"Quarantine Creations" opens at VCA Alexandria
2020-07-06 | VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, 2660 Duke St, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States
Quarantine Creations Art Exhibit at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital
July 6 – October 24, 2020
“Flattening the Curve” by Suzanne Tillman, collage, $225, 12? x 13?
View the Artwork
The Quarantine Creations exhibit at the Veterinary Clinics of America Alexandria Animal Hospital (VCA Alexandria) features artwork based on our quarantine experiences. We all have been going through some challenging times during this COVID-19 pandemic. Our lives have changed drastically due to the global quarantine, and we have had to make many adjustments in our own unique ways. Quarantine Creations is a Del Ray Artisans’ Gallery Without Walls exhibit in partnership with VCA Alexandria.
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.
The exhibit runs July 6 through October 24, 2020 at VCA Alexandria, 2660 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Because VCA Alexandria is not at complete opening status, artwork is viewable online and by appointment only (Monday-Saturday 8am-4pm). Please contact Stephanie Frederick at VCAGWW2020@gmail.com to schedule an on-site viewing appointment. Updated hours will be posted on this page as VCA Alexandria begins to let clients in the building.
For more information, please contact the curators Kelly Postula (GWW@DelRayArtisans.org) and Stephanie Frederick (VCAGWW2020@gmail.com).

First Thursday (Gallery Open 12-6pm)
2020-07-02 18:00 - 21:00, 2020-06-04 18:00 - 21:00, 2020-04-02 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event from 6-9pm along Mount Vernon Avenue from April through September. Each month has a different theme.
The 2020 themes are:

April 2 – Event Cancelled; Gallery Closed
May 7 – Porch Party in Del Ray; Gallery Closed
June 4 – Vigil For George Floyd; Food Drive for MVCS Blessings in a Backpack; Gallery Closed
July 2 – Porch Party: Red, White, and Blue; Gallery closed in the evenings, but open Thursday & Friday 12-6pm and Saturday 12-4pm
August 6 – Porch Party: Aloha Thursday; Gallery closed in the evenings, but open Thursday & Friday 12-6pm and Saturday 12-4pm
September 3 – Porch Party: Dog Days in Del Ray; Gallery closed in the evenings, but open Thursday & Friday 12-6pm and Saturday 12-4pm

ONLINE: How to Publish Your Work in Literary Journals Workshop
2020-06-29 20:00 - 22:00 | Online
Instructor: T.J. Butler
Date: Monday, June 29 from 7-9pm
Class size: 3-20 participants
(Register by Noon on June 29)

This workshop will be online through the Zoom platform. Registrants will be sent login information the day before the workshop.
Are you interested in publishing your short fiction and poetry in literary journals and magazines?
Have you considered it, but don’t know where to start? Do you wonder if your work is even good enough to submit?
You’ll learn the basics to get started: knowing when your work is ready to submit; finding and researching journals; writing cover letters; crafting your author’s bio; navigating Submittable; tracking and organizing your submissions; strategies for submitting; vocabulary to help you represent yourself as a pro; “Literary Twitter,” and much more.
Attend with a notebook and a pen. You’ll leave with the tools necessary to begin submitting your work to journals ranging from approachable to top-tier.
Register Now
About this teaching artist: T.J. Butler lives on a sailboat with her husband and dog. She writes fiction that is not all fun and games. She is a Pushcart Prize nominee and an occasional contributor to Tiny House Magazine. Her work appears or is forthcoming in Flash Fiction Online, Tahoma Literary Review, New South, Ghost City Review, Barren, Riggwelter, and others. She is working with her agent to complete a collection of short stories, “A Flame on the Ocean.” She can be found at @aGalWithNoName and TJButlerAuthor.com.

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

"Quarantine Creations" Call for Entry Deadline
2020-06-27 23:50 - 23:59 | Online
Del Ray Artisans Members Only
Gallery Without Walls Call for Entry
Quarantine Creations at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital
July 6 – October 24, 2020
Digital entries due: Saturday, June 27 by midnight
Del Ray Artisans is pleased to partner with VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital again! We all have been going through some challenging times during this COVID-19 pandemic. Our lives have changed drastically due to the global quarantine, and we have had to make many adjustments in our own unique ways. So, for our next Gallery Without Walls show, we challenge artists to express their quarantine experiences.
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: “Flatten the Curve” by Kelly Postula

CANCELLED: Spring Art Market 2020
2020-06-27 11:00 - 17:00 | VA
This special event has been cancelled; however, you will find artwork by Del Ray Artisans members juried into the Spring Art Market in the Take Away Art exhibit. Come to the gallery for some creative take-out! Open on Saturday, June 27 from 12-4pm.

Our Spring Art Market is a one-day, outdoor event that gives you the chance to purchase original handcrafted artwork from talented local artists. This market showcases artwork in a wide range of media including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, paper, photography, and more. Shop original work from local artistsóperfect for gifts or treat yourself!
The Spring Art Market will be on Saturday, June 27 from 10am-4pm in Colasanto Park, adjoining Del Ray Artisans gallery at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA (at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Mount Vernon Avenue). The event is held RAIN or SHINE, and is free and open to the public.
Featured Artists:

Joan Bickelhaupt, Creative Tinkerings
Marsha Brown Artist
Eileen Egan Pottery
Chris Fedderson, MacroFine Photography
Patricia Figliola, Aisling PhotoArt
Holly Fries, Holly’s Art Imaginarium
Kate Gibney, LucidArts
Alanna Graboyes
Janice Horoschak, Abstract Couture
Erica Hughes and Suzan Ok
Stephen Lally Pottery
Aurelian Lauer, Queen B Papercrafts
Christine Lederman, Bead Therapy
Megan Levanduski, Megan Elaine Designs
Diana Manchak, Designs In Clay
Liz Martinez
Patti North, All Fired Up!
Diana Papazian, Papazian Design, LLC
Joyce Wagner, Reinvented Elegance
Tracy Wilkerson, Recycled Works

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If you have questions about the market or how to apply for a market artspace, contact Stacy Rausch (Programs Director) at Programs@DelRayArtisans.org.

"Take Away Art" Exhibit Begins
2020-06-18 13:00 - 19:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Take Away Art Exhibit
June 18 – July 31, 2020
“Story: The Wizard of Oz” by Jeff Lodge, acrylic on panel, $1800, 36.25 x 18″
Come to Del Ray Artisans gallery for some creative take-out! The Take Away Art exhibit will be on display from June 18 through July 31, 2020. All artwork purchased from this exhibit may go home with you immediately.
This exhibit features the work of Del Ray Artisans members, as well as some additional fundraising artworks which benefit our nonprofit directly; plus, a special section from Spring Art Market artists!
Come to enjoy the experience of the collection; and, if you purchase artwork, know that you’re supporting local artists and Del Ray Artisans nonprofit arts organization.
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Joyce Wagner, mosaic, $225, 15″ diameter x 1″
The Take Away Art exhibit is at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. New gallery hours are Thursday 12-6pm, Friday 12-6pm, and Saturday 12-4pm.
Please wear a mask in the gallery and maintain 6′ of personal space from other visitors and staff. The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible.
For more information, contact the curators: Dawn Wyse Hurto (technology@delrayartisans.org) and Dale Spivey (vp@delrayartisans.org).
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 Artisans, a 501(c)(3) organization, appreciates the continued support from the City of Alexandria, Alexandria Commission for the Arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts.
“Please?” by Taly Walsh, acrylic on canvas, $150, 16 x 12″
“2018.05.24 AL” by William Hendricks, oil on panel, $250, 16 x 12″

RESCHEDULED: Playing with Resin Workshop
2020-06-15 19:00 - 22:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been rescheduled to Monday, August 17.
Workshop: Playing with Resin
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson
Date/Time: Monday, June 15 from 6-9pm
Class size: 5-10 participants
(Register by June 12)
Come play with resin in a safe environment – learn the ins and outs of mixing resin and using it in your artwork as an adhesive, a covering, or the main medium. There’s lots of creative time during this 3-hour workshopÖno need to rush, which is one of the first lessons in using resin! 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.
Please register in advance, wear a mask, and give fellow participants 6? of personal space.
NOTE: The workshop will be held depending on the stay-at-home order being lifted. If the workshop is cancelled, you will be contacted to see if you would prefer a refund or to have your registration moved to the Playing with Resin workshop on August 17th.

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

OUTDOOR: Urban Sketchbooking Meetup (June 14, 2020)
2020-06-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Meets second Sundays from January-June

Urban Sketchbooking emphasizes storytelling that conveys a sense of place or a moment in time through drawings completed from direct observations. This Del Ray meeting operates on a drop-in basis during afternoons of the second Sunday of each month, so there is no need to register in advance. Bring your supplies and join us 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.
Normally the fee for each 2-hour session is $8 for members and $10 for non-members; however, the June 14th date will be FREE!
Del Ray Artisans gallery is temporarily closed. We will meet outdoors in front of the gallery (2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA 22301) and walk to a nearby park.
The session will be cancelled if the chance of rain is greater than 50%. Please wear a mask and give fellow participants 6′ of personal space. The organizer will accept up to 9 participants.
Contact the organizer, Joan Bickelhaupt (joanbickelhaupt@gmail.com), with any questions.
View Upcoming Dates

"Art by Mail" Refresh Call for Entry Deadline
2020-06-11 00:50 - 00:59 | Online
Call for Entry ~ Open to Del Ray Artisans Members
“Refresh” of Art by Mail Online Art Exhibit
May 24 – July 31, 2020
Refresh entries due: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 by midnight
“Tardigrades (Water Bears)” by Amy Kitchin Hower
Submit up to five entries of small, mailable art. Each entry may be one piece or a small collection (e.g. a short photo series) that is mailed together. When art sells, you will mail it directly to the purchaser. The art should be deliverable as regular U.S. mail and not require a trip to the post office. Open theme. No entry fee.
Open to all Del Ray Artisans artist members. If you participated in the first round of submissions, you may also submit again; but only up to 5 pieces of each artist’s work will be on display in the exhibit at a time.
If you are not a member, you may join Del Ray Artisans now to enter.
Entry Details & Form

ONLINE: Board Meeting (June 2020)
2020-06-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Online
This Board meeting will a virtual session.
Active members are welcome to visit 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.

Looking Up (1/27-5/31)
2020-05-31 | VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, 2660 Duke St, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States
Schedule Update on 6/8/2020: The Looking Up exhibit has ended. Artists must make appointments to pick up unsold work curbside. Contact GWW@DelRayArtisans.org with any questions.
Looking Up Art Exhibit at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital
January 27 – May 31, 2020
“Birds of a Feather” by Monica Hokeilen
Looking Up is a Del Ray Artisans’ Gallery Without Walls (GWW) exhibit at Veterinary Clinics of America Alexandria Animal Hospital (VCA Alexandria). The exhibit features artwork of objects seen above our horizon (e.g. sunsets, clouds, birds, trees, starry nights, and more) and artwork that creates an uplifting response, conveys an inspiring message, or represents an aspirational goal.
The exhibit runs January 27 through May 31, 2020 at VCA Alexandria, 2660 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Patrons may view the artwork at VCA Alexandria during regular business hours and at the discretion of hospital staff. Regular hours are Monday through Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-3pm, and closed Sunday.
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, who is splitting the donation with VCA Alexandria’s charity of choice, the Wildlife Rescue League. The Wildlife Rescue League cares for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife with the intent of releasing them back into their native habitat. Del Ray Artisans and the Wildlife Rescue League are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
For more information, please visit DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits/gww or contact the curator Monica Hokeilen (GWW@DelRayArtisans.org) or Director of Curating Brittany Gabel (Curating@DelRayArtisans.org).

RESCHEDULED: How to Publish Your Work in Literary Journals Workshop
2020-05-27 20:00 - 22:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been rescheduled to Monday, June 29 as an online event.
Instructor: T.J. Butler
Date: Wednesday, May 27 from 7-9pm
Class size: 3-8 participants
(Register by May 24)
T.J. Butler
Are you interested in publishing your short fiction and poetry in literary journals and magazines?
Have you considered it, but don’t know where to start? Do you wonder if your work is even good enough to submit?
You’ll learn the basics to get started: knowing when your work is ready to submit; finding and researching journals; writing cover letters; crafting your author’s bio; navigating Submittable; tracking and organizing your submissions; strategies for submitting; vocabulary to help you represent yourself as a pro; “Literary Twitter,” and much more.
Bring a notebook and a pen. You’ll leave with the tools necessary to begin submitting your work to journals ranging from approachable to top-tier.
About this teaching artist: T.J. Butler lives on a sailboat with her husband and dog. She writes fiction that is not all fun and games. She is a Pushcart Prize nominee and an occasional contributor to Tiny House Magazine. Her work appears or is forthcoming in Flash Fiction Online, Tahoma Literary Review, New South, Ghost City Review, Barren, Riggwelter, and others. She is working with her agent to complete a collection of short stories, “A Flame on the Ocean.” She can be found at @aGalWithNoName and TJButlerAuthor.com.

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

ONLINE: #ArtByMail Social Media Marketing Bootcamp for Members
2020-05-23 12:00 - 14:00 | Online
Workshop Facilitator: Mathew Heggem
Join us for this 2-hour social media boot-camp to support the Del Ray Artisans community and our upcoming online exhibit, Art by Mail. In light of our current situation, we’ve created this opportunity to support each of you in developing a strong online presence that supports your work as artists.
This interactive workshop will include an overview of social media essentials (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), developing your brand online, creating compelling content, and leveraging engagement to sell your work online. In addition, this workshop will include a group brainstorming session where you’ll be able to dive into your number one marketing challenge. Lastly we’ll provide you with a toolkit and a list of resources to help you break through to the next level with social media.
An email with the link to registration has been sent to the member list. Registration is required by midnight on Friday, May 22. The Zoom meeting information will be emailed to you at least three hours prior to the workshop.
Please note: This meeting will be recorded and may be publicly shared later online.
This meeting is for Del Ray Artisans members. If you have questions about your membership status, please email Gallery@DelRayArtisans.org.

CANCELLED: Nature Journaling in Del Ray Artisans' Garden Workshop
2020-05-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop is cancelled.
Instructor: Margaret Wohler
Date: Saturday, May 16 from 1-3pm
Class size: 2-10 participants
(Register by May 12)
Enjoy the flowers in Del Ray Artisans’ garden in a new way: by drawing them! You will learn about and observe the plant structures and pollinators as we draw. You will also learn how to set up a field sketch page and methods to learn about natural subjects through drawing.
A field art kit (includes sketchbook, pencil, eraser, sharpener, and set of watercolor pencils) is available for $20, or you may bring your own sketchbook and art supplies.
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View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility, and policies on the Upcoming Workshops page.

CANCELLED: Member Meeting & Benefit Program
2020-05-14 20:00 - 22:00 | Online
This meeting has been cancelled. Per Del Ray Artisans’ bylaws, there will be three membership meetings this year (in February, August, and October 2020).
The Spring Membership Meeting is also our annual member benefit meeting, at which Del Ray Artisans offers a program of interest for FREE to our membership.
In addition to the program, please join us for refreshments and a brief business meeting.

VIRTUAL: Board Meeting (May 2020)
2020-05-12 20:00 - 22:00 | Online
The May 12th Board meeting will be a virtual session.
Active members are welcome to visit 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 in advance of the meeting to be included on the agenda.

Buy Local Art Page (Opt-in Deadline)
2020-05-11 00:50 - 00:59 | Online
Opportunity Open to Members Only
Opt-in to Share Your Artwork Sales Website
Deadline: Sunday, May 10, 2020 by midnight
Chris Fedderson, MacroFine Photography
Be a part of the upcoming “Buy Local Art” page on Del Ray Artisans’ website that will advertise the artwork sales websites of our members. There is no fee to participate, but your Del Ray Artisans membership must be current.
This opportunity is only open to Del Ray Artisans members. If you are not a member, you may join Del Ray Artisans now.
Entry Details & Form

"Art by Mail" Call for Entry Deadline
2020-05-11 00:50 - 00:59 | Online
Call for Entry ~ Open to Del Ray Artisans Members
Art by Mail Online Art Exhibit
May 24 – July 31, 2020
Digital entries due: Sunday, May 10, 2020 by midnight
Watercolor studies by Dawn Wyse Hurto
Submit up to five entries of small (card-sized), mailable art. Each entry may be one piece or a small collection (e.g. a short photo series) that is mailed together. When art sells, you will mail it directly to the purchaser. The art should be deliverable as regular U.S. mail and not require a trip to the post office. Open theme. No entry fee.
Art by Mail is a Del Ray Artisans members only exhibit. If you are not a member, you may join Del Ray Artisans now to enter.
Entry Details & Form

First Thursday (Gallery Open 12-6pm)
2020-05-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event from 6-9pm along Mount Vernon Avenue from April through September. Each month has a different theme.
The 2020 themes are:

April 2 – Event Cancelled; Gallery Closed
May 7 from 6-8pm – Porch Party in Del Ray; Gallery Closed
June 4 – TBD; Gallery Closed
July 2 – TBD
August 6 – TBD
September 3 – TBD

Creative Summer Programs Proposal Deadline
2020-04-18 00:50 - 00:59 | Online
Artists must submit their proposals via the online form by 11:59pm on Friday, April 17, 2020 to be included in the first round of program selection and marketing for Del Ray Artisans’ 2020 Creative Summer Programs.

Spring Art Market Application Deadline
2020-04-18 00:50 - 00:59 | Online
Artists must submit their applications via the online form by 11:59pm on Friday, April 17, 2020 to be considered for the market.
Please note: The Spring Art Market event date is Saturday, June 27th.

CANCELLED: Board Meeting (April 2020)
2020-04-14 20:00 - 22:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The April 2020 Board meeting has been cancelled.
Active members are welcome to visit 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 in advance of the meeting to be included on the agenda.

Spring2ACTion 2020
2020-04-03 - 2020-04-15 | Online
Donate April 3-15
Starting Friday, April 3 through Wednesday, April 15, 2020 (Giving Day) our community comes together to support the amazing work of Alexandria nonprofits through Spring2ACTion, hosted by ACT for Alexandria. Please remember Del Ray Artisans is one of those worthy causes!
During Spring2ACTion 2020, please give your support to Del Ray Artisans’ exhibits, programs, youth and outreach activities which help members of our community grow as individuals and as artists. In addition to planning ahead for the return of our mission-driven events, critical funds are needed now to retain gallery staff during the shutdown and expand further into the virtual world.
If you are in a position to do so, please donate to Del Ray Artisans nonprofit today. Other ways to support:

Buy artwork from local artists. View the Tell Me a Story exhibit online and contact Gallery@DelRayArtisans.org to purchase specific pieces by June 10, 2020. The art will be available for pick up once the gallery reopens.
Designate Del Ray Artisans as your AmazonSmile charity of choice, or order your BLICK art materials through this link and Del Ray Artisans will receive a donation from BLICK.
Share our Spring2ACTion fundraising page with your network. Crowdsourcing adds up, and we absolutely appreciate every single donation.

Please consider a tax-deductible donation and spread the word to friends and family. Every donation is appreciated. Thank you for supporting the arts!
Donate April 3-15

POSTPONED: 19th Amendment, War of the Roses
2020-04-03 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Schedule Update: In compliance with the Governor’s directive to avoid large events and consideration of Alexandria City Public Schools’ schedule, Del Ray Artisans has rescheduled this members and high school students’ exhibit from April 2020 to November 2020 and extended the invitation to enter to 2020 high school graduates.
The original exhibit title was 19th Amendment, War of the Roses. Since the postponement, the exhibit has been revised to be inclusive of current events. The new exhibit title is Women’s Right to Vote: 100 Years Since the 19th Amendment.
View the Call for Entry

“Vote” by Drew
Celebrating the 100-year Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, the 19th Amendment, War of the Roses art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans pays tribute to the rights we enjoy today because of the battle won for women’s right to vote in 1920. This amendment not only gave women the right to vote, but also led the way to more overall equality and social reform. The exhibit features artwork by Del Ray Artisans members and local high school students.
Artist awards will be presented by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, Vice Mayor of Alexandria, in both the high school category and the members category. Special contributions towards awards provided by the Kiwanis Club of Alexandria, Community Partner McD Mateos, and the curators.
“A Hooded Intellect” by Amy Kitchin Hower
The National American Woman Suffrage Association, formed in 1890, adopted the colors white, golden yellow and purple. Symbolizing purity and hope, golden-yellow banners were used in parades to express the spirit of the movement. Soon, yellow roses became an emblem of the suffrage cause. In contrast, anti-suffragists adopted red roses as their symbol. What ensued was a “War of the Roses.” Are you a “suff” or “antis“? Which color rose would you wear? – yellow or red.
Although Harry T. Burn, the youngest member of the Tennessee state legislature wore a red rose on his lapel, his surprising “yea” vote on August 18, 1920, allowed the passing and ratification of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote, and moved millions of women closer to equality. “Do the right thing” his mother urged him. Harry stands on the right side of history because he did the “right thing.” Ever wonder what life would be like if Harry Burn had voted ‘nay’ to women’s rights?
For more information, please contact the curators Amy Kitchin Hower (alkitchin.dc@gmail.com), Karen Schmitz (kschmitzart@gmail.com), and Drew Cariaso (druamaart@comcast.net).

Tell Me a Story (Online 3/30-6/10)
2020-03-30 - 2020-06-12 | Online
Tell Me a Story Art Exhibit
Online Exhibit runs March 30-June 10, 2020
This is the story of curating an art exhibit at an unusual time.
The Tell Me a Story exhibit opened on March 6, 2020 at Del Ray Artisans gallery with a busy reception and high praise. The walls are packed with artwork: 189 pieces in the exhibit and 134 pieces in the art-to-go marketplace. This is nearly double the size of a typical exhibit in this space—with work from 95 artists on display.
As safety guidelines changed, this exhibit was extended to April 26; then, ultimately, on March 23 the gallery was closed to the public until further notice. At this time, we rose to the challenge and posted the artwork in a Flickr album, so the exhibit could still be viewed.
If you would like to purchase artwork, please email the artwork title, artist’s name, or description to Gallery@DelRayArtisans.org or Technology@DelRayArtisans.org by June 10, 2020. Purchased artwork will be available for pick up after the gallery reopens.
View the Artwork
My Journey as Curator
When I was developing the theme for this exhibit, it was important to me to be able to include a variety of visual art and literary works by local artists. The idea was to be able to look at any piece of art and then let the story unfold. Everyone’s story is different; and there are many ways to express your story.
Still I was overwhelmed by the response. This exhibit received nearly double the expected amount of entries, and I needed to cull about a third of the work in order to have any hope of fitting it into the gallery. (There was a moment when I considered putting art on the ceiling!)
We had an outstanding team of volunteers at artwork receiving (when artists drop off accepted pieces) and helping arrange the display. I took the video below after the exhibit’s first round of hanging. Tweaks were made later and temporary artwork tags (seen hanging off the pieces in the video) were replaced by wall tags.
The week of artwork receiving and hanging is always the busiest for the curator. It’s such a reward to see everyone’s reaction to the collection at the opening reception—and the reception was crowded! The exhibit was well received, and many buyers went home with great art from the art-to-go marketplace and reserved exhibit art for later pick up.
Then COVID-19. As we learned more about the illness, it became clear the gallery would be closing. How do we share the art safely? The internet to the rescue.
Thank you to all the artists who submitted photos of their work and to the volunteers who took additional photos. Together we were able to capture the essence of the exhibit through pictures, so you can still take this imaginative journey with us.

“Something’s Brewing” by Lesley Hall, acrylic, $337, 8×11″
In the description for each artwork in the Flickr album, you’ll find the artwork title, artist, media, price, and dimensions. If you would like to purchase an artwork, please send the title, description, and/or artist’s name to Gallery@DelRayArtisans.org and Technology@DelRayArtisans.org to make arrangements. The artwork is available for purchase until June 10, 2020, and it will be available for pickup after the gallery reopens.
We will also be sharing some of the artists’ stories on social media, so be sure to follow Del Ray Artisans on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Thank you the artists, the volunteers, and patrons for celebrating the arts.
—Lesley Hall, curator
Del Ray Artisans’ gallery is located in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia, but is closed until further notice (effective March 23, 2020). Check DelRayArtisans.org for schedule updates.

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 Artisans (DRA) appreciates the continued support from the City of Alexandria, Alexandria Commission for the Arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts. DRA is a 501(c)(3) organization.

CANCELLED: Create a New Story: Altered Book Workshop
2020-03-28 14:00 - 17:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been cancelled.
Instructor: Jackie Tury
Date: Saturday, March 28 from 1-4pm
Class size: 6-15 participants
(Register by March 22)

Come “Create a New Story” with artist Jackie Tury. This workshop will teach you to transform a board book into a beautiful, inspiring new story using paints, papers, pages from old books and plenty of mixed media techniques. All instructions and supplies are provided. If desired, students may bring extra papers or book pages to use or share.
Students will leave with their own unique story book. It’s never too late to begin a new chapter or create a new story. New Decade! New Story!

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

Workshop: Calligraphy Storytelling
2020-03-15 14:00 - 17:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Registration is now closed.
Instructor: Jenny Nicholson
Date: Sunday, March 15 from 1-4pm
Class size: 5-12 participants
(Register by March 12)

Explore calligraphy through experimenting with various writing tools and letterforms. This is an opportunity to practice hand lettering as a way to visually share a story, poetry, or travel journaling.
The workshop will offer beginner instruction, as well as a refresher for returning students. Using calligraphy styles along with our own handwriting, we will create page layouts as it relates to storytelling.
By experimenting with a variety of tools, inks, paper, and lettering styles, students will gain an understanding of what their preferences are for writing their own words. Some students may prefer the pointed pen while others may prefer the pointed brush or a chisel-edged tool.
The instructor will provide tools and ink to use during class. The supply fee includes a variety of paper, letter-style handouts, guides, and a calligraphy marker. Students are welcome to bring any writing or calligraphy tools they already have.
Please bring a short story or quotes to work with. This workshop is suited for adults and students that are 10 years or older.

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

Del Ray Artisans' Spirit Night at McDonald's
2020-03-11 17:00 - 20:00 | VA
Support Del Ray Artisans by attending Spirit Night at McDonald’s (1000 N Henry Street, Alexandria VA 22314) from 4-7pm!
MCD Mateos, McDonald’s is generously donating a percentage of sales between 4-7pm to our nonprofit. During this event, you’ll also have the opportunity to see and purchase artwork from Del Ray Artisans at McDonald’s.
For event questions or to volunteer, email Amy Kitchin Hower at Volunteers@DelRayArtisans.org.
McDonald’s, 1000 N Henry Street, Alexandria VA 22314
2020 Spirit Nights are from 4-7pm on:

Wednesday, March 11
Wednesday, September 9 (TBD)
Wednesday, November 18 (TBD)
