Connecting Threads Art Exhibit at Del Ray Artisans

Join us at Del Ray Artisans from November 2-25, 2018 for the Connecting Threads art exhibit to celebrate fiber and how it connects us to the stories of our lives.

Fiber art communicates some sort of message, emotion, or meaning and goes beyond the literal definition of the materials. This exhibit focuses on fiber art and fiber’s influence through other mediums as well. Artists are showcasing their traditional and non-traditional ways to manipulate fiber (e.g. knitting, crocheting, amigurumi, felting, weaving, stitching, mixed media, etc.) and highlighting narratives where textiles and fiber trigger nostalgia or comfort.

Meet some of the artists and enjoy the live music by Bill Cabrera at the opening reception on Friday, November 2 from 7-9pm. Four Artist Awards will be presented during the opening reception. Special thanks to Artistic Artifacts for sponsoring the awards and to MCD Mateos, McDonald’s for sponsoring the reception..

In addition to the reception, special events will be held in conjunction with the exhibit:

(1) Sit & Stitch Gathering at Del Ray Artisans
Monday, November 5 from 6-8pm
Join us at the gallery for an evening of stitching! Bring your hand stitching project – crochet, knitting, embroidery, mending – and spend a few hours in the company of other stitchers. Don’t stitch? Join us anyway! We will share our thoughts on the joy of stitching, and we might just get you interested in learning something new. FREE; walk-in and have fun.

(2) Hand Stitch Third Thursday at Artistic Artifacts
Thursday, November 15 from 6:30–8:30pm
Join Judy Gula at Artistic Artifacts (4750 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria VA 22304) for this learning opportunity focusing on hand stitching techniques and make and take projects. This event will focus on Silk Ribbon Embroidery. $15/person, includes light refreshments and use of provided products and materials. Participants will receive a 10% discount on store purchases the evening of the class. Register in advance at ArtisticArtifacts.com/product/4312880.html

(3) Needle Felted Jewelry Workshop at Del Ray Artisans
Saturday, November 17 from 1–4pm
Join Brittany Gabel at the gallery and learn the basics of how to create 3D needle felted jewelry, plus explore using other materials such as beads, charms, and thread to add to needle felted jewelry pieces. $80/Del Ray Artisans member or $90/non-member; and $15/person supplies fee. Register in advance at DelRayArtisans.org/event/needle-felted-jewelry

Del Ray Artisans also invites the public to drop off donations of new towels (bath towels, washcloths, and dish towels) at the gallery for Carpenter’s Shelter. Carpenter’s Shelter supports the homeless in achieving sustainable independence through shelter, guidance, education, and advocacy. The shelter has moved to a temporary location (5701-D Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22304) while their Old Town Alexandria building is being renovated. Del Ray Artisans will be collecting the donations during the Connecting Threads exhibit from November 2-25, 2018 during gallery hours. Both Del Ray Artisans and Carpenter’s Shelter are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

The art exhibit, opening reception, two of the special events, and donation drive are at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are: Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays 12-9pm, and Sundays 12-6pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day. The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible.