With a passion for artists and Alexandria, this duo provides artwork and knowledge to visitors. Joe and Susan offer a Gallery full of entertainment!
Name: Joseph Egerton, President and Susan Klauck, Director
Business Name: Arts Afire Glass Gallery
Address: 1117 King Street
Phone: 703.838.9785
Website: http://www.artsafire.com/
What is your claim to fame?
Offering quality unique shops and galleries since 1994. I have come to know and love Alexandria over five decades. Maintaining a quality art gallery in a city that has been awarded one of the 25 Best Art Destinations in America and being winner of the 1995 Alexandria Small Business of the Year Award.
What makes you original and unique?
We feature over 400 quality American Craft Artisans including many local artists. We display works seldom if ever seen elsewhere. Our staff is well informed, eager to please and helpful to customers. We're the largest Glass Jewelry Gallery in the country. In addition to glass art, we offer ceramics, leather, metal and wood functional art and jewelry.
Who or what inspired you to come to Alexandria?
The opening of King Street Metro Station in 1976 brought speedy redevelopment to Uptown Old Town. Being an 18th Century town, we consider Alexandria to have maintained its old world charm and Southern hospitality very well. Susan, the gallery's Director, has been with Arts Afire since 1996, and spends many evenings here in Old Town.
What is your secret to success?
The friendly atmosphere our staff provides customers and visitors on a daily basis. Susan in particular, has garnered an impressive knowledge base of American Craft Art.
What is your proudest achievement?
Having had the opportunity to found and operate quality businesses that have survived both the good and bad times. And to nurture young American Craft Artists and to hear customers state that they have never seen such offerings before.
Do you have a favorite Alexandria travel tip you are willing to share?
This is a very walkable city. Just a few steps off King Street visitors can see quaint homes and walled gardens. Gentry Row (St. Asaph Street) and Cameron Street around City Hall offer some of the most unique views of past centuries. Everyone (including those of us who live here) should take advantage of the History Walks offered by Ms. Betty. The film is offered at the Visitors Center, and is a great memorable gift to return home with.
Best date idea in Alexandria?
Daytime: An intimate picnic lunch at Founders Park. There you can feel the calm of the river, and imagine the busy harbor of yesteryear. Nighttime: Dinner and outdoor dining at one of the city's many great restaurants followed-up with a quiet nightcap at one of our restaurant's.
Favorite places to go for brunch, happy hour, dinner under the stars, lunch deals, and places to take your dog?
Happy hour at Vermilion, Majestic or Morrison House's Bar; Dinner at Bastille, La Bergerie or Landini's is always a treat. Great lunch deals at Majestic and Restaurant Eve. Treat your dog to Happy Hour on Thursday evenings at the courtyard at the Monaco Hotel.
If you had friends visiting Alexandria what would you tell them to do and see during their visit?
Take the riverboat over to National Harbor, especially in summer months. Take a long walk along the riverfront. Stop at a bookstore and buy one of several picture books on historic Alexandria. Take in the Black History Museum, the Torpedo Factory and just drink in the history and flavor of its architectural charm.
