Del Ray Artisans

Paws in the Park 2023
2023-10-15 11:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States
Join us at the Paws in the Park outdoor festival! This event is fun for the whole family, featuring entertainment, activities, animal-themed vendors, and, of course, a whole lot of adorable adoptables.
Del Ray Artisans will have a tent with pet-inspired artwork from member Joyce Wagner (Reinvented Elegance), as well as information about current and upcoming events. Please stop by and say hello!
The block party is in the Oronoco Bay Park. This free event is open to the community; well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to attend (no Flexi leashes please).
Del Ray Artisans’ Gallery Without Walls partner VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital is a sponsor of Paws in the Park. Stop by the animal hospital (2660 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-6pm) to see the new 12 Elements of Nature art exhibit by Del Ray Artisans members.
Artwork credit: “Wagging Woofers I ” by Joyce Wagner

HalloWEIRD Art Market 2023 in Colasanto Park
2023-10-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Colasanto Park (outside Del Ray Artisans Gallery), 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Come to the 2nd annual HalloWEIRD outdoor art market on Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 10am–4pm to browse Halloween-inspired creations that are spooky, creepy, crawly, and goth. Maybe you like the upbeat, fun side of the season, like costumes, hot cider, hay rides, autumn colors. You can see art celebrating that too! The market offers diverse, original handcrafted artwork from talented local artists in a wide range of media, including ceramics, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, paper, photography, and more. 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 the market are:

John T Allen, Permian Designs
Amy Bruce Studios
Amy Castine, Castine Beadwork
Chelsaline, Chelsaline.Studio
Maxine Cholmondeley, Max’s Mixtures Candles & Soaps
Meredith D’Amore, Rare Bird Press
Amanda Fletchersmith, Custom Monster
Lesley Hall-Runner, Ruthless Art
Erica Hughes and Suzan Ok Shumate, Fox Arrow Artisans
Betsy Jones
Archna Kanodia, Heena Art – Hand Decorations
Mary Katz, Star and Moon Creations
Annemarie Kuhns, Love + Lino
Stephen Lally Pottery
Megan Levanduski, Megan Elaine Designs
Liz Martinez, Spirit of the Mandala
Madeleine Meredith, Miles & Bear
Nami Oshiro
Susan Pawlukiewicz, Lucite Creations
Christina Rojas, et cetera
Sophia Kelly Shultz
Tekla Taylor
Tracy Wilkerson, Recycled Works

Plus step inside Del Ray Artisans gallery to see the Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery art exhibit (October 6–28, 2023) featuring art that evokes the fantastic and swashbuckling. Del Ray Artisans, founded in 1992, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community.
For more information on HalloWEIRD, contact Erica Hughes (Programs Director) at Programs@DelRayArtisans.org.

Fencing Demonstration & Mini Lessons (Register by 10/13)
2023-10-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Mark and Erica, Fairfax Fencers
Date/Time: Sunday, October 15, 10am-noon (four 30-minute sessions)
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
Class size: 1-8 participants per 30-minute session
(Register by noon on October 13 for a mini lesson)
Come see free fencing demonstrations by Mark and Erica of Fairfax Fencers in the tennis courts behind the gallery, and register in advance for a free 30-minute mini lesson for beginners (children ages 6+ and adults).
This event is held in conjunction with the Curses! Foiled Again! The art of swords and sorcery art exhibit.
Register Now

Magical Creatures Workshop (Register by 10/13)
2023-10-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Kelsey Joyce, kelseyjoyceart@gmail.com
Date/Time: Saturday, October 14 from 9am-12pm
Cost: $50 Del Ray Artisans member / $60 Non-member; plus a $15 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-12 participants
(Register by noon on October 13)
Learn how to design and build a sculpture of an original imaginary creature in the style of Mexican folk art alebrijes. Alebrijes were created by Pedro Linares Lopez, a Mexican cartoneria artisan who created Papier-mâché figurines that he coined alebrijes after imagining them in a fever dream. Alebrijes are creatures that consist of features that represent multiple creatures and the four elements of nature. Dragons are great alebrije because they have all four elements of nature: air represented in their wings, fire represented in their flames, land represented in their legs, and water represented in their ability to swim.
In this workshop we will explore the cultural importance of Linares’ alebrijes and how they have become a tradition in Mexico. We will build our imaginary creatures with armature sculpting wire, clay, papier mache, aluminum foil, resin eyeballs, acrylic paint, glitter, feathers, and many more mixed media materials. We will work swiftly to get as much done as possible and will be utilizing hair dryers to help us dry our papier mache & artworks quickly. I look forward to you bringing your imagination to life!
All materials will be supplied to use during the workshop to create your creature. If you wish to also own one of Kelsey Joyce’s creations and paint it at home, separate Imaginary Creature kits will be available for purchase directly from the instructor at the end of the workshop.
This workshop is held in conjunction with the Curses! Foiled Again! The art of swords and sorcery art exhibit. Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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

CANCELLED: What’s In The Box? A 2-day box making workshop
2023-10-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been cancelled.
Instructor: Cristin Guinan-Wiley
Date/Time: Wednesday & Thursday, Oct 11 & Oct 12, from 6pm-9pm
Cost: $80 Del Ray Artisans member / $95 Non-member; plus a $15 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-10 participants
(Register by midnight on October 8)
In this two-day novice level workshop you will create your own hinged lid box using book board, book cloth, decorative papers, and PVA (archival glue). There will be a myriad of combinations of papers and cloths to choose from to create your own distinctive box.
The supply fee includes all materials for the finished box. The tools will be provided for use during the workshop and, if desired, are available for purchase for $30 (payable directly to the instructor) following the workshop.
This workshop is being held in conjunction with the Curses! Foiled Again! The art of swords and sorcery art exhibit. Learn a new skill and celebrate the art of swords and sorcery!
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
2023-10-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-09-12 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 Kathryn Brown at Secretary@DelRayArtisans.org at least in four days advance of the meeting to be included on the agenda and receive the Zoom session link.

2024 Wall Calendar Pre-order Deadline
2023-10-10 | Online
Order Now for a Discount!
Del Ray Artisans’ 2024 Wall Calendar featuring artwork by Del Ray Artisans members is available for pre-order now at just $17/calendar. (Regular price $20/calendar.)
The pre-order discount price is only available until October 10. Pre-ordering the calendar helps our organization estimate how many calendars to order. If you pre-order, you will be notified when the calendars arrive, so you can come pick up your purchase. Calendars will arrive between Oct 20 – Nov 15, 2023.
Order Now
Thank you to our 2024 calendar sponsors: Homes of Alexandria Team of Compass (Daniela Spigai and Ellen Patrick), Artifacts Inc., Let’s Meat on the Avenue, McD Mateos Community Partners, and The Zebra Press!

Partners in Art (FULL)
2023-10-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-09-11 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.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
View Upcoming Meetings

Del Ray Urban Sketchers
2023-10-08 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 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.
View Upcoming Dates
*NOTE: Del Ray Urban Sketchers does not meet in July, August, and December.

Artwork credit: Detail of “Working Out (St. Elmo’s)” by Cathy Messina

Art on the Avenue 2023
2023-10-07 10:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 10am-6pm, you’ll find: Art on the Avenue, a multicultural arts festival celebrating our community’s diversity through the arts in Alexandria, Virginia. There will be entertainment for all ages, art activities, food, and artists displaying and selling their work all along Mount Vernon Avenue. Art on the Avenue is sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association.
Artist Demos, Activities, and Art Exhibit
Directly in front of the gallery during Art on the Avenue, Del Ray Artisans will present artist demonstrations, sell handcrafted greeting cards and art by local artists, and share information about our nonprofit organization (booths W-193 and W-194). Come visit our tent for these activities:

10-11am – Foam “swords” check-in for CHALLENGE ROYALE
11am-2pm – Mosaic making demo by Nina Tisara
2-5:30pm – Batik silk painting demo by Cheryl VanderMolen Neway

Come in costume with a pool noodle ‘sword’ to the Curses! Foiled Again! CHALLENGE ROYALE during Art on the Avenue. Meet at 10am in front of the gallery (2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA) and present your pool noodle ‘sword’ for inspection and registration. The challenge begins at 11am on the playing fields of the Mount Vernon Rec Center next to the gallery. When challenged by another costumed participant, you may yield or duel! Inflatable ‘swords’ are also allowed. No other foam, wood, rubber or metal allowed. This is a KID-FRIENDLY event for ages 6+.
Inside the gallery, you’ll find the Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery art exhibit, as well as our Alcove Gift Shop, both featuring art by local artists.
Support Del Ray Artisans Members, Local Artists
Many Del Ray Artisans members are juried into Art on the Avenue. Please be sure to visit their booths:

Bridget Anthony-Hlioui (Booth E-50; Ceramics & Pottery)
Bhavani Arabandi (Booth E-34; Ceramics & Pottery)
Victoria Barnes (Booth W-12; Photography)
Tara Barr (Booth W-164; Painting)
Lynn Chadwick (Booth W-163; Jewelry)
Rita Cohen (Booth E-79; Fiber)
Patti Durbin (Booth W-192; Mixed Media)
Ellen Hamilton, Yellow Dot Shop (Booth E-49; Accessories & Bags)
Daniel Horowitz (Booth W-53; Photography)
Betsy Jones (Booth W-137; Mixed Media)
Annette Kramer (Booth W-52; Jewelry)
Annemarie Kuhns (Booth E-173; Books & Paper)
Stacy Laine (Booth E-103; Jewelry)
Stephen Lally (Booth E-61; Ceramics & Pottery)
Diana Manchak (Booth W-47; Ceramics & Pottery)
Laurel Prucha Moran (Booth E-51; Painting)
Jenny Nicholson (Booth W-190; Mixed Media)
Diana Papazian (Booth W-84; Jewelry)
Mary Pike (Booth W-215; Accessories & Bags)
Corrin Pumphrey (Booth W-214; Painting)
Robin Reid (Booth W-49; Glass)
Edith Sanabria (Booth E-126; Painting)
Kellie Sansone (Booth E-54; Painting)
Alexandra Schmeling (Booth W-124; Painting)
Joyce Wagner (Booth W-182; Jewelry)
Tamara Wilkerson (Booth W-14; Jewelry)

For more information on Art on the Avenue, visit: www.artontheavenue.org

Photo courtesy of Kelly M. MacConomy (2019)

CHALLENGE ROYALE: Outdoor Costume Party and Duel
2023-10-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Organizer: Erica Hughes
Date/Time: Sunday, October 7, 10am-noon
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
Come in costume with a pool noodle ‘sword’ to the Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery CHALLENGE ROYALE at Del Ray Artisans during Art on the Avenue.
Meet at 10am in front of the gallery and present your pool noodle ‘sword’ for inspection and registration. The challenge begins at 11am on the playing fields of the Mount Vernon Rec Center next to the gallery. When challenged by another costumed participant, you may yield or duel! Inflatable ‘swords’ are also allowed. NO other foam, wood, rubber or metal allowed. This is a KID-FRIENDLY event for ages 6+.
This event is held in conjunction with the Curses! Foiled Again! The art of swords and sorcery art exhibit.

“Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery” Exhibit Opening Reception
2023-10-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery Art Exhibit
October 6–28, 2023
Opening Reception: Friday, October 6 from 7–9pm
Come see daring swordswomen, haggard bog witches, bevies of mythical beasts, and many more artist interpretations of the fantastic! Taking inspiration from the texture of a dragon’s skin, the swirling cloak of a sorceress, the shriek of a hydra, and a technical manual of swordplay, curator Dr. Erica Hughes presents an otherworldly collection of local art in the Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery exhibit at Del Ray Artisans gallery.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, October 6, 7-9pm to meet the curator and the artists. Fantasy costumes encouraged! Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
In addition, join us for programs affiliated with the exhibit:

Saturday, September 30, choose 9:45am-10:45am or 11am-12pm – Sword Making for Kids Workshop – Dani and Erica guide small warriors to make foam swords and pool noodle staves. These ‘swords’ can then be used during the CHALLENGE ROYALE! This one-hour workshop is for kids 12 and under. Kids under 7 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register by September 25.
Saturday, Oct 7, 10am-12pm – CHALLENGE ROYALE: Outdoor Costume Party and Duel – Come in costume with a pool noodle ‘sword’ to the Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery CHALLENGE ROYALE at Del Ray Artisans during Art on the Avenue. Meet at 10am in front of the gallery and present your pool noodle ‘sword’ for inspection and registration. The challenge begins at 11am on the playing fields of the Mount Vernon Rec Center next to the gallery. When challenged by another costumed participant, you may yield or duel! Inflatable ‘swords’ are also allowed. NO other foam, wood, rubber or metal allowed. This is a KID-FRIENDLY event for ages 6+.
Wednesday and Thursday, October 11 and 12, 6pm-9pm – What’s In The Box? – In this two-day, novice-level workshop you will create your own hinged lid box using book board, book cloth, decorative papers, and archival glue. There will be a myriad of combinations of papers and cloths to choose from to create your own distinctive box. Register by October 8.
Saturday, October 14, 9am-12pm – Magical Creatures Workshop – Learn how to design and build a sculpture of an original imaginary creature in the style of Mexican folk art alebrijes. Pedro Linares Lopez created papier-mâché figurines that he imagined in a fever dream and coined them “alebrijes.” Alebrijes consist of features that represent multiple creatures and the four elements of nature. Dragons are great alebrijes because they have all four elements of nature: air represented in their wings, fire in their flames, land in their legs, and water in their ability to swim. Register by October 10.
Sunday, October 15, 10am-1pm – Fencing Demonstration & Mini Lessons – Come see free fencing demonstrations by Mark and Erica of Fairfax Fencers in the tennis courts behind the gallery, and register in advance for a free 30-minute mini lesson for beginners (children ages 6+ and adults). Register by October 10.
Saturdays, October 21 and 28, 9am-12pm – Here There Be Dragons! A 2-day beadwork workshop – Create your own dragon’s eye pendant or brooch by combining bead embroidery and peyote stitch bead weaving in this two-day, intermediate-level beadwork workshop. Sign up early, and the instructor will personalize the supply kit with your favorite colors—allowing you to make the perfect dragon! Register by October 15.
Sunday, October 22, 11am-1pm – Witches’ Brew: The Art of Healing Herbs – Learn about the history of spell jars (also known as witch bottles) and create your own to take home! Register by October 18.
Thursday, October 26, 6pm-9pm – Soapy Sorcery – Join instructor Suzan Shumate in a fantasy-themed soapmaking workshop. Using the melt and pour technique, you can create beautiful dragon eggs, unicorns, mermaids, fairies, ghosts, and other spellbinding soaps. You can choose your themes, colors, and scents for several bars of soap. After you finish pouring your soaps, you will have the option of decorating a wooden chest to store or gift your soaps. Register by October 21.

The Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery exhibit runs October 6–28, 2023 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 12-6pm. The gallery is closed on October 1 and October 29, 2023.
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 curator Dr. Erica Hughes at zarathustraspeaks@msn.com.

Artwork: “Snarler” by Erica Hughes

Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2023-10-06 - 2023-10-28 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery Art Exhibit
October 6–28, 2023
Opening Reception: Friday, October 6 from 7–9pm
Reception Video | Photo Album
Come see daring swordswomen, haggard bog witches, bevies of mythical beasts, and many more artist interpretations of the fantastic! Taking inspiration from the texture of a dragon’s skin, the swirling cloak of a sorceress, the shriek of a hydra, and a technical manual of swordplay, curator Dr. Erica Hughes presents an otherworldly collection of local art in the Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery exhibit at Del Ray Artisans gallery.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, October 6, 7-9pm to meet the curator and the artists. Fantasy costumes encouraged! Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
In addition, join us for programs affiliated with the exhibit:

Saturday, September 30, choose 9:45am-10:45am or 11am-12pm – Sword Making for Kids Workshop – Dani and Erica guide small warriors to make foam swords and pool noodle staves. These ‘swords’ can then be used during the CHALLENGE ROYALE! This one-hour workshop is for kids 12 and under. Kids under 7 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register by September 25.
Saturday, Oct 7, 10am-12pm – CHALLENGE ROYALE: Outdoor Costume Party and Duel – Come in costume with a pool noodle ‘sword’ to the Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery CHALLENGE ROYALE at Del Ray Artisans during Art on the Avenue. Meet at 10am in front of the gallery and present your pool noodle ‘sword’ for inspection and registration. The challenge begins at 11am on the playing fields of the Mount Vernon Rec Center next to the gallery. When challenged by another costumed participant, you may yield or duel! Inflatable ‘swords’ are also allowed. NO other foam, wood, rubber or metal allowed. This is a KID-FRIENDLY event for ages 6+.
Wednesday and Thursday, October 11 and 12, 6pm-9pm – What’s In The Box? – In this two-day, novice-level workshop you will create your own hinged lid box using book board, book cloth, decorative papers, and archival glue. There will be a myriad of combinations of papers and cloths to choose from to create your own distinctive box. Register by October 8.
Saturday, October 14, 9am-12pm – Magical Creatures Workshop – Learn how to design and build a sculpture of an original imaginary creature in the style of Mexican folk art alebrijes. Pedro Linares Lopez created papier-mâché figurines that he imagined in a fever dream and coined them “alebrijes.” Alebrijes consist of features that represent multiple creatures and the four elements of nature. Dragons are great alebrijes because they have all four elements of nature: air represented in their wings, fire in their flames, land in their legs, and water in their ability to swim. Register by October 10.
Sunday, October 15, 10am-1pm – Fencing Demonstration & Mini Lessons – Come see free fencing demonstrations by Mark and Erica of Fairfax Fencers in the tennis courts behind the gallery, and register in advance for a free 30-minute mini lesson for beginners (children ages 6+ and adults). Register by October 10.
Saturdays, October 21 and 28, 9am-12pm – Here There Be Dragons! A 2-day beadwork workshop – Create your own dragon’s eye pendant or brooch by combining bead embroidery and peyote stitch bead weaving in this two-day, intermediate-level beadwork workshop. Sign up early, and the instructor will personalize the supply kit with your favorite colors—allowing you to make the perfect dragon! Register by October 15.
Sunday, October 22, 11am-1pm – Witches’ Brew: The Art of Healing Herbs – Learn about the history of spell jars (also known as witch bottles) and create your own to take home! Register by October 18.
Thursday, October 26, 6pm-9pm – Soapy Sorcery – Join instructor Suzan Shumate in a fantasy-themed soapmaking workshop. Using the melt and pour technique, you can create beautiful dragon eggs, unicorns, mermaids, fairies, ghosts, and other spellbinding soaps. You can choose your themes, colors, and scents for several bars of soap. After you finish pouring your soaps, you will have the option of decorating a wooden chest to store or gift your soaps. Register by October 21.

“Snarler” by Erica Hughes
The Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery exhibit runs October 6–28, 2023 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 12-6pm. The gallery is closed on October 1 and October 29, 2023.
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 curator Dr. Erica Hughes at zarathustraspeaks@msn.com.

First Thursday Activity 6-8pm (Gallery Open 12-9pm)
2023-10-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Join us on Thursday, October 5 from 6-8pm outside the gallery for a Star Wars photo opt, droid masks for kids, and themed coloring sheets. Costumes encouraged! The neighborhood theme for this last First Thursday of 2023 is Star Wars Day in a Neighborhood Far, Far Away.
Come inside Del Ray Artisans gallery for a sneak peek at the Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery art exhibit. Del Ray Artisans gallery will be open 12-9pm on First Thursday, October 5, 2023.

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 us for these neighborhood themes:

April 13, 2023 (rescheduled from April 6 due to the rain) – A Cherry Blossom Celebration
May 4, 2023 – Dog Days in Del Ray
June 1, 2023 – Baseball – Every Pitch Counts!
July 6, 2023 – Red, White, & Brews (Gallery is closed; no outdoor activity)
August 3, 2023 – A Country Music Showdown
October 5, 2023 (rescheduled from Sept 7 due to thunderstorms) – Star Wars Day in a Neighborhood Far, Far Away

HalloWEIRD Art Market Applications Due
2023-10-01 23:50 - 23:59 | Online
Call for Artists
Del Ray Artisans’ HalloWEIRD Art Market
Application deadline: Sunday, October 1, 2023 by midnight
Apply now for the 2nd annual HalloWEIRD outdoor art market centered around the theme: Halloween. Showcase your spooky, creepy, crawly, disturbing, goth pieces or focus on the upbeat, fun side of the season (costumes, hot cider, hay rides, autumn colors, etc). This is an outdoor, family-friendly, rain-or-shine event in Colasanto Park, adjoining Del Ray Artisans gallery, on Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 10am to 4pm.
Details and Application

"Curses! Foiled Again!" Artwork Drop Off
2023-10-01 15:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Time for artists to drop off their accepted artwork entries for the upcoming exhibit, Curses! Foiled Again!. Artwork drop off is Sunday, October 1 from 3-6pm.
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 curator Erica Hughes at zarathustraspeaks@msn.com.

"Farther Afield" Artwork Pick Up
2023-10-01 12:00 - 15:00 | 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, Farther Afield.

Questions? Contact the curator Alexandra Schmeling at Hello@alexandraschmeling.com.

Artwork credit: “Jardin des Plantes, Paris” by Alexandra Schmeling

RESCHEDULED: Stretchy Bracelets with Healing Properties Workshop
2023-09-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been rescheduled to Saturday, November 4 from 6-9pm.
Instructor: Y’vonne Page-Magnus
Date/Time: Saturday, September 30 from 6-9pm (NEW DATE!)
Cost: $15 Del Ray Artisans member / $25 Non-member; plus a $30 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by noon on Sept 29)
Design and make two stretchy bracelets out of a sorbet selection of semi-precious stones, crystals, and accent beads. Instructor Y’vonne Page-Magnus will teach you the secret to tying a knot using elastic and share knowledge on the healing properties of popular semi-precious stones.
The supply fee includes all the materials. Each piece will be one-of-a-kind.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.

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

Nature Journaling Club
2023-09-30 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!
We meet at 10am in front of Del Ray Artisans on the final Saturday morning of every month. Mark your calendar or set a reminder in Eventbrite.
Participants will need to bring their own sketchbooks and supplies. We will have plenty of time for sketching in nature before gathering again at 11:30am to share our sketches and observations and discuss tips and tools for nature journaling in the wild. We hope you will join us as we strengthen our art and inquiry practice together!
Suggested supplies: sketchbook, pens, pencils, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, or other portable media, and a water bottle since we will be outdoors. You may also want to bring something to sit on (folding chair or blanket).
NOTE: This program is held outdoors and will be canceled if raining. Join the “Nature Journaling Club at Del Ray Artisans” Facebook Group to stay informed on weather cancellations, plus share your sketches!
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 of leaves by Meredith D’Amore

CANCELLED: Sword Making for Kids Workshop
2023-09-30 09:30 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This workshop has been cancelled.
Instructor: Dani and Erica
Date/Time: Saturday, September 30, choose 9:45am–10:45am or 11am–12pm
Cost: $10 Del Ray Artisans member / $15 Non-member; plus a $5 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-12 participants
(Register by midnight on September 25)
Join Dani and Erica as they guide small warriors to make foam swords and pool noodle staves. These ‘swords’ can then be used during the CHALLENGE ROYALE (Saturday, October 7, 10am). This one-hour workshop (choose either 9:45am–10:45am or 11am–12pm) is for kids 12 and under. Kids under 7 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
This event is held in conjunction with the Curses! Foiled Again! The art of swords and sorcery art exhibit.

Alcove Gift Shop at Del Ray Artisans (8/4 - 9/30/2023)
2023-09-30 | 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 4 – September 30, 2023.
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 (typically closed the last Sunday of the month). The gallery has different hours in July and December.
For more information, contact the curators Stephen Lally (slallypottery@gmail.com) and Rita Schooley (rlschooley@gmail.com).

Alcove Gift Shop Call for Artists Deadline
2023-09-23 23:50 - 23:59 | Online
Call for Artists ~ Open to Del Ray Artisans Members
Alcove Gift Shop
October 6 – November 26, 2023
Application deadline: Saturday, September 23, 2023 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

RESCHEDULED: HalloWEIRD Art Market 2023 in Colasanto Park is now on Sunday, October 15
2023-09-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Colasanto Park (outside Del Ray Artisans Gallery), 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Due to the weather, the 2nd annual HalloWEIRD outdoor art market has been rescheduled to Sunday, October 15, 2023.
Come browse Halloween-inspired creations that are spooky, creepy, crawly, and goth. Maybe you like the upbeat, fun side of the season, like costumes, hot cider, hay rides, autumn colors. You can see art celebrating that too! The market offers diverse, original handcrafted artwork from talented local artists in a wide range of media, including ceramics, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, paper, photography, and more. 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 the market are:

John T Allen, Permian Designs
Amy Bruce Studios
Amy Castine, Castine Beadwork
Maxine Cholmondeley, Max’s Mixtures Candles & Soaps
Meredith D’Amore, Rare Bird Press
Ariane D’Souza
Amanda Fletchersmith, Custom Monster
Lesley Hall-Runner, Ruthless Art
Erica Hughes and Suzan Ok Shumate, Fox Arrow Artisans
BWS Johnson, Blooms of Paradise
Betsy Jones
Archna Kanodia, Heena Art – Hand Decorations
Mary Katz, Star and Moon Creations
Annemarie Kuhns, Love + Lino
Megan Levanduski, Megan Elaine Designs
Samantha Ludwitzke, Samantha’s Doodles
Liz Martinez, Spirit of the Mandala
Madeleine Meredith, Miles & Bear
Susan Pawlukiewicz, Lucite Creations
Christina Rojas, et cetera
Tekla Taylor
Tracy Wilkerson, Recycled Works

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.
Step inside Del Ray Artisans gallery to see the Farther Afield art exhibit (September 1–30, 2023) featuring artwork that takes us outside of our day-to-day lives to locations far and wide. Del Ray Artisans, founded in 1992, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community.

For more information on HalloWEIRD, contact Erica Hughes (Programs Director) at Programs@DelRayArtisans.org.

Partners in Art Evening
2023-09-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Calling fellow artists, beginners to professionals, you are invited to join our art-support group, to share artistic goals, techniques, and the local art scene. Participants may show one or two artworks, any medium, in any stage, for advice and feedback.
To join our small, friendly, and supportive artists’ group, contact Michele Reday Cook at mredaycook@gmail.com for details and registration BEFORE the day of the meeting.
This program is free, but donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) with questions.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
View Upcoming Meetings

“Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery” Call for Entry Deadline Extended
2023-09-16 23:50 - 23:59 | Online
Call for Entry ~ Open to area artists
Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery
Exhibit Dates: October 6–28, 2023
Digital entry extended deadline to Saturday, September 16, 2023 by midnight
From the daring swordswoman with her bevy of mythical beasts to the haggard bog witch, all expressions of the fantastic are invited! Whether you are inspired by the texture of a dragon’s skin, the swirling cloak of a sorceress, the shriek of a hydra, or a technical manual of swordplay, share your vision of SWORDs and SORCERY!
All media are welcome. The exhibit is open to all area artists. Del Ray Artisans members pay a discounted entry fee.
Entry Details & Form

Artwork credit: “Snarler” by Erica Hughes

Holiday Market 2023 Call for Artists Deadline
2023-09-10 23:50 - 23:59 | Online
Call for Artists
Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market
December 1–23, 2023
Application deadline: Sunday, September 10, 2023 by midnight

Applications for exhibitors in Del Ray Artisans’ 28th annual Holiday Market are now open. Different artists from a variety of media categories will be selected for each weekend. Preference is given to Del Ray Artisans members.
The market will be the first three weekends of December (1-3, 8-10, and 15-17; Friday night and Saturday and Sunday days) as usual, plus this year we will have a special fourth weekend that will run December 22-23 (Friday and Saturday only) for last minute shoppers. This fourth weekend is only available for Del Ray Artisans members who are artists that participated in one of the first three weekends.
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.
Read the application carefully; if you have any questions, please ask one of the coordinators.
Application Details & Form

Del Ray Urban Sketchers (Canceled on Sept 10)
2023-09-10 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The September 10, 2023 session has been cancelled. Please join us on Sunday, October 8.
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. 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.
View Upcoming Dates
*NOTE: Del Ray Urban Sketchers does not meet in July, August, and December.

Artwork credit: Detail of “Working Out (St. Elmo’s)” by Cathy Messina

Beaded Lanyard Thingies Workshop (Register Now)
2023-09-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Amy Castine, amy.castine@aim.com
Date/Time: Saturday, September 9 from 9am-12pm
Cost: $60 Del Ray Artisans member / $80 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-10 participants
(Register by noon on September 8)
Join instructor Amy Castine for a great introduction to off loom bead weaving as you learn to make your own lanyard/glasses keeper. This versatile beaded rope is a useful and beautiful way to hold some of the necessities of life while adding your personal style to any outfit. You will also have a chance to do a little beginner wire wrapping and make a lovely pendant to transform your lanyard into a necklace. Sign up today as space is limited!
The supply fee includes all the materials to make a similar piece—but not identical—to the photo. Each piece will be one-of-a-kind.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now

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