I understand that the Del Ray Central Apartments (the “triangle lot” where Commonwealth and Mt Vernon cross) are hosting a preview of the outdoor art they’re installing. I only know that it’s November 4th at 6:00 p.m. at the Mt Vernon rec center and will include a talk by the artist. Drop me a line or leave a comment if you have more information.

Del Ray Greens, which will be located at the corner of Mt Vernon Avenue and Hume, is holding a mural design contest. The contest is open to students in Alexandria Schools and a pdf with all of the contest details can be downloaded here. The contest deadline is January 15, 2010.

Del Ray Greens is being touted as Del Ray’s first privately-owned LEED certified green building and promises to have an organic farm on the roof! This should be an exciting project to watch.

This year, Crafty Bastards landed on the 1st Saturday in October, the same date as Art on the Avenue. The jury (read: my neighbors) seem divided about this year’s Art on the Avenue - not whether it was the biggest or best in it’s history (it seemed to be both) - but whether there were too many kids activities crowding out the hipsters or too many hipsters crowding out the kids activities. Frankly, I thought there was a nearly-oppressive number of both kids and hipsters, but that’s why it’s fun.

Much more tedious and tiresome has been the angst over which show is “better.” Alexandria, in particular, has a lot of well-run art and craft markets and it seems like there’s enough creativity and energy (and disposable income) around to support them all. I would have liked to get over to Crafty Bastards, but I was committed to being at Art on the Avenue before the date for Crafty Bastards was announced. And, as it turned out, an awful lot of my money also ended up committed to purchases of locally crafted, hand-sewn items so I can’t really complain.

Found by a Friend has put their assessment of Crafty Bastards versus Art on the Avenue in an old school venn diagram. It’s pretty amusing, so I thought I’d link to it.

This item was in the Del Ray Artisans newsletter. If you’ve always wanted to get involved with the DRA, this is a great way to do so. You can meet members of the organization while creating some art in a low-key and fun environment.

Make your Own Valentines Jan 24-25!
A yummy salad bar of valentine art making supplies will ready for you to create your own love cards. This event is for adults* only at any skill level for card mak’n. There is a suggested fee for supply use of $5-15. So bring bring your friends and amore enthusiasts for card-making.Hostess will have some techniques and ideas to show! Hey! Send a card anonymously! Hey! Send a card to our new #44 President Obama! Send a card to a secret crush!
Light delish snacks provided!

Saturday Jan 24- 12-4pm Hosted by Theresa Kulstad
Sunday Jan 25 12-4 Hosted by Karen Schmitz & Theresa

Some helpful volunteered are needed to help the hostesses for these 2 days for a few hours. What a wonderful way for DRA members to make your volunteer hours! If you can help please email Theresa: tkulstad(at)verizon(dot)net

The card-making parties are extremely fun. A children’s event will be held in February, please note that this event is adult’s only.

Feeling stressed from the holidays already? Take a few minutes to watch Alexandria artist and champion kayaker Alison Sigethy performing a rolling routine in the Potomac (behind her studio at the Torpedo Factory, actually). Be sure your speakers are on, there’s music:

There, now don’t you feel better?