Art, History, and a Touch of Whimsy: Old Town Welcomed Aurélie Baudry Palmer
The artist of Carland Collections greeted at Boxwood
Photos Courtesy of Carland Collections
Alexandria, VA – Carland Collections, the Alexandria-based stationery and gift company founded by Mary Burke Tobias, invited artist Aurélie Baudry Palmer to Old Town in October for a series of special events.
The celebration kicked off with a Meet the Artist Open House at Boxwood (1208 King Street) on Tuesday, October 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests enjoyed refreshments, mingled with the artist, shopped the collection, and received 15% off all purchases during the event.
Baudry Palmer, whose whimsical style captures the charm of architecture, history, and everyday streetscapes, also lead two hands-on workshops at Boxwood.
- Doors of Alexandria — Wednesday, October 8 (mixed media: ink and watercolor)
- Festive Floral Wreaths — Monday, October 13 (watercolor and wax crayon)
Both workshops sold out in advance.
Carland Collections began in 2020, when Tobias—then living in London—fell in love with Baudry Palmer’s artwork and knew it would resonate with anyone who loved Old Town Alexandria. Tobias commissioned Baudry Palmer to illustrate a series of Old Town sketches, which she packaged into 6×6 easel tabletop 2021 calendars and sold to family, friends, and a few local retailers.
That quickly evolved into a thriving business, and today, Carland Collections offers stationery, calendars, and flour sack tea towels adorned with Baudry Palmer’s joyful artwork and the genius graphic design of Carolyn Schiffner of CMS Designs. Tobias sells Carland Collections at artisan markets and seasonal pop-ups around town, and in local shops including The Cut Butchery, The Virginia Florist, and Boxwood. She is expanding both her product line and her reach with retailers in the DMV, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and California.
“I fell in love with Aurélie’s artwork the moment I discovered it in London,” said Tobias. “Sharing her art through Carland Collections has been such a joy—but even more rewarding has been connecting with customers and fellow vendors in our community, as well as collaborating with Aurélie and Carolyn, two superstars in their fields.”
About Carland Collections
Founded in 2021 and relaunched in 2025 under its new name, Carland Collections brings joy to everyday life through artful paper goods and textiles. Named after founder Mary Burke Tobias’s mother, Carland Collections features the whimsical, architectural artwork of Aurélie Baudry Palmer. Products are available online, at artisan markets, and in select Alexandria shops. Follow on Instagram @carlandcollections.
