Del Ray Artisans

Board of Directors Meeting (ONLINE)
2026-10-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-10 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Volunteer in the Gardens
2026-10-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Give some TLC to Del Ray Artisans’ gardens! Join the Gardens Committee to spruce up the landscaping around the gallery.
Bring gloves, knee pads (if desired), and laughter. Even if you don’t know what a weed is, we can teach you. Volunteer for 1 hour or the whole 2.5 hours. If you have any questions, please email Jenny at Gardens@DelRayArtisans.org.
MEMBERS: This task counts towards your annual membership volunteer hours (record your hours).
NON-MEMBERS: You are welcome to come help and learn too.
Save the Dates: During the season (March-October), the committee meets once a month on a weekend day from 9am-11am. In July and August, we’ll meet an hour earlier (8am-10am) to avoid the heat. Our 2026 dates are:

Saturday, May 16, 9:00 to 11:00 am
Saturday, June 13, 9:00 to 11:00 am
Sunday, July 12, 8:00 to 10:00 am (earlier due to heat)
Saturday, August 15, 8:00 to 10:00 am (earlier due to heat)
Saturday, September 19, 9:00 to 11:00 am (tidy up the garden for Art on the Avenue)
Saturday, October 17, 9:00 to 11:00 am

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.

Live From Your Studio - Connect with fellow DRA artists
2026-10-18 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-11-15 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 | View Upcoming Meetings

Partners in Art Evening (RSVP in Advance)
2026-10-20 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-17 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. Donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) with questions.
View Upcoming Meetings

Radical Sewing Club-ALX
2026-10-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-11-21 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

2026 Annual Member Meeting & 2027 Board of Directors Election
2026-10-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
2026 Annual Member Meeting & 2027 Board of Directors Election
Sunday, October 25, 6-8pm
All members are invited to attend the 2026 Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 25 from 6-8pm at Del Ray Artisans gallery. Del Ray Artisans President Dawn Wyse Hurto will present a special message about the organization; the membership will vote on the slate (info below) to elect the 2027 Board of Directors; and the 2027 schedule of exhibits and programs will be announced.
Pizza and beverages will be provided. To contribute a side or dessert to share (thank you!), please email Kara Macek at membership@delrayartisans.org.

2027 Board of Directors Slate
Here is the slate of nominees for Del Ray Artisans’ 2027 Board of Directors:
TBD

If you are considering running for a position, please email the Nominating Committee at Nominations@DelRayArtisans.org. The 2027 Board will begin its one-year term on January 1, 2027.

Vote at the Meeting or by Proxy
At the Annual Meeting, each member in Good Standing (renew your membership if it has expired) is entitled to one vote in person or by proxy on any matter brought before the membership at any meeting at which quorum has been established. Actions shall pass if they carry a simple majority of the votes cast. (Review the bylaws.)
A member in Good Standing may appoint a proxy to vote for them by filling out the Appointment of Proxy Form. The proxy shall expire at the end of the 2026 Annual Meeting (October 25, 2026). Proxy forms shall not count towards establishing a quorum. Proxy forms must be received before 6pm on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Proxy forms will be emailed to the membership in advance.

In person votes will be cast at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 25, 2026 between 6-8pm.

Photo: Blast from the Past – President Michele Reday Cook addresses the membership at the 2013 Annual Meeting.

Life Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2026-10-27 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-24 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-12-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-12-15 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

Nature Journaling Club
2026-10-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Practiced by artists and naturalists alike, nature journaling is a centuries-old exercise in refining our powers of observation, appreciation for nature, drawing skills, and mindful presence. This group is open to all experience levels as we meet to sketch, connect, and learn together!
Del Ray Artisans’ Nature Journaling Club meets at 10am in front of Del Ray Artisans on the final Saturday morning of the month (except not in July, November, and December). 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.
This program is FREE! Donations to our nonprofit arts organization are appreciated.
For more information, contact the coordinators: Stephanie Darlene Greenwald (stephanie@stephaniedarlene.com) and Meredith D’Amore (meredith.w.damore@gmail.com).
RSVP (Optional) | View Upcoming Dates

Artwork credit: Drawing by Meredith D’Amore

Closed to the Public
2026-11-01 - 2026-11-04 | 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
2026-11-01 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, Carnival of Curiosities.

Accepted Artwork Drop Off
Time for artists to drop off their accepted artwork entries for the upcoming exhibit, $125 and Under. 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.

$125 and Under at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2026-11-06 - 2026-11-29 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
$125 and Under Art Exhibit
November 6–29, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, November 6 from 7–9pm
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, November 6 between 7-9pm to meet curators Dale Spivey and Liz Martinez and the exhibiting artists. Thank you to MCD Mateos McDonald’s for their generous donation for the reception.
The $125 and Under art exhibit runs from November 6–29, 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 on Thanksgiving Day).
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.

"$125 and Under" Art Exhibit Opening Reception
2026-11-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States

Del Ray Urban Sketchers @ St. Elmo's Coffee Pub
2026-11-08 08:00 - 17:00 | 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

Playing with Resin Workshop
2026-11-08 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, November 8, 6-9pm
Cost: $40 Del Ray Artisans member / $50 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 6-12 participants
(Register by November 4)
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).
Registration coming soon!

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

Partners in Art (RSVP in Advance)
2026-11-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
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.
RSVP to Mila Mateu (milaenartes@gmail.com) and Suzanne Tillman (zannet@verizon.net) for details before the day of the meeting.
View Upcoming Meetings

Gallery Closed on Thanksgiving
2026-11-26 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
The gallery is closed on Thanksgiving Day, but will be open on Friday from 12-9pm, Saturday from 12-6pm, and Sunday from 12-6pm. This is the final weekend of $125 and Under exhibit.
Next month join us for our 31th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market. Market hours are Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm, and Sundays 11am-5pm from December 4–20, 2026.

Artwork credit: “Kitchen Casualty” by M. Reday Cook

Alcove Gift Shop at Del Ray Artisans (10/2 - 11/29/2026)
2026-11-29 | 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 October 2 – November 29, 2026.
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. Gallery hours are Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays 12-6pm, and Sundays 12-6pm (closed on November 1 and Thanksgiving Day: November 26).
For more information, contact the curators Stephen Lally (slallypottery@gmail.com) and Rita Schooley (rlschooley@gmail.com).

Open to the Public 12-6pm; Artist Appointments 6-8pm
2026-11-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The gallery is open to the public from 12-6pm today. The exhibit is taken down after gallery hours end.
Unsold Artwork Pick Up
Artists, please pick up your unsold artwork from the closing exhibit, $125 and Under, between 6-8pm. Contact the curator with any questions (contact info in the call for entry).

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.

Closed to the Public: Artist Appointments Only
2026-11-30 16:00 - 20:00 | 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.
Unsold Artwork Pick Up
Artists, please pick up your unsold artwork from the closing exhibit, $125 and Under, between 4-8pm. Contact the curator with any questions (contact info in the call for entry).

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.

Holiday Market 2026 at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2026-12-04 - 2026-12-20 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans’ 31th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market
December 4–20, 2026:
Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm, Sundays 11am-5pm
Join us for the 31th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market! The holiday market is open for the first three weekends in December (Dec 4-6, Dec 11-13, and Dec 18-20).
The market offers unique handmade fine arts and fine crafts from local artists presenting a variety of media, including fiber/textiles, glass, jewelry, mixed media, polymer clay, ornaments, mosaics, painting, prints, paper crafting, photography, pottery/ceramics, sculpture, watercolor, wood, and more. Different artists are featured each weekend! In addition, 2027 wall calendars featuring art by Del Ray Artisans members will be available for purchase with proceeds supporting our 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Holiday market hours are Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm, and Sundays 11am-5pm. The market is at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301.
The gallery is free, open to the public and accessible. For more information, contact the Holiday Market Coordinators: Steve Lally (slallypottery@gmail.com), Rita Schooley (rlschooley@gmail.com), and Amy Kitchin Hower (alkitchin.dc@gmail.com).
.
Weekend 1 (Dec 4-6)
Artists include:
TBD
.
Weekend 2 (Dec 11-13)
Artists include:
TBD
.
Weekend 3 (Dec 18-20)
Artists include:
TBD
.

Board Meeting and Holiday Gathering
2026-12-08 18:00 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
December 2023 Board of Directors Holiday Gathering (courtesy of Sean Crumley)
The last Board meeting of 2026 will be at the gallery. A short business meeting (beginning at 6:30pm) will be paired with a holiday gathering to thank outgoing 2026 Board Members and welcome incoming 2027 Board Members.
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.

Gallery Closed for the Holidays
2026-12-21 - 2026-12-30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Happy Holidays!
The gallery is closed to the public from December 21 through December 30, 2026.
