Just in time for holiday shopping, Alexandria Commission for the Arts unveiled its new "Guide to the Arts & Antiques" during a ceremony at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center last Monday.
"The guide shows area shoppers how to get the best value for their money, including free gift-wrapping," said Patti North-Rudin, marketing committee chair. The 50,000 guide copies will be distributed at regional metro stations, hotels and other venues as well as at the Alexandria Visitors Center at 221 King St.
"This is something we have needed for a long time. We tried before but this time it worked," said Todd Sigety, owner of Washington Street Antiques, during a panel discussion on the new guide at the unveiling ceremony.
Sigety was a member of the task force that designed the brochure along with Eric Nelson, owner of ArtOutLoud, and Marge Peterson, owner of the Prince Royal Gallery.
"Each shop listed in the Guide will also have a supply for distribution," said Pat Miller, vice chair of the commission.
Included in the guide is information on 51 shops, galleries and studios as well as public art sites, major historic properties and points of interest. It contains two maps, one of Old Town and another of Del Ray, pinpointing both antique shops and art galleries by number along with a description, address and phone number.
Additional information about the guide is available by visiting www.alexandriacommissionforthearts.org.