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 and a veteran DRA Holiday Market vendor. His wooden holiday trees have been highly collectible treasures that engender rivalry even among DRA Board member hardwood artisan aficionados. Kevin will not be exhibiting at this year’s market but his eloquent artistry can frequently be found on exhibit during monthly themed shows and is often for sale in the Alcove Gift Shop at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery.
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.
Fiber artistry by Del Ray Artisans’ Christine Vinh, owner of Stitchesnquilts, is another veteran holiday market vendor showcasing her talent during the second weekend this year. Like many DRA members and participating vendors, Christine enjoys the cameraderie and intimacy of the market, managing to accomplish some holiday shopping while enjoying sneak peaks of the weekend’s wonderful wares.
Here is the list of participating artists and artisans at the 2024 DRA Holiday Market, now in its 29th year of supporting emerging local artists and veterans alike.
Weekend 1 (Dec 6-8)
Artists include:
- Carolyn Barone, Must Haves…Designs by Carolyn
- Maxine Cholmondeley, Max’s Mixtures Candles & Soaps
- Rita Cohen
- Gretchen D’Amore, gdamore Fine Art
- Patty Figliola, Aisling MagickArt
- Lori Fredricks
- Lesley Hall, Ruthless Art
- Robin Hunter-Reid, Moxie & Magic
- Thomas Johnson, Infinite Variations Pottery
- Stephen Lally Pottery
- Megan Levanduski, Megan Elaine Designs
- Raven, Crafty Colanah
- Cynthia Schoeppel
- Ann Cameron Siegal
- Kathy Stoner
- Patrick Zickler, TreeUnions
Weekend 2 (Dec 13-15)
Artists include:
- Gina Adams, Gina Finding Beauty
- Victoria Barnes Photography
- Norma Brooks, njb Basket of Jewels
- Marcel Artes Deolazo
- Timothy Duncan Ceramics
- Roz Jacobs, Rozzie Jewelry
- Ditas Katague, Ditas Artworks & Yoga
- Nancy Kline Art
- Maria Loving, Horrible Darlings
- Liz Martinez
- Bel Montenegro, Bel’s Productions
- Patti North, All Fired Up!
- Mary Pike, Recycled Bag Lady
- Tracy Wilkerson, Recycled Works
- Madeline Ramsey, Unique Stained Glass
- Jennifer Van Pernis, Distinctive Fabrications
- Christine Vinh, StitchesnQuilts
Weekend 3 (Dec 20-22)
Artists include:
- Courtney Arnold, Lola Earnestine
- Ken Beerbohm Sculptures
- Lynn Chadwick Design
- Ed Colahan Pottery
- Evelyn Rose Cook
- Fin Jullien, FinFurFeathers
- Audrey Kremer, AudreyK-Designs
- Laine, Lainemindinventions
- Susan Lefler Studios
- Diana Manchak, designsinclay
- Miyoung Obenschain, Purple Cardinal Arts LLC
- Diana Papazian, Papazian Design LLC
- Susan Pawlukiewicz
- Karine Sapondjian
- Joyce Wagner, Reinvented Elegance
- Tamara Wilkerson, WiRealm by Tamara
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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