“The Science of our Surroundings” Art Exhibit Opening Reception

The Science of our Surroundings Art Exhibit
August 2–31, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday, August 2 from 7–9pm

Del Ray Artisans invites you to join us at The Science of Our Surroundings, a science-themed art exhibit. A cutaway of a cell. The food chain. The visible light spectrum. A dinosaur skeleton. The layers of the Earth, from the crust to the core. Each of these scientific concepts immediately conjure vivid, colorful images in our collective minds, thanks to the diligent and tireless work of science textbook artists. Come see how our artistic community has explored these concepts of science! Expect to see photography, experiments, paintings, sculptures and media that illustrate the science of our surroundings.

Join us for the opening reception on Friday, August 2 between 7-9pm to meet curators Aaron Fletchersmith and Amanda Fletchersmith and the artists. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite.

During this exhibit, Del Ray Artisans is launching a new program of free, interactive classes about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), taught by professionals from each field! Geared toward kids and teens, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on craft project. Each topic will have two sessions: one for youth ages 6-10 and another for ages 10-15 (10 year olds choose which session to attend). Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Register in advance to ensure your child’s spot, but drop-ins are welcome space permitting. STEAM-tastic activities include:

• Paleolithic Archaeology – Cave Painting for Ages 6-10 on Saturday, August 3, 10am-11:30am and Ages 10-15 on Sunday, August 4, 10am-11:30am
   
• Satellites in Outer Space – Antenna Pointing for Ages 10-15 on Saturday, August 17, 5-7pm and Satellite Construction for Ages 6-10 on Sunday, August 18, 10am-12pm
   
• From Cells to Biomes – Fluid Pours for Ages 6-10 on Saturday, August 31, 9am-11am and Ages 10-15 on Saturday, August 31, 11am-1pm
   

In addition, our Creative Summer Programs schedule continues until August 31. Mark your calendar for the family-friendly Science Scavenger Hunt on First Thursday, August 1, 6:30-8pm (free, drop-in) and get a sneak peek of the art exhibit. Plus review the summer schedule for creative workshops, life drawing sessions, book club, artist support groups, and more.

The Science of our Surroundings exhibit runs August 2–31, 2024 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 September 1, 2024).

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 curators Aaron Fletchersmith at aaron.fletchersmith@gmail.com and Amanda Fletchersmith at amanda.fletchersmith@gmail.com or Director of Curating Amy Kitchin Hower at curating@delrayartisans.org.

Artwork credit: Artwork by A & A Fletchersmith