Items Tagged Arts & Culture

On June 8th the city of Alexandria is hosting it's annual Youth Arts Festival on the grounds of George Washington Middle School located at 1005 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22314.

MORE UPDATES: By popular demand, Old Town Theater will have another screening on June 5th so grab your tickets now before they're sold out again! 

UPDATE: We did it! We got 100 tickets in practically no time. Thanks for your help in getting this inspiring movie screened! 

The Alexandria chapter of Dining for Women wants to show the amazing documentary Girl Rising at their newly-renovated Old Town theater on Wednesday May 29, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - and they can do it only if they get 100 seats reserved by May 17.

Help make this happen by getting your tickets now!

Your mom is classy, so take her some place to feed your intellectual curiosity this Day of the Mother. Many Old Town museums are opening their doors for free tours and events to celebrate moms. 

Treat your mother, grandmother or special woman in your life to an elegant afternoon tea at historic Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria. Relax in the beautiful setting of our Magnolia Terrace and enjoy period classical music. Experience personalized tableside service and scrumptious food for a day she won’t soon forget.

Carlyle House is pleased to offer free tours on Mother’s Day for all mothers and grandmothers! Treat these special women to a free tour of one of the oldest homes in Alexandria. Tour times are 12 - 4 p.m. Tours begin on the hour and half hour. Cost $5 for other adults and $3 for children (ages 5-12). Carlyle House is located at 121 N. Fairfax St. in Alexandria, VA.

The Apothecary is pleased to offer free tours on Mother’s Day for all mothers and grandmothers! Treat the woman who took care of you to a tour of the Apothecary, which took care of Alexandrians with its medicinal herbs and botanicals! See the outstanding collection of apothecary bottles and equipment, many still in their original location. Tour times are 1 - 5 p.m.

Please join the Del Ray Business Association for the first of the “First Thursdays” on The Avenue here in our hometown of Del Ray. This year’s theme for May is “Health & Wellness” which is sponsored by the neighboring health & wellness centers throughout Del Ray. 

American music played by jazz ensembles and orchestras performing in a variety of jazz styles. Annual festival commemorating Memorial Day featuring performances by various jazz groups. Food and beverage sales.

The ASO rounds out its 2012-2013 Season with Stravinsky’s enchanting Rite of Spring and Rimsky-Korsakov’s spellbinding Scheherazade.

Sadly, Spring2ACTion is officially over. But today, we get to celebrate the results and the amazing generousity of our community. With your help, we raised $659,591 from 5,872 givers in just 24 hours! Thank you, thank you, thank you! None of this would be possible without YOU!  

The National Symphony Orchestra will share the stage with the John Adams Elementary School Orff Ensemble under the direction of Wes McCune. The concert is sponsored by the Alexandria Kiwanis Club to benefit Alexandria community organizations, including Alexandria City Public Schools.

Admission: $15 adults, $5 children, $25 family pass

Elizabeth Pitcairn makes her Alexandria Symphony Orchestra debut in partnership with the mysterious Red Violin! She joins the ASO on Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1, with the concert also featuring Tchaikovsky’s lively Symphony No. 6.

Youth $5, Students $10, Adults starting at $40 (Senior and Group Discounts available)

By Jeff Sypeck

How does an artist get into the Torpedo Factory? Artists who dream of having a studio here often assume the process must be baffling; in fact, it's surprisingly straightforward.

On Monday, March 18, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., aspiring Torpedo Factory artists will flock to the third-floor landing, bringing with them five original works (and cardboard to protect each work), a CD with 10 to 20 additional images, and an application that includes an artist statement and information about their process. They'll be assigned ID numbers to ensure anonymity—no résumés allowed—and they'll need to follow other criteria outlined in the official application: only one-third of the CD images may show work that’s more than two years old, for example—and please, no wet paint.

In relating the story of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and John Wilkes Booth’s escape, flight, and death, scholar Terry Alford will introduce fresh details and insights about the most consequential murder of the 19th century. Did Lincoln know Booth, and what did he think of him? Did Booth regret his actions?

Become a Mentor and Change Two LivesSOHO is an creative mentorship program that serves pre-teen girls by providing yearlong mentoring through engagement in life skills instruction, creative art activities and meaningful community service projects.

Happy Second Anniversary to You!

We're celebrating our second anniversary this month and it's

Originally posted Friday, December 28, 2012

Jeff Sypeck, TFAA Writer

Dr. Peter Matic, Head of the Multifunctional Materials Branch at the Naval Research Laboratory, shares how visualization and simulatin of stress fields and fluid flows have shaped modern structural integrity while redefining the way we "see" in a data-rich world.

The City is writing up their first Alexandria Youth Master Plan - a road map that ensures all youth from 0 to 21 thrive! 

Be part of the process at any one of the planned community dialogues in February. We want as much input from the community as poosible, so there are three dates that you can come to participate: 

Saturday, Feb. 9, 10am - Noon
TC Williams Cafeteria, 3330 King St.

Monday, Feb. 11, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Charles Houston Center, 901 Wythe St.

Saturday, Feb. 23, 10am - Noon
William Ramsey Elementary School, 5700 Sanger Avenue  

The Visiting Artist Program is intended to serve as a professional development opportunity for emerging and experienced visual artists and to expose visitors to a new group of artists and projects. Applicants may apply for a one-, two-, or three-month summer residency (June, July, August).

Visual artists who are interested in joining the Torpedo Factory Artists' Association are invited to attend a Jury Information Session to learn about the annual jury process and the benefits of being an associate artist (such as eligibility for studio space).

Browse three floors of open studios and galleries, engage with artists, and enjoy a candy buffet at this free event! Stop into Target Gallery for the Between the Lines: Contemporary Drawing Now reception and visit The Art League Gallery to catch the reception for the All-Media Membership Show and 2013 Solo Preview. Be sure not to miss the DIY snowflake station!

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a highlight of Alexandria's Potomac River waterfront, attracting more than a half million visitors annually to 82 artists' studios, six galleries, two workshops, Alexandria Archaeology Museum, The Art League, and to public programs and special events.

Grant Hellmers, Organist-Choirmaster of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, will direct the Adult Choir in Choral Evensong on the Feast of the Epiphany on Sunday, January 6, at 7:30 p.m. Music by Byrd, Wood, Mendelssohn, Ayleward will be featured.  Three Magi will be receiving donations of non-perishable foods for St. Paul's Lazarus Ministry serving the needy.

Del Ray Artisans’ 17th annual Holiday Market offers handmade work from local artists, a children’s table where little ones can shop for family members, and handmade ornaments. Bake Sale benefits the non-profit Computer CORE. Market dates: Nov 30 - Dec 2, Dec 7-9, Dec 14-16. Fridays 6-9pm (reception), Saturdays 10am-4pm, Sundays 12-4pm.

First Night celebrations around the world are becoming more popular with each passing year. If you've never attended First Night Alexandria, you don't know what you're missing!

What Is Literacy Council of Northern Virginia?

All of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia’s programs are geared to help adults who read below the sixth grade level. Through one-on-one and classroom instruction, LCNV-trained volunteers and paid instructors teach a personalized curriculum that helps adults improve their employment opportunities, become citizens, acquire consumer skills, and increase their involvement in their children’s education. 
 

There are over 40 films featured at the Alexandria Film Festival this year - you're bound to find something you'll like - so why not support local filmmakers, too? 

The City of Alexandria’s 38th Annual Toys for Tots Benefit Square Dance is scheduled for Sunday, December 2 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Lee Center Exhibit Hall, 1108 Jefferson St. This year’s theme is “Feelin’ Great at Thirty-Eight” and features a special 3 p.m. performance by Capital Squares Demonstration Team. 

The Theater Arts Program at Bishop Ireton High School will present James McDonald, David Vos, and Robert Gerlach's Something's Afoot Nov. 10, 16, and 17 at 7:30 pm and Nov. 11 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are available at the door and cost $10 for general admission and $8 for students and senior citizens. 

Books for America, a non profit based in the Washington D.C area, is hosting a one day book give away event. We want to provide free reading material in an effort to encourage home-libraries and a love of reading. There will be both adult and children’s books available. There will be a limit of books per person. Donated books are not to be used for resale purposes.

On Saturday, October 27, bring the kids to Old Town to trick or treat with the Old Town Boutique District stores. There are 34 stores participating this year which means 34 treats for your little ones - and you perhaps! There will be events going on in several of the stores.

Celebration of Del Ray & Alexandria community & to provide a safe family oriented holiday atmosphere. Decorated strollers and costumed kids, adults and pets parade the avenue. This event is sponsored by the Delray Business Association.

The answer: 45 or the entire 5th grade class at Charles Barrett Elementary School. But we're not talking about a literal light bulb - we're talking about creativity and imagination. With the help of Spring2ACTion, turn it on they did in Lightbulb - Illuminating Thoughts to Light Up Our World, a chapbook of poems by the class. 

Fall is here and the Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market is in the homestretch. We have a great year of fantastic products and now we head into another season with more to offer.

Admission is free.  Activities include moonbounces, Adrenaline Rush obstacle course, twenty-six foot rock climbing wall, spin art crafts, cake walk, face painting, craft marketplace, haunted house and BBQ Cafe from Famous Dave's.

 Bring the whole family!

From the time of the Revolutionary War, the people of Alexandria have celebrated the birthday of George Washington. Thousands of our citizens participate in Celebration events every year.

ACTion Alexandria is proud to announce we're cosponsoring an Alexandria mayoral and City Council Candidate Forum Sponsored with the Alexandria Branch of the NAACP and Patch on Monday, October 15, 2012 at George Washington Middle School’s auditorium from 7:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M.

Even better than sponsoring a candidate forum, we're giving you an opportunity to be a substantial part of it.

The City of Alexandria’s Family Fall Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Armistead L. Boothe Park, located at 520 Cameron Station Blvd. The event will be held rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, the Festival will move indoors to the Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, 435 Ferdinand Day Drive.

Alexandria arts non-profit Access through the Arts (ATTA) is pleased to introduce a new children’s festival that is part of the fall Kaleidoscope arts celebration throughout the City called Kaleidoscope for Kids.  The children’s festival will take place the weekend of September 29 & 30^th at the Durant Center for the Arts, from 10-4 each day.

What is Quintango?

With Joan Singer as the Alexandria ensemble's leader and Jennifer Rickard, Phil Hosford, Libby Blatt, and Kerry Van Laanen backing her up, Quintango has spread harmonious music to every corner of the world like the White House, Kennedy Center and Buenos Aires and France. But it is Quintango's charitable contributions, that make it extraordinary as it teaches tango to Alexandria schools and at-risk youth through its many workshops.

What's Next, Alexandria?

What's Next, Alexandria? is a City of Alexandria initiative to begin a conversation about how Alexandrians can best participate in shaping Alexandria's future.

What is The Art League?

Established in 1954, the Art League, a nonprofit organization located in Alexandria, serves as a top charitable and educational facility. Teaching about 7,000 students every year through engaging classes, extraordinary exhibitions, and an artistic environment, The Art League introduces or furthers a person's expertise in art. Furthermore, it enriches the community by sharing its visual arts.

The Alexandria Commission for the Arts invites the public to provide comment on a proposed mural for the outdoor gymnasium wall at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. The display will be available for review and comment from Tuesday, September 4 through Wednesday, September 19. 

Join us for a variety of events celebrating the Library's 75th birthday.

Alexandria is known for its historic ambience and contemporary flair offering an extraordinary collection of local, independent retailers. Shoppers can take part and enjoy this signature evening kicking off the fall shopping season.

"The Choked Voice of a Race, at Last Unloosed: African Americans and Civil War Music." A lecture and book signing sponsored by Friends of Alexandria Archaeology(FOAA). Music was more than mere entertainment during the Civil War and no one was more aware of its power than African Americans.

Performance by Hand Painted Swinger, featuring pop rock. Lawn seating, you are welcome to bring a blanket or folding chair to enjoy the music. For more information contact the special events office at 703.746.5418.

Come with the whole family to enjoy a great musical performance by Lesson Zero, featuring roots rock covers & originals! For more information contact the Special Events Office at 703.746.5418

Come and enjoy great music and art the first Saturday of the month from May through November, except October. Listen to great muscial performances and purchase some wonderful pieces of art!

What Is EWI?

Empowered Women International, now in its tenth year of operation, trains, mentors and connects refugee, immigrant and low-income women to give them tools to launch their own business in the creative or artistic sector. Upon graduation from the intensive, four-month business program, the women have incorporated their businesses, completed a business and marketing plan, and have properly priced their creative product or service.

Join a Civil War Santa-era at this family-fun holiday event that explores how Christmas was observed during the Civil War. The program features living-history interpreters, a Vicotrian Christmas tree, period music, refreshments, readings of 'The Night Before Christmas' and a patriotic Santa Claus inspiraed by Thomas Nast's Civil War cartoon. Guided tours of the fort, weather permitting.

The festival provides an opportunity to share Armenian culture with the local community through Armenian food and entertianment. Funds raised will be used for charitable projects in Armenia.

Step back to the time of Jane Austen at this late 1790s era ball. The evening will feature a variety of English country dance in the historic ballroom, live music, and 'iced refreshments'. Period costume optional, 'after-five' attire encouraged. Reservations required.
Tickets for this event will go on sale Sunday, July 1.

Annual festival commemorating Memorial Day featuring performances by various jazz groups.

As we celebrate our 6th year with the Del Ray Music Festival, we have found that one day is just not enough for all of the talented musicians in and around Del Ray, Alexandria; there's way too much coolness to celebrate!

Art on the Edge opening receptino on Friday, June 1, 7pm-10pm. This all-DC area 'edgy' art show breaks boundaries, daring artists to 'go beyond the fringe' to explore the edges of the ungamiliar, and celebrate the journey.

Gallery hours are:
Thursday from noon to 6pm
Friday from noon to 9pm
Saturday from 10am to 9pm
Sunday from noon to 6pm