Del Ray Artisans

Drop-in and practice figure drawing on two select Tuesday* evenings each month. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery to draw or paint our nude model. *Most sessions are on Tuesday evenings, but in 2025 there will be a session on Thursday, November 13 and a few costumed sessions on Thursday evenings in October.
Traditional drawing media (such as pencils, pens, and charcoal) are welcome; and pastels, watercolor and ink are permissible. Please do not bring acrylics or oil paints. We don’t supply easels – only plenty of chairs – but you are welcome to bring your own easel if you want to use one. All skill levels are welcome.
The first part of this session will be focused on gesture poses (dynamic 1-5 minute poses) to loosen up and participate in a fun, fast-paced drawing experience. The second hour will be a few short poses for more detailed drawings leading up to up to two 20-minute poses.
Fee for each session is $8 for Del Ray Artisans members and $10 for non-members. If you have any questions or would like to participate as a model for our sessions, please contact Brando Gould at <a href="mailto:LifeDrawing@DelRayArtisans.org" rel="nofollow">LifeDrawing@DelRayArtisans.org</a>.
View artwork from past <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dralifedraw/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">DRA Figure Drawing Sessions on Instagram</a>! Tag #dralifedraw or @dralifedraw for your work to be featured.
<a href="https://figure-drawing-2025.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Register Now</a> | <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/programs/life-drawing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View Upcoming Sessions</a>
 Artwork credit: “To The Beat” by Katherine Rand

Local Event:  Figure Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session - 7-9 PM

Del Ray

Virginia

 Figure Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses...

Tuesday January 7, 2025: Drop-in and practice figure drawing on two select Tuesday* evenings each month. Bring your supplies and join us at...

 Figure Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session - 7-9 PM

Save the date for Open Mic: Amateur Stand-Up Comedy Night on Friday, January 10, 8-10pm.
Enjoy the fun puns and show your appreciation for the laughs by adding a few dollars to the donation jar. All proceeds support Del Ray Artisans nonprofit. Come on your own or with friends to this entertaining drop-in event. Mark your calendar or <a href="https://open-mic-at-del-ray-artisans.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">set a reminder via Eventbrite</a>.
 Performers: Overcome stage fright and get feedback on your worst puns!
Sign up for Open Mic night and show off your comedy chops in a gallery filled with goofy artwork and funny people. To participate, <a href="https://open-mic-sign-up.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">sign up for a two-minute slot</a> and prep your best material. At Open Mic, you’ll take the ‘stage’ and unleash your comedy on a supportive audience.
NOTE: You will be scheduled for a 2-minutes spot within a half-hour time period. Select which half-hour time period you prefer. If you have any questions, contact Erica Hughes at <a href="mailto:zarathustraspeaks@msn.com">zarathustraspeaks@msn.com</a>.
<a href="https://open-mic-sign-up.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sign Up to Perform</a>
 This workshop is held in conjunction with the <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/event/visual-humor/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visual Humor art exhibit</a>.

Local Event: Open Mic: Amateur Stand-Up Comedy Night 8-10 PM

Open Mic: Amateur Stand-Up Comedy Night 8-10 PM

Friday January 10, 2025: Save the date for Open Mic: Amateur Stand-Up Comedy Night on Friday, January 10, 8-10pm.
Enjoy the fun puns and show...

Book: “Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism” by Sebastian Smee Facilitator: Marshall Carolus Meeting Date: Saturday, January 11, 10am-12pm (Drop-in, <a href="https://book-club-jan-2025.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">set a reminder in Eventbrite</a>)
<blockquote>“The Pulitzer Prize–winning art critic’s gripping account of the “Terrible Year” in Paris and its monumental impact on the rise of Impressionism. From the summer of 1870 to the spring of 1871, famously dubbed the “Terrible Year” by Victor Hugo, Paris and its people were besieged, starved, and forced into surrender by Germans―then imperiled again as radical republicans established a breakaway Commune, ultimately crushed by the French Army after bloody street battles and the burning of central Paris. As renowned art critic Sebastian Smee shows, it was against the backdrop of these tumultuous times that the Impressionist movement was born―in response to violence, civil war, and political intrigue. In stirring and exceptionally vivid prose, Smee tells the story of those dramatic days through the eyes of great figures of Impressionism. Édouard Manet, Berthe Morisot, and Edgar Degas were trapped in Paris during the siege and deeply enmeshed in its politics. Others, including Pierre-August Renoir and Frédéric Bazille, joined regiments outside of the capital, while Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro fled the country just in time. In the aftermath, these artists developed a newfound sense of the fragility of life. That feeling for transience―reflected in Impressionism’s emphasis on fugitive light, shifting seasons, glimpsed street scenes, and the impermanence of all things―became the movement’s great contribution to the history of art.” —W. W. Norton &amp; Company, Publisher</blockquote>
The <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/programs/book-club/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Book Club</a> meets on select Saturday mornings to discuss readings by a variety of authors. The club is free and open to all who are interested in keeping their creative muse flowing and connecting with other creative people. Future book selections will be announced on this website and in the <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/news/weekly/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Weekly eNews email</a> in advance.
If you have questions, please contact Marshall Carolus at <a href="mailto:marshallcarolus@aol.com">marshallcarolus@aol.com</a>.
.

Local Event: Creative Book Club – “Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism” by Sebastian Smee

Creative Book Club – “Paris in Ruins: Love,...

Saturday January 11, 2025: Book: “Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism” by Sebastian SmeeFacilitator: Marshall...

Creative Book Club – “Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism” by Sebastian Smee

Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets the second Sunday of most months at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray. (Del Ray Urban Sketchers does not meet in July, August, and December.)
Urban sketchbooking emphasizes storytelling that conveys a sense of place or a moment in time through drawings completed from direct observations.
Bring your supplies and join us outside at the cafe to produce still life, figure, or architecture subjects in your sketchbook. Participants will spend some time putting their skills into practice and then reconvene for a review of finished works.
This program is FREE! <a href="https://delrayartisans.square.site/product/donation-to-del-ray-artisans/20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Donations</a> appreciated. Meet outside at <a href="https://www.stelmoscoffeepub.com/del-ray" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub</a> (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301). Contact the organizer, Joan Bickelhaupt (<a href="mailto:joanbickelhaupt@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">joanbickelhaupt@gmail.com</a>), with any questions.
<a href="https://urban-sketchers-2025.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">RSVP via Eventbrite</a> | <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/programs/sketchers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View Upcoming Dates</a>
 Photo courtesy of Joan Bickelhaupt

Local Event: Del Ray Urban Sketchers Sun January 12 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST FREE, donations appreciated

Del Ray Urban Sketchers Sun January 12 @ 1:00...

Sunday January 12, 2025: Del Ray Urban Sketchers operates on a drop-in basis and meets the second Sunday of most months at St. Elmo’s Coffee...

Del Ray Urban Sketchers Sun January 12 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST FREE, donations appreciated

<h2>Sun January 12 @ 11:59 pm EST</h2>
<h2>Call for Entry ~ Open to area artists MeWOW: Fabulous Felines Exhibit Dates: February 7 – March 1, 2025</h2>
<h2>Digital entry deadline: Sunday, January 12, 2025 by midnight</h2>

Let your creative cat “out of the bag” for this “paw-some” exhibit! Marvel at the power and fascination of cat imagery in art. These furry, mysterious, independent, beautiful felines have inundated history, mythology, literature, advertising, cinema, pop culture and pet owners for centuries. Artists are encouraged to submit inspirational artworks in any and all mediums.
The exhibit is open to all area artists. Del Ray Artisans members pay a discounted entry fee.
<a href="https://form.jotform.com/243387659453167" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entry Details &amp; Form</a>

Local Event: “MeWOW: Fabulous Felines” Call for Entry Deadline - January 12 @ 11:59 pm EST

“MeWOW: Fabulous Felines” Call for Entry...

Sunday January 12, 2025: Sun January 12 @ 11:59 pm EST
Call for Entry ~ Open to area artistsMeWOW: Fabulous FelinesExhibit Dates: February 7 –...

“MeWOW: Fabulous Felines” Call for Entry Deadline - January 12 @ 11:59 pm EST

Instructor: Dawn Zurell, <a href="mailto:dmzurell@gmail.com">dmzurell@gmail.com</a> Date/Time: Mondays, January 13 and 20, 6:30-8:30pm Cost: $70 Del Ray Artisans member / $80 Non-member; plus students must bring supplies Class size: 2-6 participants (Register by January 9)
This advanced beginner class is great for those who are relatively new to knitting and want to try amigurumi techniques. It is spread out over two weeks (two 2-hour classes), so you will have time to practice the techniques learned in-between sessions. This format will set you up for success and give you the skills needed to continue with future amigurumi projects. You will also complete an adorable clownfish stuffed toy! This class is for anyone aged 13+ years.
Skills needed for this class:
<ul><li>Knit and purl stitches</li><li>Long tail cast-on</li></ul>
The specific skills taught in this class are:
<ul><li>German short rows</li><li>Increasing and decreasing</li><li>Basic sewing skills</li></ul>
Materials you will need to bring to your first class:
<ul><li>US2(2.75mm)knitting needles (straight, circular, or double pointed)</li><li>Yarn type: DK weight cotton or cotton/acrylic yarn (see suggested yarns below)</li><li>White yarn (50yd/46m)</li><li>Orange yarn (100yd/91m)</li><li>Black yarn (50yd/46m)</li><li>Tapestry needle</li><li>Locking stitch markers</li><li>Purchased pattern at <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nemo-the-clown-fish" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nemo-the-clown-fish</a></li><li>(Fiberfill for stuffing will be provided)</li></ul>
No other preparation is needed.
Suggestions for yarn:
<ul><li>KnitPicks Animation DK Weight Cotton</li><li>Friends Cotton 8/8 Light Worsted/DK</li><li>Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8 Light Worsted/DK</li><li>LionBrand 24/7 DK 273yds Light Weight Cotton Yarn</li><li>CascadeUltra Pima</li><li>Schachenmayr Catania Sport 100% Mercerized Cotton</li><li>Paintbox Yarns Simply DK</li><li>Premier Basix DK</li></ul>
This workshop is held in conjunction with the <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/event/visual-humor/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visual Humor art exhibit</a>.
<a href="https://knit-amigurumi-workshop.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Register Now</a>
 Artwork credit: Nemo the Clown Fish by Nicola Riley; <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nemo-the-clown-fish" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Purchase Pattern</a>
View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility and <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/workshops/#policies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">policies</a> on the <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/workshops/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Upcoming Workshops</a> page.
 Add to calendar

Local Event: Knit Amigurumi Workshop (Two 2-hour classes)

Knit Amigurumi Workshop (Two 2-hour classes)

Monday January 13, 2025: Instructor: Dawn Zurell, dmzurell@gmail.comDate/Time: Mondays, January 13 and 20, 6:30-8:30pmCost: $70 Del Ray...

Instructor: Dawn Zurell, <a href="mailto:dmzurell@gmail.com">dmzurell@gmail.com</a> Date/Time: Wednesdays, January 15 and 22, 6:30-8:30pm Cost: $70 Del Ray Artisans member / $80 Non-member; plus students must bring supplies Class size: 2-6 participants (Register by January 11)
This advanced beginner class is great for those who are relatively new to crochet and want to try amigurumi techniques. It is spread out over two weeks (two 2-hour classes), so you will have time to practice the techniques learned in-between sessions. This format will set you up for success and give you the skills needed to continue with future amigurumi projects. You will also complete an adorable clownfish stuffed toy! This class is for anyone aged 13+ years.
Skills needed for this class:
<ul><li>Foundation chain//chain stitches</li><li>Single crochet</li><li>Slip stitches</li><li>Crochet into back side of the chain</li></ul>
The specific skills taught in this class are:
<ul><li>Magic ring</li><li>Increasing and decreasing</li><li>Basic sewing skills</li><li>Basic embroidery skills</li></ul>
Materials you will need to bring to your first class:
<ul><li>Crochet hook, size G (6) / 4.0mm</li><li>Yarn type: DK weight cotton or cotton/acrylic yarn (see suggested yarns below)</li><li>White yarn (143yd/130m)</li><li>Orange yarn (310yd/290m)</li><li>Black yarn (22yd/20m)</li><li>Dark orange yarn (11yd/10m)</li><li>Tapestry needle</li><li>Locking stitch markers</li><li>Purchased pattern at <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/clown-fish-amigurumi-2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/clown-fish-amigurumi-2</a></li><li>(Fiberfill for stuffing will be provided)</li></ul>
No other preparation is needed.
Suggestions for yarn:
<ul><li>KnitPicks Animation DK Weight Cotton</li><li>Friends Cotton 8/8 Light Worsted/DK</li><li>Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8 Light Worsted/DK</li><li>LionBrand 24/7 DK 273yds Light Weight Cotton Yarn</li><li>CascadeUltra Pima</li><li>Schachenmayr Catania Sport 100% Mercerized Cotton</li><li>Paintbox Yarns Simply DK</li><li>Premier Basix DK</li></ul>
This workshop is held in conjunction with the <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/event/visual-humor/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visual Humor art exhibit</a>.
<a href="https://crochet-amigurumi-workshop.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Register Now</a>
 Artwork credit: Clown Fish Amigurumi by Joyce Overheul; <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/clown-fish-amigurumi-2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Purchase Pattern</a>
View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility and <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/workshops/#policies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">policies</a> on the <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/workshops/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Upcoming Workshops</a> page.
 Add to calendar <h2>Details</h2>
Date:<abbr>Wed January 15</abbr>Time:6:30 pm - 8:30 pm ESTCost:$70 – $80Event Categories:<a href="https://delrayartisans.org/calendar/category/program/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Program</a>, <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/calendar/category/program/workshop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Workshop</a>Website:<a href="https://crochet-amigurumi-workshop.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://crochet-amigurumi-workshop.eventbrite.com</a>

Local Event: Crochet Amigurumi Workshop (Two 2-hour classes)

Crochet Amigurumi Workshop (Two 2-hour classes)

Wednesday January 15, 2025: Instructor: Dawn Zurell, dmzurell@gmail.comDate/Time: Wednesdays, January 15 and 22, 6:30-8:30pmCost: $70 Del Ray...

Instructor: Suzan Ok Shumate Date/Time: Saturday, January 18, 9am-12pm Cost: $35 Del Ray Artisans member / $45 Non-member; plus a $10 Supply Fee Class size: 4-10 participants (Register by midnight on January 15)
Get ready to laugh and lather as you create your own humorous soaps (winking owls, poop emojis, wacky animals, and more). Learn about melt-and-pour techniques using a moisturizing shea butter base, premium fragrance oils, and fun, skin-safe colorants. Bright colors, fun scents, and a dash of whimsy will bring your designs to life. While soaps harden, decorate a gift box to take your creations home with you at the end of this workshop.
This workshop is held in conjunction with the <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/event/visual-humor/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visual Humor art exhibit</a>.
<a href="https://silly-suds.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Register Now</a>
View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility, and <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/workshops/#policies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">policies</a> on the <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/workshops/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Upcoming Workshops</a> page.
 Add to calendar

Local Event: Silly Suds: Humorous Soapmaking Workshop (Register by 1/15)

Silly Suds: Humorous Soapmaking Workshop...

Saturday January 18, 2025: Instructor: Suzan Ok ShumateDate/Time: Saturday, January 18, 9am-12pmCost: $35 Del Ray Artisans member / $45...

Silly Suds: Humorous Soapmaking Workshop (Register by 1/15)

Instructor: Amy Castine Date/Time: Sunday, January 19, 6-9pm Cost: $50 Del Ray Artisans member / $60 Non-member; plus $15 Supply Fee Class size: 4-8 participants (Register by midnight on January 16)
Create a fun piece of wearable bead art! While bead embroidery may look complicated, it doesn’t have to be. In this class, you will learn beginning bead embroidery stitches as you create your own flying pig pin/pendant. Plus, the skills you learn can be combined and added to all sorts of fiber arts, giving you a solid foundation to expand your creativity.
This workshop is held in conjunction with the <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/event/visual-humor/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visual Humor art exhibit</a>.
<a href="https://when-pigs-fly.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Register Now</a>
View other upcoming workshops, information about the facility, and <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/workshops/#policies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">policies</a> on the <a href="https://delrayartisans.org/workshops/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Upcoming Workshops</a> page.
 Add to calendar

Local Event: Beaded Flying Pig Workshop - Register by January 16, 2025

Beaded Flying Pig Workshop - Register by...

Sunday January 19, 2025: Instructor: Amy CastineDate/Time: Sunday, January 19, 6-9pmCost: $50 Del Ray Artisans member / $60 Non-member; plus...

Beaded Flying Pig Workshop - Register by January 16, 2025

Local artists let their creative cat out of the bag in a diverse array of mediums for the purr-fectly paw-some MeWOW: Fabulous Felines exhibit at Del Ray Artisans gallery. Come see artwork celebrating the slinky beauty and mysterious world of cats. Join us for the opening reception on Friday, February 7 between 7-9pm to meet the curators Karen Schmitz and Dan Witmeyer. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite at <a href="https://mewow.eventbrite.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">mewow.eventbrite.com</a>.

Local Event: MeWOW: Fabulous Felines Art Exhibit Opening Reception at Del Ray Artisans

MeWOW: Fabulous Felines Art Exhibit Opening...

Friday February 7, 2025: Local artists let their creative cat out of the bag in a diverse array of mediums for the purr-fectly paw-some MeWOW:...

MeWOW: Fabulous Felines Art Exhibit Opening Reception at Del Ray Artisans

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<a href="https://seniorsplaces.com/blogs/villages-volunteer-system-washington-dc" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A Lifeline for Aging in Place and Support in Senior Communities: The Villages System in Washington, D.C. and Around the U.S.</a>
<a href="https://seniorsplaces.com/blogs/villages-volunteer-system-washington-dc" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">As the population of older adults continues to grow, communities are increasingly searching for innovative ways to support the aging population... read more</a>
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Events and Things to Do in Del Ray, VA

Tuesday, January 7

Local Event

Figure Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session - 7-9 PM

Friday, January 10

Local Event

Open Mic: Amateur Stand-Up Comedy Night 8-10 PM

Saturday, January 11

Local Event

Creative Book Club – “Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism” by Sebastian Smee

Sunday, January 12

Local Event

Del Ray Urban Sketchers Sun January 12 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST FREE, donations appreciated

Local Event

“MeWOW: Fabulous Felines” Call for Entry Deadline - January 12 @ 11:59 pm EST

Monday, January 13

Local Event

Knit Amigurumi Workshop (Two 2-hour classes)

Wednesday, January 15

Local Event

Crochet Amigurumi Workshop (Two 2-hour classes)

Saturday, January 18

Local Event

Silly Suds: Humorous Soapmaking Workshop (Register by 1/15)

Sunday, January 19

Local Event

Beaded Flying Pig Workshop - Register by January 16, 2025

Friday, February 7

Local Event

MeWOW: Fabulous Felines Art Exhibit Opening Reception at Del Ray Artisans

That’s all!

Villages Volunteer System: Building Community in Washington, DC area