Sacred Feminine Art Exhibit Opening Reception (Tonight!)

Friday, May 3 from 7-9pm. This exhibit explores female energy, the power of life and birth; it connects that energy to ideas, expressions, dreams, life and all of existence. Tap in to your Sacred Feminine and channel the goddess. The exhibit runs May 3-June 2, 2019. Details at DelRayArtisans.org/event/sacred-feminine

Urban Sketchbooking (This weekend!)

Sunday, May 5 from 2-4pm. Urban Sketchbooking emphasizes storytelling that conveys a sense of place or a moment in time through drawings completed from direct observations. Drop-in meetings, during the afternoons of the second Sunday of each month. No need to register in advance. Bring your supplies and join us to produce still life, figure, or architecture subjects in your sketchbook. The fee for each 2-hour session is $8 for members and $10 for non-members. The meetup location is Nectar Cafe. Details at DelRayArtisans.org/event/urban-sketchbooking-7

Workshop: Intro to Honoring the Sacred Feminine in this Busy World

Thursday, May 9 from 7-8:30pm. Create daily rituals to connect and tap your sacred power. Join instructor Adriana Correa in a combination of hands-on exercises, journaling and review of different methods to create a way to honor the sacred feminine in a way that makes sense to you. Details at DelRayArtisans.org/event/honoring-the-sacred-feminine

Spring Art Market (Next weekend!)

Saturday, May 11 from 10am to 4pm. Del Ray Artisans’ Spring Art Market is an annual, outdoor, family-friendly event featuring original work by local artists and artisans in a variety of mediums. Come and join us, rain or shine in Colasanto Park, adjacent to Del Ray Artisans gallery at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. Perfect gifts for your home, Mother’s Day, or other occasions! Details at DelRayArtisans.org/event/spring-art-market-2019

Workshop: Basic Salsa Techniques

Saturday, May 11 from 1-2pm. Get ready to learn Salsa! Bebe Uy and her students will give a short demonstration, then strut your stuff while learning basic salsa dancing technique, combinations, body movement, musicality and dance partner exercises.Details at DelRayArtisans.org/event/salsa-techniques

Call for Entry: Art in Meditation - The Chakras

Digital entries due: Sunday, May 12 by midnight. This exhibit will celebrate the seven energy centers of the body, or chakras, and the associated meanings, moods, and colors. The curators are seeking artwork interpretations of the chakra energies. The exhibit will be juried by contemporary artist Jeff Erickson. The exhibit is open to all area artists. Show runs June 6-30. Call for Entry at DelRayArtisans.org/2019/04/chakras-cfe

Workshop: Goddess-Wear – Creating Leather Jewelry

Tuesday, May 14 from 6-9pm. Learn leather working techniques while getting in touch with the Divine Feminine with instructor Lynn Fernandez. This introductory class is suitable for all levels of students. Participants will learn tooling, joining, and coloring technique while creating wearable art of take home.Details at DelRayArtisans.org/event/goddess-wear

2019 Membership Drive

Now through May 31. Del Ray Artisans is hosting a special, invitational exhibit in August titled Fresh Meat. Each new member (joining between January 2018 and May 2019) is invited to enter three pieces of artwork for FREE. During our Membership Drive from February–May 2019, any current member who recruits a new member is also invited to enter one piece of artwork in this exhibit for FREE. Bring guests, family, friends, and neighbors to visit the gallery, attend opening receptions, or sign up for a workshop to become more familiar with our nonprofit arts organization. Information on benefits and joining is at DelRayArtisans.org/membership/

Summer Youth Art Camp – Register Now!

Discount now until June 1. Del Ray Artisans invites children ages 8-14 to spend a week creating art with professional artist instruction. All artist supplies are provided. Register for either Week One (July 15-19) or Week Two (July 22-26). Camp is from 9am-3pm daily, with an exhibit of the artwork on the Saturday after camp from 1-3pm. Cost is $300/child until June 1; $325/child after June 1. Scholarship support may be available. Details: DelRayArtisans.org/event/art-camp-2019

Life Drawing - Open Sessions

• Sunday, May 5 from 9:30-11:30am (Gesture, clothed model)
• Wednesday, May 8 from 2-5pm (Short/Long Pose)
• Wednesday, May 8 from 6:30-9:30pm (Long Pose)
• Wednesday, May 22 from 2-5pm (Short/Long Pose)
• Wednesday, May 22 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. All future dates and sessions types can be found in this calendar view.

Partners in Art

• Monday, May 6 from 2-4pm
• Tuesday, May 21 from 7-9pm

Need support reaching your art related goals? Join this collegial group of artists to share your goals and get feedback on artwork. All local artists, from beginners to professionals, and all skill levels are invited. Meetings include discussions on exhibit opportunities, the creative process and the local art scene. 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. More information and future dates can be found in this calendar view.

Del Ray Artisans’ Spirit Night at McDonald’s

Thursday, May 16 from 4pm-7pm. McDonald’s is generously donating a percentage of sales between 4-7pm to our nonprofit art organization. During this event, you’ll also have the opportunity to see and purchase artwork from Del Ray Artisans at McDonald’s (1000 N Henry Street, Alexandria VA 22314)! For event questions or to volunteer, email Mila Mateu at Volunteers@DelRayArtisans.org

Sacred Feminine Workshops

Tap in to your Sacred Feminine with these special workshops. Register in advance at DelRayArtisans.org/workshops or at the gallery.

• The Fire Starter on Saturday, May 18 from 10am-12pm. Cut through dull thinking and fear, and get straight to YOUR core desires, pragmatism, and courage with certified coach Liz Strom.
• Playing with Resin – Curves and Edges Edition on Sunday, May 19 from 6-9pm. Play with resin in a safe environment to learn the ins & outs of mixing resin and using it in your artwork with instructor Tracy Wilkerson.
• Exploring and Making Bangles on Wednesday, May 29 from 6-8pm. Learn beginner wire jewelry making techniques while creating basic bangle bracelets with instructor Tamara Wilkerson.
• Exploring Flamenco & Odissi on Saturday, June 1 from 10am-Noon. Explore the beauty and nuance of Odissi (Classical Indian Dance) & Flamenco, highlighting the feminine strength and beauty in each style with instructors Marsha Bonet and Tapasi Panigrahi.

Call for Entry: Uncommon Alexandria at VCA Alexandria

Digital entries due: Tuesday, May 21 by midnight. Seeking two-dimensional artwork inspired by common scenes of our daily lives, neighborhoods, towns, and communities. 1st priority will go to scenes within Alexandria and Del Ray, 2nd priority will go to scenes within the local MidAltantic region (Virginia, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, etc). No entry fee; only open to Del Ray Artisans members. Uncommon Alexandria is a Del Ray Artisans's Gallery Without Walls exhibit at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital from June 2 – September 29, 2019. Call for Entry at DelRayArtisans.org/2019/04/uncommon-alexandria-cfe

Member Meeting/Benefit Program: Live Courageously, talk by Nancy Belmont

Thursday, May 23 from 7-9pm. After a brief member meeting, Del Ray Artisans presents this FREE program to our members: Guest speaker Nancy Belmont will give a talk called “Live Courageously,” based on her work with hundreds of leaders and interactions with thousands of participants in her public art projects. Nancy Belmont shares insights about what holds us back from living our most courageous lives. Not a member, but wish to attend? Join now during Del Ray Artisans 2019 membership drive! Event details at DelRayArtisans.org/event/member-benefit-program/

Re-Connecting Threads at VCA Alexandria

Runs through Sunday, June 2. The Re-Connecting Threads art exhibit takes another look at artists’ traditional and non-traditional ways to manipulate fiber in art by revisiting the November 2018 Connecting Threads Del Ray Artisans gallery exhibit. Re-Connecting Threads features Del Ray Artisans members’ artwork through a Gallery Without Walls (GWW) program in partnership with the Veterinary Clinics of America Alexandria Animal Hospital (VCA Alexandria). The exhibit is at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, 2660 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Details at DelRayArtisans.org/2019/01/re-connecting-threads/

First Thursday

Thursday June 6. Del Ray Artisans celebrates First Thursday, a Del Ray community event from 6-9pm along Mount Vernon Avenue from April through September. June's theme is Unmask Your Superhero!  The gallery is open until 9pm on First Thursday. Come get a sneak peek of the next exhibit! Details at DelRayArtisans.org/event/first-thursday-2019

Workshop: Meditation, Breath, and Sound with Dante

Saturday, June 8 from 10-11:30am. Using crystal and Tibetan bowls, Dante will lead a soothing asana and breathwork class to prepare the body for sound meditation. In the last hour, Dante will conclude with a soothing and unique exploration of the chakra energy points through sound vibration. Instructor: Dante Baker. Register by June 3 at DelRayArtisans.org/event/meditation-with-dante/

Workshop: Painting the Chakra Energies

Saturday, June 15 from 10am-12pm. Learn to use a variety of tools for layering and taking away acrylic paint to create works that represent the energies of the chakras. During this workshop you will create unique pieces reflecting your journey with the chakras. Instructor: Nancy Ramsey. Register by June 12 at DelRayArtisans.org/event/painting-the-chakras/

Call for Entry: Fresh Meat

Digital entries due: Monday, June 17 by midnight. Each new Del Ray Artisans member who joined between January 2018 and May 2019 is invited to enter 3 pieces of artwork for FREE! Plus any current member who recruits a new member between February and May 2019 is invited to enter 1 piece of artwork for FREE. Fresh Meat does not have a theme and is the perfect opportunity to showcase any and all styles/mediums of your artwork. If you are not a member, you may join Del Ray Artisans now to enter. Show runs August 2 – September 1. Call for Entry at DelRayArtisans.org/2019/04/fresh-meat-cfe

Workshop: Releasing Energy Blocks: A Gong Sound Meditation

Sunday, June 23 from 9:30-11am. This experiential workshop begins with an easy but effective breath exercise, followed by a guided meditation to energize the chakra system to release energetic blocks, stimulate circulation. No experience necessary. Please bring a yoga mat or blanket, as well as a cushion for seated meditation if needed. Instructor: Monique Durfuss. Register by June 18 at DelRayArtisans.org/event/gong-meditation/

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

• Support Del Ray Artisans’ Spirit Night at McDonald’s
  Seeking volunteers for May 16 from 4-7pm at McDonald's (1000 N Henry Street, Alexandria VA 22314). Volunteers will greet customers, hand out food at the take-out window and behind the counter, and (most importantly) talk with the customers about the art on display, Del Ray Artisans organization and gallery. To volunteer (including showing some of your artwork), email Mila Mateu at Volunteers@DelRayArtisans.org and include your name, email, best phone number, and preferred date.
• Web Posting Volunteer Needed
  The web posting team needs you! We're looking for a volunteer to post exhibit and event information to WeGoPlaces.com. Web posting can be done from home at your convenience. It doesn't take a lot of time and is an easy way to earn volunteer hours. If interested, contact Kate at Post@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 Brittany 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 Brittany at Curating@DelRayArtisans.org

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

Call for Artists: Art on the Avenue 2019

Open until all spaces are filled. Art on the Avenue is a multi-cultural arts festival celebrating our community’s diversity through the arts in the Del Ray neighborhood in Alexandria, Virginia. This festival will be held rain or shine on October 5, 2019. The fee for show participation is $225. More information

Call for Artists: Charity Art Gala for MK9s Service Dogs

Deadline: Friday, May 3. Vision Idea Design is inviting artwork submissions for its Charity Art Gala for MK9s Service Dogs. The event will be held on May 22, 2019 at the Fairfax American Legion. All submissions will be reviewed and selected artists will be invited to participate with 1-5 artworks. Proceeds from the sale are split with the artist and the charity, with the artist deciding on the percentage donated. There is no fee to submit. More information.

Call for Artists: Bella Strada Chalk Festival

Saturday, May 11 from 10am-3pm. The Del Ray Montessori School in Alexandria is hosting fourth annual La Bella Strada, an Italian Street Chalk Festival along Del Ray's Mt. Vernon Avenue. It will take place on May 11, 2019 from 10am-3pm and will featuring local artists who create large square masterpieces along the avenue. Interested artists should include contact information, and a sample of chalk artwork and email bellastrada@thedelraymontessorischool.com. More information.

Call for Artists: VisArts: Frame & Frequency V

Deadline: Friday, June 7. Frame & Frequency is an ongoing International Video Art Screening Series presented by VisArts in Rockville, MD, that highlights artists whose new media, experimental film, and video works explore contemporary visual culture, and presents an intimate panorama of the variety of video art. Video, sound art, film, and new media work will be accepted: experimental, documentary, animation, narrative, non-narrative, multimedia, virtual reality, augmented reality, net art, interactive media, etc. All foreign language moving image artworks must have English subtitles. $5 application fee. More Information.

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

©2019 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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