<cal1>Oct. 2-25
<cal2>The Arts Build Communities - This Del Ray Artisans All-Member Show reflects on the positive impact of art on our communities. Opening reception is Friday, Oct. 2 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. http://www.thedelrayartisans.org/.
<cal1>Oct. 1-29
<cal2>Reflections of the Feminine Divine. This exhibition explores the power of symbols to evoke feelings and give form to the unexplainable. For artist Vera Vandendries, this archetype holds deep universal meaning associated with the underlying power in nature, and the beauty, harmony, and order in this world. Presented by Empowered Women International and Convergence Gallery.
Opening reception and artist talk is Sunday, Oct. 18 from 3-5 p.m. at Convergence Gallery, 1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Convergence Gallery Open Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
<cal1>Now through Oct. 30
<cal2>Andrew Macdonald: Celebrating Authentic Places and Cultures. At the AHM Fine Art Gallery, 215 South Union St., Old Town Alexandria. Call 603-512-9379 or 571-970-1466 or visit ahmacdonald@mac.com.
<cal1>Now through Oct. 30
<cal2>Architectural Landscapes and Watercolors by Maria Morga. Opening night reception with the artist is Saturday, Sept. 26 from 6-9 p.m. At the AHM Fine Art Gallery, 215 South Union Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria. Contact Andrew Macdonald at ahmacdonald@mac.com or 603-512-9379.
<cal1>Nov. 4-Dec. 31
<cal2>Gallery West Presents: The 30th Anniversary Celebration/Small Works Show
Opening Reception: Saturday, Nov. 7 from 5 – 8 p.m.
2nd Thursday Reception: Nov. 12, 6 – 9 p.m.
Join the members of Gallery West in a month-long celebration of the gallery’s 30th year. The birthday bash, which is open to the public, will be held at the gallery on Nov. 7th from 5 - 8 p.m. Refreshments, including birthday cake, will be offered, as well as gift give-aways and other surprises. The gallery is located at 1213 King Street in Old Town Alexandria’s Boutique District, between Payne and Fayette. Shopping and fine dining are nearby.
The gallery is open from 11 – 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Images of work by the members are on view at the gallery’s website: www.gallery-west.com. Call 703-549-6006.
<cal1>Oct. 2–25
<lst>Del Ray Artisans members will present an exhibition of their artwork at the Del Ray Artisans gallery, in the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. The opening reception will be at the gallery on Friday, Oct. 2 from 7–9:30 p.m. This event is free, handicapped accessible and open to the public.
"The Arts Build Communities" is a statewide theme established by Virginians for the Arts Foundation. The message is the same, regardless of the medium: The arts strengthen our communities, lift our spirits and build a better quality of life for all. In this, the third all member show for 2009, Del Ray Artisans reflect on the positive impact of art through a variety of media. You are invited to come visit the gallery and enjoy the experience!
Please check gallery hours and directions, www.TheDelRayArtisans.org.
<cal1>Tuesday/Oct. 13
<cal2>Food for Thought. The artists interpret in fiber the need for food in mind and sustenance. Jewelry, sculpture, clothing, and wall pieces are some of the items that will be exhibited. The show will close on Nov. 15. A juried show at the Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery, located in Studio 18 of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 North Union Street, Old Town Alexandria.
<cal1>Oct. 7-Nov. 1
<cal2>Gallery West Presents: Brush, Spirit, Fire. Artists Kimberley Bush, Genevieve Lynn, and Gail Saour display their talents in raku ceramic, Chinese brush painting, and abstract color/pattern painting. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments at the opening reception on Oct. 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Alexandria Second Thursday Art Walk reception is on Oct. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. At 1213 King Street, Old Town Alexandria. Call 703-549-6006 or visit www.gallery-west.com
<cal1>Now through Oct. 4
<cal2>Gallery West Presents: Petals and Leaves, Blossoms and Greens
New Paintings by Kathy Guzman
The September solo show at Gallery West, 1213 King Street, Alexandria, is called "Petals and Leaves, Blossoms and Greens." The exhibition features an exploration of lines, shapes and colors of flowers and greens in different settings and environments by Kathy Guzman. It runs from now through Oct. 4.
Member work will also be on display at the gallery. Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Gallery West is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2009. The gallery is opened 11 – 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Images of member work are on view at the gallery’s web site: www.gallery-west.com.
<cal1>Now through Oct. 18
<cal2>"From There 2 Here." At the Target Gallery. Exhibition features artwork from three regional art centers that were inspired by the Torpedo Factory's groundbreaking concept. The participating art centers are Liberty Town Arts Workshop (Fredericksburg), GoggleWorks Center for the Arts (Reading, PA) and the Prizery (South Boston, VA).
<cal1>Now through Oct. 12
<cal2>Artist Elisabeth G. Hudgins Common Threads, mixed media paintings. The Gallery Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Center, 3001 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria.
<cal1>Now through Oct. 5
<cal2>In the Art League Gallery: Brenda Barthell’s Solo Show at The Art League. "The Special Relationship" describes the historic, diplomatic, and political connection between the UK and U.S. These paintings, however, represent a personal bond and one that may be familiar to others who have divided roots.
Gallery Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays, 12 noon-6 p.m. Exhibitions and events are free and open to the public.
<cal1>Now through Oct. 25
<cal2>Repetition in Clay: Disciplined Creativity. By the Kiln Club at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. At the Torpedo Factor Art Center's Scope Gallery. The October show is juried by functional potter and sculptor Amanda Delgado. Hours are Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Thursdays open until 9 p.m. The gallery is located at 101 North Union Street, Studio 19, Alexandria. Call 703-548-6288 or visit www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/scope.
Open Life Drawing at Del Ray Artisans — Open life drawing continues on selected Wednesdays from 2-5 p.m. this summer at the Del Ray Artisans gallery. The fee for each session is $8 for DRA members and $10 for non-members. Contact Katherine Rand at 703-836-1468 or katherine@katherinerand.com. Dates, times and directions can be found at http://www.thedelrayartisans.org/index.htm.
<cal1>Other Items
<lst>Art at the Center, 25 S. Quaker Lane, Room 16, classes are forming now for adults and children from 18 months and up. For details go to www.artatthecenter.org or call 703-581-5598.