July 2008
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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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"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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Some New Things
June 3 - July 6
Enamelists Gallery, Studio 28
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/enamelists.htm 703/838-4565
Kathy Bransford creates new pieces that explore a variety of techniques and styles.
Free!
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Summer Lantern Tours
June 6 - August 29
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.gadsbystavern.org 703/838-4242
Friday Evening Lantern Tours After happy hour or dinner in Old Town, see the 18th century in a whole new light! On Friday evenings from June through August, tour by candlelight with a costumed guide the historic tavern (c.1785) and City Hotel built in 1792 and see how guests experienced the site before the advent of electricity. Tour times are 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. $5 per person, ages 5 and up. Museum may be closed on some occasions, so please call ahead to verify tour dates at 703.838.4242.
$ Entrance Fee
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Torpedo Factory Artist of the Year: Joyce McCarten
June 11 - July 13
Target Gallery
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/target.htm 703/838-4565
This annual exhibition is sponsored by the Friends of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a separate nonprofit organization. This year's winner is associate artist Joyce McCarten. McCarten is an award-winning artist whose work is in private and public collections in the U.S., Europe and South Africa. Many of her paintings are inspired by visits to places that speak to her own sensitivities. The Artist of the Year award includes a monetary prize and a solo exhibition in the Target Gallery. Reception: Second Thursday Art Night, June 12, 6-8pm
Free!
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"Function with a Flourish"
June 30 - July 27
Scope Gallery, Studio 19
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/scope.htm 703/838-4565
Food tastes better and is more visually pleasing served on beautifully handcrafted ceramic pieces. View such pieces as presented by the Ceramic Guild.
Free!
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"Gifts from the Sea"
July 1 - August 3
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
Featuring animal, vegetable, and mineral.
Free!
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An American Celebration at Mount Vernon
July 4
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 invites visitors to the home of the First American Hero for a day-long celebration of Independence Day. 18th-century patriotic music, a reading of the Declaration of Independence by “George Washington,” the annual Red, White & Blue Concert performance by the National Concert Band of America, and FREE birthday cake (while supplies last). The First Virginia Regiment expands its encampment with military checkpoints across the estate, and guards stationed at Washington’s Tomb. The Sons of the American Revolution lead a wreathlaying ceremony at the tomb of our nation’s first Commander-in-Chief, and visitors given a carnation to lay at the Tomb.
$ Entrance Fee
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4th of July Organ Concert
July 4
St. Paul's Church
228 S. Pitt Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.stpaulsepis.com 703/549-3312
Stop by St. Paul's Church from 10:00-10:45 a.m. for a patriotic organ concert featuring such favorites as "Stars and Strips Forever" and Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". Free and open to the public.
Free!
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"Midsummer’s Dream"
July 8 - August 3
Enamelists Gallery, Studio 28
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/enamelists.htm 703/838-4565
Enamelists are encouraged to draw on the richness and mystery of dream imagery in their work.
Free!
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Second Thursday Art Night, Alive with History
July 10
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/thursday.htm 703/838-4565
Browse open studios, interact with the artists, and enjoy refreshments. The event is free and open to the public. 6-9 p.m.
Free!
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Harley String Band
July 10
The Athenaeum
201 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.nvfaa.org 703/548-0035
Three talented singer-songwriters who mine the deep veins of American music and bring back the occasional rough diamond. Supporting each other on a variety of instruments, they aspire to breathe new life and fresh ideas into traditional musical forms. Admission is $10 at the door or in advance online. Part of the Second Thursday celebration at 7 p.m.
$ Entrance Fee
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USA & Alexandria Birthday Celebration
July 12
Oronoco Bay Park
Pendleton & Union streets
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriava.gov/recreation 703/883-4686
Celebrate with a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, food, incluidng the city's birthday cake, and fireworks. Festivities start at 4 p.m with entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. and the grand finale fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Free!
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Family Dig Day
July 12
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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Alexandria Guitar Festival
July 18-21
George Washington Masonic Memorial
101 Callahan Drive
Alexandria, VA 22301
www.InternationalGuitarInstitute.com 703/683-2007
The Mid-Atlantic's premier guitar classical festival offers a schedule of concerts at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, children's classes and master classes. Free concerts also offered at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House. Performers include Ricardo Cobo and flamenco guitarist Pedro Cortes.
$ Entrance Fee
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Archaeology Camp for Kids
July 21 - August 1
Alexandria Archaeology Museum
105 N. Union Street, #327
Inside the Torpedo Factory Art Center
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriaarchaeology.org 703/838-4399
Alexandria Archaeology is hosting two archaeology camp sessions for kids this summer. Campers will learn professional excavating, recording, and artifact-processing methods as they help uncover Alexandria's buried past! Campers will assist archaeologists excavating a site at Shuter's Hill. Other activities include lectures about artifact looting, special field trips to historic sites like Mount Vernon, and ice cream stops! Camp is open to kids ages 12 through 15. Two one-week sessions run from Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25, and from Monday, July 28 through Friday, August 1. Camp day starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m., and campers supply their own drinks, snacks and lunch. Camp costs $350 per session and advance registration is required.
$ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required
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African Heritage and Cultural Festival
July 26
Market Square in front of City Hall
301 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriava.gov 703/883-4686
Food, arts & crafts and performances - one in the City's series of Heritage and Culture Festivals. 1-7 p.m.
Free!
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"1776"
July 26 - August 23
The Little Theatre of Alexandria
600 Wolfe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.thelittletheatre.com 703/683-0496
Take a front-row seat to history-making theater as LTA launches its 75th Season with our signature show, the 1969 Tony Award-winning musical “1776”. Often humorous, frequently touching, and always entertaining, the public events and personal struggles that lead the Continental Congress to forge a new nation are recreated, making you a witness to history. 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat. and 3 p.m. Sun.$ Entrance Fee
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Exotic Asymmetries
July 28 - August 24
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 Kiln Club alters the round, square, and cylindrical forms to create pleasingly graceful and stylish pieces of pottery.
Free!
