Del Ray Artisans

Alcove Gift Shop (8/5 - 10/1/2022)
2022-10-01 | 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 5 – October 1, 2022.
All work featured in the gift shop is by Del Ray Artisans members. Unframed 2-D work is available in bins alongside jewelry, fiber art, wood craft, ceramics, and other smaller 3-D items. The gift shop is located in the alcove inside Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301.
The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Gallery hours are Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays 12-6pm, and Sundays 12-6pm. The gallery is closed on Sunday, August 28 and Sunday, October 2.
For more information, contact the curators Stephen Lally (slallypottery@gmail.com) and Rita Schooley (rlschooley@gmail.com).

Holiday Market 2022 Call for Artists (Apply ASAP)
2022-09-30 23:50 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Online
Call for Artists ~ Open to Regional Artists
Del Ray Artisans Holiday MarketFirst 3 Weekends in December 2022
Applications for a limited number of openings and the wait list are still being accepted. Apply ASAP.
Applications for exhibitors in Del Ray Artisans’ 27th annual Holiday Market to be held each weekend from December 2-18, 2022 are now open. Different artists from a variety of media categories will be selected for each weekend. Artists who apply by the original deadline (September 18) will be notified of acceptance by September 25. Del Ray Artisans members and non-members are eligible, so apply now! Members receive priority and a discount.
All work sold at the Holiday Market must be handmade by the artist selling the work and originals need to have been made within the last 3 years. Reproductions are acceptable as long as the original was made by the artist within the last 3 years.
Be sure that you read the Covid section and if you have any questions, please ask one of the coordinators.
Application Details & Form

NERDY: Tessellation Workshop
2022-09-28 12:00 - 15:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Bridget Anthony-HliouiDate/Time: Wednesday, September 28 from 12-3pmCost: $60 DRA member / $70 non-member; plus $5 Supply FeeClass size: 4-10 participants(Register by September 24)
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, take one or more of our rhyming programs in September!
During the NERDY: Tessellation Workshop use your love of art with basic math and geometry to explore the process of tessellation on a 2D surface. To tessellate you create a pattern that completely covers a surface without gaps or overlaps. Think of the awe-inspiring Al Humbra, works of Escher, and American quilts.
First the instructor will review artworks that use tessellation and share how this process has influenced her own artistic process and art; then, through a working demonstration, you will measure, make templates, and trace. Next you will explore patterns made by adjacent, sliding and translating shapes. Upon the completion of your basic pattern, make the creative decision to either maintain a purely geometric theme or add organic variances through subtle details. Once your pattern is established, you will “ink” and apply color patterns. WARNING: The drawing of repeated patterns is known to have a calming effect! 😉
Upon the completion of the workshop, you will have a better understanding of how artists use math and geometry, and will have practiced the tessellation process completing at least one work of art.
The $5 supply fee covers basics. Please bring these supplies with you:

12-inch ruler
Scissors
Black Illustration Pens or Ultra-Fine & Fine point Sharpies
Controllable Medium for adding color in small areas. (Suggestions: Colored pencils, permanent or alcohol markers, watercolor pencils, and/or paints: Gouache, watercolor, acrylic. If you bring paints, please also bring small brushes.)

Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now
About the Instructor: Bridget Anthony-Hlioui is a veteran educator, art curriculum developer, Certified Art Therapy Life Coach, and working artist who incorporates her love of geometry in her own artwork.

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

HURDY GURDY: Build your own musical instrument! (day 2 of 2)
2022-09-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Sunday, September 25 from 10am-1pm is reserved for participants in the HURDY GURDY workshop to complete their musical instruments.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.

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

HURDY GURDY: Build your own musical instrument! (FULL)
2022-09-24 17:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop is full.
Instructor: Erica HughesDate/Time: Saturday, Sept 24 from 5:30-8:30pm AND Sunday, Sept 25 from 10am-1pmCost: $15 DRA member / $25 Non-member; plus $60 Supply FeeClass size: 2-10 participants(Register by September 10)
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, take one or more of our rhyming programs in September!
During the HURDY GURDY workshop you will build your own working medieval wheel instrument! The hurdy gurdy looks like a spaceship, but you turn the handle that presses a rosined wheel against two strings. First mentioned in a 10th century manuscript with two operators, the hurdy gurdy became a one-person instrument in the 13th century and all the rage in the 17th century court of King Louis XIV. In Ukraine, it is known as the lira or relia. It was and still is played by professional, often blind, itinerant musicians known as lirnyky.
No experience necessary. Follow step-by-step instructions with a punning historian who can’t remember left and right! You will be chortling as you assemble your very own wooden puzzle and sing along to Donovan.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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

HalloWEIRD Art Market 2022 (Outdoor on 9/24, RAIN or SHINE)
2022-09-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Colasanto Park (outside Del Ray Artisans Gallery), 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join us for HalloWEIRD (our new outdoor art market) on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10am–4pm to browse Halloween-inspired creations that are spooky, creepy, crawly, and goth-like. Or, maybe you like art that focuses on the upbeat, fun side of the season (e.g., costumes, hot cider, hay rides, autumn colors). You can see 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. There is something for everyone!
This is an outdoor, family-friendly, rain-or-shine event in Colasanto Park adjoining Del Ray Artisans gallery at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA (corner of Commonwealth and Mount Vernon avenues). The market is FREE to browse and open to the public. Mark your calendar or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
The artists featured in HalloWEIRD are:

Raquel Brueggemann, Just Because Resin
Amy Castine
Meredith D’Amore, Rare Bird Press
Danielle Deemer, Gothee
Amanda Fletchersmith, Custom Monster
Erica Hughes & Suzan T. Ok, Fox Arrow Artisans
BWS Johnson, Blooms of Paradise
Betsy Jones, Betsysmallpeople
Mary Katz, Star and Moon Craft Shop
Annemarie Kuhns, Love + Lino
Megan Levanduski, Megan Elaine Designs
Samantha Ludwitzke, Samantha’s Doodles
Liz Martinez
Nami Oshiro
Joyce Wagner, Reinvented Elegance

Plus, special performances! Del Ray Artisans and Monarca in Flight present Human Spiders during HalloWEIRD! Monarca in Flight is Northern Virginia’s first studio devoted primarily to aerials and aerials education. (UPDATE: The aerials have been cancelled.)
Visit inside Del Ray Artisans gallery to see The Big 3-0 art exhibit (Sept 2 – Oct 1, 2022) featuring members’ artwork and celebrating the 30th Anniversary of our nonprofit arts organization.
For more information on HalloWEIRD, contact Erica Hughes (Programs Director) at Programs@DelRayArtisans.org.

Artwork by Meredith D’Amore (Rare Bird Press)

30th Anniversary T-shirt Pre-order Deadline
2022-09-22 | Online
Order Now for a Discount!
Del Ray Artisans’ 30th Anniversary T-shirt features “Zoom” portraits by members. Order now to reserve your shirt at the special pre-order price – just $26/shirt! Regular price is $28/shirt. You will be notified when the t-shirts arrive, so you can come pick up your purchase. T-shirts are expected to arrive before the end of September 2022. The pre-order discount will end as soon as the t-shirts arrive.
The base t-shirt is a Comfort Colors Heavyweight T-shirt (100% US ring spun cotton) in graphite (dark gray). The design (printed with black & white ink) may vary slightly from what is shown above. All proceeds support Del Ray Artisans.
Thank you for supporting Del Ray Artisans!
The pre-order period has ended.

SHOW-ME: Partners in Art Evening
2022-09-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, check out our rhyming programs in September—including our SHOW-ME: Partners in Art program where creatives gather and share feedback with each other!
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 (choose to participate via email or in-person) BEFORE the day of the meeting. Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
This program is free, but donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) with questions.
View Upcoming Meetings

Alcove Gift Shop Call for Artists Deadline
2022-09-18 23:50 - 23:59 | Online
Call for Artists ~ Open to Del Ray Artisans Members
Alcove Gift Shop October 7 – November 27, 2022
Application deadline: Sunday, September 18, 2022 by midnight
Application Details & Form
Del Ray Artisans has established the Alcove as a gift shop within the gallery, where members may display and sell their work. Unframed 2-D work will be 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

Holiday Market 2022 Call for Artists Deadline
2022-09-18 23:50 - 23:59 | Online
Call for Artists ~ Open to Regional Artists
Del Ray Artisans Holiday MarketFirst 3 Weekends in December 2022
Application deadline: Sunday, September 18, 2022 by midnight
Applications for exhibitors in Del Ray Artisans’ 27th annual Holiday Market to be held each weekend from December 2-18, 2022 are now open. Different artists from a variety of media categories will be selected for each weekend. Artists who apply by the deadline will be notified of acceptance by September 25. Del Ray Artisans members and non-members are eligible, so apply now! Members receive priority and a discount.
All work sold at the Holiday Market must be handmade by the artist selling the work and originals need to have been made within the last 3 years. Reproductions are acceptable as long as the original was made by the artist within the last 3 years.
Be sure that you read the Covid section and if you have any questions, please ask one of the coordinators.
Application Details & Form

QWERTY: Playing with Resin Workshop (CANCELED)
2022-09-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This event has been canceled by the instructor.
Instructor: Tracy WilkersonDate/Time: Sunday, September 18 from 6-9pmCost: $40 DRA member / $50 Non-member; plus $10 Supply FeeClass size: 6-12 participants(Register by September 14)
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, take one or more of our rhyming programs in September!
During the QWERTY: Playing with Resin Workshop, upcycle old keyboard keys into art while learning the ins and outs of resin! Artist-instructor Tracy Wilkerson will teach you how to prep, mix, and use resin as an adhesive, a covering, or the main medium. 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).
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.

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

JOURNEY: Del Ray Urban Sketchers
2022-09-18 13:00 - 15:00 | VA
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, check out our rhyming programs in September—including our JOURNEY: Del Ray Urban Sketchers program exploring and documenting the world around us!
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and typically meets the second Sunday* of each month at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray. Mark your calendar or set a reminder in Eventbrite.
Urban Sketchbooking emphasizes storytelling that conveys a sense of place or a moment in time through drawings completed from direct observations.
Bring your supplies and join us outside at the cafe to produce still life, figure, or architecture subjects in your sketchbook. Participants will spend some time putting their skills into practice and then reconvene for a review of finished works.
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. Meet outside at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301). Contact the organizer, Joan Bickelhaupt (joanbickelhaupt@gmail.com), with any questions.
*PLEASE NOTE: In May and September 2022, we will meet on the third Sunday of the month. No meeting in July, August, and December.

View Upcoming Dates

WORDY: Creative Book Club - “Amazing Grace: The Life of Beauford Delaney” by Davy Leeming
2022-09-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, check out our rhyming programs in September—including our WORDY: Creative Book Club program reading and discussing biographies of visual artists!
Book: “Amazing Grace: The Life of Beauford Delaney” by Davy LeemingFacilitator: Rusty LynnMeeting Date: Saturday, Sept 17 from 10am-12pm(Drop-in, set a reminder in Eventbrite)
The book for the September meeting is “Amazing Grace: The Life of Beauford Delaney” by Davy Leeming (published in 1998). This book tells the life story of a very fine 20th Century artist who was black and includes accounts of his struggles with racism as he sought to make a living as an artist in mid twentieth century America and France. The book features a small number of color reproductions of his paintings and a few photographs of Beauford and his friends.
The Creative Book Club meets on select Saturday mornings to discuss readings by a variety of authors. The club is free and open to all who are interested in keeping their creative muse flowing and connecting with other creative people. Future book selections will be announced on this website and in the Weekly eNews email in advance.
If you have questions, please contact our book club leader Rusty Lynn at rustylynn@earthlink.net.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.

EARTHY: Volunteer in the Gardens
2022-09-17 09:00 - 11:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, check out our rhyming programs in September—including joining our EARTHY: Garden Volunteers pulling weeds and spreading seeds!
Our gardens have a great start for this year thanks to the spring volunteers who helped clear away the winter blahs. A huge thank you goes to Pamela Underhill for her vision, green thumb, and many years of work transforming the gardens to what they look like today. To be a part of this effort, join the committee on the third Saturday morning of every month:

July 16, 8-10:30am (starting at 8am!)
August 20, 8-10:30am (starting at 8am!)
September 17, 9-11:30am
October 15, 9-11:30am

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 and Jenny at Gardens@DelRayArtisans.org.
MEMBERS: This task counts towards your annual membership volunteer hours.
NON-MEMBERS: You are welcome to come help and learn too.
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.

Wonders of Nature (5/16-9/17/2022)
2022-09-17 | VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, 2660 Duke St, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States
Wonders of Nature Art Exhibit at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital
May 16 – September 17, 2022
Photo Album | Online Store
Nature can awe, amaze, and fascinate us. From a simple rainbow to the mighty Grand Canyon, nature is marvelous. This exhibit features 2D artwork that shines a light on the Wonders of Nature at the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital (VCA Alexandria). Wonders of Nature is a Del Ray Artisans’ Gallery Without Walls exhibit in partnership with VCA Alexandria.
The exhibit is at VCA Alexandria (2660 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314) from May 16 through September 17, 2022. View the artwork Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 12-6pm. Due to client needs, some areas may not be available for immediate viewing. Visitors must let the front desk know they are there to view the art exhibit.
All the artwork on display is by Del Ray Artisans members. Artists are donating 20% of the purchase price of sold pieces to Del Ray Artisans, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
For more information, please contact the curators Liz Martinez (GWW@DelRayArtisans.org) and Stephanie Frederick (Stephanie.Frederick@vca.com).

Artwork credit: “Orange & Purple” by Julia Schickel

FUR-DY: Pet Portrait Pick Up
2022-09-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Wednesday, September 14 from 7-8pm is reserved for participants in the FUR-DY: Pet Portrait in Glass Workshop to pick up their fired pieces.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.

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

ONLINE: Board Meeting (2022)
2022-09-13 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.

SHOW-ME: Partners in Art (FULL)
2022-09-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Online
The ONLINE afternoon program is FULL. If you would like to join the evening program that is currently sharing feedback via email and/or in person, contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) for information and registration.
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, check out our rhyming programs in September—including our SHOW-ME: Partners in Art program where creatives gather and share feedback with each other!
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 1-3 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.
This event will be an online meeting through the Zoom platform. Current afternoon program participants will receive a reminder of the meeting with the Zoom information in advance of the meeting.
View Upcoming Meetings

“Playful Creatures” GWW Call for Entry Deadline
2022-09-11 23:50 - 23:59 | Online
Del Ray Artisans Members Only Gallery Without Walls Call for Entry
Playful Creatures at VCA Alexandria Animal HospitalSeptember 26, 2022 – January 21, 2023
Deadline extended to Sunday, September 11, 2022 by midnight
Seeking artworks that show creatures being lively, spirited, frisky, impish, rollicking, and good natured. The art may be whimsical, imaginative, homespun, or conventional. The art may feature your favorite pet, something wild, or something mythical.
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: “Good Vibrations” by Holly Fries

“Return to Eating, Drinking, and Merriment” Non-ceramic Call for Entry Deadline
2022-09-11 23:50 - 23:59 | Online
Call for Entry for Non-Ceramic Art Open to Regional Artists Return to Eating, Drinking, and Merriment October 7–29, 2022
Digital entries due: Sunday, September 11, 2022 by midnight
Entry Details & Form
In Ecclesiastes it is written that “there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry.” This exhibit celebrates the way that food and drink brings people together and joy to our lives. Artwork should be inspired by food, real or metaphorical, that nourishes the viewer. Artists may also highlight the rituals and places that celebrate the social gathering around sustenance.
Return to Eating, Drinking, and Merriment is a hybrid show that combines a national ceramic show focused on drinking vessels with a regional non-ceramic two- and three-dimensional show that echoes these themes. This call for entry is for the regional non-ceramic exhibit portion of the exhibit.
Entry Details & Form
Artwork credit: “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry” (Photograph by Sam Lally, featuring pottery by Stephen Lally)

FUR-DY: Pet Portrait in Glass Workshop
2022-09-10 09:30 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Betsy MeadDate/Time: Saturday, September 10 from 9:30am-12pm, plus pick up on Wednesday, September 14 from 7-8pmCost: $65 DRA member / $75 Non-member; plus $30 Supply FeeClass size: 9 participants maximum(Register by September 6)
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, take one or more of our rhyming programs in September!
During the FUR-DY: Pet Portrait in Glass Workshop honor your favorite pet by creating a portrait with powdered glass! Following the “sgraffito” technique, students will use glass powder to create black and white portraits of their favorite pets on an 8” x 8″ fusible glass square. (The instructor may be able to bring additional limited colors such as brown, beige, and orange. This is TBD.)
Students will create their portraits and get them “ready to fire” on Saturday, September 10 from 9:30am-12pm. After the class the instructor will take the portraits to her studio, kiln-fire them, and then return the finished, framed portraits to students on Wednesday, September 14 from 7-8pm for a class discussion.
All supplies are provided. No experience is needed. Students should bring at least 2 black and white photos of their pet printed on computer paper. The photos should fit nicely on an 8″ x 8″ square. If you need assistance in sizing your image, please contact instructor Betsy Mead at egmead@gmail.com.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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

PURTY: Life Drawing Session - Gesture and Short Poses
2022-09-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, check out our rhyming programs in September—including our PURTY: Life Drawing Session focused on gesture and short poses.
Drop-in and practice life drawing on Tuesday, September 6 from 7-9pm. 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.
Fees for this session are $8 for members and $10 for non-members. Register now or pay at the gallery before the session. If you have any questions, please contact Erica Hughes at Programs@DelRayArtisans.org.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now |
View All Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: Detail of “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

“Return to Eating, Drinking, and Merriment” Ceramic Call for Entry Deadline
2022-09-05 23:50 - 23:59 | Online
National Ceramic Call for EntryOpen to All Artists within the United StatesReturn to Eating, Drinking, and MerrimentOctober 7–29, 2022
Digital entries due: Monday, September 5, 2022 by midnight
Entry Details & Form
In Ecclesiastes it is written that “there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry.” This exhibit celebrates the way that food and drink brings people together and joy to our lives. Artwork should be inspired by food, real or metaphorical, that nourishes the viewer. Artists may also highlight the rituals and places that celebrate the social gathering around sustenance.
Return to Eating, Drinking, and Merriment is a hybrid show that combines a national ceramic show focused on drinking vessels with a regional non-ceramic two- and three-dimensional show that echoes these themes. This call for entry is for the National Ceramic Show portion of the exhibit.
Entry Details & Form
Artwork credit: Pottery by juror Jeremy Wallace

30th Anniversary Party & "The Big 3-0" Exhibit Reception
2022-09-03 15:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans, founded in 1992, celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year with a members art exhibit, anniversary party & reception, and programs that rhyme with THIRTY. The Big 3-0 members showcase features stunning artwork in a variety of media and themes. Member artists share their favorite works, as well as memories of Del Ray Artisans nonprofit in this exhibit.
Join us for The Big 3-0 exhibit reception and 30th Anniversary Party on Saturday, September 3 from 3-6pm. The party will be inside and outside (rain date is September 10). Curators Dawn Wyse Hurto and Dale Spivey will announce artist awards, special volunteers will be recognized, and a good time is planned for all. Thank you to local restaurants Alexandria Cupcake, Del Ray Pizzeria, Los Tios Grill, McD Mateos McDonald’s, and Tsim Yung for sponsoring the event and to Bill Cabrera for the live music. Mark your calendar or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
Also save the date for these programs that rhyme with THIRTY:

WHIRLY TWIRLY: “Show Your Spirit” First Thursday on Sept 1 starting at 6pm
PURTY: Life Drawing Session (Gestures & Short Poses) on Tuesday, Sept 6 from 7-9pm (drop in with your art supplies; no oils or acrylics)
FUR-DY: Pet Portrait in Glass workshop on Saturday, Sept 10 from 9:30am-12pm and pick up on Wednesday, Sept 14 from 7-8pm (register by Sept 6)
EARTHY: Garden volunteers pulling weeds and sharing laughter on Saturday, Sept 17 from 9-11:30am (help keep the gallery grounds looking great!)
WORDY: Creative Book Club discusses “Amazing Grace: The Life of Beauford Delaney” by Davy Leeming on Saturday, Sept 17 from 10am-12pm
JOURNEY: Del Ray Urban Sketchers meets Sunday, Sept 18 from 1-3pm at St Elmo’s Coffee Pub (drop in with your sketchbook & supplies)
QWERTY: Playing with Resin workshop (upcycle old keyboard keys into art while learning the ins and outs of resin!) on Sunday, Sept 18 from 6-9pm (register by Sept 14)
SHOW-ME: Partners in Art Evening on Tuesday, Sept 20 from 7-9pm (Bring 1-2 artworks for feedback; RSVP to the coordinator before the day of the meeting)
HURDY GURDY: Build your own medieval musical instrument on Saturday, Sept 24 from 5:30-8:30pm and Sunday, Sept 25 from 10am-1pm (register by Sept 10)
NERDY: Tessellation workshop on Wednesday, Sept 28 from 12-3pm (learn how to make mathematically inspired art like M.C. Escher)

PLUS, join us for our first outdoor HalloWEIRD Art Market on Saturday, September 24 from 10am-4pm in the park adjoining the gallery, as well as for the annual community festival Art on the Avenue on Saturday, October 1 from 10am-6pm all along Mount Vernon Avenue.
For more information on all these events, visit DelRayArtisans.org/calendar
Year-round Del Ray Artisans carries one-of-a-kind handcrafted greeting cards created by local artists to benefit our nonprofit. During this exhibit, you’ll find EVEN MORE CARDS extending beyond the merchandise area into the gallery space and sorted by a word that rhymes with THIRTY, such as flirty, earthy, wordy, purty, and more. Card making has been an ongoing part of Del Ray Artisans’ history. Even prior to having our own physical gallery, cards were made for sale by individual members for fundraising purposes. This tradition has continued for thirty years!
More recently, in 2020, the Creative Card Swap was started to keep artists connected to each other during the pandemic. The activity was so popular it became an ongoing, recurring Del Ray Artisans program. In conjunction with The Big 3-0 exhibit, we’ll launch an online exhibit of special cards traded in the Creative Card Swap. View this collection to witness the great breadth, creativity, and joy of handcrafted cards.
The Big 3-0 members showcase runs September 2 – October 1, 2022 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 Sunday, October 2, 2022).
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery. The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. Del Ray Artisans, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community.
For more information, contact the curators Dawn Wyse Hurto (Technology@DelRayArtisans.org) and Dale Spivey (President@DelRayArtisans.org).

Artwork Credit: Detail of “The Big 3-0” by Dawn Wyse Hurto (Mixed media collage of members artwork)

The Big 3-0: 30th Anniversary (9/2-10/1)
2022-09-02 - 2022-10-01 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The Big 3-0: 30th Anniversary Art Exhibit
September 2 – October 1, 2022
Reception: Saturday, September 3 from 3-6pm
View Photo Album
Del Ray Artisans, founded in 1992, celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year with a members art exhibit, anniversary party & reception, and programs that rhyme with THIRTY. The Big 3-0 members showcase features stunning artwork in a variety of media and themes. Member artists share their favorite works, as well as memories of Del Ray Artisans nonprofit in this exhibit.
Join us for The Big 3-0 exhibit reception and 30th Anniversary Party on Saturday, September 3 from 3-6pm. The party will be inside and outside (rain date is September 10). Curators Dawn Wyse Hurto and Dale Spivey will announce artist awards, special volunteers will be recognized, and a good time is planned for all. Thank you to local restaurants Alexandria Cupcake, Del Ray Pizzeria, Los Tios Grill, McD Mateos McDonald’s, and Tsim Yung for sponsoring the event and to Bill Cabrera for the live music. Mark your calendar or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
Also save the date for these programs that rhyme with THIRTY:

WHIRLY TWIRLY: “Show Your Spirit” First Thursday on Sept 1 starting at 6pm
PURTY: Life Drawing Session (Gestures & Short Poses) on Tuesday, Sept 6 from 7-9pm (drop in with your art supplies; no oils or acrylics)
FUR-DY: Pet Portrait in Glass workshop on Saturday, Sept 10 from 9:30am-12pm and pick up on Wednesday, Sept 14 from 7-8pm (register by Sept 6)
EARTHY: Garden volunteers pulling weeds and sharing laughter on Saturday, Sept 17 from 9-11:30am (help keep the gallery grounds looking great!)
WORDY: Creative Book Club discusses “Amazing Grace: The Life of Beauford Delaney” by Davy Leeming on Saturday, Sept 17 from 10am-12pm
JOURNEY: Del Ray Urban Sketchers meets Sunday, Sept 18 from 1-3pm at St Elmo’s Coffee Pub (drop in with your sketchbook & supplies)
QWERTY: Playing with Resin workshop (upcycle old keyboard keys into art while learning the ins and outs of resin!) on Sunday, Sept 18 from 6-9pm (register by Sept 14)
SHOW-ME: Partners in Art Evening on Tuesday, Sept 20 from 7-9pm (Bring 1-2 artworks for feedback; RSVP to the coordinator before the day of the meeting)
HURDY GURDY: Build your own medieval musical instrument on Saturday, Sept 24 from 5:30-8:30pm and Sunday, Sept 25 from 10am-1pm (register by Sept 10)
NERDY: Tessellation workshop on Wednesday, Sept 28 from 12-3pm (learn how to make mathematically inspired art like M.C. Escher)

PLUS, join us for our first outdoor HalloWEIRD Art Market on Saturday, September 24 from 10am-4pm in the park adjoining the gallery, as well as for the annual community festival Art on the Avenue on Saturday, October 1 from 10am-6pm all along Mount Vernon Avenue.
For more information on all these events, visit DelRayArtisans.org/calendar
Year-round Del Ray Artisans carries one-of-a-kind handcrafted greeting cards created by local artists to benefit our nonprofit. During this exhibit, you’ll find EVEN MORE CARDS extending beyond the merchandise area into the gallery space and sorted by a word that rhymes with THIRTY, such as flirty, earthy, wordy, purty, and more. Card making has been an ongoing part of Del Ray Artisans’ history. Even prior to having our own physical gallery, cards were made for sale by individual members for fundraising purposes. This tradition has continued for thirty years!
More recently, in 2020, the Creative Card Swap was started to keep artists connected to each other during the pandemic. The activity was so popular it became an ongoing, recurring Del Ray Artisans program. In conjunction with The Big 3-0 exhibit, we’ll launch an online exhibit of special cards traded in the Creative Card Swap. View this collection to witness the great breadth, creativity, and joy of handcrafted cards.
The Big 3-0 members showcase runs September 2 – October 1, 2022 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 Sunday, October 2, 2022).
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery. The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. Del Ray Artisans, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community.
For more information, contact the curators Dawn Wyse Hurto (Technology@DelRayArtisans.org) and Dale Spivey (President@DelRayArtisans.org).

Artwork Credit: Detail of “The Big 3-0” by Dawn Wyse Hurto (Mixed media collage of members artwork)

Creative Card Swap Online Exhibit (opens 9/2/22)
2022-09-02 | Online
Discover the great breadth, creativity, and joy of handcrafted cards in this online collection. Creative Card Swap Online Exhibit opens Friday, September 2, 2022. We hope it inspires you to sign up to participate in our Creative Card Swap.

In 2020 the “We’re all in this Together” Card Swap was started to keep artists connected to each other during the pandemic. The activity was so popular it became an ongoing, recurring Del Ray Artisans program now called Creative Card Swap. Two years after we began to swap and with over seventy-five artists around the country having participated, the 40th swap group is now forming.
Artists sign up for a one-time exchange (or “swap”) of handmade cards within a group of four participants. There is no cost to participate—except for the 3 postage stamps you’ll need to send your cards to the artists in your group. In exchange you’ll receive three delightfully different handcrafted cards from different artists. Sign Up to swap at DelRayArtisans.org/card-swap
View Online Exhibit | Sign Up to Swap

WHIRLY TWIRLY: First Thursday (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2022-09-01 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans turns THIRTY this year. To celebrate, check out our rhyming programs in September—including our WHIRLY TWIRLY: “Show Your Spirit” First Thursday!
Come to the gallery during the last First Thursday of 2022 (September 1st) to make an Ojo de Dios at our outdoor activity table from 6-8pm. An Ojo de Dios “is a spiritual and votive object made by weaving a design out of yarn upon a wooden cross. Often several colors are used. They are commonly found in Mexican, Peruvian people and Latin American communities, among both Indigenous and Catholic peoples.” (source: Wikipedia)
Inside the gallery get a sneak peek of the upcoming The Big 3-0 art exhibit celebrating Del Ray Artisans’ 30th Anniversary with a stunning members showcase. The gallery is open 12-9pm on First Thursdays (April through September).
Photo credit: Douglas P. Perkins, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Del Ray celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6pm until dusk on the first Thursday of the month (April through September).
Visit Del Ray Artisans gallery (open 12-9pm on First Thursdays) for a peek at the art exhibit. Come to our outdoor activity starting at 6pm each First Thursday:

The neighborhood theme on April 21, 2022 (postponed from April 7 due to the weather) is Books on Parade! Del Ray Artisans along with Upcycle invite you to join us for First Thursday for this fun upcycled paper project. Choose to make a feather or flower from craft paper, book pages or old comic books. Plus see the Second Life art exhibit featuring art made with at least 50% recycled materials!

The neighborhood theme on May 5, 2022 is Dog Days in Del Ray. We’ll be “Making Art Splash!” Come create a “Washington Color Rule-the-School” canvas in Colasanto Park outside the gallery and recreate a Gene Davis Stripe Sidewalk Painting in conjunction with the upcoming art exhibit: Drips, Lines, Splatters, and Splash: A Celebration of the Washington Color School

The neighborhood theme on June 2, 2022 is Unmask Your Superhero. The outdoor activity has been canceled due to the weather. Inside the gallery get a sneak peek of the upcoming Afros and Abstract art exhibit.

The neighborhood theme on July 7, 2022 is Red, White, and Blue. Take a photo with Liberty, the Art Town Crier, at the corner of Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenues! The gallery is closed to prepare for the Summer Art Market on July 9-10.

The neighborhood theme on August 4, 2022 is Aloha Thursday. We welcome you to Del Ray Artisans with a lei and encourage you to visit our outdoor Luau Selfie Station. Inside the gallery get a sneak peek of the upcoming A Space Between art exhibit.

The neighborhood theme on September 1, 2022 is Show Your Spirit. Come make an Ojo de Dios at our outdoor activity table from 6-8pm while inside the gallery get a sneak peek of the upcoming The Big 3-0 art exhibit.

“The Big 3-0” Artwork Drop Off by Appointment
2022-08-28 12:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Time for artists to drop off their accepted artwork for the upcoming exhibit, The Big 3-0. Artwork drop off is Sunday, August 28 from 12-6pm by appointment only.
Artwork must be ready to hang (with screw eyes and wire) or ready for display (with mounting and/or a display stand if necessary). Review the standard artwork presentation guidelines and the Call for Entry for show specific information.
Questions? Contact the curators: Dawn Wyse Hurto (technology@delrayartisans.org) and Dale Spivey (president@delrayartisans.org)
Artwork Credit: Detail of “The Big 3-0” by Dawn Wyse Hurto (Mixed media collage of members artwork)

“A Space Between” Artwork Pick Up by Appointment
2022-08-27 16:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Time for artists to pick up their unsold artwork from the closing show, A Space Between, by appointment only.
Questions? Contact the curator: Brittany Baron (calypso137@gmail.com).

CANCELED - Victorian Inspired Earrings Workshop
2022-08-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop is being rescheduled in the Fall.
Instructor: Y’vonne Page-MagnusDate/Time: Saturday, August 27 from 10am-12pmCost: $35 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 Non-member; plus a $25 Supply FeeClass size: 4-20 participants(Register by midnight on August 24)
Step into a time period featuring the most diverse jewelry: 1837 – 1901. During this one-of-a-kind workshop, design and make four pairs of earrings using beautiful findings, semi-precious stones and crystals inspired by the Victorian Era. Add your own style to each pair of earrings with guided instruction along the way. Learn easy wire wrapping techniques that can also be applied to future jewelry making projects.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.

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