Del Ray Artisans

CANCELED: Unleash Your Creativity: Acrylic Painting Class (Register by 9/24)
2024-09-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Edom Alagaw, E21edomgeta@gmail.com
Date/Time: Thursday, September 26, 6-8pm
Cost: $32 Del Ray Artisans member / $42 Non-member; participants bring own supplies
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by September 24)
Join our acrylic painting class and unleash your creativity! This class is perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. You’ll learn essential techniques, such as color mixing, brushwork, and layering, while creating your own vibrant masterpiece. Our step-by-step instruction ensures a fun and supportive environment where you can explore your artistic potential. Bring your own acrylic paints and brushes and enjoy a relaxing, inspiring experience.
Materials you must bring to class:

Acrylic Paints: A basic set of primary colors (red, blue, yellow), plus black and white. You may expand with secondary colors (green, orange, purple) and some earth tones (brown, sienna).
Brushes: A variety of brush sizes and shapes, including flat, round, and detail brushes. Synthetic brushes are suitable for acrylics.
Palette: A palette for mixing your paints. A plastic or glass palette is ideal, but a disposable paper palette also works.
Canvas or Painting Surface: Stretched canvas, canvas boards, or canvas paper. For beginners, canvas boards or paper are usually more economical.
Palette Knife: For mixing paints and creating texture on your painting.
Water Container: A container for rinsing your brushes.
Cloths/Paper Towels: For cleaning brushes and wiping up spills.
Apron/Old Clothes: Acrylic paint can be hard to remove from fabric once dry, so wear something you don’t mind getting messy.
Spray Bottle: To keep your paints moist on the palette.
Pencil and Eraser: For sketching your initial design on the canvas.
Storage Box/Bag: To keep all your supplies organized and easy to transport.

Optional materials:

Easel: A tabletop easel if you prefer to paint at an angle, though this is optional and depends on your comfort.
Mixing Mediums: Optional, but you might want to have some acrylic mediums like gloss medium, matte medium, or modeling paste to experiment with different textures and finishes.

Register Now

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

Alcove Gift Shop at Del Ray Artisans (8/2 - 9/28/2024)
2024-09-28 | 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 August 2 – September 28, 2024.
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, but will be open August 25 and closed on September 1). The gallery is open three hours longer (from 12-9pm) on First Thursdays, August 1 and September 5. Hours differ in July and December.
For more information, contact the curators Stephen Lally (slallypottery@gmail.com) and Rita Schooley (rlschooley@gmail.com).

Nature Journaling Club
2024-09-28 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-26 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!
We meet at 10am in front of Del Ray Artisans on the final Saturday morning of the month (except not in July, November, and December). Mark your calendar or set a reminder in Eventbrite.
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

CANCELLED: Intro to Art Trading Cards (ATCs) featuring Fabric French Roses (Register by 9/26)
2024-09-28 12:00 - 14:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Sue Rosenbaum
Date/Time: Saturday, September 28, 12pm-2:30pm
Cost: $32 Del Ray Artisans member / $42 Non-member, plus $20 supply fee
Class size: 6-20 participants
(Register by September 26)
Join Sue Rosenbaum for an introduction to ATCs (Art Trading Cards) and create your own featuring a fabric French Rose and vintage book page collaged background. These 2.5 x3.5” mini art pieces are such fun to create and trade.
During this workshop, Sue will take you on a creative journey into the wonderful world of ATCs with a Show and Tell of her collection while we collage a background and embellish with layered fabric flowers and a vintage button. Following the principles of ATCs, we will trade with one another at the end of the class!
Note: Machine stitching on the background will not be a part of this class.
Register Now

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

Closed to the Public: Artist Appointments Only
2024-09-29 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 is reserved for artists to pick up and drop off artwork. Contact the outgoing or incoming 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, Fascinating Fiber, Alluring Fabric.

Accepted Artwork Drop Off
Time for artists to drop off their accepted artwork entries for the upcoming exhibit, Artificial or Intelligence?. 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.

Introduction to Knitting Class
2024-10-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This time is reserved for the Introduction to Knitting classes on (Thursdays) September 12, 19, and October 3 from 7-8:30pm (three 1.5 hour classes). You must register before midnight on September 9 to attend.

Artificial or Intelligence? at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2024-10-04 - 2024-10-26 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Artificial or Intelligence? Art Exhibit
October 4–26, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday, October 4 from 7–9pm
“Sum of its parts?” by Nicole Mahoney

Talk about artificial intelligence, or AI, abounds. When humans work with AI, is the outcome less than, equal to, or greater than the sum of its parts? Come see the Artificial or Intelligence? art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans gallery as we explore this and other questions. Join us for the opening reception on Friday, October 4 between 7-9pm to meet curators Nicole Mahoney and Nancy Galib and the artists. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
People have very different perspectives on AI’s possibilities and perils. This exhibit explores what the future might look like with AI. Consider what we may gain and lose, and how AI impacts artists’ creative practice and day-to-day lives. Participate in our conversation and decide for yourself whether machine learning feels artificial or intelligent at the present moment. All artwork is available for sale.
Also mark your calendar for the following special program held in conjunction with the exhibit:
AI & Artists: A Discussion On What Artists Should Know
Saturday, October 19, 6:30-8pm @ Torpedo Factory Art Center, Grand Hall (105 N. Union St, Alexandria VA 22314)
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is changing the landscape of all industries, including the arts. Should artists embrace, feel comfortable with, or reject AI? Is AI a tool for good, or a threat to creative ownership? Hear from three leading experts in the field of arts and technology, patents, and copyright, moderated by Phyllis Serbes of Pantheon AI, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting human creativity and fostering relationships with generative AI.
This discussion shall be immediately followed by a performance by Laptop Orchestra in Waterfront Park as part of the City’s Site See public art program.
This program is presented in partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts and Del Ray Artisans, with collaborative support from the Institute for Creativity, Arts and Technology at Virginia Tech (ICAT), the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Pantheon AI, and the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA).
The Artificial or Intelligence? art exhibit runs from October 4–26, 2024 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 October 27, 2024).
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 curators Nicole Mahoney at nicole.m.mahoney@gmail.com and Nancy Galib at ngalib@verizon.net or Director of Curating Amy Kitchin Hower at curating@delrayartisans.org.

"Artificial or Intelligence?" Art Exhibit Opening Reception
2024-10-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Artificial or Intelligence? Art Exhibit
October 4–26, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday, October 4 from 7–9pm
Talk about artificial intelligence, or AI, abounds. When humans work with AI, is the outcome less than, equal to, or greater than the sum of its parts? Come see the Artificial or Intelligence? art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans gallery as we explore this and other questions. Join us for the opening reception on Friday, October 4 between 7-9pm to meet curators Nicole Mahoney and Nancy Galib and the artists. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
People have very different perspectives on AI’s possibilities and perils. This exhibit explores what the future might look like with AI. Consider what we may gain and lose, and how AI impacts artists’ creative practice and day-to-day lives. Participate in our conversation and decide for yourself whether machine learning feels artificial or intelligent at the present moment. All artwork is available for sale.
Also mark your calendar for the following special program held in conjunction with the exhibit:
AI & Artists: A Discussion On What Artists Should Know
Saturday, October 19, 6:30-8pm @ Torpedo Factory Art Center, Grand Hall (105 N. Union St, Alexandria VA 22314)
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is changing the landscape of all industries, including the arts. Should artists embrace, feel comfortable with, or reject AI? Is AI a tool for good, or a threat to creative ownership? Hear from three leading experts in the field of arts and technology, patents, and copyright, moderated by Phyllis Serbes of Pantheon AI, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting human creativity and fostering relationships with generative AI.
This discussion shall be immediately followed by a performance by Laptop Orchestra in Waterfront Park as part of the City’s Site See public art program.
This program is presented in partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts and Del Ray Artisans, with collaborative support from the Institute for Creativity, Arts and Technology at Virginia Tech (ICAT), the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Pantheon AI, and the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA).
The Artificial or Intelligence? art exhibit runs from October 4–26, 2024 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 October 27, 2024).
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 curators Nicole Mahoney at nicole.m.mahoney@gmail.com and Nancy Galib at ngalib@verizon.net or Director of Curating Amy Kitchin Hower at curating@delrayartisans.org.

Artwork credit: “Sum of its parts?” by Nicole Mahoney

Art on the Avenue 2024
2024-10-05 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 5, 2024 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.
Artist Demos, Activities, and Art Exhibit
Directly in front of the gallery during Art on the Avenue, Del Ray Artisans will present artist demonstrations, as well as sell handcrafted greeting cards, art by local artists, and upcycled tote bags made from exhibit banners (booths W-194 and W-195). Come visit our tent for these demonstrations:

11am-1:30pm – Morgan Parr – Neurographic Art
2pm-3:30pm – Ditas Katague – Pour Painting
4pm-5:30pm – Kelly MacConomy – Knitting as Coding

Also visit Del Ray Artisans’ booth in the Kids’ Art Corner (Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields) to create your own robot! This activity is for children ages 6 and above. Drop-in to this self-paced activity between 11am-4pm.
Inside the gallery, you’ll find the Artificial or Intelligence? art exhibit, as well as our Alcove Gift Shop, both featuring art by local artists.
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-20 – Andreas Barrett (Painting)
W-49 – Robin Reid (Glass)
W-50 – Diana Manchak (Ceramics & Pottery)
W-84 – Diana Papazian (Jewelry)
W-111 – Bhavani Arabandi (Ceramics & Pottery)
W-136 – Betsy True (Clothing)
W-139 – Courtney Arnold, Lola Earnestine (Jewelry)
W-150 – Betsy Jones (Mixed Media)
W-155 – Kara Macek (Painting)
W-182 – Joyce Wagner (Jewelry)
W-196 – Marcelle Fozard (Fiber)
_
E-8 – Paddy Waldner (Accessories & Bags)
E-32 – Corrin Pumphrey (Painting)
E-51 – Laurel Prucha Moran (Painting)
E-53 – Alexandra Schmeling (Painting)
E-54 – Kellie Sansone (Painting)
E-61 – Stephen Lally (Ceramics & Pottery)
E-74 – Ellen Hamilton (Clothing)
E-103 – Stacy Laine (Wood)
E-174 – Annemarie Kuhns (Printmaking)
E-190 – Tamara Wilkerson (Jewelry)

For more information on Art on the Avenue, visit: www.artontheavenue.org

Photo courtesy of Kelly M. MacConomy (2019)

STEAM-tastic: Design a Robot at Art on the Avenue (Ages 6+)
2024-10-05 11:00 - 16:00 | Mount Vernon Recreation Center Athletic Fields, 2701 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria, 22301, United States
Instructor Suzan Ok Shumate
Instructor: Suzan Ok Shumate
Date/Time: Saturday, October 5, 11am-4pm
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
(Drop-in, this is a self-paced activity)
Design your own robot during our drop-in activity in the Kids Art Corner at Art on the Avenue. The Kids Art Corner is located outdoors in the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields. Come anytime between 11am-4pm to make your own robot. Children may create their robot on paper at our sticker station or sculpt their robot using Squishy circuits to explore the conductivity of Play-Doh using batteries and LED lights (while supplies last).
The hands-on activity is for participants ages 6 years old or greater. Family members are welcome. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.

Photo (top) from Squishy Circuits

STEAM-tastic @ DRA – Come join us at Del Ray Artisans for interactive classes about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), taught by professionals from each field! Geared toward kids and teens, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on craft project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic workshops are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2025 Annual Arts Program Grant.

Playing with Resin Workshop (Register ASAP)
2024-10-06 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 6 from 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome, space permitting)
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.

Partners in Art (FULL)
2024-10-07 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

ONLINE: Board of Directors Meeting
2024-10-08 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 four days in advance of the meeting to be included on the agenda and receive the Zoom session link.

“Tumbling Through the Seasons” GWW Call for Entry Deadline
2024-10-08 23:59 | Online
Del Ray Artisans Members Only
Gallery Without Walls Call for Entry
Tumbling Through the Seasons at VCA Old Town Animal Hospital
October 28, 2024 – May 31, 2025
Entry deadline: Tuesday, October 8, 2024 by midnight
“Faerie Night” by Kathy Turner
Seeking 2D artwork celebrating the seasons, from April Showers Bring May Flowers to a Winter Wonderland and everything in between.
NOTE: The Tumbling Through the Seasons art exhibit is at VCA Old Town (not VCA Alexandria). Due to new guidelines for a fear-free space, we cannot accept artwork that has realistic depictions of dogs, cats, and/or birds. Stylized or abstract pieces with these subjects are allowed.
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

2025 Wall Calendar Pre-order Deadline
2024-10-10 | Online
Order Now for a Discount!
Cover art: “2024 Spring in Alexandria” by David Wardrick
Del Ray Artisans’ 2025 Wall Calendar featuring artwork by Del Ray Artisans members is available for pre-order now at just $18/calendar. (Regular price $20/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 Oct 20 – Nov 15, 2024.
Order Now
Thank you to our 2025 calendar sponsors: Daniela Spigai, Realtor® / ADVISORY at Compass, Artifacts Inc., Let’s Meat on the Avenue, McD Mateos Community Partners, and The Zebra Press!

“$100 and Under” Call for Entry Deadline
2024-10-10 23:59 | Online
Call for Entry ~ Open to Del Ray Artisans Members
$100 and Under
Exhibit Dates: November 1 – December 1, 2024
Digital entry deadline: Thursday, October 10, 2024 by midnight
“This Monkey Has Gone to Heaven” by Karen Schmitz
Members are invited to submit their best work priced at $100 or less. For this exhibit, artists may submit up to 4 artworks, and the commission has been reduced to 10%. All media and all themes are welcome.
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

Chirilagua Neighborhood Arts Day / Día de las Artes del Barrio de Chirilagua
2024-10-12 12:00 - 16:00 | Casa Chirilagua / Four Mile Run Conservatory, 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22305, United States
Photo collage credit: Photographs of MakersFEST 2022 courtesy of Karen Schmitz

English ↓ | Español ↓

Call for Volunteers
Seeking volunteers to help manage the Del Ray Artisans information tent, art-making tents, engage the public, and keep the event attendance tally. Volunteers are needed for both shifts: 11am-2pm (also assists with set-up) and 2pm-5pm (also assists with take down). If you are interested but unable to lift things like chairs, that is OK! Engagement with the community is the biggest priority! To sign up, email Morgan at volunteers@delrayartisans.org.

Chirilagua Neighborhood Arts Day
Come enjoy Chirilagua Neighborhood Arts Day—a free, outdoor, community art-making event on Saturday, October 12, 12-4pm at the Four Mile Run Conservatory (4109 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA). The event is organized by Del Ray Artisans in partnership with Casa Chirilagua.
Marimba Maya Awal
Artist instructors will lead hands-on art activities for all ages, including ColorWOW drawing, brite kites, paper flowers, gelli prints, and Guatemalan worry dolls. Live music will be performed by the band Marimba Maya Awal to get your toes tapping. Don’t miss this family-friendly event!
Note: If it rains, the art-making activities will be moved inside the Four Mile Run Conservatory building.

In 2024, Alexandria is celebrating its 275th anniversary. The Arts 275th Commemorative Program Grant is funded through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Alexandria, VA. The Arts 275th Commemorative Program Grant was established and was available to eligible nonprofit organizations to create art programs and events to honor the past through artistic historical reflections or commissions, embrace the now with thought-provoking art projects mirroring neighborhoods’ culture, and celebrate the city’s future with innovative art projects.
The Chirilagua Neighborhood Arts Day program is made possible through the Arts 275th Commemorative Program Grant from the City of Alexandria, VA through the Office of the Arts. This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.

Día de las Artes del Barrio de Chirilagua
Venga a disfrutar del Día de las Artes del Barrio de Chirilagua, un evento gratuito de creación de arte comunitario al aire libre el sábado 12 de octubre, de 12 a 4 p. m. en el Conservatorio Four Mile Run (4109 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA). El evento es organizado por Del Ray Artisans en asociación con Casa Chirilagua.
Marimba Maya Awal
Los instructores de artistas dirigirán actividades artísticas prácticas para todas las edades, incluyendo el dibujo de ColorWOW, cometas británicas, flores de papel, estampados de gelli y muñecas de preocupación guatemaltecas. La banda Marimba Maya Awal interpretará música en vivo para que se muevan tus pies. ¡No te pierdas este evento familiar!
Nota: Si llueve, las actividades de creación de arte se trasladarán dentro del edificio del Conservatorio Four Mile Run.

En 2024, Alexandria está celebrando su 275 aniversario. La Beca del Programa Conmemorativo Arts 275th está financiada a través de una subvención de la Fundación Nacional para las Artes y la Ciudad de Alexandria, VA. La Beca del Programa Conmemorativo de las Artes 275 se estableció y estuvo disponible para organizaciones sin fines de lucro elegibles para crear programas y eventos de arte para honrar el pasado a través de reflexiones o encargos históricos artísticos, abrazar el ahora con proyectos de arte que invitan a la reflexión que reflejan la cultura de los vecindarios y celebrar el futuro de la ciudad con proyectos de arte innovadores.
El programa del Día de las Artes del Barrio de Chirilagua es posible gracias a la Beca del Programa Conmemorativo de las Artes 275 de la Ciudad de Alexandria, VA a través de la Oficina de las Artes. Este proyecto cuenta con el apoyo en parte de la Fundación Nacional para las Artes. Para obtener más información sobre cómo las subvenciones de la Fundación Nacional para las Artes afectan a las personas y comunidades, visite www.arts.gov.

Paper flower making / Flores de papel (Karen Schmitz)
Brite Kite / Cometas británicas (Roxanne Bradley-Tate)
Guatemalan worry dolls / Muñecas de preocupación guatemaltecas (Guy Jones)
Gelli Print / Estampados de gelli (Karen Schmitz)

Paws in the Park 2024
2024-10-13 11:00 - 16:00 | Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States
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 Original Expressions art exhibit by Del Ray Artisans members.
Artwork credit: “Wagging Woofers I ” by Joyce Wagner

CANCELLED: Del Ray Urban Sketchers
2024-10-13 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
UPDATE: We are not meeting on Sunday, October 13. The next session will be Sunday, November 10.
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.) 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

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

Life Drawing Session – Gesture and Short Pose
2024-10-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Drop-in and practice life drawing on two select Tuesday evenings 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 leading up to up to two 20-minute poses.
Fee for each session is $8 for Del Ray Artisans members and $10 for non-members. Register now or pay at the gallery before the session. 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 Life Drawing Sessions on Instagram! Tag #dralifedraw or @dralifedraw for your work to be featured.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now | View Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

Partners in Art Evening (RSVP in Advance)
2024-10-16 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.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
View Upcoming Meetings

Rejuvenation at VCA Old Town (4/22 – 10/19/2024)
2024-10-19 | VCA Old Town Animal Hospital, 425 N Henry Street, Alexandria, 22314, United States
Rejuvenation Art Exhibit at VCA Old Town Animal Hospital
April 22–October 19, 2024
Photo Album | Online Store
The Rejuvenation exhibit features 2D artwork by Del Ray Artisans members at VCA Old Town Animal Hospital. This exhibit features artwork exploring the concept of rejuvenation (the action or process of giving new energy or vigor to something).
VCA Old Town Animal Hospital is located at 425 N Henry Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. There is a parking lot behind VCA Old Town accessible from Princess Street. The animal hospital is open Monday-Friday 7:30am-7pm, Saturday 8am-3pm.
Come see the exhibit April 22, 2024 through October 19, 2024 in the lobby and hallway. 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.
The exhibit is a Del Ray Artisans’ Gallery Without Walls exhibit in partnership with VCA Old Town. 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, please contact the curators Liz Martinez (GWW@DelRayArtisans.org) and Carrie Rudman (Carrie.Rudman@VCA.com).
Photo Album | Online Store

Artwork credit: Detail of “Butterfly” by Nancy M. Patrick

RESCHEDULING - STEAM-tastic: Museum Fluid Collections (Ages 6-10)
2024-10-19 09:00 - 10:15 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor Cristin Guinan-Wiley
This workshop is being rescheduled to a new date. Date TBD.
Instructor: Cristin Guinan-Wiley
Date/Time: Saturday, October 19, 9am-10:15am
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
(Register by October 18; drop-ins allowed space permitting)
Have you ever wanted to learn about working in a science museum? Join expert Cristin Guinan-Wiley as she provides insights into the Fluid collection stored at the Smithsonian’s Museum support center. She is bringing this activity to our gallery based on her work as Fishes Collection Contractor at the National Museum of Natural History. Through this hands-on workshop, you will learn about the different chemicals used for preservation of specimens over the past 150 years, as well as how it is done today. For our hands-on portion, wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dye stains on, as we will be doing some rehousing and cataloging of our own.
The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 6-10. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
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 kids and teens, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on craft project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic workshops are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2025 Annual Arts Program Grant.

Volunteer in the Gardens
2024-10-19 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 will meet the third Saturday of every month from 9am-11am. In June and August, we’ll meet an hour earlier (8am-10am) to avoid the heat. The July 20th session has been cancelled. The September session has been rescheduled to Sunday, September 22nd 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.

RESCHEDULING - STEAM-tastic: Museum Fluid Collections (Ages 10-15)
2024-10-19 10:30 - 11:45 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor Cristin Guinan-Wiley
This workshop is being rescheduled to a new date. Date TBD.
Instructor: Cristin Guinan-Wiley
Date/Time: Saturday, October 19, 10:30am-11:45am
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
(Register by October 18; drop-ins allowed space permitting)
Have you ever wanted to learn about working in a science museum? Join expert Cristin Guinan-Wiley as she provides insights into the Fluid collection stored at the Smithsonian’s Museum support center. She is bringing this activity to our gallery based on her work as Fishes Collection Contractor at the National Museum of Natural History. Through this hands-on workshop, you will learn about the different chemicals used for preservation of specimens over the past 150 years, as well as how it is done today. For our hands-on portion, wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dye stains on, as we will be doing some rehousing and cataloging of our own.
The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 10-15. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
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 kids and teens, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on craft project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic workshops are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2025 Annual Arts Program Grant.

AI & Artists: A Discussion On What Artists Should Know
2024-10-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Torpedo Factory Art Center (Grand Hall), 105 N Union St, Alexandria, 22314, United States
Program: AI & Artists: A Discussion On What Artists Should Know

Location: Torpedo Factory Art Center, Grand Hall (105 N. Union St, Alexandria VA 22314)
“Sum of its parts?” by Nicole Mahoney featured in the “Artificial or Intelligence?” art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is changing the landscape of all industries, including the arts. Should artists embrace, feel comfortable with, or reject AI? Is AI a tool for good, or a threat to creative ownership? Hear from three leading experts in the field of arts and technology, patents, and copyright, moderated by Phyllis Serbes of Pantheon AI, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting human creativity and fostering relationships with generative AI. Discussion is free, drop-in (no registration required), and begins at 6:30pm.
Presenters include:

Ben Knapp, PhD, Executive Director, The Virginia Tech Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT)
Christian Hannon, Senior Patent Attorney at the Office of Policy and International affairs office in the United States Patent and Trademark Office
Karl W. Means, Esq., Counsel in the Intellectual Property Practice at Miles & Stockbridge, P.C. and copyright attorneyfrom the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts

There will be time for a Q&A from the audience. This discussion shall be immediately followed by a performance by Laptop Orchestra in Waterfront Park as part of the City’s Site See public art program.
Free Related Exhibitions in Alexandria:

Artificial or Intelligence? at Del Ray Artisans Gallery (October 4 – 26, 2024) at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue. Open Thu/Sat/Sun 12-6pm, Fri 12-9pm. Opening Reception on Friday, October 4, 7-9pm.
CyberArts: Exploring Cybersecurity Through Imagery, Sound, Performance, Space, and Time (October 5, 2024 – January 19, 2025) at Torpedo Factory Art Center Target Gallery, 105 N Union Street. Open Daily 10am-6pm (visit the Art Center’s website to learn of potential early closures). This exhibit is presented with the Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative with support from Virginia Tech.

This program is presented in partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts and Del Ray Artisans, with collaborative support from the Institute for Creativity, Arts and Technology at Virginia Tech (ICAT), the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Pantheon AI, and the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA).

2024 Annual Member Meeting & 2025 Board of Directors Election
2024-10-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
2024 Annual Member Meeting & 2025 Board of Directors Election
Sunday, October 20, 4-6pm
All members are invited to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 20 from 4-6pm at Del Ray Artisans gallery. Del Ray Artisans President Dawn Wyse Hurto will present a special message about the organization; the membership will vote on the slate (info below) to elect the 2025 Board of Directors; and the 2025 schedule of exhibits and programs will be announced. Light refreshments will be served. To contribute refreshments (thank you!), please email Kate at membership@delrayartisans.org.

2025 Board of Directors Slate
Here is the slate of nominees for Del Ray Artisans’ 2025 Board of Directors:

President – Dawn Wyse Hurto
Vice President – Lesley Hall
Secretary – Margaret Slipek
Treasurer – (vacant)
Assistant Treasurer – Stephen Lally
Director of…
Archives – Kathryn Brown
Communications – Christian Melgar
Curating – Amy Kitchin Hower
Facilities – Ellen Kozicki
Fundraising – (vacant)
Membership – Kate Gibney
Outreach – Kelly MacConomy
Programs – Tracy Wilkerson
Technology – Dina Wise
Volunteers – Morgan Parr
Youth Programs – Sandra Alami

If you are considering one of the vacant positions or interested in running for a position in the future, please email Morgan at volunteers@delrayartisans.org. The 2025 Board will begin its one-year term on January 1, 2025.

Vote at the Meeting or by Proxy
At the Annual Meeting, each member in Good Standing (renew your membership if it has expired) is entitled to one vote in person or by proxy on any matter brought before the membership at any meeting at which quorum has been established. Actions shall pass if they carry a simple majority of the votes cast. (Review the bylaws.)
A member in Good Standing may appoint a proxy to vote for them by filling out the Appointment of Proxy Form. The proxy shall expire at the end of the 2024 Annual Meeting (October 20, 2024). Proxy forms shall not count towards establishing a quorum. Proxy forms must be received before 6pm on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Proxy forms were emailed to the membership. If you did not receive the form and wish to fill out a proxy form, please email Kate at membership@delrayartisans.org.

In person votes will be cast at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 20, 2024 between 4-6pm.

Photo: Blast from the Past – President Michele Reday Cook addresses the membership at the 2013 Annual Meeting.

Neurographic Art Workshop (Register ASAP)
2024-10-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 23, 6-8pm
Cost: $20 Del Ray Artisans member / $30 Non-member; plus $5 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-25 participants
(Register in advance. Drop-ins welcome, space permitting.)
You don’t have to be an artist to make art with Neurographic Art. A neuron is a cell that carries messages between the brain and other parts of our body and that is the basic unit of our central nervous system. Graphic is the artistic use of pictures, shapes and words. This activity helps you to connect with the art making process and allows your mind to relax.
Supplies are provided but please feel free to bring markers, pens or watercolors to add color to your project.
Register Now

Image credit: Neurographic art by Morgan Parr

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