Figure Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session
2025-01-28 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-01-21 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Drop-in and practice figure drawing on two select Tuesday* evenings each month. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery to draw or paint our nude model.
*Most sessions are on Tuesday evenings, but in 2025 there will be a session on Thursday, November 13 and a few costumed sessions on Thursday evenings in October.
Traditional drawing media (such as pencils, pens, and charcoal) are welcome; and pastels, watercolor and ink are permissible. Please do not bring acrylics or oil paints. We don’t supply easels – only plenty of chairs – but you are welcome to bring your own easel if you want to use one. All skill levels are welcome.
The first part of this session will be focused on gesture poses (dynamic 1-5 minute poses) to loosen up and participate in a fun, fast-paced drawing experience. The second hour will be a few short poses for more detailed drawings leading up to up to two 20-minute poses.
Fee for each session is $8 for Del Ray Artisans members and $10 for non-members. If you have any questions or would like to participate as a model for our sessions, please contact Brando Gould at LifeDrawing@DelRayArtisans.org.
View artwork from past DRA Figure Drawing Sessions on Instagram! Tag #dralifedraw or @dralifedraw for your work to be featured.
Register Now | View Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

Reserved for Alexandria Film Festival Volunteer Orientation
2025-01-27 19:00 - 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’s volunteer orientation.
The Alexandria Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Alexandria, Virginia.

Nature Journaling Club 2025
2025-01-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Practiced by artists and naturalists alike, nature journaling is a centuries-old exercise in refining our powers of observation, appreciation for nature, drawing skills, and mindful presence. This group is open to all experience levels as we meet to sketch, connect, and learn together!
Del Ray Artisans’ Nature Journaling Club meets at 10am in front of Del Ray Artisans on the final Saturday morning of the month (except not in July, November, and December).
Participants will need to bring their own sketchbooks and supplies. We will have plenty of time for sketching in nature before gathering again at 11:30am to share our sketches and observations and discuss tips and tools for nature journaling in the wild. We hope you will join us as we strengthen our art and inquiry practice together!
Suggested supplies: sketchbook, pens, pencils, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, or other portable media, and a water bottle since we will be outdoors. You may also want to bring something to sit on (folding chair or blanket).
NOTE: This program is held outdoors and will be canceled if raining.
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. For more information, contact the coordinators: Stephanie Darlene Greenwald (stephanie@stephaniedarlene.com) and Meredith D’Amore (meredith.w.damore@gmail.com).
View Upcoming Dates

Artwork credit: Drawing by Meredith D’Amore

"When Pigs Fly" Bead Embroidery Workshop (Register by 1/22) - NEW DATE!
2025-01-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
UPDATE: This workshop was rescheduled from Sunday, January 19 to Thursday, January 23 due to the weather. Additional registrations will be accepted until midnight on Wednesday, January 22.
Instructor: Amy Castine, amy.castine@aim.com
Date/Time: Thursday, January 23, 6-9pm
Cost: $50 Del Ray Artisans member / $60 Non-member; plus $15 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-8 participants
(Register by midnight on January 22)
Create a fun piece of wearable bead art! While bead embroidery may look complicated, it doesn’t have to be. In this class, you will learn beginning bead embroidery stitches as you create your own flying pig pin/pendant. Plus, the skills you learn can be combined and added to all sorts of fiber arts, giving you a solid foundation to expand your creativity.
This workshop is held in conjunction with the Visual Humor art exhibit.
Register Now

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

Crochet Amigurumi Workshop (2nd of 2 classes)
2025-01-22 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This time is reserved for the Crochet Amigurumi workshop. You must register in advance to attend.

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

POSTPONED: Knit Amigurumi Workshop (2nd of 2 classes)
2025-01-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
UPDATE: A new date is being scheduled for the second class. Registered participants will receive an email from the instructor.
This time is reserved for the Knit Amigurumi workshop. You must register in advance to attend.

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

“MeWOW: Fabulous Felines” Call for Entry Deadline
2025-01-19 23:59 | Online
Call for Entry ~ Open to area artists
MeWOW: Fabulous Felines
Exhibit Dates: February 7 – March 1, 2025
Digital entry deadline extended to Sunday, January 19, 2025 by midnight
“Birthday Happys” by Guy Jones
Let your creative cat “out of the bag” for this “paw-some” exhibit! Marvel at the power and fascination of cat imagery in art. These furry, mysterious, independent, beautiful felines have inundated history, mythology, literature, advertising, cinema, pop culture and pet owners for centuries. Artists are encouraged to submit inspirational artworks in any and all mediums.
The exhibit is open to all area artists. Del Ray Artisans members pay a discounted entry fee.
Entry Details & Form

Gallery Open 1-6pm Today (1/19)
2025-01-19 13:00 - 18:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
UPDATE at 12:30pm: The National Weather Service has decreased expected snow totals, now anticipating closer to 1 inch of accumulation rather than the higher range initially expected. This adjustment is due to the later-than-expected arrival of the arctic front, which may bring more rain or a rain/snow mix before transitioning to snow later today.
The gallery will be OPEN on Sunday, January 19 from 1pm-6pm. The City of Alexandria is under a Winter Weather Advisory on Sunday, January 19 from 7am-7pm.

Silly Suds: Humorous Soapmaking Workshop (Register ASAP)
2025-01-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Suzan Ok Shumate
Date/Time: Saturday, January 18, 9am-12pm
Cost: $35 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-10 participants
(Register in advance; walk-ins welcome if space permits)
Get ready to laugh and lather as you create your own humorous soaps (winking owls, poop emojis, wacky animals, and more). Learn about melt-and-pour techniques using a moisturizing shea butter base, premium fragrance oils, and fun, skin-safe colorants. Bright colors, fun scents, and a dash of whimsy will bring your designs to life. While soaps harden, decorate a gift box to take your creations home with you at the end of this workshop.
This workshop is held in conjunction with the Visual Humor art exhibit.
Register Now

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

Crochet Amigurumi Workshop (Two 2-hour classes)
2025-01-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Dawn Zurell, dmzurell@gmail.com
Date/Time: Wednesdays, January 15 and 22, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $70 Del Ray Artisans member / $80 Non-member; plus students must bring supplies
Class size: 2-6 participants
(Register in advance.)
This advanced beginner class is great for those who are relatively new to crochet and want to try amigurumi techniques. It is spread out over two weeks (two 2-hour classes), so you will have time to practice the techniques learned in-between sessions. This format will set you up for success and give you the skills needed to continue with future amigurumi projects. You will also complete an adorable clownfish stuffed toy! This class is for anyone aged 13+ years.
Skills needed for this class:

Foundation chain//chain stitches
Single crochet
Slip stitches
Crochet into back side of the chain

The specific skills taught in this class are:

Magic ring
Increasing and decreasing
Basic sewing skills
Basic embroidery skills

Materials you will need to bring to your first class:

Crochet hook, size G (6) / 4.0mm
Yarn type: DK weight cotton or cotton/acrylic yarn (see suggested yarns below)
White yarn (143yd/130m)
Orange yarn (310yd/290m)
Black yarn (22yd/20m)
Dark orange yarn (11yd/10m)
Tapestry needle
Locking stitch markers
Purchased pattern at www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/clown-fish-amigurumi-2
(Fiberfill for stuffing will be provided)

No other preparation is needed.
Suggestions for yarn:

KnitPicks Animation DK Weight Cotton
Friends Cotton 8/8 Light Worsted/DK
Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8 Light Worsted/DK
LionBrand 24/7 DK 273yds Light Weight Cotton Yarn
CascadeUltra Pima
Schachenmayr Catania Sport 100% Mercerized Cotton
Paintbox Yarns Simply DK
Premier Basix DK

This workshop is held in conjunction with the Visual Humor art exhibit.
Register Now

Artwork credit: Clown Fish Amigurumi by Joyce Overheul; Purchase Pattern

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

Board of Directors Meeting (ONLINE)
2025-01-14 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.

Knit Amigurumi Workshop (Two 2-hour classes)
2025-01-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Dawn Zurell, dmzurell@gmail.com
Date/Time: Mondays, January 13 and 20, 6:30-8:30pm
Cost: $70 Del Ray Artisans member / $80 Non-member; plus students must bring supplies
Class size: 2-6 participants
(Register in advance.)
This advanced beginner class is great for those who are relatively new to knitting and want to try amigurumi techniques. It is spread out over two weeks (two 2-hour classes), so you will have time to practice the techniques learned in-between sessions. This format will set you up for success and give you the skills needed to continue with future amigurumi projects. You will also complete an adorable clownfish stuffed toy! This class is for anyone aged 13+ years.
Skills needed for this class:

Knit and purl stitches
Long tail cast-on

The specific skills taught in this class are:

German short rows
Increasing and decreasing
Basic sewing skills

Materials you will need to bring to your first class:

US2(2.75mm)knitting needles (straight, circular, or double pointed)
Yarn type: DK weight cotton or cotton/acrylic yarn (see suggested yarns below)
White yarn (50yd/46m)
Orange yarn (100yd/91m)
Black yarn (50yd/46m)
Tapestry needle
Locking stitch markers
Purchased pattern at www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nemo-the-clown-fish
(Fiberfill for stuffing will be provided)

No other preparation is needed.
Suggestions for yarn:

KnitPicks Animation DK Weight Cotton
Friends Cotton 8/8 Light Worsted/DK
Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8 Light Worsted/DK
LionBrand 24/7 DK 273yds Light Weight Cotton Yarn
CascadeUltra Pima
Schachenmayr Catania Sport 100% Mercerized Cotton
Paintbox Yarns Simply DK
Premier Basix DK

This workshop is held in conjunction with the Visual Humor art exhibit.
Register Now

Artwork credit: Nemo the Clown Fish by Nicola Riley; Purchase Pattern

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

Partners in Art (FULL)
2025-01-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The afternoon program is FULL. If you would like to join the evening program, contact Michele Reday Cook (mredaycook@gmail.com) for information and registration.
Need support reaching your art related goals? Join this collegial group of artists to share your goals and get feedback on artwork. Monthly meetings include discussions on exhibit opportunities, the creative process and the local art scene. Artist can bring 1-2 works – complete or in progress – for feedback. All skill levels and media welcome.
This program is free, but donations ($1-3) are greatly appreciated. Contact Mila Mateu (milaenartes@gmail.com) or Suzanne Tillman (zannet@verizon.net) with questions about the afternoon program.
View Upcoming Meetings

Del Ray Urban Sketchers 2025
2025-01-12 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets the second Sunday of most months at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray. (Del Ray Urban Sketchers does not meet in July, August, and December.)
Urban sketchbooking emphasizes storytelling that conveys a sense of place or a moment in time through drawings completed from direct observations.
Bring your supplies and join us outside at the cafe to produce still life, figure, or architecture subjects in your sketchbook. Participants will spend some time putting their skills into practice and then reconvene for a review of finished works.
This program is FREE! Donations appreciated. Meet outside at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301). Contact the organizer, Joan Bickelhaupt (joanbickelhaupt@gmail.com), with any questions.
RSVP via Eventbrite | View Upcoming Dates

Photo courtesy of Joan Bickelhaupt

POSTPONED new date 2/1: Creative Book Club - “Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism” by Sebastian Smee
2025-01-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Book: “Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism” by Sebastian Smee
Facilitator: Marshall Carolus
Meeting Date: Saturday, January 11, 10am-12pm
(Drop-in, set a reminder in Eventbrite)
“The Pulitzer Prize–winning art critic’s gripping account of the “Terrible Year” in Paris and its monumental impact on the rise of Impressionism.
From the summer of 1870 to the spring of 1871, famously dubbed the “Terrible Year” by Victor Hugo, Paris and its people were besieged, starved, and forced into surrender by Germans―then imperiled again as radical republicans established a breakaway Commune, ultimately crushed by the French Army after bloody street battles and the burning of central Paris. As renowned art critic Sebastian Smee shows, it was against the backdrop of these tumultuous times that the Impressionist movement was born―in response to violence, civil war, and political intrigue.
In stirring and exceptionally vivid prose, Smee tells the story of those dramatic days through the eyes of great figures of Impressionism. Édouard Manet, Berthe Morisot, and Edgar Degas were trapped in Paris during the siege and deeply enmeshed in its politics. Others, including Pierre-August Renoir and Frédéric Bazille, joined regiments outside of the capital, while Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro fled the country just in time. In the aftermath, these artists developed a newfound sense of the fragility of life. That feeling for transience―reflected in Impressionism’s emphasis on fugitive light, shifting seasons, glimpsed street scenes, and the impermanence of all things―became the movement’s great contribution to the history of art.”
—W. W. Norton & Company, Publisher
The Creative Book Club meets on select Saturday mornings to discuss readings by a variety of authors. The club is free and open to all who are interested in keeping their creative muse flowing and connecting with other creative people. Future book selections will be announced on this website and in the Weekly eNews email in advance.
If you have questions, please contact Marshall Carolus at marshallcarolus@aol.com.
.

Open Mic: Amateur Stand-Up Comedy Night
2025-01-10 20:00 - 22:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Save the date for Open Mic: Amateur Stand-Up Comedy Night on Friday, January 10, 8-10pm.
Enjoy the fun puns and show your appreciation for the laughs by adding a few dollars to the donation jar. All proceeds support Del Ray Artisans nonprofit. Come on your own or with friends to this entertaining drop-in event. Mark your calendar or set a reminder via Eventbrite.

Performers: Overcome stage fright and get feedback on your worst puns!
Sign up for Open Mic night and show off your comedy chops in a gallery filled with goofy artwork and funny people. To participate, sign up for a two-minute slot and prep your best material. At Open Mic, you’ll take the ‘stage’ and unleash your comedy on a supportive audience.
NOTE: You will be scheduled for a 2-minutes spot within a half-hour time period. Select which half-hour time period you prefer. If you have any questions, contact Erica Hughes at zarathustraspeaks@msn.com.
Sign Up to Perform

This workshop is held in conjunction with the Visual Humor art exhibit.

CANCELLED: Figure Drawing Session
2025-01-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
UPDATE: The session on Tuesday, January 7th has been cancelled due to the weather. The next session will be on Tuesday, January 21st.
Drop-in and practice figure drawing on two select Tuesday* evenings each month. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery to draw or paint our nude model.
*Most sessions are on Tuesday evenings, but in 2025 there will be a session on Thursday, November 13 and a few costumed sessions on Thursday evenings in October.
Traditional drawing media (such as pencils, pens, and charcoal) are welcome; and pastels, watercolor and ink are permissible. Please do not bring acrylics or oil paints. We don’t supply easels – only plenty of chairs – but you are welcome to bring your own easel if you want to use one. All skill levels are welcome.
The first part of this session will be focused on gesture poses (dynamic 1-5 minute poses) to loosen up and participate in a fun, fast-paced drawing experience. The second hour will be a few short poses for more detailed drawings leading up to up to two 20-minute poses.
Fee for each session is $8 for Del Ray Artisans members and $10 for non-members. If you have any questions or would like to participate as a model for our sessions, please contact Brando Gould at LifeDrawing@DelRayArtisans.org.
View artwork from past DRA Figure Drawing Sessions on Instagram! Tag #dralifedraw or @dralifedraw for your work to be featured.
Register Now | View Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

“Visual Humor” Art Exhibit Opening Reception
2025-01-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Visual Humor Art Exhibit
January 3 – February 1, 2025
Opening Reception: Friday, January 3 from 7–9pm
Humor is aesthetic to the extent that it arouses the viewers’ imagination, provides them with insights about human existence, and provokes them to think more critically and creatively. -M. Gordon 2012
The joy found in comedy delights all. Visual Humor, a lighthearted exhibit at Del Ray Artisans gallery, offered artists the opportunity to provoke their own creativity in search of a chuckle. Visual Humor explores not only how ideas or objects are comical, but also what properties of a joke give it wings.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, January 3 between 7-9pm to meet curator Dr. Erica Hughes and the artists. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
Plus save the date for our Open Mic: Amateur Stand-Up Comedy Night on Friday, January 10, 8-10pm. Come on your own or with friends to this entertaining drop-in event. Interested in performing? Overcome stage fright and get feedback on your worst puns! To participate, sign up for a two-minute slot, unleash your comedy, and present your best material to a supportive audience.
Register now for creative workshops held in conjunction with this exhibit:

Silly Suds: Humorous Soapmaking Workshop on Saturday, January 18, 9am-12pm
Beaded Flying Pig Class on Sunday, January 19, 6-9pm

For details on all upcoming creative programs, visit DelRayArtisans.org/programs.
The Visual Humor art exhibit runs from January 3 – February 1, 2025 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are Thursday 12-6pm, Friday 12-9pm, Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-6pm (closed February 2).
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 or Director of Curating Amy Kitchin Hower at curating@delrayartisans.org.

Image credit: Art by Brando, Postcard Design by Gordon Frank

Visual Humor at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2025-01-03 - 2025-02-01 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Visual Humor Art Exhibit
January 3 – February 1, 2025
Opening Reception: Friday, January 3 from 7–9pm
Humor is aesthetic to the extent that it arouses the viewers’ imagination, provides them with insights about human existence, and provokes them to think more critically and creatively. -M. Gordon 2012
The joy found in comedy delights all. Visual Humor, a lighthearted exhibit at Del Ray Artisans gallery, offered artists the opportunity to provoke their own creativity in search of a chuckle. Visual Humor explores not only how ideas or objects are comical, but also what properties of a joke give it wings.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, January 3 between 7-9pm to meet curator Dr. Erica Hughes and the artists. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite.
Plus save the date for our Open Mic: Amateur Stand-Up Comedy Night on Friday, January 10, 8-10pm. Come on your own or with friends to this entertaining drop-in event. Interested in performing? Overcome stage fright and get feedback on your worst puns! To participate, sign up for a two-minute slot, unleash your comedy, and present your best material to a supportive audience.
Register now for creative workshops held in conjunction with this exhibit:

Knit Amigurumi Workshop on Mondays, January 13 and 20, 6:30-8:30pm
Crochet Amigurumi Workshop on Wednesdays, January 15 and 22, 6:30-8:30pm
Silly Suds: Humorous Soapmaking Workshop on Saturday, January 18, 9am-12pm
Beaded Flying Pig Class on Sunday, January 19, 6-9pm

For details on all upcoming creative programs, visit DelRayArtisans.org/programs.
The Visual Humor art exhibit runs from January 3 – February 1, 2025 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are Thursday 12-6pm, Friday 12-9pm, Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-6pm (closed February 2).
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 or Director of Curating Amy Kitchin Hower at curating@delrayartisans.org.

Image credit: Art by Brando, Postcard Design by Gordon Frank

"Visual Humor" Artwork Drop Off
2024-12-29 12:00 - 16:00 | 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, Visual Humor, and for the next Alcove Gift Shop.
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. Contact the curator with any questions.

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.

Gallery Closed for the Holidays
2024-12-23 - 2025-01-01 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Happy Holidays!
The gallery is closed to the public from December 23, 2024 through January 1, 2025.

Reserved for Gallery Maintenance
2024-12-23 - 2024-12-28 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
This time is reserved for the Facilities Director to conduct repairs and improvements to the gallery.
Opportunities for other volunteers to help will be available. Details TBD.

Art Rx for Madison County NC Donation Drive through December 22
2024-12-22 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
In September 2024 Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina and left behind a trail of devastation. Del Ray Artisans member Betsy Lederer has organized Art Rx for Madison County NC to assist with the recovery by equipping the arts community with supplies—for artists, from artists.
You can support this effort by donating new or like new art supplies. Specifically requested are:
‘Ready for Creating’ kits for both children and adults. Kit examples:

Watercolor paper, paint and brushes
Acrylic canvas, paint and brushes
Drawing sketch book, pencils, pens, eraser, sharpener, colored pencils
Sewing kits with needles, thread, material
Knitting and crocheting kits with yarn needles and patterns
Felting kit with wool, felting needle, foam pads and patterns
Air dry clay and modeling tools
Weaving kits with small looms and assorted yarns
Kid’s kit with paper crayons, markers and glue sticks
Greeting card making kits with blank envelopes and cards, stencils, ink pads, washi tape and adhesives

Classroom supplies such as the following:

Paper – regular copy paper, drawing paper, construction paper, scrapbooking paper and origami paper
Crayola Tempura Paint
Yarn
Tape – Clear scotch tape, making tape, painter’s tape, washi tape
Crayola markers – thick or thin
Black sharpies
Elmer’s glue sticks
Random fun loose supplies like googly eyes, foam shape rubber stickers, brad fasteners, rubber bands, pipe cleaners, feathers, beads, popsicle sticks and straws
Low fire white clay

A collection bin is located in Del Ray Artisans gallery foyer from November 15 through December 22, 2024. Donated supplies will be delivered by Betsy to the Madison County Art Council and two elementary schools particularly hard hit by Helene, Brush Creek and Hot Springs.
Gallery hours for drop-offs until December 1:
Thursday 12-6pm; Friday 12-9pm; Saturday & Sunday 12-6pm
Closed on Thanksgiving Day, 11/28; Open on Wednesday, 11/27, 12-6pm
Holiday Market hours for drop-offs from December 6–22:
Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm, Sundays 11am-5pm
Other ways to help:

GoFundMe Fundraiser – Art Rx for Madison County NC – Supplies for Dreaming
Amazon Wish List – Art Rx: Post-Helene Art Supply Donations for Western NC
Donate to Madison County Arts Council via their Art Rx Donation Page
Donate directly to Brush Creek Elementary School. Checks can be written to BCES PTO, with “Art supplies” in the memo line. The school mailing address is: Brush Creek Elementary School, 265 Upper Brush Creek Road, Marshall, NC 28753

If you have questions, please contact Del Ray Artisans Director of Community, Seán Crumley, at community@delrayartisans.org.

Life Drawing Session – Gesture and Short Pose
2024-12-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Drop-in and practice life drawing on two select Tuesday 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 $8 for Del Ray Artisans members and $10 for non-members. Register now or pay at the gallery before the session. If you have any questions or would like to participate as a model for our sessions, please contact Brando Gould at LifeDrawing@DelRayArtisans.org.
View artwork from past DRA Life Drawing Sessions on Instagram! Tag #dralifedraw or @dralifedraw for your work to be featured.
Face masks are recommended inside the gallery.
Register Now | View Upcoming Sessions

Artwork credit: “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

“Visual Humor” Call for Entry Deadline
2024-12-15 23:59 | Online
Call for Entry ~ Open to area artists
Visual Humor
Exhibit Dates: January 3 – February 1, 2025
Digital entry deadline: Sunday, December 15, 2024 by midnight
The joy found in comedy delights all. Provoke your creativity in search of a chuckle. Artists are invited to explore not only how ideas or objects are comical, but also what properties of a joke give it wings. Perhaps literally.
The exhibit is open to all area artists. Del Ray Artisans members pay a discounted entry fee.
Entry Details & Form

Neurographic Art Workshop (Register by 12/8)
2024-12-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Instructor: Morgan Parr
Date/Time: Wednesday, December 11, 6-8pm
Cost: $30 Del Ray Artisans member / $40 Non-member; plus $10 Supply Fee
Class size: 4-25 participants
(Register in advance. Drop-ins welcome, space permitting.)
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.
Supplies are provided but please feel free to bring markers, pens or watercolors to add color to your project.
Register Now

Image credit: Neurographic art by Morgan Parr

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

Board Meeting and Holiday Gathering (Dec 2024)
2024-12-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
The last Board meeting of 2024 will be at the gallery. A short business meeting will be paired with a holiday gathering to thank outgoing 2024 Board Members and welcome incoming 2025 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 Kathryn Brown at Secretary@DelRayArtisans.org at least four days in advance of the meeting to be included on the agenda.

Photo info: December 2023 Board of Directors Holiday Gathering (courtesy of Sean Crumley)

Alcove Gift Shop Call for Artists Deadline
2024-12-09 23:59 | Online
Call for Artists ~ Open to Del Ray Artisans Members
Alcove Gift Shop
January 3 – March 1, 2025
Application deadline: Monday, December 9, 2024 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

Holiday Market 2024 at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2024-12-06 - 2024-12-22 | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301, United States
Del Ray Artisans’ 29th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market
December 6–22, 2024:
Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm, Sundays 11am-5pm
Join us for the 29th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market! The holiday market is open for the first three weekends in December (Dec 6-8, Dec 13-15, and Dec 20-22).
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, 2025 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.
During the holiday market, Del Ray Artisans will also be collecting donations of new or like new art supplies for artists in Madison County NC impacted by Hurricane Helene. Drop off donations during market hours.
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).
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Weekend 1 (Dec 6-8)
Artists include:

Carolyn Barone, Must Haves…Designs by Carolyn
Maxine Cholmondeley, Max’s Mixtures Candles & Soaps
Rita Cohen
Gretchen D’Amore, gdamore Fine Art
Patty Figliola, Aisling MagickArt
Lori Fredricks
Lesley Hall, Ruthless Art
Robin Hunter-Reid, Moxie & Magic
Thomas Johnson, Infinite Variations Pottery
Stephen Lally Pottery
Megan Levanduski, Megan Elaine Designs
Raven, Crafty Colanah
Cynthia Schoeppel
Ann Cameron Siegal
Kathy Stoner
Patrick Zickler, TreeUnions

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Weekend 2 (Dec 13-15)
Artists include:

Gina Adams, Gina Finding Beauty
Victoria Barnes Photography
Norma Brooks, njb Basket of Jewels
Marcel Artes Deolazo
Timothy Duncan Ceramics
Roz Jacobs, Rozzie Jewelry
Ditas Katague, Ditas Artworks & Yoga
Nancy Kline Art
Maria Loving, Horrible Darlings
Liz Martinez
Bel Montenegro, Bel’s Productions
Patti North, All Fired Up!
Mary Pike, Recycled Bag Lady
Tracy Wilkerson, Recycled Works
Madeline Ramsey, Unique Stained Glass
Jennifer Van Pernis, Distinctive Fabrications
Christine Vinh, StitchesnQuilts

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Weekend 3 (Dec 20-22)
Artists include:

Courtney Arnold, Lola Earnestine
Ken Beerbohm Sculptures
Lynn Chadwick Design
Ed Colahan Pottery
Evelyn Rose Cook
Fin Jullien, FinFurFeathers
Audrey Kremer, AudreyK-Designs
Laine, Lainemindinventions
Susan Lefler Studios
Diana Manchak, designsinclay
Miyoung Obenschain, Purple Cardinal Arts LLC
Diana Papazian, Papazian Design LLC
Susan Pawlukiewicz
Karine Sapondjian
Joyce Wagner, Reinvented Elegance
Tamara Wilkerson, WiRealm by Tamara

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