Mayre
Robin Robinson, Vintage Glam’s Funky Junk!
Ann Cameron Siegal Photography
Meg Talley, Meg by Hand
Joyce Wagner, Reinvented Elegance
Tamara Wilkerson, WiRealm by Tamara
Tracy Wilkerson, Recycled Works

Check out the photos from past years:
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: Board Meeting
2023-05-09 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 Kathryn Brown at Secretary@DelRayArtisans.org at least in four days advance of the meeting to be included on the agenda and receive the Zoom session link.

Celebrating PRINT DAY in May
2023-05-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Date: Saturday, May 6 from 1pm-3pm (set a reminder through Eventbrite)
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
Join us on Saturday, May 6, 2023 for the annual “Print Day in May”, a global celebration of printmaking where people all over the world make a print and then post it to the Print Day in May website (printdayinmay.com). We will join the fun with printmaking demonstrations and printmaking “make and take” activities at Del Ray Artisans gallery.
Print Day in May starts in New Zealand, before we are awake, continues across Asia, Europe, and Africa, and closes out on the West coast of the US and Hawaii. At Del Ray Artisans we will have some printmaking demonstrations and some “make and take” printmaking activities for kids and adults, and our prints will be posted to the PDIM website.
This event will be held outside the gallery weather permitting. Free for the whole family. Drop in, learn about printmaking, make your own prints, and have fun!
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.

“Prints in May @ DRA” Exhibit Opening Reception
2023-05-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Prints in May @ DRA Art Exhibit
May 5–27, 2023
Opening Reception: Friday, May 5 from 7–9pm
The Prints in May @ DRA: Exploring the Possibilities exhibit at Del Ray Artisans gallery features art that explores the possibilities of printmaking and imprinting on paper and objects. The exhibit features traditional printmaking techniques such as relief prints, intaglio prints, monoprints, handmade and digital prints on their own and with mixed media, along with fabrics, ceramics and other objects enhanced with block prints or imprints.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, May 5 between 7-9pm to meet curators Ellen Rosenthal and Kitty Russell and the artists. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
In addition, join us for our May programs:

Saturday, May 6, 1-3pm – Print Day in May – Come watch printmaking demonstrations and create “make and take” prints. This family-friendly, free event will be held outside the gallery weather permitting. All ages are welcome to drop in, meet some printmakers, enjoy some printmaking activities, and have fun! Print Day in May is an annual, global celebration of printmaking, where people all over the world make a print, and then post it to the Print Day in May website.
Saturday, May 13, 10am-4pm – Spring Art Market in Colasanto Park – Our annual outdoor (rain or shine) market, just outside the gallery, 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!
Sunday, May 14, 1-3pm | Del Ray Urban Sketchers at St Elmo’s – Bring your art supplies and join us outside St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue) to sketch. This program is drop-in, free, and open to the public.
Tuesday, May 16, 7-9pm | Life Drawing at Del Ray Artisans – Bring your art supplies and join us at the gallery to draw or paint our nude model. The fee for each session is $8 Del Ray Artisans member / $10 non-member.
Tuesday, May 23, 7-9pm | Partners in Art Evening at Del Ray Artisans – Join our art-support group to share artistic goals, techniques, and the local art scene. Bring one or two artworks, in any medium and at any stage, for advice and feedback. The program is free; RSVP to the coordinator in advance.

The Prints in May @ DRA: Exploring the Possibilities exhibit runs May 5–27, 2023 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. The gallery is closed the last Sunday of the month (May 28, 2023). For a sneak peek of the exhibit, visit the gallery on First Thursday, May 4 from 12-9pm.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery. 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 the curators Ellen Rosenthal at efrosevalley@gmail.com and Kitty Russell.

Artwork credit – clockwise from upper left: Block printed Bandanas by Meredith D’Amore; “It’s a Beautiful Day” by Meredith D’Amore; “Crinkles” by Eileen O’Brien; “Sometimes I Dream” by Gordon Frank; Covered Ceramic Vessel by Petra Roth; “Book Time” by Ellen Rosenthal

Prints in May @ DRA at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2023-05-05 - 2023-05-27 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Prints in May @ DRA Art Exhibit
May 5–27, 2023
Opening Reception: Friday, May 5 from 7–9pm
Photo Album
The Prints in May @ DRA: Exploring the Possibilities exhibit at Del Ray Artisans gallery features art that explores the possibilities of printmaking and imprinting on paper and objects. The exhibit features traditional printmaking techniques such as relief prints, intaglio prints, monoprints, handmade and digital prints on their own and with mixed media, along with fabrics, ceramics and other objects enhanced with block prints or imprints.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, May 5 between 7-9pm to meet curators Ellen Rosenthal and Kitty Russell and the artists. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
In addition, join us for our May programs:

Saturday, May 6, 1-3pm – Print Day in May – Come watch printmaking demonstrations and create “make and take” prints. This family-friendly, free event will be held outside the gallery weather permitting. All ages are welcome to drop in, meet some printmakers, enjoy some printmaking activities, and have fun! Print Day in May is an annual, global celebration of printmaking, where people all over the world make a print, and then post it to the Print Day in May website.
Saturday, May 13, 10am-4pm – Spring Art Market in Colasanto Park – Our annual outdoor (rain or shine) market, just outside the gallery, 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!
Sunday, May 14, 1-3pm | Del Ray Urban Sketchers at St Elmo’s – Bring your art supplies and join us outside St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue) to sketch. This program is drop-in, free, and open to the public.
Tuesday, May 16, 7-9pm | Life Drawing at Del Ray Artisans – Bring your art supplies and join us at the gallery to draw or paint our nude model. The fee for each session is $8 Del Ray Artisans member / $10 non-member.
Tuesday, May 23, 7-9pm | Partners in Art Evening at Del Ray Artisans – Join our art-support group to share artistic goals, techniques, and the local art scene. Bring one or two artworks, in any medium and at any stage, for advice and feedback. The program is free; RSVP to the coordinator in advance.

The Prints in May @ DRA: Exploring the Possibilities exhibit runs May 5–27, 2023 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. The gallery is closed the last Sunday of the month (May 28, 2023). For a sneak peek of the exhibit, visit the gallery on First Thursday, May 4 from 12-9pm.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery. 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 the curators Ellen Rosenthal at efrosevalley@gmail.com and Kitty Russell.

Artwork credit – clockwise from upper left: Block printed Bandanas by Meredith D’Amore; “It’s a Beautiful Day” by Meredith D’Amore; “Crinkles” by Eileen O’Brien; “Sometimes I Dream” by Gordon Frank; Covered Ceramic Vessel by Petra Roth; “Book Time” by Ellen Rosenthal

First Thursday: Dog Days in Del Ray Activity 6-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2023-05-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join us at Del Ray Artisans on Thursday, May 4 from 6-8pm for our outdoor activity rubber stamping with a canine theme in honor of Dog Days in Del Ray!
Inside the gallery get a sneak peek of the upcoming Prints in May @ DRA art exhibit. Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September.

Del Ray, one of the most dog-friendly neighborhoods in the region, highlights “Dog Days in Del Ray” during its May First Thursday. The monthly street festival takes place on Thursday, May 4 from 6 p.m. to dusk along Mount Vernon Avenue. Bring your best four-legged friend out to the Avenue for a variety of canine-themed activities for dogs (and their humans!). Participants are encouraged to bring dry and wet food for dogs and cats for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Donations will be collected at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, located at Mt. Vernon & Oxford Avenues.

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 us for these neighborhood themes:

April 13, 2023 (rescheduled from April 6 due to the rain) – A Cherry Blossom Celebration
May 4, 2023 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June is typically Unmask Your Superhero
July is typically Red, White, and Blue
August is typically Aloha Thursday
September is typically Show Your Spirit

"Prints in May @ DRA" Artwork Drop Off
2023-04-30 15:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Time for artists to drop off their accepted artwork entries for the upcoming exhibit, Prints in May @ DRA. Artwork drop off is Sunday, April 30 from 3-6pm.
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.
Questions? Contact the curators: Ellen Rosenthal at efrosevalley@gmail.com and Kitty Russell.

Artwork credit – clockwise from upper left: Block printed Bandanas by Meredith D’Amore; “It’s a Beautiful Day” by Meredith D’Amore; “Crinkles” by Eileen O’Brien; “Sometimes I Dream” by Gordon Frank; Covered Ceramic Vessel by Petra Roth; “Book Time” by Ellen Rosenthal

"A Tale of Two Studios" Artwork Pick Up
2023-04-30 12:00 - 15:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Time for artists to pick up their unsold artwork from the closing show, A Tale of Two Studios.

Questions? Contact the curator Amy Kitchin Hower at akitchin@art-enables.org.

Artwork credit: “The Teleportal from Art Enables to Del Ray Artisans” by Shawn Payne, Art Enables

Alcove Gift Shop at Del Ray Artisans (3/3 - 4/29/2023)
2023-04-29 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Photo Album
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 March 3 – April 29, 2023.
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. Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Gallery hours are Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays 12-6pm, and Sundays 12-6pm (typically closed the last Sunday of the month). The gallery has different hours in July and December.
For more information, contact the curators Stephen Lally (slallypottery@gmail.com) and Rita Schooley (rlschooley@gmail.com).
