Alexandria, VA – With retailers kicking off Halloween back in June, while showing some restraint come October with Christmas decor, November’s Black/Cyber Fridays may be too late for a holiday shopping start. And not very imaginative. Eschew the mall and the post-traumatic shopping recovery. Don’t shop online either; affordable art is available all around Port City galleries and art spaces. Museum-caliber art too!
The November exhibit at Del Ray Artisans offers artwork selling for $125 and less. Curators Liz Martinez and Dale Spivey have filled the walls, floor to ceiling, with 231 fabulous finds that are sold to-go at $125 and Under. Art for giving – and keeping – will be on view November 6-29, 2026. There is an opening reception on November 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. The gallery and reception are open to the public and free of charge.
Nepenthe Gallery in the Hollin Hall Shopping Center exhibits fine art from artists in the DMV, across the country, and around the world. Color-school artist Barbara Januszkiewicz is represented at Nepenthe with smaller works in the gallery that belong on everyone’s gift list. Looking for a Gilliam, a Kusama, a Miro, even a Picasso or a Warhol? Nepenthe has you covered.
Nepenthe’s November ART + WINE + CHEESE receptions begin November 5 at 6 p.m. with a gallery discussion: The One and Only Andy Warhol. November 12 is an evening of dance in partnership with ArtSpireVa, bringing a preview of The Nutcracker, aspiring to inspire the holiday spirit as well as exposing young people to opportunities in the arts.
On November 19, meet father-daughter artists Mehran and Ava Rashidfarokhy at Nepenthe. Mehran has been represented by Nepenthe for years, and the gallery is delighted to also introduce Ava’s original artwork during this AWC reception. Finally, don’t miss the unveiling of the miniature train village crafted by Alexandria City High School and George Mason University students under the guidance of artist/gallery associate Lori Welch Brown. The train, created using different mediums and materials, can be enjoyed chugging along Lilliputian Alexandria landmarks through the end of the year.
Prints are a perfectly artful gift and a wonderful entry to collecting art. If the amazing $65,000 Yayoi Kusama Ashtray print on exhibit at Nepenthe is beyond your budget, head over to Printmakers Inc. at the Torpedo Factory. Printmaker Claire A. Meyer has a new exhibit on view now through December 31, 2026. Magpie: What We Collect is a collection of etchings and relief still life prints examining the intimately personal psychology and creativity of collecting. Share your own memories of cherished mementos with Claire at the gallery reception November 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Be sure to explore all three floors of working artists’ studios at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. While in Old Town stop by the Principle Gallery at 208 King Street for the solo exhibit by Gilbert Gorski opening November 16, the always amazing Athenaeum at 201 Prince Street, and Galactic Panther at 1303 King Street where Psychic Heart opened last month. This dynamic exhibition of six international artists reveals an introspective examination of surreal landscapes and hidden realms.
November has long been a prelude to holiday attractions. And distractions. This month presents even more gift shopping diversions. Don’t miss the 64th Annual Holiday Shop at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church at 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria, on Saturday, November 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Many Del Ray Artisans members are represented. So find your art. And if you need to frame it, Nepenthe Gallery provides expert framing consultation for all your wrapping needs!
