With a passion for art and a love for Alexandria, Rosemary is the ideal Alexandria Original!
Alexandria Originals
Name: Rosemary Feit Covey
Business Name: Torpedo Factory Art Center
Address: 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria
Phone: (703) 838-4565
Website: www.torpedofactory.org
What is your claim to fame?
I am a resident studio artist at the Torpedo Factory Art Center working in wood engraving. My artwork has been exhibited and is in collections worldwide, including the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Papyrus Institute in Cairo, Egypt. I am thrilled to be able to share my work and vision first-hand with thousands of visitors to the art center each year as well as with the residents of Alexandria.
What makes you original and unique?
Wood engraving is usually a small size medium. My work, however, is large, dramatic and even theatrical at times. I've worked with modern dance groups to create performances inspired by my artwork and have created large-scale pieces just for these performances. I have even wrapped entire buildings with my work.
Who or what inspired you to come to Alexandria?
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is the reason I came to Alexandria and have lived here for many years. It is a truly unique chance for an artist to develop his/her work and form a following of collectors who come back year after year from a variety of locations.
What is your secret to success?
Working seven days a week and not letting discouragement overwhelm my long-term goals.
What is your proudest achievement?
I was a recipient of the Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship to Bellagio, Italy in 1998. More recently, I have been working with artists at the Torpedo Factory to create and build upon collaborative opportunities for artists of all media, including our recent Dance Invasion and our annual Art Activated event.
Do you have a favorite Alexandria travel tip?
Alexandria is a great place for dog lovers. Many shops here are dog-friendly and will even leave little bowls of water and dog treats out for visitors. My mutt usually keeps me company in the studio at the art center and loves to meet new two- and four-legged friends.
Best date idea in Alexandria?
Thursday nights are great date nights around here. I would start out with a cozy, intimate dinner at O'Connells restaurant and then head down the street to the Torpedo Factory, which is open til 9 p.m. every Thursday. Our Second Thursday Art Nights always offer something unique and exciting to do for dates. A good way to find out if you are compatible with your date is to discover each other's taste in artwork!
Favorite places to go for brunch, happy hour, dinner under the stars, lunch deals, and places to take your dog?
Many of us artists frequent Firehook Bakery for a small quick lunch. For happy hour, Union Street Public House is a great place. In my opinion, the best place to take your dog is on a Canine Cruise with Potomac Riverboat Company. I went on one last year and it was the most fun I had all summer! My dog even had a ship-board romance!
If you had friends visiting Alexandria what would you tell them to do and see during their visit?
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I will again say the Torpedo Factory. Most visitors have found that roaming through the art center is a unique experience and often prefer it to anything in D.C. Also, there is no admission charge so you can have an exciting day of browsing artwork and visiting with artists without spending a cent! I would also recommend visiting the shops of the Old Town Boutique District, especially Treat and Hysteria!