Creative Summer Programs at Del Ray Artisans

Find your muse this summer! Del Ray Artisans’ Creative Summer Programs is a series of workshops, talks, and events exploring the arts from June 1 through August 31, 2021. Sign up for the programs that inspire you and make your own “stay-cation” art experience with online or in-person learning.

Register now for the June events—and check back throughout the summer because more will be added in the next two months. Programs are offered for all skill levels and experience and for all ages. Learn techniques in painting, sculpture, collage, mixed media, sketching, and more from local artists. Play with resin; paint dewy leaves with watercolor; crochet a potholder, headband, or fingerless gloves; learn how to draw the human figure; and more. Register for the 7-week program that delves into your creative consciousness and embraces creativity. Come to our unique outdoor event to paint or sketch (or just meet) live animal models: African pixie frog, blue tongue skink, Gila monster, and three snakes (rat, timber, and western hognose).

Explore workshops for your child: some events work well for all ages and some (such as Summer Art Camp) are for kids only. Older children may appreciate learning detailed watercolor techniques, while ages 8 and up can tessellate (drawing patterns of repeated shapes that fit together closely without gaps or overlapping). There’s also a workshop specifically for parents and children to collage shadow boxes using upcycled materials together.

There are FREE programs! Join us for free online talks on salamanders and turtles offered by the Virginia Herpetological Society in conjunction with Del Ray Artisans’ The Naked and the Newt art exhibit. Meet at a neighborhood cafe for our free Urban Sketchbooking program and draw from direct observations, then reconvene with the group for a review of finished works. Swap handcrafted, artful cards with other artists for some sunshine in your mailbox.Del Ray Artisans’ Creative Summer Programs runs from June 1 through August 31, 2021. Take this opportunity to learn something new and enjoy the experience solo or with friends. Some workshops fill up fast, and registration will end 3-7 days before the workshop, so register now at the gallery or online at DelRayArtisans.org/programs/creative-summer/

Unless otherwise noted, workshops are held at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. The gallery is an accessible facility. For in-person events, please wear a face mask. Del Ray Artisans has taken the ALX Promise pledge and is committed to the health and safety of all participants.

For more information, visit DelRayArtisans.org/programs/creative-summer/ or email Erica Hughes, Programs Director, at Programs@DelRayArtisans.org.