Alexandria Sidewalk Sale (This Weekend)

Saturday, August 11, 10am-9pm and Sunday, August 12, 10am-6pm. During the Sidewalk Sale, enjoy 10% off artwork on display at Del Ray Artisans' gallery, including items in our gallery store. Additional unframed original artwork will also be available for sale. Find more information about the Alexandria Sidewalk Sale at visitalexandriava.com/things-to-do/shopping/sidewalksale/

Pie Contest, Indoor Picnic and Summer Member Meeting

Sunday, August 19 from 5-7pm. Join fellow artists and friends at the annual Pie Contest, Indoor Picnic, and Summer Member Meeting. Prepare a savory or sweet entry for the pie contest or sign up to be a judge. Preceding the BBQ picnic (Thank you Pork Barrel BBQ for your generous support) will be a short meeting with information on upcoming events and the fall exhibit schedule. Please RSVP to help the organizers plan the food and beverage quantities. If you have any questions or to RSVP, contact Sophia Suarez at Membership@DelRayArtisans.org. More information at DelRayArtisans.org/event/member-meeting-pie-contest-2018/

Call for Entry: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry Regional Exhibit

Digital entries due: Sunday, August 19 by midnight. This exhibit celebrates the way that food and drink brings people together and joy to our lives. Artwork should be inspired by food, real or metaphorical that nourishes the viewer or highlight the rituals and places that celebrate the social gathering around sustenance. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry is a hybrid art exhibit that combines a national ceramic show with a regional non-ceramic two- and three-dimensional show. This call for entry is for the regional non-ceramic exhibit. Artwork receiving for accepted non-ceramic artwork is on Sunday, September 2 and Monday, September 3 from 6-8pm. Show runs September 7-30, 2018. Call for Entry at DelRayArtisans.org/2018/04/eat-drink-merry-local-cfe

Now your donation will go twice as far.
We are now at 95%, help put us over the top.

Thanks to a generous Del Ray Artisans member all contributions up to $2,500 from now until August 19, 2018 will be matched. Consider making a tax-deductible donation to Del Ray Artisans today and have your donation go twice the distance!

This is a perfect time to join as a Patron member.
During this campaign, all Patron membership tax-deductible amounts will be matched. For more information on making a donation or applying as a Patron member, visit DelRayArtisans.org/donate-2/

Partners in Art Evening

Tuesday, August 21 from 7-9pm. All local artists, from beginners to professionals, are invited. We discuss the local art scene, exhibit opportunities, share artistic goals, techniques, media, and creative processes. Enjoy the collegiality and support of your fellow artists! Participants may also bring in 1-3 artworks, in any medium, in any stage, to discuss goals, process, and ask for advice. Free, donations ($1–3) greatly appreciated. Schedule at DelRayArtisans.org/partnersinart

Life Drawing - Open Sessions

• Wednesday, August 22 from 2-5pm (Short/Long Pose)
• Wednesday, August 22 from 6:30-9:30pm (Long Pose)
• Sunday, September 9 from 9:30-11:30am (Gesture, clothed)
• Wednesday, September 12 from 2-5pm (Short/Long Pose)
• Wednesday, September 12 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

Call for Entry: Symmetry

Digital entries due: Sunday, August 26 by midnight. Del Ray Artisans and Union 206 Studio are seeking fine art photography that showcases artists’ visions of symmetry. Symmetry implies a sense of aesthetically pleasing proportionality that implies balance. Balanced composition can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radical where the various elements that make up the image – shapes, colors, texture, and space – are arranged with care to create a harmonious result. Open to all artists, with discounted entry fee for Del Ray Artisans and Union 206 Studio members, and no entry fee for full-time students. Call for Entry at DelRayArtisans.org/2018/06/symmetry-cfe/

Leather Working Open Studio Night

Wednesday, August 29 from 6-10pm. Students who have previously attended any one of Lynn Fernandez’s leather working workshops are welcome to sign up. Lynn is bringing a wide variety of leather working tools and dyes and provide guidance on projects during this 4-hour open session. Students may bring their own cased leather or buy leather directly from Lynn during the event. Details at DelRayArtisans.org/event/leather-open-studio

Off the Grid Sponsored by Del Ray Artisans

Runs through August 31. Off the Grid is an exhibition featuring the artwork created by Northern Virginia inmates under the volunteer instruction of Kelli Schollard-Sincock (aka Ms. Kelli) of Inspiration Matterz. This exhibition is being sponsored by Del Ray Artisans and is located at the Site 2 Community Gallery in the Torpedo Factory. For more information, visit DelRayArtisans.org/event/off-the-grid

Ancestry Art Exhibit

Runs through Sunday, September 2. This exhibit showcases the strength of Del Ray Artisans community, namely our cultural diversity. Together, the Ancestry exhibit highlights how the diverse, vibrant cultures of our members come together to form one strong community, just like our country's motto—E Pluribus Unum, or "Out of Many, One". Details at DelRayArtisans.org/event/ancestry

First Thursday

Thursday, September 6 from 6-9pm. Del Ray Artisans celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event from 6-9pm along Mount Vernon Avenue from April through September. The theme forSeptember is “Show us Your Spirit.” Come to Del Ray Artisans gallery to get a sneak peek of the upcoming art exhibit, Eat, Drink, and Be Merry..

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry Art Exhibit Opening Reception

Friday, September 7 from 7-9pm. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry celebrates the way food and drink bring people together and joy to our lives. Art inspired by food, real or metaphorical, that nourishes the viewer is exhibited. This exhibit combines a National Ceramic Show focused on vessels for the table with a regional art exhibit. The exhibit runs September 7-30, 2018 at Del Ray Artisans gallery. Details at DelRayArtisans.org/event/eat-drink-be-merry

Bowls and Plates with Nice Curves Workshop at The Clay Queen Pottery (Register Now)

Saturday, September 8 from 10am-4pm. Join the Eat, Drink, and Be Merry juror, Lisa York, for "Bowls and Plates with Nice Curves" hosted by The Clay Queen Pottery. This demonstration workshop explores how the curves and form of a plate or bowl functions in the home, the use of geometric shapes as part of surface decorations, and a variety of thrown and alteration techniques. After the demonstration, Lisa will review the exhibit and provide insight into the jurying process. Workshop fee: $65 Del Ray Artisans members, $75 non-members. Register at DelRayArtisans.org/event/bowls-and-plates

Partners in Art

Monday, September 10 from 2-4pm. 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 1-3 works - complete or in progress - for feedback. All skill levels and media welcome. Free, donations ($1-3) greatly appreciated. Schedule at DelRayArtisans.org/partnersinart

Needle Felted 2D Abstract Landscapes Workshop

Friday, September 14 from 6-9pm. Learn the basics of how to create 2D Needle Felted Abstract Landscapes using wool, fabric, and felt materials. We will also work with a variety of other supplies and techniques such as stencils, stamps, sketching, etc. as a guide to creating our abstract landscapes. Instructor: Brittany Gabel. Cost: $80 members and $90 non-members, plus $15 supplies fee. Register by September 10 at DelRayArtisans.org/event/needle-felted-landscapes

Call for Entry: 2019 Wall Calendar (Members Only)

Digital entries due: Saturday, September 22 by midnight. Members: Submit your best work to the 6th annual Del Ray Artisans' wall calendar! All entries are to be received digitally, and no physical pieces of art will be collected. There is no entry fee, no theme, and work previously shown at the gallery is acceptable. Your Del Ray Artisans membership must be up-to-date. This calendar is a fundraiser to benefit Del Ray Artisans. Call for Entry at DelRayArtisans.org/2018/07/calendar-cfe

Atomic Dog and Consequential Cat at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital

Runs through September 30. Del Ray Artisans and VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital present Atomic Dog and Consequential Cat, an exhibit inspired by our furry friends. This show features a selection of artwork by Del Ray Artisans members from the Atomic Dog exhibit, as well as hand-picked artwork honoring our feline companions. The show can be viewed during regular business hours at the animal hospital (located at 2660 Duke Street). Details at DelRayArtisans.org/event/dog-and-cat

Call for Entry: Connecting Threads

Digital entries due: Saturday, October 13 by midnight. Fiber art communicates some sort of message, emotion, or meaning and goes beyond the literal definition of the materials. This exhibit focuses on fiber art, but is open to all mediums. The curators are seeking artwork that features fiber and textiles as a major component in construction and/or as a part of the subject matter. This exhibit celebrates fiber and how it is used to connect us to the stories of our lives. Open to all area artists. Artistic Artifacts is sponsoring 4 artist awards. Show runs November 2-25. Call for Entry at DelRayArtisans.org/2018/07/connecting-threads-cfe

Needle Felted Jewelry Workshop

Saturday, November 17 from 1-4pm. Learn the basics of how to create 3D Needle Felted Jewelry, as well as basic jewelry techniques. We will also explore using other materials such as beads, charms, and thread to add to our needle felted jewelry pieces. Instructor: Brittany Gabel. Cost: $80 members and $90 non-members, plus $15 supplies fee. Register by November 13 at DelRayArtisans.org/event/needle-felted-jewelry

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

Visit our website for ​more information about volunteering and to report your hours. ​​If you have questions, email the Director of Volunteers at Volunteers@DelRayArtisans.org. Below are current 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 30. If you are interested in assisting, contact Marlin with your preferred weekend at AdoptAPark@DelRayArtisans.org

Curating & Curator Support

• Curate/Coordinate an Exhibit outside the Gallery
  Del Ray Artisans’ Gallery Without Walls program is seeking volunteers to coordinate exhibits with specific venues. The program is flexible to incorporate your ideas and value your time. Contact Monica at GWW@DelRayArtisans.org and Kathy at Curating@DelRayArtisans.org
• 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

Facility

• Craft Closet
  Volunteers are needed to keep Craft Closet organized. One person will need to document or update the organizational plan. Periodically during the year, other volunteers will use this plan to put things back where they belong and dispose of items no longer needed. If you are interested, please send an email to Judy Lynn at Volunteers@DelRayArtisans.org and include your name, email, and best phone number.
• Kitchen Crew
  Volunteers are needed for the Kitchen Crew on a monthly basis. The work needs be done at the start of a new show from art drop-off to opening reception. Volunteers may work their own hours during this time. The work includes cleaning the sink, counters and refrigerator, as well as (re)organizing supplies. If you are interested, please send an email to Judy Lynn at Volunteers@DelRayArtisans.org and include your name, email, and best phone number.

Grants Director

• Wanted: Grants Director
  DRA is looking for a Grants Director for 2018/2019. This volunteer position on DRA’s Board of Directors has a two-year commitment. Duties include preparing and submitting grants proposals annually to the City of Alexandria and the Commonwealth of Virginia, and following up on prior years’ grants with final reports. This is an excellent opportunity to liaise with other Board members, volunteers, and City officials and to learn about the inner workings of DRA. Please contact Drew Cariaso at President@DelRayArtisans.org, or Betsy Mead at egmead@gmail.com for position details.

Photography

• 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 David at Archives@DelRayArtisans.org
• Artwork Photographers
  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 David at Archives@DelRayArtisans.org
• Flickr Contributor
  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 David at Archives@DelRayArtisans.org and Dawn at WebCurator@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 Stacy at  Programs@DelRayArtisans.org

The 37th Annual Smithsonian Craft Show 2019

Deadline: September 7. The Smithsonian Craft Show is a prestigious juried exhibition and sale of contemporary American craft in art and design held annually in Washington, DC. Three jurors who are experts in the field and newly selected each year choose 120 artists from a large pool of applicants. Artists are selected on the basis of the originality, artistic conception, and quality of their work. The show is produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee. Proceeds from the Show fund grants that benefit the Smithsonian’s education, outreach, research, and conservation programs. ACCEPTABLE MEDIA CATEGORIES: Basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art, and wood. Details in the Smithsonian Craft Show Prospectus

Fall Seasonal Art Installations

Deadline: September 7. The Torpedo Factory Art Center invites artists and artist teams residing in DC/Virginia/Maryland to submit proposals for the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s temporary art installations to activate the building’s main spaces during the fall. Artwork is encouraged but not limited to involve themes related to fall/autumn, folklore (such as Dia de los Muertos or All Hallow’s Eve), or Alexandria’s naval history. These themes will correspond to different programming that will be happening in the Art Center for the duration of the exhibition. Details: Guidelines and Application

Call for Entry: Ritualisms

Deadline: September 9. Target Gallery invites artists working in all visual media to submit to RITUALISMS, a group exhibition that explores how rituals are an intrinsic part of the human experience. Whether it be through personal rituals, such as daily habits or quirks, or through a larger cultural context, such as religious or cultural ceremonies, the work in this exhibition will address the universality of rituals and how they foster connection or isolation. Details: Prospectus and Application

2019 Emerging Artists

Deadline: September 30. Target Gallery presents a new yearly exhibition featuring the work of 3 regional emerging artists. This exhibition spotlights new talent and the up-and-coming artistic innovators of the D.C. metropolitan area. Artists should have no more than 5 years of experience as a professional exhibiting artist, live within D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, and have never had an solo exhibition in a professional gallery space (excluding BFA/MFA exhibitions). Details: torpedofactory.org/opportunities/call-for-entries

2019 Post Graduation Residency

Deadline: October 7. The Torpedo Factory Post-Grad Residency is a competitive juried program that provides meaningful support and 3-month term solo studio space. This residency is open to recently-graduated students who earned a bachelor’s or master’s art degree from an accredited university. Submissions are open for both art school students in the region and nationwide, provided nationwide artists submit proof of their permanent residence in the area and/or commitment of contributing to the ongoing future of the DC/Maryland/Virginia arts scene. Details: Guidelines and Application

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
Phone: 703-838-4827 | DelRayArtisans.org

©2018 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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