May 2008
HistoricAlexandriaALIVE
Join us on the streets of Alexandria as history comes to life! Each Sunday, learn, participate, engage, and enjoy with performers and costumed interpreters from noon to 5 p.m. Find performers at Market Square, along King Street between Market Square and the waterfront, and on the waterfront behind the Torpedo Factory. Free! Check it out!-
Drawings by William Lydston, Jr.
April 1 - December 31
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
4301 W. Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
www.fortward.org 703/838-4848
Original Civil War drawings by soldier, artist and musician William Lydston, Jr. Exhibit coincides with a statewide celebration of Virginia's musical heritage. Fort Ward pairs drawings from Lydston's wartime experiences with musical instruments and related objects from the Museum's collection. Free. Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.
Free!
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Painted Places Near & Far
April 9 - May 4
Gallery West
1213 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.gallery-west.com 703/549-6006
Luminous Watercolor and Watercolor/Collage by Helen Dilley Barsalou inspired by travels through Italy, France and Portugal. Reception, Sunday April 13, 4-7 p.m., second floor gallery. All Members' show of Paintings, Photography and Crafts, main gallery. Second Thursday Reception, April 10th 6-9 p.m.
Free!
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Gardening Days at Mount Vernon
April 12 - May 11
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
South end of the GW Parkway
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
www.MountVernon.org 703/780-2000
Spectacular gardens are in bloom as Mount Vernon hosts its annual outdoor garden and gift sale including ornamentals, perennials and annuals, garden items, books, and heirloom plants propagated from historic cuttings. Garden and Landscape guided tours are available daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Guests are invited to enter Washington’s historic “orangerie,” or greenhouse, the only occasion this space is open to the public.
$ Entrance Fee
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"Enchanted April"
April 19 - May 10
The Little Theatre of Alexandria
600 Wolfe Street
Alexandria , VA 22314
www.thelittletheatre.com 703/683-5778
A charming tale of two unhappily married women who rent an Italian villa for a month. Performances at 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday.
$ Entrance Fee
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"Living Legends of Alexandria"
April 24 - September 8
The Lyceum: Alexandria's History Museum
201 S. Washington Street
Alexandria , VA 22314
www.alexandriahistory.org 703/838-4994
This photo-documentary exhibition, featuring the work of Nina Tisara, identifies and honors individuals whose vision and dedication have made a tangible difference to the quality of life in Alexandria. Of the 50 individuals nominated in 2006, all of whom are included in this exhibit, 12 were featured in articles published by the Alexandria Gazette Packet.Free!
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First Thursday in Del Ray
May 1
Mount Vernon Avenue and throughout Del Ray
Alexandria, VA 22301
www.VisitDelRay.com 703/683-2905
'Kids and Kanines' is the theme for the summer's first First Thursday, a family-friendly street festival along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray. Shops and other businesses offer activities with special displays including Community Partners for Children and the Alexandria Welfare League in the parking lot at Oxford Street and Mount Vernon Avenue. 6-9 p.m.
Free!
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Kelly’s Art Gallery 3rd Anniversary Trunk Show
May 2-4
Kelly's Art & Frame
510 N. Washington Street
Between Oronoco and Pendleton streets
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.kellysartandframe.com 703/549-3313
Kelly’s, a fine-art gallery located in north Old Town Alexandria, is pleased to announce its third anniversary show. Hundreds of new pieces will be added to the immense in-house collection for this weekend. Kelly’s offers a diversified mix of styles and prices. Gallery-owner Kelly has more than ten years experience in the fine art and framing industry. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.Free!
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Rackets & Remedies – Laurel Hausler
May 2 - June 12
The Athanaeum
201 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.nvfaa.org 703/548-0035
In Rackets & Remedies, influenced in part by the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and the collections of Dr. Robert Greenspan, Hausler explores two basic concepts. The first is the inexorable intertwining of advertising and medicine. And the second is how little this relationship, and the relationship to the consumer has changed in the last century or so. Hausler’s works incorporate oil paint, paper, pencil, ink. Open noon-4 p.m. Thurs. – Sun. For free special events, check out www.apothecarymuseum.org or call 703/838-3852.
Free!
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Shells and Pears
May 2 - June 30
Printmakers, Inc., Studio 325
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/printmakers.htm 703/838-4565
Carolyn Witschonke shows recent three color plate etchings, monotypes and image transfers of two of her favorite images - shells and pears.
Free!
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Teddy Bear Tea
May 3
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexblackhistory.org 703/838-4356
The museum’s annual Teddy Bear Tea is an important activity in which the staff educates young people regarding etiquette. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and proper dress is requested. Appropriate for children 5-10 years old. Reservations and advance payment required by one week before event. $15 per person. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
$ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required
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Washington Sinfonietta & Friends Benefit Concert
May 3
The Lyceum
201 S. Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.washingtonsinfonietta.com 703/409-3335
7:30 p.m. The Washington Sinfonietta under the baton of Maestro Joel Lazar presents a special benefit gala concert. Special guest Crystal Barrett on the oboe for Wagner's Siegfried Idyll, Milhaud's 5 Symphonies for Small Orchestra (No. 2 & No. 4); Handel's Oboe Concerto No. 3 in G Minor, Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048; Bach's Suite No. 1 in C Major, BWV 1066. 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door ($18 for adults; 12 and under admitted free).
$ Entrance Fee
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Town of Potomac Centennial Hat Parade
May 3
Commonwealth Avenue between Cliff Street and the Mount Vernon Rec Center
Alexandria, VA 22301
www.potomaccentennial.org 703/683-2570
The Del Ray Centennial Hat Parade starts at 10 a.m. Everyone is invited to participate - just wear a hat from one of the ten decades that the centennial celebrates. Pets also welcome - as long as they wear a hat. Hat marchers should gather by 9:45 a.m. on Cliff Street behind the band. Participants include the TC Williams Band, antique cars and elected officials. Immediately following, there will be May Poles, old fashioned games and music by the Kate Moran Band at the rec center.
Free!
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2008 Designer Trunk Show
May 4
Belle Haven Country Club
6023 Fort Hunt Road
Alexandria, VA 22307
www.AlexChoralSociety.org 703/548-4734
The Alexandria Choral Society presents this trunk show, from 1 to 4 p.m. with a fashion show, vendors selling unique and fashionable merchandise, and a silent auction! Tickets are $25 each or two for $40.
$ Entrance Fee
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Fables for the Tables
May 4 - June 22
219 Restaurant
219 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.219restaurant.com 703/739-9338
Local Alexandria theater troupe Natural Theatricals presents song and story to accompany 219 Restaurant's renowned Sunday brunch in the restaurant's elegant 19th-century Victorian setting. Join storyteller Paula Alprin, vocalist Alexandra Lajoux and percussionist Earl Richardson for an original program Sundays beginning at 2 p.m. All the songs and stories share a percussion motif. No cover charge but you must have brunch to have access to it. 703/739-9338 (for information about the performances) or 703/549-1141 (for reservations).
$ Entrance Fee
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"From Earth to Elegance"
May 5 - June 1
Scope Gallery, Studio 19
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria , VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/scope.htm 703/838-4565
The transformation of clay into handcrafted pieces of art for functional and decorative use, presented by the Ceramic Guild.
Free!
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Conflict & Contrast
May 6 - June 1
Multiple Exposures Gallery
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/multiple_exposures.htm 703/838-4565
Fine art photography show featuring artists M. Scott Mahaskey and Susan Meyers. Reception: May 11, 2-4pm
Free!
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"Challenges"
May 6 - June 1
Enamelists Gallery, Studio 28
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/enamelists.htm 703/838-4565
This all-members show is an outright dare for the artists to push their limits, try new approaches, and expand their horizons into unfamiliar areas of forms, colors and techniques.
Free!
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Wish Flag Fundraiser benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation
May 7-31
Target Gallery
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/target.htm 703/838-4565
In conjunction with the exhibition "Led by Thread", Target Gallery encourages visitors to create a wish flag. Come in to the gallery to purchase a small bag filled with the necessary materials to create your own wish flag, which will be displayed in the gallery throughout the entire exhibition in May. All proceeds will benefit the Make-A Wish Foundation ® of the Mid-Atlantic, Inc., a nonprofit organization that fulfills the wishes of children battling life-threatening medical conditions.
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Second Thursday Art Night, All About Dogs
May 8
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/thursday.htm 703/838-4565
Guests and their canine companions enjoy refreshments as they browse open studios and galleries. Enjoy a Doggy Fashion Show and consider bringing home a new best friend when you meet adoptable dogs from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Visit Target Gallery from 6-8 p.m. for the reception for the show Led By Thread. From 6:30-8 p.m. The Art League Gallery hosts opening receptions for the All-Media Membership Show and Phoebe Petersen’s Solo Artist Show.
Join in on special activities throughout the night, including a scavenger hunt and free prize drawing.Free!
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Laura Baron
May 8
The Athenaeum
201 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.nvfaa.org 703/548-0035
7 p.m. - part of Second Thursday in Old Town. "Laura's songs soar with rhythm, beauty, and intelligence. The lyrics stand as poems alone and her voice seduces. ...discover a voice you need to hear." - Terry Kester, WPFW Admission is $10 at the door; tickets avaiable in advance online.
$ Entrance Fee
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Mount Vernon's Spring Garden Party
May 10-11
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
South End of the GW Parkway
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
www.MountVernon.org 703/780-2000
Mount Vernon welcomes warmer weather with a festive Spring Garden Party! In honor of Mother’s Day, Mrs. Washington presents a special program, “The Mother of Her Country Speaks to Motherhood” at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Mrs. Washington takes guests back in time to the late 18th century to share her insights on being mother to her children, grandchildren and her country. Visiting mothers have an opportunity to take a photograph with Mrs. Washington and receive a free seed packet (while supplies last). Visitors may also purchase heirloom plants and garden items at the annual garden and gift sale, which runs through May 11.
$ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required
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28th Annual Old Town Arts & Crafts Festival
May 10-11
Market Square in front of City Hall
301 King Street
Alexandria , VA 22314
www.alexandriavolunteers.com 703/834-2176
This popular annual event offers juried hand-made crafts with each artist present. Open 1-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
Free!
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Mother's Day Tours
May 11
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.gadsbystavern.org 703/838-4242
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is pleased to offer free tours on Mother’s Day for all visiting mothers! Treat Mom to a tour of the historic tavern and City Hotel made famous by John Gadsby. Notable visitors (other than your beloved Mother) include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Tour times are from 1- 5 p.m.
Reservations Required
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Free Mother’s Day Tours
May 11
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 South Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.apothecarymuseum.org 703/838-3852
Treat the woman who took care of you to a tour of the Apothecary, which took care of Alexandrians with its medicinal herbs and botanicals! See the outstanding collection of shop furnishings, apothecary bottles and equipment, many still in their original location. The Apothecary, which first opened in 1792, is pleased to offer free tours on Mother’s Day for all visiting mothers! Tour times are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Cost $4 for all other adults and $2 for children (ages 11-17).
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Mother's Day Tours
May 11
Lee-Fendall House Museum
614 Oronoco Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.leefendallhouse.org 703/548-1789
In honor of Mother’s Day, the Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden offers free tours to mothers and grandmothers accompanied by their children. The Lee-Fendall House will be open for tours from 1 to 4 p.m., with the last tour at 3 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for students (11-17). Children under 11 are admitted at no charge.
$ Entrance Fee
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All That Jazz!
May 11
Westminster Presbyterian Church
2701 Cameron Mills Road
Alexandria, VA 22302
www.AlexChoralSociety.org 703/548-4734
The Choral Society closes its 38th season with an enjoyable and engaging concert of music for chorus and jazz trio. The program includes "Images" by Rob Landes; "Songs and Sonnets from Shakespeare" by George Shearing; John Rutter’s "Birthday Madrigals"; and "Jazz Mass" by Gregory Yasinitsky, in addition to selections from The Children’s Chorus. This concert is an enjoyable way to celebrate Mother's Day! Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and children under 18 years of age are free. Tickets may be purchased on-line. The Box Office will open at 3:30 p.m. on May 11.
$ Entrance Fee
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The Food & Wine Festival at National Harbor
May 16-18
National Harbor
137 National Plaza
National Harbor, MD 20695
www.foodandwinenh.com/ 443/716-2800
This elegant, world-class, inaugural event will celebrate distinctive cuisine and fine wine. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the latest culinary and varietal trends including the expanding industry of artisanal culinary products and boutique wines.
$ Entrance Fee
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Family Day
May 17
Lee-Fendall House Museum
614 Oronoco Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.leefendallhouse.org 703/548-1789
Join us for a day of Victorian-themed arts and crafts, including silhouette-making. Take a children’s “Squirrel Lee” tour of the Lee-Fendall House and then stay to learn about period dress. Betty Bruce Shepard will be on hand to sign copies of her new book, "Virginia: An Alphabetical Journey Through History." The event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Adults free when accompanied by children; children (ages 5-17) $2 and children under 5 are free.
$ Entrance Fee
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Del Ray House Tour
May 17
Del Ray
Alexandria , VA 22301
www.delraycitizen.org
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., visit 11 houses in what was the original Town of Potomac, now celebrating the centenial of its founding. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 the day of.
$ Entrance Fee
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Tea with Martha Washington
May 18
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.gadsbystavern.org 703/838-4242
Ever wonder how the first First Lady entertained her guests? Experience history with Martha Washington as she discusses 18th century tea customs as well as clothing and dancing of the period. Tea party includes the museum's special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies. Party attire requested. 3 p.m. $20; reservations required.
$ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required
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Knife Skills Class with Joe Raffa
May 18
La Cuisine
323 Cameron Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
lacuisineus.com/events.php 703/836-4435
Joe Raffa is now the Executive Chef at Oyamel in Washington DC. His presentation skills are exquisite, and you can learn a few of his secrets. You will learn knife skills and knife care and work with a selection of first-rate knives. Class size will be limited to six, so everyone gets a chance to work directly with the chef. The class will be held at the store from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., You don’t need to bring your own knives. Cost is $75, and registrants receive coupons and discounts. For complete details email Stephanie at stephanie@lacuisineus.com
$ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required
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Mount Vernon's Spring Naturalization Ceremony
May 19
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
South end of the GW Parkway
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
www.MountVernon.org 703/799-5203
Mount Vernon is the site of a special Immigration and Naturalization Service Ceremony, during which 100 individuals will officially receive American citizenship. This unique and patriotic program, featuring distinguished guests and music, is held semi-annually at Mount Vernon. The program also includes a special musical performance by the United States Marine Band. Co-hosted by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and Mount Vernon, in partnership with the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution.
$ Entrance Fee
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"When a Painting is Knot"
May 20 - June 29
Potomac Craftsmen Fiber Gallery, Studio 18
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/potomac_crafts.htm 703/838-4565
A showing of fiber interpretations of Gustav Klimt’s "The Kiss", a classic from the art nouveau era. Jewelry, sculpture, clothing, and wall pieces are some of the items that will be exhibited.
Free!
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Coffee, Critique, and Conversation
May 25
Multiple Exposures Gallery, Studio 312
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/multiple_exposures.htm 703/838-4565
10:30 a.m. - noon. Bring a new set of images, photos that you have questions about, the beginnings of a photo project or a completed portfolio, and engage in a friendly dialogue about your work. Led by a Multiple Exposures Gallery member, each participant will lay out his or her images and a dialogue will begin. No reservation needed, just a sincere interest in discussing and sharing images.
Free!
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31st Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival
May 26
Fort Ward Park
4301 W. Braddock Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22304
www.alexandriava.gov/recreation 703/883-4686
1-7 p.m. Featuring big band, swing, contemporary jazz music - a different band each hour.Amphitheater Seating; picnic may be brought to the park; food and beverages will also be available for sale. No pets, please.In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be relocated to Lee Center, Richard Kauffman Auditorium.Free!
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The Cold War: A Son's Perspective
May 28
The Lyceum
201 S. Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriahistorical.org 703/683-2636
Francis Gary Powers, Jr. will discuss the U-2 incident of May 1, 1960, when his father was shot down over the Soviet Union. Presented by the Alexandria Historical Society at 7:30 p.m.
Free!
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Friends of the Torpedo Factory Performance Art and Lecture Series
May 29
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/Friends_tfac.htm 703/838-4565
7 p.m. The Friends of the Torpedo Factory Art Center present Torpedo Factory sculptor Tatyana Schremko who will display images and discuss her experience at the 2008 Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in China where she participated in both the ice and snow sculpture competitions.
Free!
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Civil War Camp Day
May 31
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
4301 West Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
www.fortward.org 703/838-4848
Union and Confederate military and civilian reenactors portray daily life and living history impressions, infantry drills and demonstrations. Great family fun! 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Suggested donation: $2 adults/$1 kids.
$ Entrance Fee
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Family Dig Day
May 31
On the grounds of the George Washington Masonic Memorial
101 Callahan Drive
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriaarchaeology.org 703/838-4399
Help City archaeologists and trained volunteers screen excavated soil for artifacts from a real "dig" located on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Wear comfortable clothes, protect yourself from the sun, and bring a water bottle. Please, no sandals. All necessary equipment will be supplied. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. $5 per person. Reservations required. E-mail archaeology@alexandriava.gov or call 703.838.4399 to save your spot!
$ Entrance Fee
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The Old Town Medicine Show
May 31
The Athanaeum
201 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.nvfaa.org 703/838-3852
11a.m.-7 p.m. A day filled with 19th-century, medicine-show quackery, science, magic, and history amid the “Rackets & Remedies” exhibit. “Doctors” will demonstrate remedies and services provided and believed in many years ago.
Free! | Reservations Required
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Professor Chalmers Bodkin-Child's Amazing Patent Medicine Show
May 31
The Athenaeum
201 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.apothecarymuseum.org 703/838-3852
Prepare to be amazed by the Old Town Medicine Show! Over the top, yet true to history! Professor Chalmers Bodkin-Child’s Amazing Patent Medicine Show is based on a traveling family act that was touring the country in the 19th century. In addition to curing ills and improving dispositions, the “doctor” is also a magician/fire-eater, and his family makes up the rest of the act with feats of strength and daring do, escapology, juggling and more. Performances at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Events are free, but seating is limited. Reserve your seat today at www.apothecarymuseum.org!
Free! | Reservations Required
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Old Town Medicine Show: Dr. Orson Squire Fowler
May 31
The Athenaeum
201 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.apothecarymuseum.org 703/838-3852
Prepare to be amazed by the Old Town Medicine Show! Mixing theatre, history and science, David Keltz (famous for his Edgar Allan Poe) steps out of the 19th century to explain phrenology in the persona of its actual proponent: Dr. Orson Squire Fowler. This scientific breakthrough, gaining widespread acceptance in the U.S. and abroad, employs the “reading” of the bumps on one’s head to determine intelligence, character and marital compatibility. Lecture with demonstration at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Events are free, but seating is limited. Reserve your seat today at www.apothecarymuseum.org!
Free! | Reservations Required
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Choreographers Collaboration Project Spring Modern Dance Concert
May 31
George Washington Middle School
1005 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
www.ccpdance.org 301/654-6989
The concert is the culmination of a one-year project to create dances based on the community and history of Del Ray, an Alexandria, VA neighborhood. This concert celebrates the 100th anniversary of Del Ray. CCP has incorporated works from local artists, including the photographs of David Scavone and David Kosar and oral histories from the Office of Historic Alexandria, Alexandria Archaeology and Alexandria Legacies Oral History Program. admission $10, ages 12-17 $5, children under 12 FREE
$ Entrance Fee
