Spring2ACTion Thank You!

Thank you to every one who supported Del Ray Artisans during Spring2ACTion through donations, volunteering, and attending our many artful events! In just 24 hours we raised over $3,000, and over 100 visitors came into the gallery to discover the many faces of art. Del Ray Artisans' activities are primarily designed, developed and implemented with thousands of hours of volunteer time. Your volunteer time and financial support directly impact artists and the community through gallery exhibits, art workshops, artist talks, receptions, youth camps, community art activities and more. Thank you for your support!

Creatures from the Sea Art Exhibit (Final Weekend)

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

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

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

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

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

Digital entries due Saturday, 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.

Life Drawing - Open Sessions

• Wednesday, May 11 from 2-5pm (Short/Long Pose)
• Wednesday, May 11 from 6:30-9:30pm (Long Pose)
• Wednesday, May 25 from 2-5pm (Short/Long Pose)
• Wednesday, May 25 from 6:30-9:30pm (Short/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

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

Call for Entry: Unsung Heroes in Uniform

Digital entries due Monday, May 16. Honor those in uniform—not just the 'obvious' professions (fire, EMS, police, military)—but all professions such as coaches, teams, nurses, doctors, dentists, vets, food and restaurant workers, janitors and maintenance personnel, retail service workers, gym instructors, landscape workers, bus and train drivers, and security personnel... just to name a few. Keep note over the next few days of all the uniforms you identify. Artwork can be funny, thought-provoking, honoring a loved one, or expressing a point of view. Show runs June 3-26, 2016. Call for Entry at DelRayArtisans.org/CFE

Member Meeting and Special Program

Tuesday, May 24 from 7-9pm. A special treat awaits you at the May 24 Member Meeting. Ted Frankel, collector of folk and outsider art, will talk about turning his passion for the visual into a lifestyle. The owner of Sideshow, the amazing gift shop located at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Ted lives and breathes his passion every day. Can you imagine what it is like to live in a 5-story home filled to the brim with such creative works of art? Come and hear all about it! Questions? Contact Linda at Membership@DelRayArtisans.org

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

"Paint Del Ray" First Thursday

Thursday, June 2 from 6pm-dusk. "Paint Del Ray" is a unique collaboration between Del Ray Business Association and Del Ray Artisans. The event will feature artists with their easels, paints, and examples of their work, demonstrating their talents along Mount Vernon Avenue on the First Thursday in June. The community is invited to participate in several family-oriented painting activities along the avenue and watch artists at work. The gallery is open until 9pm on First Thursday. To sign up to demonstrate your art or to volunteer with the activities, visit: DelRayArtisans.org/PaintDelRay

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

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

• 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: 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

Call for Entry: Third Biennial Maryland Regional Juried Art Exhibition

Digital Entries due June 14. University of Maryland College invites entries of works by all artists in Maryland, Northern VA, & DC for it’s 3rd biennial Maryland Regional Juried Art Exhibition. The exhibition will run from September 18 to December 31 in the UMUC Arts Program Gallery in Adelphi, MD. For more details: https://ww2.eventrebels.com/er/EventHomePage/CustomPage.jsp?ActivityID=16531&ItemID=62122

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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