Del Ray Artisans

Member Meeting & Art Supplies Swap
2026-08-16 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join fellow Del Ray Artisans members for the Member Meeting & Art Supplies Swap on Sunday, August 16 starting at 6pm.
Save the date for the third member meeting of 2026. Bring the supplies you no longer need and be ready to find a treasure in other’s discards! To help things run smoothly, we kindly ask that you limit the number of boxes you bring and drop off your treasures at the start of the art supply swap. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to accept any treasures after 6:15pm.
We’ll begin with a short meeting, and then select “new to you” art supplies. Looking forward to seeing you at the gallery!
If you have any questions, please reach out the Membership Director, Kara Macek, at Membership@DelRayArtisans.org.

Life Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2026-08-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-25 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Drop-in and practice figure drawing on select Tuesday and Thursday 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 $10 for Del Ray Artisans members and $15 for non-members. If you have any questions or would like to participate as a model for our sessions, please contact LifeDrawing@DelRayArtisans.org.
View artwork from past DRA Figure Drawing Sessions on Instagram! Tag #dralifedraw or @dralifedraw for your work to be featured.
Register Now | View Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

2027 Exhibit Committee Meeting
2026-08-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The gallery is closed at this time for a committee meeting.

CANCELED: Del Ray Urban Sketchers
2026-08-20 19:00 - 21:00
This event has been canceled. Please join us for future Urban Sketchers sessions!

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 TBD 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.
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets on the third Sunday of the month (except not in July, August, and December) at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray, as well as on the third Thursday of most months at a time and location that is varied (view upcoming dates).
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. Contact the organizer, KC Hodge at ceelacanth@gmail.com, with any questions.
View Upcoming Dates

Photo courtesy of Joan Bickelhaupt

Nature Journaling Club
2026-08-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Practiced by artists and naturalists alike, nature journaling is a centuries-old exercise in refining our powers of observation, appreciation for nature, drawing skills, and mindful presence. This group is open to all experience levels as we meet to sketch, connect, and learn together!
Del Ray Artisans’ Nature Journaling Club meets at 10am in front of Del Ray Artisans on the final Saturday morning of the month (except not in July, November, and December). 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 to our nonprofit arts organization are appreciated.
For more information, contact the coordinators: Stephanie Darlene Greenwald (stephanie@stephaniedarlene.com) and Meredith D’Amore (meredith.w.damore@gmail.com).
RSVP (Optional) | View Upcoming Dates

Artwork credit: Drawing by Meredith D’Amore

Closed to the Public
2026-08-30 - 2026-09-02 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This time is reserved for the curator to arrange the upcoming exhibit.

Closed to the Public: Artist Appointments Only
2026-08-30 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, ChronoScape: Artistic Explorations of Time Travel.

Accepted Artwork Drop Off
Time for artists to drop off their accepted artwork entries for the upcoming exhibit, Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals. 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.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2026-09-04 - 2026-09-26 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals Art Exhibit
September 4–26, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, September 4 from 7–9pm
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, September 4 between 7-9pm to meet curator Laura Ramirez-Drain and the exhibiting artists. Thank you to MCD Mateos McDonald’s for their generous donation for the reception.
The Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals art exhibit runs from September 4–26, 2026 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 on September 27).
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 Director of Curating, Amy Kitchin Hower, at curating@delrayartisans.org.

Artwork credit: “Frida Kahlo: Guardian of Heritage” by Laura Ramirez Drain

"Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals" Art Exhibit Opening Reception
2026-09-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals Art Exhibit
September 4–26, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, September 4 from 7–9pm
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, September 4 between 7-9pm to meet curator Laura Ramirez-Drain and the exhibiting artists. Thank you to MCD Mateos McDonald’s for their generous donation for the reception.
The Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals art exhibit runs from September 4–26, 2026 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 on September 27).
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 Director of Curating, Amy Kitchin Hower, at curating@delrayartisans.org.

Flora, Fauna, Fantastica at VCA Alexandria (9/22/2025 – 9/5/2026)
2026-09-05 | VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, 2660 Duke St, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States
Flora, Fauna, Fantastica Art Exhibit at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital
September 22, 2025 – September 5, 2026
Photo Album | Online Store
The Flora, Fauna, Fantastica exhibit features two-dimensional artwork by Del Ray Artisans members at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital (2660 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314) in a variety of media and styles, from the traditional to the surreal, showcasing nature.
Come see the exhibit September 22, 2025 through September 5, 2026. The animal hospital is open Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday 8am-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.
The exhibit is a Del Ray Artisans’ Gallery Without Walls exhibit in partnership with VCA Alexandria. 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 Candace Flanagan (Candace.Flanagan@vca.org).
“The Usual Trail” by A. Charles Warren
“Hairy Coo Kiss” by Rod Whyte

Board of Directors Meeting (ONLINE)
2026-09-08 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 Margaret Slipek at Secretary@DelRayArtisans.org at least four days in advance of the meeting to be included on the agenda and receive the Zoom session link.

Reserved for September curator
2026-09-09 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-13 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-09-20 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
More information coming soon!

"Carnival of Curiosities" Call for Entry Deadline
2026-09-10 23:59 | Online
Call for Entry ~ Open to area artists
Carnival of Curiosities
Exhibit Dates: October 2–31, 2026
Digital entry deadline: Thursday, September 10, 2026 by midnight
Step right up and enter a carnival of curiosities where all manner of carnival-themed art—silly or dark, from food and lights to games, rides, music, costumes, and more—is welcome to dazzle, delight, and maybe even bite!
The exhibit is open to all area artists. Del Ray Artisans members pay a discounted entry fee.
Entry form coming soon.

HalloWEIRD Art Market 2026
2026-09-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Mount Vernon Recreation Center Athletic Fields, 2701 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria, 22301, United States
Come to the 5th annual HalloWEIRD outdoor art market on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 10am–4pm to browse Halloween-inspired creations that are spooky, creepy, crawly, and goth. Maybe you like the upbeat, fun side of the season, like costumes, hot cider, hay rides, autumn colors. You can see art celebrating that too! The market offers diverse, original handcrafted artwork from talented local artists in a wide range of media, including ceramics, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, paper, photography, and more.
This is an outdoor, family-friendly, rain-or-shine event in the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields adjoining Del Ray Artisans gallery (2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA). The market is FREE to browse and open to the public.
The artists featured in the market are:
TBD

Plus step inside Del Ray Artisans gallery to see the Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals art exhibit (September 4–26, 2026). Del Ray Artisans, founded in 1992, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community.

Del Ray Urban Sketchers @ St. Elmo's Coffee Pub
2026-09-13 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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 St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301) 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.
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets on the second Sunday of the month (except not in July, August, and December) at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray, as well as on the third Thursday of most months at a time and location that is varied (view upcoming dates).
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. Contact the organizer, Joan Bickelhaupt (joanbickelhaupt@gmail.com), with any questions.
RSVP via Eventbrite | View Upcoming Dates

Photo courtesy of Joan Bickelhaupt

Mirror & Clay Mosaic Art
2026-09-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Khushi Bhansali
Date/Time: Saturday, September 13, 6-8pm
Cost: $20 Del Ray Artisans member / $30 Non-member; plus $30 supply fee
Class size: 4-12 participants
(Register by September 9.)
Perfect for beginners and artists alike, this mosaic class offers a fun, relaxed way to get creative. We will take you from a blank board to a polished varnished mosaic masterpiece.
Learn the basics of mosaic fabrication by first drawing a geometrical design on a 10-inch MDF board. With guidance every step of the way, you’ll work with a special clay and learn to roll and sculpt it for the design, and then paint it with vibrant acrylic colors. The finishing touches include setting shimmering mirrors on the design and adding the final gloss and protection with a coat of varnish.
All supplies are included in the supplies fee.
Registration coming soon!

Image credit: Khushi Bhansali

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

Partners in Art (RSVP in Advance)
2026-09-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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.
RSVP to Mila Mateu (milaenartes@gmail.com) and Suzanne Tillman (zannet@verizon.net) for details before the day of the meeting.
View Upcoming Meetings

Partners in Art Evening (RSVP in Advance)
2026-09-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Calling fellow artists, beginners to professionals, you are invited to join our art-support group, to share artistic goals, techniques, and the local art scene. Participants may show one or two artworks, any medium, in any stage, for advice and feedback.
To join our small, friendly, and supportive artists’ group, contact Michele Reday Cook at mredaycook@gmail.com for details and registration BEFORE the day of the meeting.
This program is free. Donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) with questions.
View Upcoming Meetings

Social Media for Artists (Register by 9/13)
2026-09-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Laura Ramirez Drain
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 16, 6-9pm
Cost: $60 Del Ray Artisans member / $70 Non-member
Class size: 3-10 participants
(Register by September 13)
Learn simple and effective ways to promote your artwork and creative business online. The class focuses on building confidence, improving visibility, and creating engaging content. You must bring your own laptop or tablet to follow along and practice during the session.
During the workshop, you will:

Learn how to create engaging posts for Facebook and Instagram
Understand how to use hashtags and improve visibility
Practice writing simple captions that connect with buyers
Learn how to promote art shows, events, and sales
Explore content ideas to stay consistent online
Receive guidance and feedback on their own social media
Leave with practical tools and ideas to grow their audience

This hands-on workshop is designed for adults (ages 18+) with basic knowledge of Facebook and Instagram.
Register Now

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

Volunteer in the Gardens
2026-09-19 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 Jenny 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 meets once a month on a weekend day from 9am-11am. In July and August, we’ll meet an hour earlier (8am-10am) to avoid the heat. Our 2026 dates are:

Saturday, May 16, 9:00 to 11:00 am
Saturday, June 13, 9:00 to 11:00 am
Sunday, July 12, 8:00 to 10:00 am (earlier due to heat)
Saturday, August 15, 8:00 to 10:00 am (earlier due to heat)
Saturday, September 19, 9:00 to 11:00 am (tidy up the garden for Art on the Avenue)
Saturday, October 17, 9:00 to 11:00 am

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.

Bead & Wire Jewelry Workshop (Register by 9/16)
2026-09-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Lisette Bez
Date/Time: Saturday, September 19, 6-8pm
Cost: $60 Del Ray Artisans member / $70 Non-member, plus a $15 supply fee
Class size: 5-12 participants
(Register by September 16)
Learn the basics of jewelry design, including types of wire, how to form metal, and assembling a wearable piece such as earrings and necklaces. This class serves as an excellent introduction to the fundamentals of jewelry making and teaches the skills to repurpose and recycle broken pieces. Participants will make 1 to 2 items during this workshop.
All supplies are included in the supplies fee.
Register Now

Image credit: Lisette Bez

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

Radical Sewing Club-ALX
2026-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Welcome to Radical Sewing Club-ALX!
Started in LA by Scout Quiquivix, the Alexandria chapter is a monthly drop-in style meeting where you can learn clothing repair, hand and machine sewing, or bring your own project to work on with the community.
Radical Sewing Club is about more than sewing–it’s a space to reimagine craft outside of capitalism, to resist exploitation and oppression, and to stitch together a world based on care and solidarity. All who share these values are welcome.
Registration: Registration is not required, but you may set a reminder in Eventbrite.
Cost: Recommended donation of $10 or pay what you can. No one turned away for lack of funds! Monetary donations will be split between Del Ray Artisans (our wonderful hosts) and Radical Sewing Club for continued materials.
Have materials to donate? We welcome fabric (full cuts and scraps alike), thread, needles, interfacing, embroidery hoops, buttons, pins, trims, lace, and functional zippers.
Contact: radicalsewingclubalx@pm.me or @radicalsewingclub_alx on Instagram
View All Upcoming Dates

Live From Your Studio - Connect with fellow DRA artists
2026-09-20 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Live From Your Studio is a free, members-only, virtual gathering where Del Ray Artisans members can connect from their art-making space. This virtual event will take place monthly on the third Sunday of the month (excluding December) over Zoom. Artists are encouraged (but not required) to join from their studios and make art during the session. These events will allow members to paint and create art together, and forge deeper connections to other members.
RSVP at least a week before the gathering to help organizers prepare. Zoom connection information will be emailed to you two days before the gathering. If you have any questions, please contact organizer Laura Flynn Geissel at flynnmail52@proton.me and Membership Director Kara Macek at membership@delrayartisans.org.
Not a member? It’s easy to join Del Ray Artisans. Artist ($30-$110) and Patron ($250+) level memberships enjoy exhibition and program privileges. Supporter level memberships ($40/year) do not have exhibition privileges, but supporters have program privileges and may participate in programs such as this one!
Although this is a free event, as a nonprofit organization, donations are always welcome to support our mission of promoting art for the benefit of artists and the community. Donate online or at the gallery.
RSVP Now | View Upcoming Meetings

Alcove Gift Shop at Del Ray Artisans (8/7 - 9/26/2026)
2026-09-26 | 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 7 – September 26, 2026.
All work featured in the gift shop is by Del Ray Artisans members. Unframed 2-D work is available in bins alongside jewelry, fiber art, wood craft, ceramics, and other smaller 3-D items. The gift shop is located in the alcove inside Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301.
The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. Gallery hours are Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays 12-6pm, and Sundays 12-6pm (closed the last Sunday of the month).
For more information, contact the curators Stephen Lally (slallypottery@gmail.com) and Rita Schooley (rlschooley@gmail.com).
