Del Ray Artisans News
since 1992
January 2006 VOLUME 14 ISSUE 1
| In This Issue |
President's message
Hot January
DRA & The Art League
partner with City Hall
Still life open studio
sessions in February
2006 Calendar of Events
Business of Art discussion
Festive weekend for DRA’s Holiday Market
Art Camp scholarship donated
Life drawing open studio planned
It's not too late to "gift" DRA
Mentoring Alexandria’s Young
Artists
Public Art Project
initiative in Del Ray
Call for
Entries Art in City Hall – Juried Exhibition
Visual & Performing Arts
Teachers Wanted
Member benefits
DEL RAY ARTISANS NEWS
Contributors this month include: Rob Rudick, Karen Schmitz, Linda Silk, Barbara Brecher, Susan Slattery, Dave Nicholson and Kathryn Brown.
Many thanks to our monthly sponsor:
Royce Flowers -
lovely arrangements seen at every opening.
Thanks to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts for their continuing support.
Edited by: Dave
Nicholson
Submission deadline-20th
of month preceding
e.g. (1/20 for February)
email to:
NEWSLETTER
EDITOR
Web Curator: Roy
Wright
EMAIL SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS
Once we receive your information we will begin sending you new exciting information about us once it becomes available.
WCW ARCHIVES
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
As we usher in 2006, Del Ray Artisans’ 14th year in existence, I want to thank you, our members, for a wonderful 2005. It was a banner year of successes: From the crowds at Aloha Elvis! to the House of Cards show, to Bead it! and the Washington Woodworkers/DRA collaboration. The year ended on several high notes with our first Barnes & Noble BookFair fundraiser, record-breaking attendance (+ sales) at the Holiday Market and a rewarding Adopt-a(n)-Arts-Family project which resulted in DRA being able to send a holiday gift of $1,000 to The Arts, Hancock County, Mississippi and its artists! DRA also enjoyed unprecedented press coverage, increased donations and continuing community support.
Last, but certainly not
least, none of this would have been possible without the dedicated efforts of
the hardest-working board of directors with whom I’ve had the pleasure of
working!
Thank you!
Susan
Check out
the calendar of events planned for January...and beyond. We've packed in some
familiar shows/events for 2006, and have made some exciting additions. Stay
tuned for a year of art/art-related goodness.
January brings the Name Your
Muse juried show opening Friday, January 6 (7-10PM) , and two, yes TWO,
chances to play with paper, scissors, glue and other fun stuff at two
Card-making parties Whooo-who!
February brings the return of a Cupid-related event, stay tuned for details. Also, a first for DRA, we will be offering a series of Open Studio sessions for members and non-members. Come shake off the mid-winter blahs by sharing your creative juices.
Also returning is our annual Art Supply Swap Meet and General Meeting (Tues., Feb. 21-7:30 pm). It only gets more interesting the further into the year you get!
DRA & The Art League partner with City Hall
The Del Ray Artisans, The Art League and the City of Alexandria have embarked on the Mayor’s initiative to put local art where it belongs: in City Hall. The inaugural “Art in City Hall” exhibit, to be judged by Michael Clark, Director of DC’s Museum of Contemporary Art, opens Wednesday, February 1, 2006. A reception, hosted by the City and preceding the City Council meeting that evening, will be held Tuesday, February 28 from 6–7:00 PM.
The juried exhibition will run for six months and is open exclusively to the membership of DRA and The Art League. Going forward, a new show will open every six months. The City has committed significant resources to ensure that this show and the ongoing program will be successful. The exhibits will be on the second floor of City Hall in areas open to the public. With this good public visibility, the show presents an excellent opportunity for members of both arts groups to exhibit and sell their work.
A call for entries (open to all media and styles) is included in this newsletter. Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 28, 2006, the drop-off date for all entries. After judging, the show will be installed January 29, 2006. Art in City Hall’s success is dependent upon recruiting volunteers from both DRA and The Art League to help with all aspects of the show, including receiving and installation. Interested in volunteering? Please contact Barbara Boehm 703.838.6265 or Kathryn Brown at 703.549.5227 or neonkanb@aol.com .
Still life open studio sessions in February
Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 8 DRA will offer a
week of open studio sessions for artists to explore working with Still Life.
Multiple set-ups and 18 cumulative hours of studio time will be offered, in the
hopes of producing some completed paintings from the sessions. (Yes-bring those
finished works for a casual show-and-tell during the Feb. 21 DRA general
meeting!).
Bring your own drawing and painting supplies, and easels, if you have them. Flat
tables for watercolorists and plenty of chairs will be available on-site.
Hours:
Wed. 2/8 1-4 PM
Fri. 2/10 7-10 PM
Sat. 2/11 10 AM-1 PM
Sun. 2/12 1-4 PM
Tues. 2/14 1-4 PM
Wed. 2/15 1-4 PM
Questions? Contact Joan Ulrich at 703.683.3620 or ulrichclay@aol.com.
January 10 Board
Meeting (7:00 PM)
January 6-29 Name Your Muse / Juried exhibit /curator Richard
Wyvill
January 22 & 29 ©Card
making Party (noon-4:00 PM)/ Theresa Kulstad
703.914.1517
February 3-4 Cupid
© event / Theresa
Kulstad & Julie Branson (Fri. 7-10PM) (Sat. 12-5PM)
February 14 Board Meeting (7:00 PM)
February 8-26 Art workshops
February 21 DRA General Meeting & Art Supply Swap Meet (7:30 PM)
March 3-26 Mi Casa, Su Casa -Springwater Fiber & DRA /
Juried exhibit / curator Randy Scheessele
March 14 Board Meeting (7:00 PM)
March 20 Del Ray Citizens Association Meet ‘n Greet
Mar. 31-April 23 Spring All Member Show
April 11 Board Meeting (7:00 PM)
April 21 Rites of Spring Toga Party & Dance /
Corcoran, Mezzetta, Schmitz & Slattery
April 28-30 Master’s Thesis exhibit - Leslie Rousseau
703.461.0631
May 12-28 Student Art Show / organizer Linda Silk
May 9 Board Meeting (7:00 PM)
May 13 Spring Arts & Crafts Show & Sale / organizer
Rob Rudick 301.270.2323
May 16 DRA General Meeting (7:30 PM)
May 20 Del Ray House & Garden Tour
June 1 1st Thurs. Preview of Abstract Art
exhibit (6-9 PM)
June 9–July 16 Abstract Art / Juried exhibit / curator
Laurel Lukaszewski 703.837.0543
June 13 Board Meeting (7:00 PM)
July 6 1st Thurs. Choreographers Collaborative
Project performances (6-9 PM)
July 11 Board Meeting (7:00 PM)
July 24–28 Art Camp / T. Kulstad & L. Silk
August 3 1st Thurs. Preview of exhibit (6-9
PM)
August 4 -27 3 Artist show – Lukacs, Kulstad & Silk
August 8 Board Meeting (7:00 PM)
August 15 DRA Pool Party (6:00 PM), General Meeting & Pie
Baking contest
September 7 1st Thurs. Preview of Fall All Member Show
(6-9 PM)
Sept. 8–Oct. 1 Fall All Member Show
September 9-10 Alexandria Festival of the Arts
Sept. 12 Board Meeting (7:00 PM)
October 7 Art on the Avenue (10 AM-6 PM)- Dance & art
activities in the gallery
October 6-29 Bead II / Juried exhibit /Barbara Brecher
703.548.2878
October 10 Board Meeting (7:00 PM)
October 17 DRA Annual Elections & General Meeting (7:30 PM)
October 29 Halloween Parade (2 PM)
November 3–26 DR Dozen invitational photography exhibit/ curator
Rob Rudick 301.270.2323
November 14 Board Meeting (7:00 PM)
November Photography workshop
December 1-3 Fine Art & Fine Crafts Holiday Market
December 2 Holiday on the Avenue - Tree Lighting & Luminaria
Display (6:00 PM)
December 12 Board Meeting (7:00 PM)
December Cookie Swap / Ornament workshops
Whether you are a sales virgin wondering how much
to charge Aunt Suzy for that piece she commissioned, or a seasoned professional
considering an exclusivity contract with your biggest Tokyo gallery, please
comemeet Jonathan Lehman, business strategist, Saturday, February 25, 1-3 PM at
the Del Ray Artisans Gallery.
Lehman will present an overview of business issues for the artist, followed by a freewheeling Q & A session to generate ideas for future targeted mini-courses for our community of artists.
Come armed with any and all of your business questions, and get ready for a lively discussion!
Festive weekend for DRA’s Holiday Market
The Del Ray Artisans Gallery welcomed the holiday season with a fabulous weekend of creativity, art and an outpouring of support with its Holiday Fine Art & Fine Crafts Market. Artwork by the 20 selected artists included fused and stained glass, jewelry, turned wood, hand-made felt, pottery, mixed media, pastels, photography, watercolor and ornaments.
From the preview reception Friday night (featuring an array of delicious treats courtesy of the Arlington Diner, Caboose Café and Trader Joe’s-Old Town) to closing on Sunday afternoon, the gallery was bustling with guests from across the metro area looking for unique holiday gifts and goodies. Part of the nonstop flow of traffic was the result of the festive postcards and posters created by Becky Heavner which were sent out to artists’ contacts, businesses, and friends of DRA. In addition, The Alexandria Times donated advertising, The Del Ray Sun and Potomac West Business Association provided additional color ad space, and additional advertising was placed in The Hill Rag, and the City Paper. The event was also featured in numerous calendars in these and other papers including the Washington Post’s Home section.
Although
this event is not a fundraiser for DRA, it did bring in over $500, which will
help support future programs. Additionally, the bake sale, featuring treats
baked by members, was a super success, raising almost $450 in just two days for
our “Adopt-a(n)-Arts-Family” affected by Hurricane Katrina. Thanks to
everyone who shared their culinary creativity to donate to this great cause!
DRA is grateful to the many volunteers who contributed hours to help with gallery sitting and gift wrapping over the weekend. Additionally, a special thank you to the Holiday Market Committee members who worked in the preceding months to make the event a success: Laurel Lukaszewski (committee chair), Angela Calos (preview reception), Theresa Kulstad (bake sale), Kathryn Brown, Vicky Choy, Vivienne Lukacs (volunteers), Karen Schmitz, Linda Silk, Susan Slattery, and Joan Ulrich.
Final thanks came from many of the participating artists, including this from jeweler Jules Jernigan: “. . . Many thanks for your work and commitment in curating this show and ensuring its success. Many thanks also go to Susan and the Board for their ongoing support of DRA and its artists.”
Art Camp scholarship donated
The Potomac West Business Association has named an Art Camp scholarship in the name of Alice Kale. For the past three years Alice has painted watercolors depicting the Potomac West neighborhood for the association’s annual calendar which has become a "must have" in Alexandria.
To honor Alice, the Alice Kale Art Camp Scholarship will benefit a young Alexandria student by affording them the opportunity to attend our annual summer camp. Alice Kale, along with the Del Ray Artisans, will designate the child to benefit from this annual scholarship.
Life drawing open studio planned
Stay in town President's Day Weekend! On Feb. 18,
19 & 20, DRA will host drop-in
life
drawing open studio sessions at our gallery space. Organizer Joan Ulrich offers
the following: “We'll have rotating models from 10 AM-8PM all three days, so
come when you can, and get into the drawing groove!”
Members pay $8 for a 3-hour session, $16 for all day, or $40 for all three days. Come with drawing and painting supplies, a portable easel, if you have one. and creative energy. This event is BYOB, so just show up, relax, draw, enjoy! Your non-DRA member friends are welcome.
Want to volunteer to work a 3-hour shift in exchange for 3 free studio hours? Please email Joan Ulrich at ulrichclay@aol.com, or Michele Reday Cook at mredaycook@aol.com.
It's not too late to "gift" DRA
It’s not too late to make a tax deductible
donation to DRA for tax year 2005. You've seen a large increase in the numbers
and kinds of fabulous exhibits, events, special sales and just plain fun.
Remember that this organization thrives through your help. 
While it
is certainly true, and greatly appreciated, that some of our funding comes from
the Alexandria Commission for the Arts; the grant funds represent less than 20%
of our annual operation budget. The remainder of our funding comes from
new/renewal memberships, sales of cards, fundraising events and private
donations.
You may make a donation for the general operation of DRA, our Eichers
Scholarship endowment fund or for a specific show/event. Donations of cash are
greatly appreciated, but you may choose to make an in-kind donation of goods or
services also.
For specific information on the types of donations possible, contact President Susan Slattery, Fundraising director Juli Branson or Assistant Treasurer, Kathryn Brown. See DRA Home Page for their contact information.
Mentoring Alexandria’s Young Artists
In 2005, DRA began conducting “hands on” art workshops for children living at Alexandria’s Carpenter’s Shelter. Facilities chair Karen Schmitz and other DRA volunteers organized card-making activities to facilitate one of the Shelter’s fundraising projects-a collection of printed holiday cards featuring the artwork of resident children. These were for sale during the holidays. Workshops will continue in 2006, with valentine-making sessions being planned. To help make a difference in a child’s life, contact Karen to sign up today 703.317.9340 – you’ll be glad you did!
SOHO: A Space of Her Own – Volunteer artists are needed to work with an award-winning, art and mentoring program sponsored by The Art League in collaboration with the Alexandria Court Service Unit, which serves at-risk, low-income teen girls.
The girls and their female mentors attend work- shops in art and design, then work together to remodel the girls' bedrooms. A one-year commitment is required, as is a criminal background check and attendance at three mentor orientation sessions which begin this month. Contact Alice Merrill at 703. 519.1741.
Public Art Project initiative in Del Ray
The Del Ray Citizens Association is seeking proposals for public art projects in the neighborhood in order to create a durable artistic contribution to the streetscape.
There will be no entry fee. Look for a detailed design call available soon at the DRA gallery, or contact Pat Miller at pmiller1806@comcast.net.
Call
for Entries
Art in City Hall – Juried Exhibition
February 1, 2006 – July 21, 2006
The Art League and the Del Ray Artisans are partnering with the City of Alexandria, in conjunction with the Mayor’s initiative to promote the arts citywide in Alexandria, to coordinate a rotating fine art exhibit. This premiere exhibit will enhance the environment of Alexandria’s City Hall and promote the talent of local artists. The exhibit will be juried by an outside, independent expert in the arts, and will hang for six months on the second floor of City Hall, starting outside the doors of the Council Chambers.
Here is your opportunity to enter:
·
Members of The Art League and the Del Ray Artisans are invited to submit up to
three (3) original works for jurying. Non-members may join either organization
at receiving of artwork.
Entry fee: $1 per piece (up to three pieces).
·
The jurying process
will be based upon originality, quality, execution of subject matter and amount
of exhibition space.
·
All work must be ready
for display (properly framed & ready to hang).
·
Work may be for sale
or marked NFS (Not For Sale). All sales will be handled through The Art League
Gallery.
·
A 25% commission
applies to all artwork sold.
·
Artists are advised
that the exhibition space is a government office building open to all members of
the public, including children, and are asked to submit appropriate work.
·
3-D artists are asked
to contact The Art League Gallery to discuss presentation issues. ·
Artists should review
the exhibit space and note that corridors have eight-foot high ceilings.
·
Artists are required
to provide a completed and signed Loan Agreement Form upon delivery of artwork.
2006 Alexandria Art in City Hall Loan Agreement Forms are available at The Art
League Gallery, the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, Public Libraries, and the office
of Citizen Assistance in City Hall.
·
Cash awards will be
presented for The Best in Show along with two Honorable Mentions. ·
Permission to
photograph any artwork for publicity purposes is considered granted unless
otherwise stated in writing.
·
The Art League and the
Del Ray Artisans are not liable for any theft or damage to submitted artwork.
·
Please call The Art
League gallery at 703-683-1780, or Del Ray Artisans at 703-838-4827 with
questions.
Entries accepted at:
Alexandria City Hall, 2nd floor
(301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, enter though the Cameron St. entrance)
Receiving: Saturday, January 28, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Pick up of unselected work: Sunday, January 29, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm (may call The
Art League starting at 12:00)
Opening Reception: Tuesday,
February 28, 6:00 – 7:00 pm, immediately preceding City Council meeting.
Exhibition Dates: February 1 – July 21, 2006
Exhibition Hours: (8:00 am – 5:00 pm, M-F)
Pick Up of Artwork at end of show: Saturday, July 22 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Del Ray Artisans, www.thedelrayartisans.org, is a community art organization featuring monthly visual and functional arts exhibits, artist receptions, and special arts events at their gallery in the Colasanto Center at 2704 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Alexandria.
The Art League is a private non-profit membership organization, which provides continuous opportunity for artists to have their work judged by professional metropolitan area teachers, curators, critics and gallery owners in monthly shows. There are approximately 14-juried shows per year.
Artists are responsible for transport and removal of work(s) to and from City Hall. No work may be removed for the duration of the show. Artists are required to pick up work at the times stated. Handling and storage fees will be assessed for any artwork not removed as required.
Visual & Performing Arts Teachers Wanted
Opportunities are available with the City of Alexandria for qualified instructors of Music, Theatre, Dance, and Visual Art. Sessions cover a max 4-10 weeks and may cover four quarters. Instructors will be self-employed contractors and not City of Alexandria employees.
Submit letters of interest and qualification statements to: harold.little@alexandriava.gov or mail to:
Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center
1605 Cameron Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
And as a follow-up to the mailing you should have received from our credit union, CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union, Suzanne Waltmeyer will be happy to answer your questions. Please call her at 703.236.7635.
Membership in DRA is a great deal! Not only do you get to meet Del Ray's coolest people, but we bring you real benefits that no other arts organization can/does offer. If your membership has expired or you are reading this free copy of the Well Crafted Word, please drop a check in the mail to renew your membership or join the fun.