June 2006  VOLUME 14 ISSUE 6

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In this issue:

A summer to remember
Let's go holoholo (out for fun) ~June First Thursday!
Multi-cultural Art Camp-kids 9-15 years old
Abstract This! show
DRA sparkles on Del Ray House and Garden tour
Thank you Mr. Mayor (signed) the kids from Art Camp
Diva-licious donation to Art Camp
Summer Life drawing sessions-Open Studios
You're an artist, why think about taxes?Volunteers and Scholarships for Summer Fun
2006-07 Calendar of Events
Looking for a few good photographers
Alex Award Call to Artists
Opportunities for artists
Member news
Public Art Project Initiative in Del Ray
Visual & Performing Arts Teachers Wanted
Member benefits

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DEL RAY ARTISANS NEWS since 1992

Contributors this month include: Joan Ulrich, Rob Rudick, Vivienne Lukacs, Jordan Wright, Marlin Lord, Karen Schmitz, Susan Slattery and Dave Nicholson.

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-20^th of month preceding e.g. (6/20 for July)
email to:  NEWSLETTER EDITOR

Web Curator:   Roy Wright
Email Suggestions and Comments

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WCW ARCHIVES
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
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
 

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A summer to remember 

If you have not been looking too closely at the DRA calendar, you are in for an icy-hot summer treat. Over the next 60 days, DRA is offering a rich basket of art-related goodies. 

For starters, we've got four new Open Studio life drawing sessions. Next, a first for DRA, an all-abstract art show - ABSTRACT THIS!  See further down this page for details. This show is a juried event, so expect a significant showing of works by talented artists. Adding to the summery goodness, is Art Camp, an annual favorite. Please note in the newsletter the contributions from Mayor Bill Euille and the Divas of Decoupage. 

Another first, is a seminar on taxes for the artist conducted by two tax professionals.  As part of your membership, this seminar is free. You know you should attend, right? So it's a summer to remember and celebrate all the happenings. Join us ?

Let's go holoholo (out for fun)
~June First Thursday!

 “. . . Oh we're going to a Hukilau; A huki huki huki huki Hukilau ....”  In keeping with Del Ray’s June First Thursday Luau theme, visit the DRA gallery June 1^st , for Hawaiian dancing presented by the talented dancers of the Choreographers Collaborative Project. Two showtimes of 6:45 and 7:45 PM (FREE) will give all the kânes and wahines along The Avenue a chance to watch the professionals and then learn some dance steps of their own! It’s hands-on, audience participation FUN. Mai hilahila (Don't be shy)! All ages are welcome. First Thursday in Del Ray takes place from 6-9 PM May through September. Visit www.pwba.org

Multi-cultural Art Camp-kids 9-15 years old

The WOW factor will be big for the 2006 DRA Art Camp to be held July 24-28. This exciting program will include the following projects: 

   Colors of the Caribbean Monotypes-K. Schmitz
   Express Yourself Pillows-Cheryl Vandermolen
   Aboriginal Floorcloths-Susan Slattery
   Pre-Columbian Jewelry & Beading-E. Sanabria
   Exotic Mermaids-Toni Warren
   Playing with Paints-Dianna Diatz
   Folkloric Mexican Painting-David Amoroso
   Building a Dream-Charlotte Corcoran
   Percussion Workshop-Tom Teasley 

Enroll your Art Camper today! Download a copy of  the Camp brochure / application on-line

Abstract This! show

"The goal of abstract art is to communicate the intangible, that which eludes the photograph and normal seeing." Curtis Verdun (Louisiana artist) 

The Del Ray Artisans will have its FIRST all-abstract show with an extra long exhibit time from June 9-July 16 appropriately entitled ABSTRACT THIS! 

This will be a FIRST curatorial experience for curator Jamee Telford, a new DRA member, recent graduate (May 2006!) of George Washington University (Master's in Museum Studies) and a brand-new resident of Del Ray! ABSTRACT THIS! will be juried by Stuart Greenwell, former founder and editor of Articulate magazine, writer, graphics artist and contemporary, abstract painter and arts advocate. 

There will be an opening reception on Friday, June 9 (7-10 PM). A July First Thursday event is also planned for July 6 (6-9 PM). For further information, contact curator: Jamee Telford  202.337.0373 or email wrecker17@yahoo.com.

DRA sparkles on Del Ray House and Garden tour

The DRA grounds and gallery were invited to participate in this year's Del Ray House and Garden Tour.  We were proud to show off our gardens and the more-than-five-years of planning and execution it took to get here.  In 2003, in a city-wide ceremony presided over by Mayor Bill Euille, DRA was honored with the Beautification Award for “Public Space Garden.”  

Continued hard work by volunteers culminated with this year’s invitation to participate in the Tour. Dedicated volunteers weeded, planted and tended the gardens so that all can enjoy this oasis. Many donated prized plants from their own gardens. 

Flowers and shrubs are blazing with color this retreat in the evenings during gallery openings year.  Our patio area has become a favorite retreat at gallery openings and a destination spot for local families during the week.  A new ceramic birdbath has been receiving regular avian attendance.  

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to those who created this charming retreat and to our new volunteers who are committed to enhancing and maintaining it.   

Chapeau doffs to: Jane DeWeerd, Committee Chair, Jordan and Roy Wright, Charlotte Landis, Becky Heavener and Bryan Leister, Ellyn Ferguson, Tim Bugansky, Dale May, Barbara Robinson, Margaret Holubar, Nicole Basso, and Alice Eichers.

Thanks to all who lent a dirt-encrusted hand!

Thank you Mr. Mayor (signed)
 the kids from Art Camp

We have received word that newly re-elected Mayor Bill Euille will be making a generous donation to support a student's attendance at DRA's 2006 Art Camp.

This is just one more way that DRA and you, our members and supporters, are giving back to the community.

Diva-licious donation to Art Camp

Because several of their members have enjoyed teaching and helping with Art Camp in the past, the Divas of Decoupage have donated $500 to Art Camp 2006. 

Their donation will pay for two scholarships enabling two artistically-minded young people to enjoy the Del Ray Artisans’ Art Camp experience this year.

If you are interested in learning more about decoupage, the Divas meet monthly (Saturday morning) at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center. 

For more information, contact Vivienne Lukacs at 703.979.8996 or at viv703@msn.com.  Many thanks to the Divas for their generosity!

Summer Life drawing sessions-
Open Studios

Following the popular life drawing Spring sessions, we've added another set of Open Studio nights for the summer. Remember, members receive a discount on the models' fees. Just another perk of membership! 

These Open Studio sessions will be drop-in   long and short poses. All skill levels are welcome.
Dates are: June 14, June 28, July 12, July 26  with a possible August session. Please join our friendly group from 7:00-10:00 PM, $8 for DRA members, $10 non-members. Questions?  Contact Joan Ulrich via email at: ulrichclay@aol.com

You're an artist, why think about taxes?

DRA will introduce two tax pros, Dick White, CPA and Pasha Veres, EA, who have teamed up to help our members face issues that relate to good business practices, recordkeeping, and that *%!#@# Schedule C!

Please join us Sunday, June 25 when Dick and Pasha will speak at the gallery from 1– 2:30 PM. They will discuss all things scary about being in business as an artist, and put your mind at ease.  They will stay after the program to take questions.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to get clear on taxes!  This event will be free to DRA members, $20 fee to non-members. To see CVs of our presenters, click here.

Volunteers and Scholarships for Summer Fun

The Art camp team is looking for scholarships for kids and daytime volunteers to assist teachers and help with a healthy lunch and SWIM time. This is a terrific opportunity for DRA members and teens to fulfill volunteer hours while having creative fun with a future generation of artists! Contact: Linda Silk 703.838.4827 /lmsilk@worldnet.att.net or Karen Schmitz  703.317.9340 schmityk@yahoo.com

2006-07 Calendar of Events

The curators for the annual Del Ray Dozen Invitational Photography Show have some slots to fill for this year's November show. They will be reviewing photographers' portfolios at the gallery on Thursday, June 29, starting at 7:00 PM.

Any DRA member who did not participate in the 2005 show, can apply.  (Many participants from last year's show will be returning.)  Please contact Rob Rudick 301.270.2323  or email robrudick@yahoo.com to schedule an appointment. 

The Alexandria Commission for the Arts announces a Call to Artists for creation of the 2006 Alex Awards. Postmark deadline for submission: June 5, 2006. The Alex Awards recognizes individuals, organizations, schools and businesses who have made exceptional contributions to the cultural life in the City of Alexandria. 

Artist(s) must work or live in the City of Alexandria. After the 2006 Alex Awards, the selected artist(s) will have a 30 day gallery showing of the artwork as part of an exhibition for the 2006 Alex Awards at the Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St, Alexandria. Compensation is $500 per selected work.

Opportunities for artists

Saturday, June 10 - Arts in the Alley, Purcellville, VA (10-5 pm); $25 fee for judging 3 works-digital photos only. Questions: artists@artsinthealley.org   

Member news

DRA member Sue Murray is exhibiting her photography at The Charles Sumner School, Museum and Archives, 1201 17th St., NW, Washington, DC from January 12 - June 23. Contact Sue for more details at dsm514@yahoo.com.

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.

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     

Member benefits

And as a follow-up to new members you should received information packet 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.