Del Ray Artisans Welcome Young

hosted a welcome reception for Alexandria City Manager Rashad Young and his wife Tameka on Thursday night at its gallery inside the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center on Mt. Vernon Avenue.

The group is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month and the reception offered a chance for members of Del Ray Artisans and many of the city’s other arts organizations to get cozy with the city manager.

“Art is what makes us distinct and special and that’s why we celebrate it,” Young said.

Del Ray Artisans presented Young with a photo collage by artist Nate Hurto titled “King and Washington.” The piece depicts the corner of the two Old Town streets and incorporates current and historical photographs.

Young said he is going to find a place in his office to display the work.

Mayor Bill Euille and many other city officials also attended the reception, with several delivering remarks about the importance of the 180 artist groups in the city.

“I want to thank all the art organizations in the city for what you do each and every day,” Euille said, adding that the Alexandria’s art attractions make the city a destination for tourists. Art also plays a part in economic development, he said.

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Del Ray Patch will have more on the group’s anniversary later this week.