Del Ray Artisans

Partners in Art Evening (RSVP in Advance)
2025-03-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | 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

STEAM-tastic: 2-D Paper Mache Room Decoration (Ages 9-15; Register ASAP)
2025-03-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor Courtney Pippin-Mathur
Instructor: Courtney Pippin-Mathur
Date/Time: Saturdays, March 22 & March 29, 10am-1pm
Cost: $25/child
Class size: 4-12 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome if space permits)
Do you love fairy tales? Create your own fairy-tale inspired character to hang up in your room. Let your imagination run wild, from heroes who are scared, to damsels who don’t care, villains who love jelly beans, monsters who want to help and everything in between!
Bring your favorite fairy tale character ideas to get started right away. We use cardboard, paper mache and paint, so come prepared to get messy.
On day 1, you will design your fairy tale character and create your design into a paper mache wall piece. Paper mache takes a few days to dry so you will come back on the 2nd date to paint and finalize your wall piece. The sessions are three hours each, but some students might finish early. Students must be accompanied by an adult who can assist with cutting cardboard. (Only the student needs to register; there is no fee for assisting adults.)
The hands-on activity is for participants’ ages 9-15 years old. Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Please contact the Youth Programs Director at youth@delrayartisans.org with any questions.
This workshop is held in conjunction with the Fairy Tales Around the World art exhibit.
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.

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

RESCHEDULED: Playing with Resin Workshop
2025-03-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 20.
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Sunday, March 23, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by March 20)
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).

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

Advanced Resin Techniques Lecture (Register ASAP)
2025-03-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Presenter: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Monday, March 24, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $20 Del Ray Artisans member / $30 Non-member
Class size: 7-20 participants
(Register in advance; walk-ins welcome, space permitting)
Do you like working with resin but want to get a little more creative? In this class, we will discuss advanced resin techniques such as layering, tilting, building in three dimensions, adding lights, and more. The instructor will show physical examples of these techniques and discuss what to be aware of when using each technique. There will be time for questions and discussions during the class. This class will NOT cover resin dyes or pigment powder usage, but will touch on other possible additions to resin (such as glitter and alcohol inks).
You must already know how to use resin before taking this class. This is a lecture rather than a hands-on workshop, so registrants will not be creating anything during the class.
Register Now

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

Figure Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2025-03-25 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-04-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-04-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Drop-in and practice figure drawing on two select Tuesday* evenings each month. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery to draw or paint our nude model.
*Most sessions are on Tuesday evenings, but in 2025 there will be a session on Thursday, November 13 and a few costumed sessions on Thursday evenings in October.
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. 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 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

Spring2ACTion 2025
2025-03-26 - 2025-04-09 | Online
Donate March 26–April 9
Starting Wednesday, March 26 through Wednesday, April 9, 2025 (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!
Del Ray Artisans has been promoting art for the benefit of local artists and the community since 1992. Del Ray Artisans supports the development of artists at all levels and serves as a center for thriving artistic activity in Alexandria, Virginia.
During Spring2ACTion, please show your support for Del Ray Artisans’ exhibits, programs, youth and outreach activities which help members of our community grow as individuals and as artists.
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 during our exhibits or from members’ websites.
Share our Spring2ACTion fundraising page with your network. Crowdsourcing adds up, and we absolutely appreciate every single donation and shout-out.
Register for a Creative Workshop or attend an upcoming Creative Program. Learn something new and have fun!

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 March 26–April 9

Exhibit viewing appointment for At Home in Alexandria
2025-03-26 14:00 - 15:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This time is reserved for a special viewing of the Fairy Tales Around the World art exhibit for the nonprofit At Home in Alexandria (AHA).

Nature Journaling Club 2025
2025-03-29 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).
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

STEAM-tastic: 2-D Paper Mache Room Decoration (Class 2 of 2)
2025-03-29 10:00 - 13:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This date/time is reserved for the second session of the STEAM-tastic: 2-D Paper Mache Room Decoration Workshop. You must register prior to the first session. This workshop is for students ages 9-15 years old who attend with a guardian to assist with cutting cardboard.

Closed to the Public
2025-03-30 - 2025-04-02 | 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.

Artist Appointments
2025-03-30 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, Fairy Tales Around the World.

Accepted Artwork Drop Off
Time for artists to drop off their accepted artwork entries for the upcoming exhibit, Synchronous. 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.

First Thursday: Make art inspired by Alma Thomas 6:30-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2025-04-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join us inside Del Ray Artisans gallery from 6:30-8pm on the first Thursday of the month from April through September for our family-friendly activity! The activity is free of charge and all ages are welcome.
Activity on Thursday, April 3: Make your own 5×5-inch artwork inspired by Alma Thomas! Alma Thomas’ art was kindled by what she saw around her and used circles, stripes and dashes to create brilliantly colored works of art. New York City’s art museum, The Whitney, featured her Paintings of Earth and Space in the first solo show by a black woman, and she spent most of her life working with and teaching youth about art.
Plus get a sneak peek of the upcoming art exhibit, Synchronous. Del Ray Artisans gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays from April through September.
This activity is a part of STEAM-tastic. Del Ray Artisans’ youth program focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.
Make art inspired by Alma Thomas activity (Photo courtesy of Morgan Parr)

Every year from April through September Del Ray Business Association celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6pm until dusk on the first Thursday of the month.
Join the Del Ray community each First Thursday for themed activities, a donation drive to support a local nonprofit, and live music. The theme and nonprofit will be announced in advance, and donations will be collected at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues. Join us for the neighborhood themes:

April 3, 2025 – Music & Dance on the Avenue
May 1, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Dog Days in Del Ray)
June 5, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Jump into Summer)
July 3, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Red, White and Blue (Gallery is closed)
August 7, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Del Ray Olympics)
September 4, 2025 – theme TBD (2024 theme: Saddle Up)

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

Synchronous at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2025-04-04 - 2025-04-26 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Synchronous Art Exhibit
April 4–26, 2025
Opening Reception: Friday, April 4 from 7–9pm
“Synchronous Humanity” by Morgan Parr
The Synchronous art exhibit features creative work by Del Ray Artisans’ top 100 volunteers. These members help make Del Ray Artisans a thriving organization that fosters community and acceptance, promotes authentic expression, and encourages artistic creations. Come celebrate the dedication of our volunteers and enjoy their artwork.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, April 4 between 7-9pm to meet curator and Volunteers Director Morgan Parr and the artists. Mark your calendar or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
Del Ray Artisans members who donated the most volunteer hours from January 2023 through December 2024 were invited to enter pieces. A big thank you to the exceptional volunteers (alphabetized by first name) who qualified for the exhibit: Aaron Fletchersmith, Alexandra Schmeling, Alyssa Pease, Amanda Fletchersmith, Amy Castine, Amy Kitchin Hower, Ann Cameron Siegal, Annemarie Kuhns, Ariane D’Souza, Barbara Cooper, Barbara Smith, Betsy Lederer, Bhavani Arabandi, Bill Cabrera, Brando Gould, Bridget Anthony-Hlioui, Brooke Johnson, Camille Kouyoumdjian, Christian Melgar, Chuck Dervarics, Courtney Pippin-Mathur, Cynthia Schoeppel, Dale Spivey, Dan Witmeyer, Danielle Chan, Dawn Wyse Hurto, Diana Papazian, Dina Wise, Ditas Katague, Donna Gallo, Ellen Kozicki, Ellen Rosenthal, Erica Hughes, Gale Goldfarb, Gordon Thomas Frank, Guy Jones, Jana Bertucci, Jenny Nicholson, Joan Bickelhaupt, Joshua Oliveira-Martin, Joyce Wagner, Karen Feeley, Karen Schmitz, Kate Gibney, Katherine Rand, Kathryn Brown, Kazuko Fuller, KC Hodge, Kellie Sansone, Kelly M. MacConomy, Kelly Postula, Kelly Snyder, Kevin Sherlock, Kitty Russell, Kurt Peterson, Lesley Hall, Linda Elliff, Liz Martinez, Liz Vance, Lori Fredricks, Lori Welch Brown, Lynn Chadwick, Margaret Slipek, Maria Hart, Marshall Carolus, Mary Pike, Maxine Cholmondeley, Meredith D’Amore, Michele Reday Cook, Mila Mateu, Morgan Parr, Nancy Flores, Nancy Galib, Nicole Mahoney, Pamela Day, Peter Michaels, Pinar Artuk-Boegel, Rita Cohen, Rita Schooley, Robin Hunter Reid, Robin Ludt, Robyn Seaton McGarry, Rod Whyte, Ron Reel, Rusty Lynn, Sandra Alami, Scott MacConomy, Sean Crumley, Stephanie Darlene Greenwald, Stephen Lally, Sue Shumate, Sue Stone-Walls, Susan Fitter Harris, Suzan Ok Shumate, Suzanne Tillman, Thom Lowther, Tiara Safic-Martin, TJ Feeley, and Tracy Wilkerson.
The Synchronous art exhibit runs from April 4–26, 2025 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 April 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 curator Morgan Parr at volunteers@delrayartisans.org or Director of Curating Amy Kitchin Hower at curating@delrayartisans.org.

"Synchronous" Art Exhibit Opening Reception
2025-04-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Synchronous Art Exhibit
April 4–26, 2025
Opening Reception: Friday, April 4 from 7–9pm
The Synchronous art exhibit features creative work by Del Ray Artisans’ top 100 volunteers. These members help make Del Ray Artisans a thriving organization that fosters community and acceptance, promotes authentic expression, and encourages artistic creations. Come celebrate the dedication of our volunteers and enjoy their artwork.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, April 4 between 7-9pm to meet curator and Volunteers Director Morgan Parr and the artists. Mark your calendar or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
Del Ray Artisans members who donated the most volunteer hours from January 2023 through December 2024 were invited to enter pieces. A big thank you to the exceptional volunteers (alphabetized by first name) who qualified for the exhibit: Aaron Fletchersmith, Alexandra Schmeling, Alyssa Pease, Amanda Fletchersmith, Amy Castine, Amy Kitchin Hower, Ann Cameron Siegal, Annemarie Kuhns, Ariane D’Souza, Barbara Cooper, Barbara Smith, Betsy Lederer, Bhavani Arabandi, Bill Cabrera, Brando Gould, Bridget Anthony-Hlioui, Brooke Johnson, Camille Kouyoumdjian, Christian Melgar, Chuck Dervarics, Courtney Pippin-Mathur, Cynthia Schoeppel, Dale Spivey, Dan Witmeyer, Danielle Chan, Dawn Wyse Hurto, Diana Papazian, Dina Wise, Ditas Katague, Donna Gallo, Ellen Kozicki, Ellen Rosenthal, Erica Hughes, Gale Goldfarb, Gordon Thomas Frank, Guy Jones, Jana Bertucci, Jenny Nicholson, Joan Bickelhaupt, Joshua Oliveira-Martin, Joyce Wagner, Karen Feeley, Karen Schmitz, Kate Gibney, Katherine Rand, Kathryn Brown, Kazuko Fuller, KC Hodge, Kellie Sansone, Kelly M. MacConomy, Kelly Postula, Kelly Snyder, Kevin Sherlock, Kitty Russell, Kurt Peterson, Lesley Hall, Linda Elliff, Liz Martinez, Liz Vance, Lori Fredricks, Lori Welch Brown, Lynn Chadwick, Margaret Slipek, Maria Hart, Marshall Carolus, Mary Pike, Maxine Cholmondeley, Meredith D’Amore, Michele Reday Cook, Mila Mateu, Morgan Parr, Nancy Flores, Nancy Galib, Nicole Mahoney, Pamela Day, Peter Michaels, Pinar Artuk-Boegel, Rita Cohen, Rita Schooley, Robin Hunter Reid, Robin Ludt, Robyn Seaton McGarry, Rod Whyte, Ron Reel, Rusty Lynn, Sandra Alami, Scott MacConomy, Sean Crumley, Stephanie Darlene Greenwald, Stephen Lally, Sue Shumate, Sue Stone-Walls, Susan Fitter Harris, Suzan Ok Shumate, Suzanne Tillman, Thom Lowther, Tiara Safic-Martin, TJ Feeley, and Tracy Wilkerson.
The Synchronous art exhibit runs from April 4–26, 2025 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 April 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 curator Morgan Parr at volunteers@delrayartisans.org or Director of Curating Amy Kitchin Hower at curating@delrayartisans.org.

Artwork: “Synchronous Humanity” by Morgan Parr

Girl Scout "Art and Design" Brownie Badge Workshop (Register by 4/1)
2025-04-05 10:00 - 15:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Sandra Alami
Date/Time: Saturday, April 5, 10am-3pm
Cost: $15/child
Space is limited to 18 girls and 6 adults
(Register by April 1)
Brownies will complete all the steps needed to earn their Art and Design badge. All art supplies provided. (The actual badge is not included.)
Troop leaders should register as a troop and must provide a 6:1 ratio of girls to adults. This is not a drop-off event. Adults must remain on site. Troop leaders are responsible for collecting all necessary paperwork (permission slips, health forms, etc).
Register Now

Del Ray Artisans’ Youth Art Programs are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2025 Annual Arts Program Grant and through a generous donation supporting youth art programs from Genesis Inspiration Foundation.

Spring Art Market Application Deadline
2025-04-06 23:59 | Online
Call for Artists
Del Ray Artisans’ Spring Art Market

Application deadline: Sunday, April 6, 2025 by midnight
Join Del Ray Artisans in its tradition of outdoor art markets and sell your original handmade artwork to the local community. This is an outdoor, family-friendly, rain-or-shine event in the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields, adjoining Del Ray Artisans gallery, on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 10am to 4pm.
Details and Application

Partners in Art (FULL)
2025-04-07 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

Board of Directors Meeting (ONLINE)
2025-04-08 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.

Unleash Your Creativity: Acrylic Painting Class (Register ASAP)
2025-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Edom Alagaw, E21edomgeta@gmail.com
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 9, 6-8pm
Cost: $32 Del Ray Artisans member / $42 Non-member; participants bring own supplies
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register in advance; walk-ins welcome only if space permits)
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.

Creative Book Club: “Falling Rocket: James Whistler, John Ruskin, and the Battle for Modern Art” by Paul Thomas Murphy
2025-04-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Book: “Falling Rocket: James Whistler, John Ruskin, and the Battle for Modern Art” by Paul Thomas Murphy
Facilitator: Marshall Carolus
Meeting Date: Saturday, April 12, 10am-12pm
(Drop-in, set a reminder in Eventbrite)
“The untold story of the artistic battle between James Abbot MacNeill Whistler and John Ruskin over Whistler’s controversial, ground-breaking Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket.
“In November 1878, America’s greatest painter sued England’s greatest critic for a bad review. The painter won—but ruined himself in the process. The painter: James Abbot MacNeill Whistler, whose combination of incredible talent, unflagging energy, and relentless self-promotion had by that time brought him to the very edge of artistic preeminence. The critic: John Ruskin, Slade Professor of Art at Oxford University, whose four-decades’ worth of prolific and highly respected literary output on aesthetics had made him England’s unchallenged and seemingly unchallengeable arbiter of art.
“Though Whistler and Ruskin both lived in London and moved in the same artistic world, they had, until June, 1877, managed to remain entirely clear of one another. This was unusual because Whistler had a mercurial temperament, a belligerent personality, and seemed to thrive on opposition: he once challenged a man to a duel because the man accused the painter of sleeping with his wife. (Whistler had, in fact, slept with the man’s wife.)”
—Excerpt from Pegasus Books, Publisher
The Creative Book Club meets on select Saturday mornings to discuss readings by a variety of authors. The club is free and open to all who are interested in keeping their creative muse flowing and connecting with other creative people. Future book selections will be announced on this website and in the Weekly eNews email in advance.
If you have questions, please contact Marshall Carolus at marshallcarolus@aol.com.
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Del Ray Urban Sketchers 2025
2025-04-13 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets the second Sunday of most months at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray. (Del Ray Urban Sketchers does not meet in July, August, and December.)
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.
RSVP via Eventbrite | View Upcoming Dates

Photo courtesy of Joan Bickelhaupt

Alcove Gift Shop Call for Artists Deadline
2025-04-13 23:59 | Online
Call for Artists ~ Open to Del Ray Artisans Members
Alcove Gift Shop
May 2 – June 29, 2025
Application deadline: Sunday, April 13, 2025 by midnight

Del Ray Artisans’ Alcove is a gift shop within the gallery, where members (who apply and are accepted) display and sell their work. Unframed 2-D works are available in bins alongside jewelry, fiber art, wood craft, ceramics, and other smaller 3-D items.
The work will be displayed for two months, and as pieces are sold they can be replaced with similar work for no additional fee. This opportunity is independent of the monthly exhibits and is only open to Del Ray Artisans members. If you are not a member, you may join Del Ray Artisans now to enter.
Application Details & Form

Volunteer in the Gardens
2025-04-19 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 typically meets the third Saturday of the month from 9am-11am. In June, July, and August, we’ll meet an hour earlier (8am-10am) to avoid the heat. The June session will be a week earlier on Saturday, June 14th; and the September session has been rescheduled to Sunday, September 21st 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.

RESCHEDULED: Playing with Resin Workshop (New date 5/11)
2025-04-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been rescheduled to Sunday, May 11, 6-9pm.
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Sunday, April 20, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by April 17)
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).

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

CANCELLED: Create an Art Inventory System in Excel (Register by 4/18)
2025-04-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been cancelled.
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Monday, April 21, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; Bring items listed below
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by April 18)
Do you have lots of art pieces stored at home, but have to whip out the tape measure every time you submit to another show? Do you rack your brain to remember how you priced it last time? Have you submitted an art piece to a show, only to remember later that it is currently hanging elsewhere? Then this workshop is for you!
Designed for those who know the basics of using Excel, this workshop will teach you how to build your art inventory ‘system’ using an Excel file and a file folder holding your art photos. The goal is to create a system for keeping track of each art piece – size, medium, price, and other characteristics – as well as where each art piece currently is, where you’ve shown it before, and any other pertinent information about your artwork.
In this class, you will receive the instructor’s art inventory file ‘template,’ which you will then edit to your specific needs with help from the instructor. By the end of the class, you will have a working Excel inventory file to which you can add more artwork as you continue creating.
Required to bring to class: a laptop, access to Excel, your art inventory list and photos.
Everything you learn in this class will help you create Excel files for other uses, and there are so many other uses!

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

Everlasting Paper Blooms Workshop (Register ASAP)
2025-04-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Jill Welch, contact@fairydusted.com
Date/Time: Thursday, April 24, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $75 Del Ray Artisans member / $85 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-18 participants
(Register by April 23)
Make your own everlasting paper blooms! Take a deep breath, tap into your creativity, and rejuvenate your spirit in this hands-on workshop, where you’ll learn how to craft stunning, long-lasting paper flowers using simple materials. Starting with a flat sheet of high-quality European crepe paper, you’ll sculpt beautiful artistic blooms that will last.
No prior crafting experience is necessary—if you can cut, color, and follow instructions, you’ll leave with a gorgeous creation and the skills to continue your paper flower-making journey. By the end, you’ll have at least one beautiful bloom to take home, along with the skills and supplies to create a small bouquet.
Skills you’ll leave with: 1) How to cut, shape and color crepe paper into petals; 2) How to cut and wire leaves for added details; and 3) Tips on adding artistic details and dimension to your blooms.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just wanting to unwind and refresh, this workshop is perfect for everyone.
Register Now

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

STEAM-tastic: Make art inspired by Alma Thomas at Dragon Fest, George Mason Elementary
2025-04-25 17:00 - 20:00 | George Mason Elementary School, 2601 Cameron Mills Rd, Alexandria, VA, 22302, United States
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Friday, April 25, 5-8pm
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
(Drop-in, this is a self-paced activity)
Make your own 5×5-inch artwork inspired by Alma Thomas at Del Ray Artisans’ youth art activity booth at Dragon Fest at George Mason Elementary (2601 Cameron Mills Rd, Alexandria VA).
Alma Thomas’ art was kindled by what she saw around her and used circles, stripes and dashes to create brilliantly colored works of art. New York City’s art museum, The Whitney, featured her Paintings of Earth and Space in the first solo show by a black woman, and she spent most of her life working with and teaching youth about art.

STEAM-tastic @ DRA – Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic program is made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2025 Annual Arts Program Grant and through a generous donation supporting youth art programs from Genesis Inspiration Foundation.
