Spring2ACTion Thank You!

Thank you to every one who donated to Del Ray Artisans and who shared our Spring2ACTion page! In just 24 hours we raised $1,080! Spring2ACTion is an annual, one-day, online giving event that encourages contributions to Alexandria's nonprofits. This is Del Ray Artisans' 3rd year participating in Spring2ACTion, and we exceeded the amount collected in prior years. The funds raised will help maintain and enhance our exhibits and programs in the gallery and community. Thank you for your support!

Weekly eNews

MIX: Adventures in Mixed Media Art Exhibit Opening Reception (Tonight!)

Friday, May 1 from 7-9pm. Del Ray Artisans and Artistic Artifacts collaborate to present this juried, multi-medium exhibit that promises to "SHAKE UP" the imagination and explore the mixed media art movement. During the opening reception, prizes will be awarded to attendees in the best "mix and do-not-match" attire. Get your plaid and stripes out of your closet and MIX it up! The show runs May 1-31. Details: DelRayArtisans.org

Secrets of the Paper Garden: Spring Bouquet Workshop (This Weekend!)

Saturday, May 2 from 2-5pm. Artist Debbie Smith Mezzetta will teach you the basics of transforming delicate Italian papers into realistic floral bouquets. No experience is necessary. The fee is $35 for Del Ray Artisans members / $45 non-members, plus a $15 supplies fee. Class size is limited; Register now! Details: DelRayArtisans.org/Bouquet

Secrets of the Paper Garden: Paper Flower Wreath Workshop (This Weekend!)

Sunday, May 3 from 1-4pm. Artist Debbie Smith Mezzetta will teach you the basics of transforming delicate Italian papers into classic floral wreaths or delicate floral crowns, swags, or garlands. No experience is necessary. Fees: $35 Del Ray Artisans members / $45 non-members, plus a $15 supplies fee. Class size is limited; Register now! Details: DelRayArtisans.org/Wreath

"Mini-MIX-Art Make & Take" Workshop

First Thursday, May 7 from 6-9pm. Join artists from Del Ray Artisans and Artistic Artifacts for a fun, FREE, drop-in, art mak'n event for all ages at Del Ray Artisans gallery. Come by and make mini artworks with us! Details: calendar.DelRayArtisans.org

Del Ray Artisans Spring Art Market

Saturday, May 9 from 10am-4pm. Del Ray Artisans’ Spring Art Market offers original artwork from over 25 local artists working in ceramics, photography, jewelry, fiber, paper, glass, and more. Shop for Mother’s Day, graduation, birthdays, or just because! Come rain or shine; visit this one-day only event on Saturday, May 9 from 10am-4pm. The event is free and open to the public. Details: DelRayArtisans.org/ArtMarket

Partners in Art

Monday, May 4 from 2-4pm. Looking for a chance to get together with other creative people to discuss art and exchange ideas? Then, come to a meeting of our cooperatively led Partners in Art group. This program is free of charge and open to all. Donations ($1–3) greatly appreciated. Contact Millie Mateu (milaenartes@gmail.com) or Katherine Rand (katherine@katherinerand.com) with questions.

Life Drawing - Open Sessions

• Wednesday, May 6 from 11am-1pm (Gesture)
• Wednesday, May 6 from 2-5pm (Short/Long Poses)
• Wednesday, May 13 from 6:30-9:30pm (Long Poses)
• Sunday, May 17 from 9:30-11:30am (Gesture)
• Wednesday, May 20 from 2-5pm (Short/Long Poses)
• Thursday, May 21 from 6:30-9:30pm (Long Poses)

These sessions operate on a drop-in basis so there is no need to register in advance. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery to draw or paint our live models. The fee for each 3-hour session is $10 for DRA members and $12 for non-members. 2-hour sessions are $8 for members and $10 for non-members. If you have questions, contact Katherine Rand at LifeDrawing@DelRayArtisans.org

Trace Monotype Workshop

Saturday, May 16 from 10am-Noon. Artist Katherine Rand will teach you the basics of this printmaking technique that transforms line drawings into prints with unique textural effects. No experience is necessary. This workshop is full. Details: DelRayArtisans.org/Monotype

Member Meeting and Benefit Program: Glazes for Mixed Media

Monday, May 18 from 7:30-9:30pm. At this member meeting there will be a special presentation called "Glazes for Mixed Media" by Del Ray Artisans member Stacy Rausch. During the demonstration, Stacy will instruct techniques using paints, glazes, and tools to create unique art on clayboard. Free benefit for members. Light refreshments. Details: calendar.DelRayArtisans.org

SocialLights

Tuesday, May 19 from 7-9pm. Whether creating a collaborative piece, sharing ideas on current art events, or brainstorming for the next show, this informal program is designed to provide a positive and motivational environment for artists to network and share ideas. This event is FREE; donations appreciated. Space is limited, so please register early at: DelRayArtisans.org/SocialLights

Paws 'N Claws for Art exhibit at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter

Show runs through May 31. Del Ray Artisans and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria present this fundraising exhibit featuring animal-themed artwork from member artists. Both nonprofits receive a percentage of each sale. Also showing is UpCycle's Fur-Vor project community-based, student-made, recycled dog art. View the art Monday-Thursday from 12-7pm and Saturday-Sunday 12-5pm (closed Friday) at 4101 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria VA 22304. Featured on WETA Arts! Details: DelRayArtisans.org/GWW

“Bridging Worlds” Artist’s Talk by Lori K. Gordon

First Thursday, June 4 at 7pm. Lori K. Gordon will discuss her personal journey as an artist in the ten years since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The past decade has been filled with exhibitions, artist's talks and workshops across the world. Most recently, she opened an art café in the fabled city of Marrakech, Morocco. Free event. For more details, including a powerful video, visit: TheDeRayArtisans.org/Gordon

Building Altars Workshop

Saturday, June 27 from 9:30am-5pm. The traditional role of altars is to remind oneself of sacred ground—altars can be created around traditional religious themes or focus on personal ideas of the sacred. Instructor is world-renowned artist Lori K. Gordon. Workshop Fee: $80 Del Ray Artisans members / $95 non-members, plus a $20 supply fee. Must be at least 18 years old. Register in advance. Details: DelRayArtisans.org/Altars

Under a Summer Sun at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter (DRA members only)

Digital entries due: Sunday, May 24. Del Ray Artisans (DRA) invites member artists to submit 2D artworks expressing the theme "Under a Summer Sun" to be displayed on the walls of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's (AWLA) Vola Lawson Animal Shelter from May 31 - September 27, 2015. This is a fundraising exhibit (40% donation split evenly between AWLA and DRA) through Del Ray Artisans' Gallery Without Walls program. Call for Entry enclosed in this month's newsletter and at: DelRayArtisans.org/CFE

Building Bridges (Del Ray Artisans members)

Receiving: Sunday, May 31 and Monday, June 1 from 6-8pm. Building Bridges is a juried show between Del Ray Artisans and Six Degrees Consortium open to Del Ray Artisans members and invited Mississippi Gulf Coast artists. Artists entering this show are asked to visually interpret the building of bridges between peoples and cultures. Artists may interpret this concept either thematically or literally in any medium. Only 2D artwork with a maximum size of 24" x 36" will be considered. Call for Entry at: DelRayArtisans.org/CFE

Del Ray Artisans members are required to volunteer for at least 12 hours per year to support the organization and its mission. Below are some volunteer opportunities.

Time-Sensitive Requests

• Adopt-a-Park: Pick Up Litter
  Del Ray Artisans volunteers pick-up litter in Colasanto Park, which is a part of the City of Alexandria's Adopt-a-Park program. Inspections are on Mondays, so Sunday is the best pick-up day but not a hard rule. We need volunteers to sign up for weekends now through November 30th. If you are interested in assisting, contact Marlin with your preferred weekend at AdoptAPark@DelRayArtisans.org
• Join the 2015 Board of Directors
  We have one open Board Position: Director of Fundraising Events. If you are interested in the position or in assisting a sitting director, contact Kim at President@DelRayArtisans.org
• Summer Arts Program for Children
  Volunteers are needed to help teach classes once or twice a month throughout the summer at the Cora Kelly Community Center. This is a special outreach program Del Ray Artisans is organizing with Cora Kelly. There is flexibility on time of day and frequency. Use your special talents to help children experience art! Contact Jeanette Lukens at Youth@DelRayArtisans.org

Administration

• Seeking volunteers for office help
  The office staff needs helpers for various office tasks this spring, such as shredding, labeling, filing, stuffing, etc. None of these tasks are physically taxing and while most need to be done during the weekday when office staff is onsite, a couple tasks can be done "off-site". Contact Tracy at Gallery@DelRayArtisans.org with your availability and interests.

Communications

• Layout The Well-Crafted Word newsletter
  Interested in laying out Del Ray Artisans monthly newsletter? To volunteer or request more details, contact Betsy at Communications@DelRayArtisans.org
• Post our Events on assigned Online Calendars
  Post approved DRA publicity materials on a specific online calendar. Each volunteer will have one or two calendars to update; instructions will be given. Must have internet access. Contact Dawn at Technology@DelRayArtisans.org

Curating & Curator Support

• Join the Curating Team!
  Volunteer to curate or assist a curator (hanging artwork, data entry / spreadsheets, distributing postcards, people skills). Experienced past curators especially needed, but all volunteers are welcome. Contact Lesley at Curating@DelRayArtisans.org
• Help Curators design their Postcard
  Postcards contain the vital show information: show title, dates, reception information, any special events and other information the curators wish to highlight. Help curators put together this file for the printer. Must have access to software capable of creating printer-ready files (e.g. Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.) and be able to email documents. Helpful skills: creative design and content proofing. Contact Lesley at Curating@DelRayArtisans.org

Photography & Video

• Event Photography
  Seeking volunteers to take photos of Del Ray Artisans events for our archives and Flickr Photostream. Volunteer to photograph opening receptions, workshops, regular programs, or markets. We are hoping for around 10-20 photos from each event. Contact Sean at Archives@DelRayArtisans.org
• Photographers Needed to Document Shows
  Seeking volunteers to take photos of each piece of artwork in a show (as well as some overall gallery shots) for our archives and Flickr Photostream. Contact Sean at Archives@DelRayArtisans.org
• Seeking Videographer / Film Maker
  Seeking a volunteer to record a Del Ray Artisans workshop and edit for online viewing. Alternative option is to create an online course explaining an art or art-related activity. Contact John at VP@DelRayArtisans.org

Programs

• Help plan workshops and events for Del Ray Artisans
  We are looking for volunteers who are interested in supporting and/or helping design and schedule workshops and events at the gallery. If interested, please contact Tamara at Programs@DelRayArtisans.org

Call for Entry: Printmaking Show at ArtSpace Falls Church

Digital Submission Deadline: Extended to Monday, May 4 at Midnight. Artists are invited to submit works in any printmaking discipline, such as linocut, woodcut, screen print, drypoint, etching, mono print, collograph, and serigraph. Show runs May 18 - June 21, 2015 at ArtSpace Falls Church (410 S Maple Ave, Falls Church VA 22046). Details and submission form at: FallsChurchArts.org/falls-church-arts-show-schedule

Call for Artists: Mini Solos@Touchstone Gallery

Deadline to Apply: May 26. Exhibition Opportunity for 38 artists. Guest Artist Exhibit runs August 7-27, 2015. Details at: www.touchstonegallery.com

Call for Artists: Art on the Avenue on October 3

Submit Application by June 1 to be in the first round of judging. Art on the Avenue is a multicultural arts festival organized by the Del Ray Community Partnership. The show welcomes applications from all craft artists and is known for high quality artwork. All work must be original, handmade, created and exhibited by the approved artist. Standard booth rate is $195 ($180 for Del Ray Artisans members or students). The first round of judging is the first week in June. From June through the end of September the judges fill any remaining spaces as applications are received. For questions about the jury process or the show, email artontheavenue@gmail.com. Application at: artontheavenue.org/?page_id=20

All DRA events, unless otherwise noted, are held at the DRA gallery:

Del Ray Artisans gallery at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center
2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301-1124 | Directions
Phone: 703-838-4827 | DelRayArtisans.org

©2015 Arts Resource Foundation. Special thanks to the City of Alexandria, Alexandria Commission for the Arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts for their continued support of Del Ray Artisans, a 501(c)(3) organization.

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