TODAY IS THE DAY:
Please give to Del Ray Artisans on Wednesday, April 20

Today is Spring2ACTion—a special 24-hour online giving event to benefit Alexandria nonprofits. This year, to showcase our multi-generational, multi-faceted artists, Del Ray Artisans is hosting 24 hours of activities with the theme: DISCOVER the MANY FACES of ART! Stop by the gallery to participate in these FREE events:

• 12-5am - Virtual Gallery
  Check out our diverse group of artists - profiles posted on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram all night long.
• 6-10am - Breakfast in the Gallery
  Start your morning off with pastries, fruit, coffee, tea and some inspiration for the day. Make a card to give to someone special at our card making tables. Beginning at 8:30am, Jenny Nicholson, State Department Calligrapher and Protocol Officer, will give a "show and tell" on how she incorporates art in her daily work.
• 11-12pm - Yoga Session
  David A. Kosar, a Del Ray Artisans member and certified yoga teacher, will lead a 1-hour yoga session. He has been teaching yoga and meditation techniques exclusively at Yoga in Daily Life since 2007.
• 12:30pm-1pm - Meditation Session
  Nicole Radshaw will lead a 30-minute guided meditation session among the Creatures from the Sea artworks—leaving you clear, refreshed, and inspired. She teaches yoga and meditation to adults and children at studios, schools and after school programs.
• 2-5pm - Life Drawing Session
  This life drawing session has a live, clothed model. All skill levels welcome to this FREE session. Just bring your sketchbook and pencils to participate.
• 6pm-Midnight - Evening Reception
  
  • Experience the Artist Talk and demonstration by Guy G. Jones (beginning at 8:30pm);
  • Meet Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg;
  • Enjoy the wine tasting from Crystal City Wine Shop;
  • Nibble on appetizers from Whole Foods and Trader Joe's;
  • Vogue in our bedhead photo booth;
  • Tune into the music;
  • Test your luck in a raffle to win artistic jewelry and artwork;
    and, to top it off…
  • Savor the dessert from Alexandria Cupcake!

Please make your tax-deductible donation to Del Ray Artisans TODAY at spring2action.razoo.com/us/story/Del-Ray-Artisans

Another way to help is through sharing! Spread the word about Del Ray Artisans and our Spring2ACTion page. Share our Facebook posts, retweet our tweets, favorite our Instagram pics, and talk to your family and friends about Del Ray Artisans. Share and help grow our community arts group!

Monday Fun Night Card Making

Monday, April 25 from 6-9pm. Looking for a fun-filled night to get artzy? Join Theresa Kulstad, Jenny Nicholson and Karen Smith in making greeting cards on Monday, April 25 from 6-9pm. With plenty of art encouragement from your hostesses, you can create cards for all occasions including Mother's Day! Open to all skill levels and ages; no registration; and it's FREE! Details at calendar.DelRayArtisans.org

Alexandria's Walk for Animals

Sunday, May 1 from 9am-noon. Dogs, Cats and Guinea Pigs, OH MY! These are some of the animals that Team Del Ray Artisans will be supporting in Alexandria's Walk for Animals at Market Square (301 King St, Alexandria 22314). DRA will also be hosting a booth promoting the gallery and showcasing donor artwork. Events are from 9am-noon with the 1.5 mile Walk starting at 10:30am. Please donate to Team Del Ray Artisans to support its Gallery Without Walls partner: the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. If you can't donate at this time but would like to walk, please join us with your furry friends—the more the merrier. For more information, contact Betsy Mead at egmead@gmail.com. Donate at donate.alexandriaanimals.org/fundraise/team?ftid=76452

Spring Art Market

Saturday, May 7 from 10am-4pm. Del Ray Artisans' Spring Art Market offers original artwork from 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 7 from 10am-4pm. The event is free and open to the public. Details at DelRayArtisans.org/ArtMarket

Developing Willpower for Artists Workshop

Monday, May 9 from 6-9pm. Join Del Ray Artisans and Yoga in Daily Life for this special workshop for artists, combining goal setting and implementation with yoga meditative visualization and mindfulness practice for achieving your personal, creative, and professional goals. You will be provided with the tools needed to assess yourself, clarify your goals, and make an action plan to stay the course for the direction you want to go. You'll receive instruction from Yoga in Daily Life's Madhu (Vedrana Josipovic), a professional development coach and master yoga teacher with 20 plus years of experience. The workshop will be at Del Ray Artisans gallery. Register in advance at DelRayArtisans.org/Willpower

Youth Art Camp

Register by June 1 for reduced rate. Del Ray Artisans invites young campers (8-14 years old) to spend a week creating art with professional artist instruction. All artist supplies, as well as lunch and snacks, are provided. There will also be a one-day only gallery show held the Saturday after each week of camp to show off the students' work. Choose either Week One (July 18-22) or Week Two (July 25-29). Registration must be completed in advance. Fee: $275/child if registered by June 1; $300/child regular price. Scholarship support may be available. Details and forms at DelRayArtisans.org/ArtCamp

Life Drawing - Open Sessions

• Wednesday, April 20 from 2-5pm (Clothed, Short/Long Pose - FREE)
• Wednesday, May 11 from 2-5pm (Short/Long Pose)
• Wednesday, May 11 from 6:30-9:30pm (Long Pose)

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

Creatures from the Sea Art Exhibit

Show runs through May 1. Artists bring to life the aquatic world's frolicking, fanciful, sensual, beautiful, and beastly creatures. Prepare to swim with Sirens, Tritons, and Naiads, or their fellow aquatic travelers from oceans, rivers, or lakes. Imagine a world of watery creatures of all kinds ready for you to explore and observe! Bask in the watery wonderland that is waiting for you! Details: DelRayArtisans.org

First Thursday

Thursday, May 5 from 6-9pm. First Thursday is a Del Ray community event sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association from 6-9pm along Mount Vernon Avenue. The theme for May's First Thursday is Dog Days in Del Ray. Join your four-legged friends and enjoy the evening out! The gallery stays open until 9pm on First Thursdays from April through September. Come to see a sneak peek of the upcoming show: Surrealism.

Surrealism: A Photography Exhibition Opening Reception

Friday, May 6 from 7-9pm. This exhibit is a collaborative effort between Del Ray Artisans and Union 206 Studio to present photographic artwork that pushes beyond accepted conventions of reality by representing irrational imagery of dreams and the unconscious mind…disorienting realist imagery often based on fantasy, nightmares, hallucination, and the imagination. Show runs May 6-29, 2016. Details at DelRayArtisans.org

Call for Entry: A Call To Service at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital

Digital entries due Sunday, May 7. Del Ray Artisans' Gallery Without Walls program invites Del Ray Artisans member artists to submit 2D artworks inspired by those who contribute to the welfare of others to be displayed on the walls of the VCA Animal Hospital from May 15 through September 25, 2016. Artists are invited to submit abstract, representational and/or realistic styles in a variety of mediums. Artwork interpretations may consider the joy and accomplishment, as well as the somber and reflective aspects of a life of service. Artwork must be family friendly, but does not have to include animals. Call for Entry at DelRayArtisans.org/CFE

Partners in Art

Monday, May 9 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.

Streets Meets Glass Exhibit Reception at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter

Friday, May 20 from 7-9pm. Del Ray Artisans' Gallery Without Walls program and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria team up to present this communion of two artists' diverse work that sizzles, pops, and purrs! The family-friendly artwork by Joshua Oliveira and Betsy Mead is available for purchase. Reception, shelter tour, and artists' talk: Friday, May 20 from 7-9pm at 4101 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria. The exhibit runs May 15-August 15, 2016. Details: DelRayArtisans.org/GWW

Special Member Benefit Program!

Save the date: Tuesday, May 24 from 7-9pm. Mark your calendars for a special, free Member Benefit Program that is being planned for all Del Ray Artisans members. Details will be announced soon.

Call for Curators: 2017 Show Proposals

Proposals due Wednesday, June 1. Interested in curating a show at Del Ray Artisans gallery next year? Contact Kathy Turner, Director of Curating, with questions: Curating@DelRayArtisans.org. Proposal form at DelRayArtisans.org/CFE

Call for Entry: Fire and Earth National 3-D Ceramic Cup Exhibit

Digital entries due: Saturday, July 30. Fire and earth are two of the four elements. This exhibit celebrates these elements in a hybrid show that combines a National 3-D Ceramic Cup exhibit with a Regional 2-D exhibit. This exhibit honors how fire in the kiln (be it fueled by wood, gas, or electricity) transforms earth (clay) into functional drinking vessels (cups, mugs, tankards, tumblers, goblets, and tea bowls). Cups that are being shipped should be received Saturday, August 20 (if you are delivering in person, notify curator). Read all entry details carefully. Show runs September 2 - October 2, 2016. Call for Entry at DelRayArtisans.org/CFE

Call for Entry: Fire and Earth Regional 2-D Exhibit

Digital entries due: Saturday, August 13. Fire and earth are two of the four elements. This exhibit celebrates these elements in a hybrid show that combines a National 3-D Ceramic Cup exhibit with a Regional 2-D exhibit. This exhibit honors how fire in the kiln (be it fueled by wood, gas, or electricity) transforms earth (clay) into functional drinking vessels (cups, mugs, tankards, tumblers, goblets, and tea bowls). Artwork receiving for accepted exhibit artwork is on Sunday, August 28 and Monday, August 29 from 6-8pm. Read all entry details carefully. Show runs September 2 - October 2, 2016. Call for Entry at DelRayArtisans.org/CFE

Call for Entry: Fire and Earth 2-D Marketplace

Online submission of artwork information due: Friday, August 26 at noon. Artists with pieces selected for the 2-D Fire and Earth exhibit are invited to also submit 2-D artwork for the Art-to-Go Marketplace. "Art-to-Go" refers to selected artworks that can be purchased and taken home immediately by the buyer. All marketplace artwork submitted should be related to the theme of this exhibit. This exhibit honors how fire in the kiln (be it fueled by wood, gas, or electricity) transforms earth (clay) into functional drinking vessels (cups, mugs, tankards, tumblers, goblets, and tea bowls). Artwork receiving for Art-to-Go Marketplace entries is on Sunday, August 28 and Monday, August 29 from 6-8pm. 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. If you have questions, please email Josh Oliveira, Director of Volunteers, at Volunteers@DelRayArtisans.org.

Time-Sensitive Requests

• Get your Volunteer Hours in on Wednesday, April 20
  Help DRA Spring2ACTion with the FREE events scheduled at the gallery on April 20. We need help from 6am-midnight. You can help set up (or clean up) the breakfast, welcome folks (zen-like) to the yoga or meditation sessions, set up (or clean up) the evening reception, arrange photo ops in the bedhead booth, sell raffle tickets, and much more! Contact Brandy with your availability: Fundraising@DelRayArtisans.org
• Wanted, Programs Co-Chair!
  We are in need of a Programs Co-chair to assist and share responsibilities with Programs Director Theresa Kulstad. Tasks would include assistance with scheduling proposed workshops and assistance with writing up articles for newsletter, eNews and press releases. Also input on improving existing programs, developing new ones to benefit our members, and attracting new comers. A bonus would be someone to coach Theresa on certain computer skills she is not skilled in. If interested, please contact Theresa at Programs@DelRayArtisans.org
• 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 30. If you are interested in assisting, contact Marlin with your preferred weekend at AdoptAPark@DelRayArtisans.org

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

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 Kathy 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 Kathy 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
• Photograph Processing
  Seeking volunteers to process photos for our Flickr Photostream. Task involves cropping, downsizing, color correcting (if needed), and adding meta data (e.g. artist name, title, media, price, show). Must have Photoshop or comparable application. 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 Theresa at Programs@DelRayArtisans.org

Call for Entry: Artful Whimsy Art Exhibit

Digital Entries Due April 25 at 11pm. An all-media, juried show open to all artists. Engaging, fun, fanciful, playful, amusing, an odd or fanciful or capricious piece or, as is often said, "whimsy can be humorous to someone with time to enjoy it." Show runs May 11-June 6, 2016 at ArtSpace Falls Church. Meet the Artists Reception: May 11, 7:30-10pm. Submit photos of your artwork, artist bio, and artist statement to info@fallschurcharts.org. Enter at fallschurcharts.org/art-show-entry-form

Call for Artist Vendors: Rendezvous at Market Day

Application due Wednesday, April 27. Join the J.O. Wilson Elementary School PTA at their annual spring event, “Rendezvous at Market Day!” (R@MD). This is a community event with something for the whole family, including locally produced arts and crafts, local food entrepreneurs, kids games and activities, and local musical talent!! R@MD gives artists an opportunity to sell their original artwork to the local community. J.O. Wilson Elementary School, 660 K Street NE, Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 10am to 3pm. For details, visit jowilsondc.org or contact Jeff Jordan (703-786-2241, pta-fundraiser@jowilsonelementary.org)

Call for Entry: Off the Wall Exhibit

Digital Entries Due May 3. The Maryland Federation of Art invites all artists residing in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico to enter Off the Wall, a sculpture only exhibition. All free standing 3D artwork in any media are eligible for entry. Our Juror Baltimore based Artist, Sebastian Martoran. Details: mdfedart.com/portfolio/66/

Call for Artists: Del Ray Street Painting Event

Seeking artists to participate in La Bella Strada, an Italian Street Painting Festival in Del Ray, Alexandria on Saturday, May 14, 2016 to benefit the Del Ray Montessori School. Please email bellastrada@DelRaymontessorischool.com for more information. We have opportunities for professional and semi-professional artists. Experience with chalk art a plus! Visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/labellastrada

Call for Entry: Line Upon Line Art Exhibit

Digital Entries Due May 16 at 11pm. An all-media, juried show open to all artists. This show celebrates one of the most basic elements of art, the line—curved, bent, thick, thin, wide, broken, vertical, horizontal—in whatever form it may take. Line upon line, idea upon idea, medium upon medium, the works selected for this show will be judged on composition, overall design, artistic skill, and creativity. Show runs June 9-July 11, 2016 at ArtSpace Falls Church. Meet the Artists Reception: June 9, 7:30-10pm. Submit photos of your artwork, artist bio, and artist statement to info@fallschurcharts.org. Enter at fallschurcharts.org/art-show-entry-form

Call for Entry: Appalachian Nature Art Competition & Exhibition

Digital Entries due May 31. The Allegany Arts Council is holding the first installment of this competition and exhibition in Cumberland, MD. This competition is national and open to all artists using traditional media (no photography or digital prints). Our juror is Paul Rhymer, a nationally known wildlife artist. Details: www.callforentry.org

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

©2016 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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