Pop-Up Events, Restaurant Specials Set For Art On The Avenue

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Art on the Avenue will be held virtually in 2020, but there are some pop-up activities and specials to enjoy. This is the 25th year the popular Del Ray festival will be held, albeit in a different format.

Instead of a single-day event, the virtual Art on the Avenue launches on Oct. 3 and continues through Dec. 25. Nearly 200 artists will be featured in the virtual show. Their art covers a wide range of mediums: wheel-thrown vases and bowls, tiles, sculpture, tote bags and purses, drawings and pastels, knitted and crocheted hats and gloves, woven scarves and shawls, gourmet food, fused and blown glass, jewelry, paintings, photography and more.

Aside from the virtual show, there will be a Kids Art Corner, food specials and music. Families can pick up a kids art project from the Art on the Avenue tent every Saturday at the Del Ray Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. while supplies last. This week, the project is a free pumpkin to decorate. Families can post a photo of their child's creation on social media with the tag #myartontheavenue for a chance to win prizes.

The tradition of the Irish Breakfast Band kicking off Art on the Avenue every year will carry on. The band will perform in the Anne Welsh Salon yard (2100 Mt Vernon Avenue) from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m, on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Numerous restaurants will offer festival specials. One highlight is Rosemarino D'Italia's popular lumpia and tiramisu. The lumpia is usually only available for Art on the Avenue and sells out. Check back on the Art on the Avenue website as new specials are added.

For more information, visit artontheavenue.org.