Del Ray Artisans

ONLINE: Board Meeting
2023-02-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-01-10 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Alcove Gift Shop Call for Artists Deadline
2023-02-12 23:50 - 23:59 | Online
Call for Artists ~ Open to Del Ray Artisans Members
Alcove Gift Shop
March 3 – April 29, 2023
Application deadline: Sunday, February 12, 2023 by midnight
Del Ray Artisans has established the Alcove as a gift shop within the gallery, where members who apply and are accepted display and sell their work. Unframed 2-D works are available in bins alongside jewelry, fiber art, wood craft, ceramics, and other smaller 3-D items.
The work will be displayed for two months, and as pieces are sold they can be replaced with similar work for no additional fee. This opportunity is independent of the monthly exhibits and is only open to Del Ray Artisans members. If you are not a member, you may join Del Ray Artisans now to enter.
Application Details & Form

Del Ray Urban Sketchers
2023-02-12 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-01-08 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets the second Sunday of 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

Creative Book Club - “The Secret Lives of Color” by Kassia St. Clair
2023-02-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Book: “The Secret Lives of Color” by Kassia St. Clair
Facilitator: Rusty Lynn
Meeting rescheduled to Saturday, February 11 from 10am-12pm
(Drop-in, set a reminder in Eventbrite)
The book for the first book club meeting of 2023 is The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair (published in 2016). The book is organized around the color groups and full of very interesting research about all the colors imaginable.
Since the book is all about colors, and most of us have a favorite color or two, please feel free to bring a piece of your artwork to share that uses one or more of your favorite colors to the discussion.
“The Secret Lives of Color tells the unusual stories of seventy-five fascinating shades, dyes, and hues. From blonde to ginger, the brown that changed the way battles were fought to the white that protected against the plague, Picasso’s blue period to the charcoal on the cave walls at Lascaux, acid yellow to kelly green, and from scarlet women to imperial purple, these surprising stories run like a bright thread throughout history.”—Penguin Books (Publisher)
The Creative Book Club meets on select Saturday mornings to discuss readings by a variety of authors. The club is free and open to all who are interested in keeping their creative muse flowing and connecting with other creative people. Future book selections will be announced on this website and in the Weekly eNews email in advance.
If you have questions, please contact our book club leader Rusty Lynn at rustylynn@earthlink.net.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
.

Life Drawing Session - Gesture and Short Pose
2023-02-07 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-01-17 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

Partners in Art (FULL)
2023-02-06 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-01-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The afternoon program is FULL. If you would like to join the evening program, contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) for information and registration.
Need support reaching your art related goals? Join this collegial group of artists to share your goals and get feedback on artwork. Monthly meetings include discussions on exhibit opportunities, the creative process and the local art scene. Artist can bring 1-2 works – complete or in progress – for feedback. All skill levels and media welcome.
This program is free, but donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Mila Mateu (milaenartes@gmail.com) or Suzanne Tillman (zannet@verizon.net) with questions about the afternoon program.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
View Upcoming Meetings

“The Unseen” Exhibit Opening Reception
2023-02-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The Unseen Art Exhibit
February 3–25, 2023
Opening Reception: Friday, February 3 from 7–9pm
Join us for the opening reception of The Unseen art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans on Friday, February 3 between 7-9pm to meet the curator, Peter Michaels, and the artists. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite. This exhibit reveals what we typically cannot see.
Juried by renowned scientist and artist Michal Gavish, who recently returned from a residency in Seoul and a one-person show in New York City. She received her MFA in Painting and previously earned a PhD in Physical Chemistry. The Unseen piggybacks off Dr. Gavish’s work with microscopic structures in her art.
Come explore the hidden, under the surface, microscopic, imagined, or dreamt that make life so much richer. Through the exhibit local artists take us to myriad places—in their minds, their dreams, their dives, their experiments, their hopes, and their fears. Is the work of art what the artist intended or what you perceive…or both? After all, as philosopher Roland Barthes exclaimed in his 1967 seminal essay “The Death of the Author,” there isn’t an ultimate meaning. Come experience The Unseen for yourself!
Plus check out our upcoming programs—including the free, online talks: The Unseen World of Extreme Diving on Wednesday, February 1 from 7-8pm and Women with ADHD on Tuesday, February 21 from 7-8pm held in conjunction with the exhibit.
While visiting the gallery, also note the two beautiful garden statues of the Chinese Buddhist Deities of Compassion (Guan Yin) and Longevity (Shou Lao) and purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win them. The raffle benefits Del Ray Artisans 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the winner will be drawn during the Fun With One exhibit reception on March 3 between 7-9pm.
The Unseen exhibit runs February 3–25, 2023 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 12-6pm. The gallery is closed the last Sunday of the month (February 26, 2023).
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 curator Peter Michaels at petermichael0314@gmail.com.

Artwork credit: Detail of “The Forbidden Garden” by Betsy Mead

The Unseen at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2023-02-03 - 2023-02-25 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States

The Unseen World of Extreme Diving (Free Zoom Talk)
2023-02-01 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Presenter: Matt Hansen
Date: Wednesday, February 1 from 7-8pm
Cost: None (FREE)
(Register by 6pm on February 1 to receive the connection info)
Join technical diving enthusiast Matt Hanson as he describes typically unseen environments in scuba. Matt will discuss the joys, hazards, and equipment associated with diving under ice or deeper than 130 feet. Divers must bring their own light and warmth, maintain the oxygen needed to support life while avoiding toxicity, and manage the risks as nitrogen goes from inert to both narcotic and hazardous. Matt will provide photographs, media, and stories from his own dives and resources for exploring the broader world of technical diving.
This free talk is held in conjunction with The Unseen art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans gallery (February 3-25, 2023).
The talk will be online through the Zoom platform. Registered participants will be sent the connection information via email one day in advance and approximately one hour before the talk. You may attend on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Register Now

View other upcoming programs on the Upcoming Programs page.

“The Unseen” Artwork Drop Off
2023-01-29 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, The Unseen. Artwork drop off is Sunday, January 29 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: Peter Michaels (petermichael0314@gmail.com)

Artwork credit: Detail of “The Forbidden Garden” by Betsy Mead

“Putting A Face To A Name” Artwork Pick Up
2023-01-29 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, Putting A Face To A Name.

Questions? Contact the curator: Gordon Thomas Frank (gordonfrank666@gmail.com)

Artwork credit: “Puck” by Zade Ramsey

Partners in Art Evening
2023-01-24 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 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

Raffle to Win Garden Statues
2023-01-22 - 2023-03-03 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Don’t miss your chance to win two beautiful outdoor statues of the Chinese Buddhist Deities of Compassion (Guan Yin) and Longevity (Shou Lao). Each statue is approximately 8″ wide x 7″ deep x 24″ tall. Raffle tickets are just $3 each or $10 for 4 tickets, and all proceeds benefit Del Ray Artisans 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Purchase tickets online or at the gallery.
The raffle begins on January 22, 2023 in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Come see the statues in person during the Putting A Face To A Name exhibit (January 6–28) and The Unseen exhibit (February 3–25). The winner will be drawn on Friday, March 3, 2023 between 7-9pm during the Fun With One art exhibit opening reception.
Fine print:

Online ticket sales end at 8pm on March 2, 2023. In person ticket sales end just prior to the drawing on March 3, 2023 between 7-9pm.
Online ticket purchases are only open to residents of Virginia, Maryland, and DC.
Winner will be notified via the contact method available (for online ticket sales the contact method is an email address; for in person sales the purchaser may give a phone number or email address).
Winner need not be present to win.
Winner must pick up the statues by March 17, 2023 or a new winner will be drawn. The statues will not be shipped.

Ticket sales have ended.

Victorian Inspired Earrings Workshop
2023-01-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Y’vonne Page-Magnus
Date/Time: Saturday, January 21 from 6-9pm
Cost: $35 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 Non-member; plus a $25 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-20 participants
(Register by noon on January 20)
Step into a time period featuring the most diverse jewelry: 1837 – 1901. During this one-of-a-kind workshop, design and make four pairs of earrings using beautiful findings, semi-precious stones and crystals inspired by the Victorian Era. Add your own style to each pair of earrings with guided instruction along the way. Learn easy wire wrapping techniques that can also be applied to future jewelry making projects.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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

Playful Creatures (9/26/2022 - 1/21/2023)
2023-01-21 | VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, 2660 Duke St, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States
Playful Creatures Art Exhibit at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital
September 26, 2022 – January 21, 2023
Photo Album | Online Store
The Playful Creatures exhibit features 2D artwork of lively, spirited, frisky, impish, rollicking, and good natured creatures at the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital (VCA Alexandria). Playful Creatures is a Del Ray Artisans’ Gallery Without Walls exhibit in partnership with VCA Alexandria.
The exhibit is at VCA Alexandria (2660 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314) from September 26, 2022 through January 21, 2023. View the artwork Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 12-6pm. Due to client needs, some areas may not be available for immediate viewing. Visitors must let the front desk know they are there to view the art exhibit.
All the artwork on display is by Del Ray Artisans members. Artists are donating 20% of the purchase price of sold pieces to Del Ray Artisans, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
For more information, please contact the curators Liz Martinez (GWW@DelRayArtisans.org) and Stephanie Frederick (Stephanie.Frederick@vca.com).

Artwork credit: (above) “The Countess Yawns” by Amanda Fletchersmith;
(top) “Smiling Iguana (Galapagos)” by TJ Feeley

“Hygge” GWW Call for Entry Deadline
2023-01-15 23:50 - 23:59 | Online
Del Ray Artisans Members Only Gallery Without Walls Call for Entry
Hygge at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital
January 30 – April 1, 2023
Entry deadline extended to Sunday, January 15, 2023 by midnight
“Hygge” is a word in Danish and Norwegian that describes a mood of coziness and “comfortable conviviality” with feelings of wellness and contentment. Think hugging a loved one, snuggling with your pet, roasting marshmallows, reading a book, doing yoga—whatever brings you contentment. This mood may also be expressed in the abstract.
Must be a Del Ray Artisans member to enter (join Del Ray Artisans now); 2-dimensional works only. No entry fee; pieces previously shown are welcome.
Entry Details & Form

Artwork credit: “Ute, The Queen of Springhill Drive is In” by Ellen Rosenthal

Mono Printing Fun with Gel Plates Workshop (SOLD OUT)
2023-01-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Eileen O’Brien
Date: Thursday, January 12 from 6-9pm
Cost: $50 Del Ray Artisans member / $60 non-member, plus a $15 supply fee
Class size: 4-8 participants
(Register by midnight on January 9)
Interested in print-making? Using a gel plate is a fun and easy way to create one-of-a-kind prints that can be beautiful collage papers or stand on their own. Participants will learn how to pull prints with different papers and paints, and by using found objects, stamps, stencils and natural elements.
All materials will be supplied to use during the workshop. Plate kits will be available for purchase directly from the instructor for $20 if you wish to take the tools home. Participants will create multiple pieces in just three hours!
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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

“The Unseen” Call for Entry Deadline
2023-01-10 23:50 - 23:59 | Online
Call for Entry ~ Open to area artists
The Unseen
Exhibit Dates: February 3–25, 2023
Digital entry deadline: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 by midnight
Artists are invited to explore the hidden, under the surface, microscopic, imagined, or dreamt that make life so much richer. Only bound by your imagination, the curator hopes all artists will take us to places only they have been…in their minds, their dreams, their dives, their experiments, their hopes, and their fears. The juror is renowned scientist and artist Michal Gavish.
The exhibit is open to all area artists. Del Ray Artisans members pay a discounted entry fee.
Entry Details & Form

Artwork credit: Detail of “The Forbidden Garden” by Betsy Mead

Basic Block Printing Workshop (SOLD OUT)
2023-01-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Ellen Rosenthal
Date: Saturday, January 7 from 9-11am
Cost: $20 Del Ray Artisans member / $30 non-member
Class size: 3-12 participants
(Register by midnight on December 31)
The Basic Block Printing workshop is for beginners and others who would like a reintroduction to this fun and creative art form. Instructor Ellen Rosenthal will cover the basics of block printing—including designing a block; carving a block; inking and printing the block; and ways to incorporate block printing into other art media. Students will carve their own blocks with their own designs and print their own original block prints.
Students are responsible for bringing all the supplies on the Basic Block Printing Supply List. Due to the delivery slowdowns, you will need to order supplies at least 7-10 days in advance. If you have any questions or concerns about supplies, please email the instructor at efrosevalley@gmail.com.
Following this workshop begin incorporating block printing into your own art practices and keep an eye out for the call for entry for the “Prints in May @ DRA” exhibit in May 2023.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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

“Putting A Face To A Name” Exhibit Opening Reception
2023-01-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Putting A Face To A Name Art Exhibit
January 6–28, 2023
Reception: Friday, January 6 from 7–9pm
Come see the Putting A Face To A Name art exhibit—a clever showcase where local artists reimagine fictional characters from books, movies, plays, poetry, television, and more.
Join us at the opening reception on Friday, January 6 from 7-9pm to meet the curator and artists. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
The Putting A Face To A Name exhibit runs January 6–28, 2023 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 12-6pm. The gallery is closed the last Sunday of the month (January 29, 2023).
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 curator Gordon Thomas Frank at gordonfrank666@gmail.com.

Artwork credit: “Puck” by Zade Ramsey

Putting A Face To A Name at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2023-01-06 - 2023-01-28 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Putting A Face To A Name Art Exhibit
January 6–28, 2023
Reception: Friday, January 6 from 7–9pm
Photo Album
Come see the Putting A Face To A Name art exhibit—a clever showcase where local artists reimagine fictional characters from books, movies, plays, poetry, television, and more.
Join us at the opening reception on Friday, January 6 from 7-9pm to meet the curator and artists. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
Starting January 22, come to the gallery to view two beautiful garden statues of the Chinese Buddhist Deities of Compassion (Guan Yin) and Longevity (Shou Lao) and purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win them. The raffle benefits Del Ray Artisans 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the winner will be drawn during the Fun With One exhibit reception on March 3 between 7-9pm.
The Putting A Face To A Name exhibit runs January 6–28, 2023 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 12-6pm. The gallery is closed the last Sunday of the month (January 29, 2023).
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 curator Gordon Thomas Frank at gordonfrank666@gmail.com.

Artwork credit: “Puck” by Zade Ramsey

“Putting a Face to a Name” Artwork Drop Off
2023-01-01 12:00 - 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, Putting a Face to a Name. Artwork drop off is Sunday, January 1 from 12-6pm by appointment only.
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: Gordon Thomas Frank (gordonfrank666@gmail.com)

Artwork credit: “Puck” by Zade Ramsey

“Putting A Face To A Name” Call for Entry Deadline
2022-12-18 23:50 - 23:59 | Online
Call for Entry ~ Open to area artistsPutting A Face To A NameExhibit Dates: January 6–28, 2023
Entry deadline extended to Sunday, December 18, 2022 by midnight
Reimagine your favorite fictional character. Mr. Darcy as a robot? Daenerys Targaryen as a Smurf? Scarlett O’Hara as a Vampire? Hannibal Lecter as a Disney Princess? Nothing is too outrageous! Artists may also select characters from folklore and fairy tales, such as King Arthur or Rapunzel. This exhibit is open to all mediums. Use your imagination and have fun with your creations.
The exhibit is open to all area artists. Del Ray Artisans members pay a discounted entry fee.
Entry Details & Form
Artwork credit: “Puck” by Zade Ramsey

Holiday Market Setup
2022-12-16 14:00 - 17:30, 2022-12-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Holiday Market setup – open for administrative business only.
The market opens at 6pm on Friday. Holiday Market hours are Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays 11am-6pm, and Sundays 11am-6pm during the first three weekends in December.

Board of Directors Holiday Gathering
2022-12-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Los Tios Grill (Del Ray), 2615 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The December Board meeting is a social event to celebrate the end of the year and welcome the incoming 2023 board members.
For this last meeting of 2022, the Board will meet at Los Tios Grill in Del Ray. Outgoing and Incoming Board members are welcome to attend. It is a Dutch treat party (the organization will not be picking up the bill).
If you wish to address the Board, please contact Kathryn Brown at Secretary@DelRayArtisans.org at least in four days advance of the meeting to be included on the agenda.
