Open Life Drawing Sessions: Wednesday, January 26

Work from live models in our regular Open Life Drawing sessions at the gallery. All skill levels welcome. The sessions are drop-in: 11-1 pm (gesture) & 2-5 pm (short/long pose). No registration required. Bring supplies. Fee for each 3-hour session: $8, DRA members; $10, non-members. Two-hour sessions: $6, members; $8, non-members. For details visit: calendar.DelRayArtisans.org. For questions, contact Katherine Rand at 703-836-1468 or DRA.LifeDrawing@gmail.com.

Love Letters Call for Entry:
Sunday, January 30 - Monday, January 31

Follow the tortured footsteps of Van Gogh and Toulouse Lautrec. Love Letters, the exhibit, running February 4 -27, invites you to submit artwork inspired by art's most powerful emotion—love. Open to Del Ray Artisan members and non-members. Artists may submit a maximum of three entries and are required to accompany each submitted artwork with a love letter to the artwork subject matter. Drop off hours are Sunday 1/30/11 from 7-9 pm and Monday 1/31/11 from 6-9 pm. For details, download the Call for Entry: DelRayArtisans.org/shows/calls/Due-2011-01-31-LoveLetters.pdf. Please direct your questions to curators Matthew Tito Cuenca (matthewcuenca@gmail.com) or Tracy Wilkerson (tlwideas@comcast.net).

Love Letters exhibition opens: Friday, February 4

A collection of love-inspired artworks paired up with artist's love letters. Join us as we eavesdrop on the private conversation between artist and admiration. Reception is Friday, February 4, from 7-10 pm and runs through Sunday, February 27. Visit DelRayArtisans.org for details and registration. For more information, contact Matthew Tito Cuenca (matthewcuenca@gmail.com) or Tracy Wilkerson (tlwideas@comcast.net).

Duo Mixed-Media Art Workshop: Saturday, February 5 (12-2pm)

Let your creativity shine! Bring unusual or everyday items to the workshop and see how you can transform them into something amazing! Participant will collaborate in style and supplies with their fellow participants. Members: $10, non-members: $15. Workshop maximum registrants is 20. Registration deadline is Tuesday, February 1. To register visit: calendar.DelRayArtisans.org/view_entry.php?id=810&date=20110205. For details, contact Matthew Tito Cuenca (matthewcuenca@gmail.com) or Tracy Wilkerson (tlwideas@comcast.net).

"Sock It to Winter" for Carpenter's Shelter - Donation Drive: Now through Sunday, January 30

In conjunction with the Baby, It's Cold Outside show, curators Constance Springer Zabowski and Celeste Zabowski are continuing the "Sock It To Winter" drive to collect new socks for the homeless of Alexandria. Donations benefit the Carpenter's Shelter located at 930 N. Henry Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. As of today, 327 pairs of new socks have been collected. Help them top the 500 mark by dropping off new socks at the gallery during gallery hours... and while you are there, check out the fabulous show which runs through January 30! For questions, contact cspringer43@gmail.com. For gallery hours, please visit DelRayArtisans.org.

Open Life Drawing Sessions: February 9, 21, 23

Open life drawing continues at the Del Ray Artisans gallery. 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. Feb 9, 11 am-1 pm Gestures & 2 pm - 5 pm Short/Long Pose; Feb 21, 2-5pm Short/Long Pose; Feb 23, 11 am-1 pm Gestures & 2 pm - 5 pm Short/Long Pose. The fee for each three-hour session is $8 for DRA members and $10 for non-members. Two-hour sessions are $6 for members and $8 for non-members. Please check the Del Ray Artisans calendar (calendar.DelRayArtisans.org) for upcoming dates and times. For questions, please contact Katherine Rand at 703.836.1468 or DRA.LifeDrawing@gmail.com.

All-member Meeting & Art Swap, Sunday, February 13 (2-4 pm)

[DRA members only] Don't miss this meeting where you can mingle with new members and get acquainted with the DRA Board. In addition, participate in our annual "Art Swap!" Just bring along a new or gently used "art treat." Do you have extra paint, fabric, or other art supplies; something you THOUGHT you needed but didn't? This is an opportunity to share and get something in return! Meeting location is at the gallery. Visit DelRayArtisans.org for directions.

Get & Give Handmade DRA Valentines: Now through February 14

The DRA Card Making Party was a big success, so we have many lovely Valentine's Day cards ready for your family, friends, or that "special" someone. Forget about store bought and email cards, make a "BIG LOVE" impression all while supporting DRA programs. Purchase your $3-6 cards during regular gallery hours. For gallery hours, please visit DelRayArtisans.org. A very special thanks to the full house of card makers!

Valentine's Day Mixer: Monday, February 14 (7-11 pm)

Can't decide where to go for Valentine's Day? No problem, we'll do the thinking and planning for you! Join us for the Valentine's Day Mixer where you have a choice of conversing about the walls of love-inspired artwork, the artist love letters in the Love Letters exhibit, or joining in the game of guessing the mystery bottles of wine decorated in the style of artists tortured by love. While you're exchanging witty anecdotes and insightful perception, enjoy the savory hors d'oeuvres and flowing chocolate fountains. Party favors, mood music, and a Valentine raffle round out the evening. Purchase your ticket today at calendar.DelRayArtisans.org/view_entry.php?id=804&date=20110214 - $10 per person - registration deadline is January 30. For more information, please visit DelRayArtisans.org or contact Matthew Tito Cuenca (571.213.9177, matthewcuenca@gmail.com) or Tracy Wilkerson (703.501.1736, tlwideas@comcast.net).

Life Drawing Workshop - Gesture Drawing:
Wednesday, February 16 (6:30-9:30 pm)

Still looking for ways to get the most out of those short poses? Instructor Robin Croft will offer exercises and commentary intended to encourage a loose gestural approach to drawing the figure. Bring a LARGE paper or newsprint pad and one or more of the following: red or black Conte; stick charcoal; woodless pencils; chalk pastel; brush and India ink. Fees are $15 for DRA members, $18 for non-members. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration deadline is Sunday, February 13 at the gallery or online at: calendar.DelRayArtisans.org/view_entry.php?id=766&date=20110216. For more information, please contact Katherine Rand at 703-836-1468 or DRA.LifeDrawing@gmail.com.

Beyond Form: Expressing Art Call for Entry: February 27-28 (6-8 pm)

Beyond Form: Expressing Art, is open to all area artists, with a spotlight on painting. See the gallery zipping with positive energy, beauty, truth, and color! See the counterpoint of monochromatic simplicity, stillness, and restraint—lending balance and white space. Whichever direction you go, let it be lovely, for as Kandinsky once said, "An empty canvas is a living wonder... far lovelier than certain pictures." Download the Call for Entries at DelRayArtisans.org/shows/calls/Due-2011-02-28-BeyondForm.pdf. As a benefit to Del Ray Artisans members, an additional exhibit opportunity under our Gallery Without Walls program allows DRA members only to submit selected abstract artworks from Beyond Form to a juried exhibit at the Signature Theatre during the run of ART [for 8 weeks from March 29 through May 22]. DRA hopes this inspires you to start painting NOW! For more information, contact Betty Plummer at 703-892-8638 or DRA.newsletter@gmail.com.

Youth Art Symposium Seeking Activities Coordinator

If you're a person interested and willing to facilitate activities for youths in the areas of arts & crafts, drawing, painting, basics of drama, theatre, dance (including hip-hop, jazz, etc.), or poetry/spoken word, the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., wants you! Event date: Saturday, January 22, 2011, 2:30pm at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. For details contact: Celena Noel 225-773-0789 or celenanoel@gmail.com.

DRA Seeking Imagery for Newsletter

Doodle for DRA! Do you do small line drawings that can be added to The Well Crafted Word? Stars, faces, abstract designs, etc., can spark up articles and add original style to our newsletter. Artists will be credited under the drawing. Please send your original art to DRA.newsletter@gmail.com in JPG format.

Have content for The Well Crafted Word?

[DRA members only] Submit all your articles, notices, images, etc. for the Del Ray Artisans newsletter by the 10th of the month for the next issue. Submit your content to the editor, Betty Plummer, at DRA.newsletter@gmail.com.

Art Whino Art Workshops - MD

Does your New Year Resolution's include taking classes to sharpen your arsenal of skills? Then you are in luck! Art Whino, a DC based gallery, is offering fun and unique art classes. The lineup begins with four workshops: 1) Creating Your Alter-Ego and Your Dream Environment, 2) Illustrating the Narrative, 3) Paint the Sandman for Gaiman, 4) Creating Magic From Miniature. For details, please email classes@artwhino.com. Classes will be held at the gallery, National Harbor, 122 Waterfront St, National Harbor, MD.

Washington Glass School Educational Program - DC

This New Year, don't bother with the usual list of resolutions that are posted on the fridge door, only to be ignored and forgotten. Instead, resolve to create at The Washington Glass School. It's a much more manageable resolution. A unique educational program in the Nation's capital, The Washington Glass School and Creative Arts Community offers something for everyone with classes for both the beginning and seasoned artists. All you have to do is go online to: www.washglass.com, start clicking through all the classes offered this winter, and register.

Learn Photoshop and be dangerous! - VA

Seating is limited: Register NOW. FCA is offering a two-part introduction seminar intended for anyone interested in learning the basics of Photoshop. It is also recommended for people who know a little about the software and wish to understand it better. Part I: Thursday, January 20, 2011, 7:00-9:30 pm  or  Saturday January 22, 2011, 1:00-3:30 pm. Part II: Thursday, February 3, 2011, 7:00-9:30 pm  or  Saturday, February 5, 2011, 1:00-3:30 pm. FCA members and students, $40; non-members, $60. Fee includes Parts I and II. The seminar will be held at ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 S. Maple Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046. Seating is limited, and advance registration is required. For more info and registration form visit: www.fallschurcharts.org/pdf/Intro_to_Photoshop_2011.pdf.

DC's Art, Wine and Culinary Showcase - VA (NEW!)

Exhibitor Special Entry: Expires January 21 (at midnight). Get in on the best Valentine's Weekend excursion at the Westfield's Marriott. This year, the expo will be a true showcase for vendors to feature their art alongside the wine and food exhibitions. Apply for your booth by January 21 and get a $100 booth coupon good for exhibiting ( redeem by writing $100 Booth Coupon per Donna on your application). For application and more information, visit www.vawineshowcase.org/exhibit.htm.

Mindful Meditation for Enhanced Creativity - VA

Class begins February 17. This 9-session series [Feb 17 - April 14] introduces you to meditation to enhance your creative potential; assisting people who are creative in the arts, or any area of life, to be centered and confident in their being as they create. Register early - a deposit of $50.00 is requested to hold your place [size is limited to 8]. Total cost is $150.00 for the (9) hour and a half sessions [Thursdays, 7 - 8:30pm]. Class location: Convergence at 1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA. For more info, contact Rusty Lynn at rustylynn@earthlink.net.

Hamiltonian Artists Fellowship Program - DC

Application deadline: Monday, February 28. Hamiltonian Artists is excited to announce its fourth annual open call to emerging artists to apply to its two-year Fellowship Program, aimed to aid in the professional development of contemporary visual artists. For application requirements, restrictions and forms, please visit www.hamiltonianartists.org/apply.php.

"Got Art?" Individual Artists Opportunities - VA (NEW!)

Proposal Deadline: Tuesday, March 1, 2011 (by 5 pm). The Office of the Arts and Alexandria Commission for the Arts invite proposals from artists for exhibitions in the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library. Exhibitions will run six months. There is no exhibition theme, all entries must be three-dimensional works, and all work must be original. Exhibit location will depend on space and availability. Individual artists, consortia of artists, and organizations who work and/or live in the City of Alexandria are eligible to apply. For more information, contact the Office of the Arts at 703-746-5588 or at aca@alexandriava.gov. In the subject line, please mention "Call for Entries 2011-2014."

Bethesda Artist Market - MD (NEW!)

Application and Materials Deadline: Friday, March 4. The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District is looking for local and regional artists to display and sell their fine art and fine craft during the Bethesda Artist Market. This year's Market will take place on Saturday, June 11 and Saturday, July 9, 2011. Applications and criteria are available online at www.bethesda.org. There is a $15 application fee and $50 booth fee. For more information, please Valerie Hillman at 301 215-6660, Ext. 17 or VHillman@bethesda.org.

FOTOQuest - DC (NEW!)

Call for Entry Deadline: February 6. The Hunt for Hidden Talent is on! Calling all professionals and amateurs - FotoDC is hunting for the most interesting and compelling work by Washington area photographers, with a chance to exhibit this spring at their FLASH exhibition, March 17 - April 17, 2011. Photojournalism, fine art, editorial, and all genres are welcome. Submit your work via an in-person curator assessment or by mail through FotoDC's in-house FOTOQuest. For details, registration and submission criteria, click on www.fotoweekdc.org/quest.

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

©2010 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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