Creative Book Club - "How Painting Happens; and Why It Matters" by Martin Gayford
2026-01-10 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Book: “How Painting Happens; and Why It Matters” by Martin Gayford
Facilitator: Marshall Carolus
Meeting Dates: Saturdays, January 10 and April 11, 10am-12pm
(Drop-in, set a reminder in Eventbrite)
The book, “How Painting Happens; and Why It Matters” by Martin Gayford, is filled with interviews with artists. To give us time to contemplate and enjoy the material, the book will be divided in half between the winter and spring discussions. The first half of the book will be discussed on Saturday, January 10, 10am-12pm and the second half on Saturday, April 11, 10am-12pm.
The Creative Book Club meets on select Saturday mornings at Del Ray Artisans gallery to discuss readings by a variety of authors. The club is open to all who are interested in keeping their creative muse flowing and connecting with other creative people. This is a free event; donations are appreciated. Del Ray Artisans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization. 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.
Remind Me

Del Ray Urban Sketchers @ St. Elmo's Coffee Pub
2026-01-11 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Urban sketchbooking emphasizes storytelling that conveys a sense of place or a moment in time through drawings completed from direct observations.
Bring your supplies and join us outside St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301) to produce still life, figure, or architecture subjects in your sketchbook. Participants will spend some time putting their skills into practice and then reconvene for a review of finished works.
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets on the second Sunday of the month (except not in July, August, and December) at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray, as well as on the third Thursday of most months at a time and location that is varied (view upcoming dates).
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. Contact the organizer, Joan Bickelhaupt (joanbickelhaupt@gmail.com), with any questions.
RSVP via Eventbrite | View Upcoming Dates

Photo courtesy of Joan Bickelhaupt

Create an Artwork Sales Website with Square (Register ASAP)
2026-01-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson
Date/Time: Sunday, January 11, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $35 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 Non-member
Class size: 4-20 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome if space permits)
Interested in having an online presence with your artwork but not sure where to start? Set up a simple website using Square (SquareUp.com)! The instructor will show you the basic tools, and then walk you through adding a few artworks to your ‘item library’ and posting them on your Square website.
No experience necessary, but before attending this workshop you must create a Square account (either by downloading the SquareUp app onto your phone or through the create your account process on a computer).
During the workshop, you will:

Add a few items (one for each art piece) to your item library – this will include uploading a description, size, and price, as well as a picture.
Learn about managing inventory and variations
Create a simple website using Square and learn how to manage it

Note: Having a comprehensive item library will help you with sales during art markets; and having a website will allow you to process online sales and share your artwork with a wider audience. Please note that items for sale in your online store will be set to “pick up”; we will not cover setting up shipping in this workshop.
Bring to the workshop:

Your smartphone with the Square app or a laptop
Your log-in info for SquareUp.com
Information for a few of your artworks (title, description, dimensions, price, picture). The pictures must be on the same device you are using to access Square (either your smartphone or laptop).
Notebook for taking notes

Register Now

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

CANCELED: Create an Art Inventory System in Excel
2026-01-12 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, January 12, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; bring items listed below
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by January 8)
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!
Register Now

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

Board of Directors Meeting (ONLINE)
2026-01-13 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.

Del Ray Urban Sketchers @ St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub
2026-01-15 16:00 - 18:00 | VA
Urban sketchbooking emphasizes storytelling that conveys a sense of place or a moment in time through drawings completed from direct observations.
Bring your supplies and join us outside St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301) to produce still life, figure, or architecture subjects in your sketchbook. Participants will spend some time putting their skills into practice and then reconvene for a review of finished works.
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets on the third Sunday of the month (except not in July, August, and December) at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray, as well as on the third Thursday of most months at a time and location that is varied (view upcoming dates).
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. Contact the organizer, KC Hodge (email coming soon), with any questions.
RSVP via Eventbrite | View Upcoming Dates

Photo courtesy of Joan Bickelhaupt

Tortured Poets Workshop (Register by 1/12)
2026-01-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Suzanne Fine, suzanne.fine@gmail.com
Date/Time: Thursday, January 15, 6-7:30pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member
Class size: 3-10 participants
(Register by January 12)
We’ll walk through a brief history of ‘tortured poets’ – Sylvia Plath, Virginia Woolf, Ernest Hemingway, L.M. Montgomery, etc. and link them to the lyricism of pop culture musicians. Then attendees will have time to construct and write, and maybe even share their own diaristic excerpts.
Participants will gain understanding of writing techniques and the importance of journaling consistently. Journals are provided – just bring yourself!
Register Now

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

"Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse" Call for Entry Deadline
2026-01-15 23:59 | Online
Call for Entry ~ Open to area artists
The Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse
Exhibit Dates: February 6–28, 2026
Entry deadline extended to Thursday, January 15, 2026 by midnight
“Lunar Fire” by Morgan Parr
Del Ray Artisans invites artists to submit artwork celebrating the dynamic energy, symbolism, and beauty of the horse–an enduring emblem of strength, vitality, and freedom. This exhibition honors the cultural significance of the Lunar New Year and its traditions across Asian and Asian diaspora communities. Artists are encouraged to approach the theme with respect, authenticity, and cultural awareness.
The exhibit is open to all area artists. Del Ray Artisans members pay a discounted entry fee.
Entry Details & Form

Radical Sewing Club-ALX
2026-01-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Welcome to Radical Sewing Club-ALX!
Started in LA by Scout Quiquivix, the Alexandria chapter is a monthly drop-in style meeting where you can learn clothing repair, hand and machine sewing, or bring your own project to work on with the community.
Radical Sewing Club is about more than sewing–it’s a space to reimagine craft outside of capitalism, to resist exploitation and oppression, and to stitch together a world based on care and solidarity. All who share these values are welcome.
Registration: Registration is not required, but you may set a reminder in Eventbrite.
Cost: Recommended donation of $10 or pay what you can. No one turned away for lack of funds! Monetary donations will be split between Del Ray Artisans (our wonderful hosts) and Radical Sewing Club for continued materials.
Have materials to donate? We welcome fabric (full cuts and scraps alike), thread, needles, interfacing, embroidery hoops, buttons, pins, trims, lace, and functional zippers.
Contact: radicalsewingclubalx@pm.me or @radicalsewingclub_alx on Instagram
View All Upcoming Dates

Live From Your Studio - Connect with fellow DRA artists
2026-01-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Live From Your Studio is a free, members-only, virtual gathering where Del Ray Artisans members can connect from their art-making space. This virtual event will take place monthly on the third Sunday of the month (excluding December) over Zoom. Artists are encouraged (but not required) to join from their studios and make art during the session. These events will allow members to paint and create art together, and forge deeper connections to other members.
RSVP at least a week before the gathering to help organizers prepare. Zoom connection information will be emailed to you two days before the gathering. If you have any questions, please contact organizer Laura Flynn Geissel at flynnmail52@proton.me and Membership Director Kara Macek at membership@delrayartisans.org.
Not a member? It’s easy to join Del Ray Artisans. Artist ($30-$110) and Patron ($250+) level memberships enjoy exhibition and program privileges. Supporter level memberships ($40/year) do not have exhibition privileges, but supporters have program privileges and may participate in programs such as this one!
Although this is a free event, as a nonprofit organization, donations are always welcome to support our mission of promoting art for the benefit of artists and the community. Donate online or at the gallery.
RSVP Now

Junk Journaling Workshop (Register ASAP)
2026-01-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Azita R. Houshiar
Date/Time: Sunday, January 18, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus $10 supply fee
Class size: 5-12 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins welcome, space permitting)
Collage by Azita Houshiar
Come to play and experiment freely, and leave with pages started and ideas you can continue exploring long after the class ends. Junk Journaling blends the art of collage with the practice of journaling, offering a playful, low-pressure way to explore creativity without worrying about perfection. The emphasis is on curiosity, intuition, experimentation, and discovering your own expressive style.
In this workshop, you’ll learn practical techniques for collage, layering, and composition, and receive guidance on using found paper, packaging, tags, embellishments, and everyday “junk” to create layered, expressive journal pages that reflect your personal perspective and storytelling style.
Please bring your own journal. If you don’t have one yet, high-quality paper will be provided so you can experiment and create during class. All other supplies will be included, such as paper, ephemera, stickers, tape, glue, and basic tools. You’re also welcome to bring old photographs, mementos, or personal collage materials you enjoy using, especially items that hold meaning for you.
This beginner-friendly class is open to teenagers and adults of all skill levels.
Register Now

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

Life Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2026-01-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Drop-in and practice figure drawing on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings each month. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery to draw or paint our nude model.
Traditional drawing media (such as pencils, pens, and charcoal) are welcome; and pastels, watercolor and ink are permissible. Please do not bring acrylics or oil paints. We don’t supply easels – only plenty of chairs – but you are welcome to bring your own easel if you want to use one. All skill levels are welcome.
The first part of this session will be focused on gesture poses (dynamic 1-5 minute poses) to loosen up and participate in a fun, fast-paced drawing experience. The second hour will be a few short poses for more detailed drawings leading up to up to two 20-minute poses.
Fee for each session is $10 for Del Ray Artisans members and $15 for non-members. If you have any questions or would like to participate as a model for our sessions, please contact LifeDrawing@DelRayArtisans.org.
View artwork from past DRA Figure Drawing Sessions on Instagram! Tag #dralifedraw or @dralifedraw for your work to be featured.
Register Now | View Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

Reserved for Alexandria Film Festival (Internal Meeting)
2026-01-22 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This date/time is reserved for the Alexandria Film Festival to hold an internal meeting.
The Alexandria Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Alexandria, Virginia.

POSTPONED: Paint for Paws Workshop to benefit ARMA
2026-01-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been postponed due to the weather forecast. The new date is Saturday, January 31 from 6-9pm.
This time is reserved for the Paint for Paws Workshop to benefit Aussie Rescue of the MidAtlantic. Register in advance through Paint to the Rescue.

Gallery Closed Due To Weather
2026-01-25 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The gallery will be closed on Sunday 1/25/26 due to anticipated winter storms.

POSTPONED: Neurographic Art Workshop - Teen edition!
2026-01-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop will be held during the ACHS Student Exhibition in May 2026. Exact date TBD.
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Sunday, January 25, 10am – noon
Cost: $15 per teen; plus $5 supply fee
Class size: 4-24 participants
(Register by January 20)
You don’t have to be an artist to make art with Neurographic Art. A neuron is a cell that carries messages between the brain and other parts of our body and that is the basic unit of our central nervous system. Graphic is the artistic use of pictures, shapes and words. This activity helps you to connect with the art making process and allows your mind to relax.
This workshop is for participants’ ages 13-19 year olds. All supplies are included in the supply fee.

Image credit: Neurographic art by Morgan Parr

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 youth, 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 FY2026 Annual Arts Program Grant.

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

POSTPONED: Playing with Resin Workshop (SOLD OUT)
2026-01-25 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop is being rescheduled to February 8 due to the snowstorm.
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Sunday, January 25, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by January 21; This workshop is now sold out.)
Learn the ins and outs of prepping for and mixing resin, and how to use it as an adhesive, a covering, or the main medium. There’s lots of creative time during this 3-hour workshop… No need to rush, which is one of the first lessons in using resin! All supplies are provided, but feel free to bring personal embellishments for your piece(s).
This workshop does not get into using dyes with resin or building big molds to create one-of-a-kind resined tables (as seen on YouTube), but this workshop will provide you with a good understanding of how resin works so you can be bold enough to take the next steps in your creative interests.
Although the class is listed for 3 hours, you can leave once you have finished your creations. Some students finish very quickly while others take the whole 3 hours to create – there is plenty of time for each person to enjoy the creative process while not feeling rushed. You’ll leave your finished masterpiece(s) to set at the gallery at the end of the workshop, and pick them up during gallery hours later in the week.
The workshop is designed for adults. Children ages 16-17 may participate with parental permission. Children ages 12-15 may participate only with a co-participating adult guardian (guardian must contact instructor in advance).
Register Now

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

POSTPONED: Advanced Resin Techniques Lecture
2026-01-26 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop will be offered again by the instructor at a later date.
Presenter: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Monday, January 26, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $20 Del Ray Artisans member / $30 Non-member
Class size: 7-20 participants
(Register by January 22)
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.

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

ONLINE: Washington Calligraphers Guild Study Group
2026-01-27 13:30 - 16:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
NOTE: Due to the weather this event will be held online.
Tuesday, January 27 from 1:30 to 4:30pm is reserved for the Washington Calligraphers Guild.

CANCELLED: Life Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2026-01-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The January 27th session has been cancelled due to weather. Tickets will be transferred to a future session or request a refund through Eventbrite. See you at the next session on February 12th!
Drop-in and practice figure drawing on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings each month. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery to draw or paint our nude model.
Traditional drawing media (such as pencils, pens, and charcoal) are welcome; and pastels, watercolor and ink are permissible. Please do not bring acrylics or oil paints. We don’t supply easels – only plenty of chairs – but you are welcome to bring your own easel if you want to use one. All skill levels are welcome.
The first part of this session will be focused on gesture poses (dynamic 1-5 minute poses) to loosen up and participate in a fun, fast-paced drawing experience. The second hour will be a few short poses for more detailed drawings leading up to up to two 20-minute poses.
Fee for each session is $10 for Del Ray Artisans members and $15 for non-members. If you have any questions or would like to participate as a model for our sessions, please contact LifeDrawing@DelRayArtisans.org.
View artwork from past DRA Figure Drawing Sessions on Instagram! Tag #dralifedraw or @dralifedraw for your work to be featured.
Register Now | View Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

Gallery Closed Due To Weather
2026-01-29 12:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The gallery will be closed on Thursday 1/29/26 while volunteers continue to clear the snow and ice.
The gallery is anticipated to maintain regular hours on Friday 1/30/2026 (open 12-9pm) and Saturday 1/31/2026 (open 12-6pm).
The gallery will be closed to the public on Sunday 2/1/2026, but open to artists for artwork pick up and drop off.

Gallery Open 12-6pm Today (Closing at 6pm)
2026-01-30 12:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The gallery will be open on Friday 1/30/26 from 12-6pm. The gallery will close at 6pm (early from the typical 9pm).
The gallery will have regular hours on Saturday 1/31/2026 (open 12-6pm).
The gallery will be closed to the public on Sunday 2/1/2026, but open to artists for artwork pick up and drop off from 12-6pm.

CANCELLED: Nature Journaling Club
2026-01-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The January 31st session has been cancelled due to the weather. See you at the next session on February 28th!
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

Paint for Paws Workshop to benefit ARMA
2026-01-31 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Saturday, January 31 from 6-9pm is reserved for the Paint for Paws Workshop to benefit Aussie Rescue of the MidAtlantic. Register in advance through Paint to the Rescue.

Closed to the Public
2026-02-01 - 2026-02-04 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This time is reserved for the curator to arrange the upcoming exhibit.

Closed to the Public: Artist Appointments Only
2026-02-01 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, Toy Stories.

Accepted Artwork Drop Off
Time for artists to drop off their accepted artwork entries for the upcoming exhibit, Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse. 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.

Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2026-02-06 - 2026-02-28 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse Art Exhibit
February 6–28, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, February 6 from 7–9pm
“Lunar Fire” by Morgan Parr
Celebrate the Lunar New Year by exploring its traditions, stories, and cultural significance—including the dynamic symbolism of the horse in the zodiac—at Del Ray Artisans’ Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse art exhibit. Representing courage, vitality, speed, and independence, the horse inspires artworks that capture energy, movement, mythology, and heritage. This exhibition also reflects Del Ray Artisans’ commitment to cultural sensitivity, showcasing works that honor the origins of the Lunar New Year with respect and authenticity.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, February 6 between 7-9pm to meet curators Morgan Parr and Annemarie Kuhns and the artists. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
Register in advance for our workshops in February:

Stretchy Chainmail Bracelet – Monday, February 9, 6-8pm
Dime Store Alchemy: Make a Found Object Poetry Box – Wednesday, February 11, 6-9pm
Lunar New Year Foam Block Printing (Family-friendly) – Tuesday, February 17, 4-6pm
Laurel Burch Inspired Horses – Sunday, February 22, 10am-12pm

Plus drop in to our recurring creative programs: Del Ray Urban Sketchers, Life Drawing, Radical Sewing Club-ALX, and Nature Journaling Club; and RSVP to attend our artist support groups: Partners in Art and Live From Your Studio. View all upcoming programs online at delrayartisans.org/programs.
The Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse art exhibit runs from February 6–28, 2026 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are Thursday 12-6pm, Friday 12-9pm, Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-6pm (closed February 1 and March 1).
The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. Del Ray Artisans, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community.
For more information, contact the Director of Curating, Amy Kitchin Hower, at curating@delrayartisans.org.

"Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse" Art Exhibit Opening Reception
2026-02-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States

CANCELED: Del Ray Urban Sketchers @ St. Elmo's Coffee Pub
2026-02-08 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This event has been canceled due to weather. Please join us for future Urban Sketchers sessions!
Urban sketchbooking emphasizes storytelling that conveys a sense of place or a moment in time through drawings completed from direct observations.
Bring your supplies and join us outside St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301) to produce still life, figure, or architecture subjects in your sketchbook. Participants will spend some time putting their skills into practice and then reconvene for a review of finished works.
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets on the second Sunday of the month (except not in July, August, and December) at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray, as well as on the third Thursday of most months at a time and location that is varied (view upcoming dates).
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. Contact the organizer, Joan Bickelhaupt (joanbickelhaupt@gmail.com), with any questions.
RSVP via Eventbrite | View Upcoming Dates

Photo courtesy of Joan Bickelhaupt

Playing with Resin Workshop (Register ASAP)
2026-02-08 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Tracy Wilkerson, recycledworks@yahoo.com
Date/Time: Sunday, February 8, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register in advance; Walk-ins allowed only if space permits)
Learn the ins and outs of prepping for and mixing resin, and how to use it as an adhesive, a covering, or the main medium. There’s lots of creative time during this 3-hour workshop… No need to rush, which is one of the first lessons in using resin! All supplies are provided, but feel free to bring personal embellishments for your piece(s).
This workshop does not get into using dyes with resin or building big molds to create one-of-a-kind resined tables (as seen on YouTube), but this workshop will provide you with a good understanding of how resin works so you can be bold enough to take the next steps in your creative interests.
Although the class is listed for 3 hours, you can leave once you have finished your creations. Some students finish very quickly while others take the whole 3 hours to create – there is plenty of time for each person to enjoy the creative process while not feeling rushed. You’ll leave your finished masterpiece(s) to set at the gallery at the end of the workshop, and pick them up during gallery hours later in the week.
The workshop is designed for adults. Children ages 16-17 may participate with parental permission. Children ages 12-15 may participate only with a co-participating adult guardian (guardian must contact instructor in advance).
Register Now

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