Celebrating Alexandria Women at Canal Center Throughout May

By Maureen Schweers

Alexandria, VA – Alexandria Celebrates Women and Canal Center Events celebrate Alexandria women throughout May with a full line-up of events reflecting local women’s contributions to art, culture, wellness, business, and involvement in the City of Alexandria.

“As we honor Alexandria women during May, Alexandria Celebrates Women is thrilled to partner with Canal Center to recognize the outstanding women of Alexandria and the diversity of talents they bring to our community,” said Alexandria Celebrates Women chair Pat Miller.

Unless ticket information is noted, all events are free, open to all, and take place at Old Town North’s Canal Center, 99 Canal Center Plaza in Alexandria. The events planned include:

ART MART ON THE PLAZA & GALLERY at CANAL CENTER: Female artists will be showcased throughout May at the new Gallery at Canal Center. Enjoy live music and happy hour drinks at an outdoor art show featuring over 20 popular Alexandria women artists from Art on the Avenue, one of the top art festivals in the region. The art exhibited will include various mediums, including ceramics, jewelry, and painting. The Art Mart takes place on Friday, May 5 and Friday, May 19 from 5 to 9 pm at Canal Center Plaza.

An opening reception and happy hour with the featured artists will take place on Friday, May 5, from 5 pm to 9 pm, including a discussion with Alexandria tapestry artist Anita Barondes, who will present the research and technique that went into her latest work, “Women from the Dawn of Time.” The Art Mart and gallery opening are free and open to all.

FORMIDABLE BOOK SIGNING: Join Alexandria Celebrates Women for a book signing and discussion with historian, educator, and activist Elisabeth Griffith, Ph.D., author of Formidable: American Women and the Fight for Equality, 1920-2020, on Sunday, May 7, from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Gallery at Canal Center. Griffith’s latest book recounts the roles of Black and White women as change agents and social justice activists who worked to secure voting rights, end racial violence, and improve the lives of all women.  This event is free and open to all; RSVP at alexandriacelebrateswomen.com.

INSPIRA DANCE COUNTRY: Join Inspira Dance for free country line dancing lessons on Sunday, May 7, from 6 pm to 9 pm at Bike Club — no experience necessary! After the class, enjoy country music with drinks available for purchase. Inspira Dance is a nonprofit organization working to make dance an integral part of community spaces. Bike Club is at 99 Canal Center Plaza, #110.

YOGA ON THE PLAZA: Old Town North’s all-female yoga instructors will bring their flow for a free community session every Tuesday night in May at 6 pm. Bring your own mat; all skill levels are welcome!

MOTHER’S DAY TEA ON THE TERRACE: On Sunday, May 14, Mother’s Day, join Alexandria Celebrates Women at 4 pm on the Canal Center Terrace as we celebrate mothers, daughters, grandmothers, granddaughters, sisters, aunts, nieces, goddaughters, and the bonds between women. The event will feature a tea-making demonstration, tea, scones, and other treats from Alexandria-based Milaap Chai Tea Company, a special Mother’s Day poetry reading with Alexandria Poet Laureate Zeina Azzam. All are encouraged to wear their best hat — judges will choose the most outstanding hat. Tickets are $28 for adults and $14 for children, available at alexandriacelebrateswomen.com. Funds raised will benefit the Alexandria Domestic Violence Safehouse.

K-9 YAPPY HOUR ON THE PLAZA: Bring your four-legged friends for a K-9 Yappy Hour on Friday, May 19, from 5 to 9 pm to help the Alexandria Police Foundation defray medical costs for K-9 officers. Female police officers from the City of Alexandria and their K-9 partners will attend this fundraiser, which will include yappy hour specials, raffles, and fun.

INSPIRA DANCE SALSA: Join Inspira Dance for free Salsa lessons on Sunday, May 21, at 7 pm on the Plaza  ̶  no partner or experience needed! After the class, enjoy Latin music with drinks available for purchase. Inspira Dance is a nonprofit organization that works to make dance an integral part of community spaces.

WICKED COMEDY LIVE: Join the Wicked Comedy Showcase on Friday, May 26, from 8 to 10 pm at Bike Club for an all-female comedy show. Wicked Comedy is 100% owned and operated by military veterans. Bike Club is at 99 Canal Center Plaza, #110.

ALEXANDRIA CELEBRATES WOMEN AWARDS: Alexandria Celebrates Women will recognize Alexandria’s up-and-coming female leaders — extraordinary young women who are making a difference in our city today. This outdoor event will take place on Wednesday, May 31, along the waterfront at Canal Center Plaza. A reception and awards ceremony will be from 7 to 9 pm. Tickets are available at alexandriacelebrateswomen.com. Funds raised will benefit the Alexandria Domestic Violence Safehouse.

Alexandria Celebrates Women recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of Alexandria, Virginia’s women of the past, present, and future. The all-volunteer 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization acknowledges the distinguished history of Alexandria’s heroines while celebrating the empowerment of Alexandria’s modern woman and raises funds to support the Alexandria Domestic Violence Safehouse. Learn more at alexandriacelebrateswomen.com.

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