Weekend: The Art League's Artfete Holiday Party

There’s lots going on in Alexandria this weekend and here’s one more can’t-miss event to add to your list:

The Art League is concluding its 60th anniversary year this weekend with Artfête. Friday night from 6 to 9 p.m. the League kicks off with their annual free open house and holiday party, which is back and better than ever with music, food, and (of course) all kinds of art.​​

All events take place at the League’s Madison Street Annex, located at 305 Madison St. in Alexandria (view on Google Maps). For all your Artfête Weekend information, click here.

The League compiled some top reasons why you should attend Artfête this weekend:

​Music by Redline Graffiti

Redline Graffiti will play Friday night in the sculpture room, fresh off a gig at the 9:30 Club and a profile in DCist. The DC-based quartet has a sound that’s difficult to categorize, so listen to their music on their website.

Holiday shopping



The annual Holiday Ceramics Sale and Holiday Jewelry Sale are always great places to find one-of-a-kind gifts or something special for your own home. Here’s the schedule:

• Jewelry sale hours: Friday, 12 noon–9 pm; Saturday, 10 am–5 pm
• Ceramics sale hours: Friday, 12 noon–9 pm; Saturday, 10 am–6 pm; Sunday, 12 noon–5 pm
  
  

A SURPRISE sculptural event

We have a special guest artist this year: sculptor Michael Verdon.

“Michael Verdon uses the tools of interaction, reflection, and experience to explore social, political, and personal issues. He works with any medium on any scale. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and active participant in the Burning Man community.”

Verdon’s work was featured in last month’s Year of the Veteran Art Exhibit (his was the sculpture made from the remains of burned sculptures). He’ll be creating, and then destroying, a sculpture during the course of the party Friday night. Find it in classroom 11, in the back of the annex.

Artist demos
Friday night, artist instructors will demonstrate the techniques they teach in their classes. Enjoy demos in welding, stained glass, forensic sculpture, pottery, and more.

It’s free!
Did we mention that admission is free? Cupcakes, wine, live music, fashion show, and artwork in action are all included!

Thirty-nine ceramics vendors
All weekend long, find the mugs, teapots, sculptures, and dishes you’ll be giving to friends (or yourself) in the sale in the ceramics studio. There are 39 different artist vendors this year, so you’re sure to find something you like. It starts Friday at noon.

A wearable art runway show
Art isn’t just for the wall. It can go on your dining table — as the ceramics sale demonstrates — or on you. Fiber arts and jewelry students will show off their work in a runway fashion show.

The 60th Anniversary community canvas revealed
Remember the Community Canvas the Art League debuted in January? They’ve been adding to it all year, and they’re installing the completed piece with all of your artwork. Come see it for the first time at Artfête.

Make your donation count twice!

Bring your Annual Fund donation on Friday night and Montgomery Center (home to the Madison Street Annex) has pledged to match donations received at Artfête up to $5,000! If you bring your donation — Friday only — that means your impact will be doubled.