Alexandria, VA – The 2024 holidays are well upon us. Holiday decor installations were witnessed in department stores as early as October. The rush to shop is on. This year why not eschew crowded malls and impersonal, ubiquitous online wheeling and dealing? Instead, hit the art and crafts markets for gifting that is genuinely one-of-a-kind.
There’s art-a-plenty to be found for all holiday gift budgets while exploring Alexandria’s many galleries and art spaces. AND….art is one size fits all! The longest continuing holiday art market in Alexandria is hosted by Del Ray Artisans. There’s no monthly themed show in December as the entire space is dedicated to the holiday market. Each market weekend there are new artists and artisan vendors in all media exhibiting their work inside the gallery on Mount Vernon Avenue.
Patti North, founder and executive director of the Alexandria Film Festival, is a veteran vendor of the DRA holiday art market. Her “All Fired Up” exquisite wearable and decorative glass art is a must-see the 2nd weekend of this year’s market, from 12/13 – 12/15. When asked how long she had been a DRA holiday market vendor, Patti smiled wide, drew in a deep breath, and declared, “OHHHHH! A LONG time!”
Del Ray Artisans has a long list of holiday market shopping regulars with a loyal following who have been known to queue up outside the gallery door anticipating stiff competition for first dibs on great holiday fare. Woodworking artisan Kevin Sherlock is a master of wood turning craftsmanship. His wooden holiday trees have been highly collectible treasures that engender rivalry even among DRA Board member hardwood artisan aficionados.
Returning 2024 Holiday Market regulars include Stephen Lally Pottery, Nancy Kline Art, Liz Martinez, Patti North, Diana Papazian Designs, Joyce Wagner Mosaics, and Tamara Wilkerson WiRealm jewelry among 48 vendors, plus 2025 DRA calendars, merch, and more!
The DRA Holiday Market runs weekends from December 6-22. The market in the gallery at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue is free to enter and ADA accessible. Hours are Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays 9am – 5pm, and Sundays 11am – 5pm.
Nepenthe Gallery’s Christmas Market and Framing Bonanza kicked off December first. The Christmas Box is a clever virtual gift box painted on the wall showcasing Nepenthe artists exhibiting artful fine-art finds in all sizes, subject matters, and price ranges. On 12/12 the band NEPENTHE returns to perform holiday music magic from 6-8:30pm. The celebration continues 12/15 and 12/22 when curators Beth Hamed and Patty Owens have restocked the Christmas Box with more masterpieces while entertaining guests, offering up wassail, holiday tunes, and the requisite holiday cookies for all!
But the biggest holiday news of all at Nepenthe Gallery comes as no surprise if you have already visited this gem of a gallery on Fort Hunt Road. Drum roll, please! Ten Nepenthe artists will be featured at Aqua Art Miami. This prestigious art fair and art devotee social-happening place to be is on par with Art Basel Miami, one of the premier art shows worldwide, and also part of Miami Art Week, December 4th-8th.
Nepenthe owner Carrie Garland is particularly proud that the Alexandria-based art space will be represented at Aqua, “Nepenthe is thrilled to participate in this creative and uplifting art scene at AQUA – what an opportunity to showcase our amazing artists.” Alexandria’s own Eve Stockton’s woodcut prints and Martha Wilcox’s paper relief sculptures are included in the ten talented artists attending Aqua from Palm Springs, California to Norfolk, Virginia.
The new year at Nepenthe promises to dazzle with January ART + WINE + CHEESE events Thursdays from 6-8:30pm. January 16 showcases the original artwork of the late nationally recognized artist, Dick Jemison (1942-2024). Jan. 23rd reprises the Winter Solstice Series featuring six local artists. And on Jan. 30, impressionist/post-impressionist painter Mehran Rashidfarokhy. discusses his brilliant career!
Don’t miss all the other amazing art spaces and artful holiday shopping destinations around Port City. The Torpedo Factory Art Center boasts three floors of makers’ gift-giving heaven. Be sure to visit the Art League’s Gallery 75, the Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery, and the Van Landingham Gallery when searching for truly fine yet affordable creative gifting options.
Christmas Day and the First Night of Hanukkah are one and the same date this year. So you’ll want to put on your shopping shoes and get your credit card in gear to discover the many marvelous markets and gallery giftings galore sooner than soon. You make a big local impact when you shop small. Buy art this holiday. You’ll thank us later.
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