September 2008
HistoricAlexandriaALIVE
Join us on the streets of Alexandria as history comes to life! Each Sunday, learn, participate, engage, and enjoy with performers and costumed interpreters from noon to 5 p.m. Find performers at Market Square, along King Street between Market Square and the waterfront, and on the waterfront behind the Torpedo Factory. Free! Check it out!-
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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All Fired Up
August 5 - September 1
Enamelists Gallery, Studio 28
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/enamelists.htm 703/838-4565
Enthusiasm, exuberance and energy characterize these works by member artists. Look for red and movement in this show.
Free!
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"Where in the World is…"
August 5 - September 7
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
Interpretations of maps and the places they lead us.
Free!
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NEW! King Street Gardens Farmers Market
August 13 - October 29
King Street Gardens
King and Diagonal streets
Alexandria, VA 22314
703/683-1696
Locally grown produce plus dairy and baked goods at the region's newest farmers market. Held every Wednesday, 3 to 7 p.m. in the award-winning King Street Gardens, just steps from the King Street Metro.
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TXT MSG
August 16 - September 21
The Athenaeum
201 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.nvfaa.org 703/548-0035
Two installations - “Four Letter Words” by John James Anderson and “Song for Europe” by Mark Cameron Boyd – explore the subtleties of language and the affect on society. Anderson’s work explores the subtleties our language possesses: homophones, homonyms and onomatopoeia. Boyd’s work is a participatory, with viewers invited to attempt to decipher the bisected sentences and participate with the provided chalk. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. August 16.Free!
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Before and After
August 25 - September 21
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 shows the process of pottery making, from raw clay to finished pieces using different firing techniques.
Free!
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"Aftermath"
September 3 - October 12
Target Gallery
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/target.htm 703/838-4565
This all-media juried exhibition features art work that deals with the aftermath of traumatic events such as terrorism, war, natural disasters, and violent crime. Reception: 6-8 p.m. September 11.
Free!
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Soldier-Led Walking Tour
September 6
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
4301 W. Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
www.fortward.org 703/838-4848
Learn about the history of Fort Ward on a soldier-led tour! A Union Civil War soldier will give two guided tours of the historic site, the first at 10 a.m. and the second at 2 p.m.
Free!
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Galllery Talk - "Song for Europe"
September 7
The Athenaeum
201 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.nvfaa.org 703/548-0035
Mark Cameron Boyd and art-history professor Lisa Lipinski discuss the relationship of his "Song for Europe" installation to the work of French poststructuralist Jacques Derrida. Song for Europe is a participatory installation by Boyd – his signature “text-bisection” process on a series of chalkboard panels to address four languages with European origins – Greek, Latin, French and English.
Free!
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Second Thursday Art Night, Art is Everywhere
September 11
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. Visit Target Gallery from 6-8pm for the reception for the show Aftermath. 6-9 p.m.
Free!
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SECOND THURSDAYS - Music
September 11
The Athanaeum
201 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.nvfaa.org 703/548-0035
Tom Dews with Patricia Cooper Tom soaked up roots and rhythms in south Georgia & central Florida. Dews churns out his brand of original guitar with simultaneous harmonica & vocals from a lived-in and karma-buffeted voice.
7 p.m. $10 at the door or online.$ Entrance Fee
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“Ah, THAT Jack and Jill!” Exhibition
September 11 - November 15
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexblackhistory.org 703/838-4356
Celebrate the 70th anniversary of Jack and Jill of America with the Alexandria Black History Museum! This exhibit will highlight Metropolitan area chapters while honoring the organization's history and mission to enhance the lives of children. Using photographs, chapter records and the memories of members themselves, the exhibition shows how Jack and Jill empowers children and builds strong African-American communities. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
$ Entrance Fee
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Art Activated at the Torpedo Factory
September 13
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org 703/838-4565
Visual art comes alive at the Torpedo Factory during the Alexandria Festival of the Arts!
Artists will demonstrate pottery on the wheel, painting, enamel work, printmaking, and much more. Guests will get creative with the popular Champagne Cork Chairs Workshop and fiber art activities, while the Alexandria Archaeology Museum joins the fun with a history-inspired drawing activity.
From 12-2 p.m., enjoy West African storytelling and flute performances by artists from the Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts, a nonprofit organization that provides healing resources and support for adults living with cancer.
At 2 p.m., award-winning BosmaDance will perform art-inspired dance vignettes in artist studios. Don’t miss their grand finale performance of BRIGHT PINK VESSEL, a 30-minute dance-theater presentation that looks at how we relate to our own human bodies. The work is inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s philosophy on art and life.
Noon-4 p.m.Free!
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Alexandria Festival of the Arts
September 13-14
King Street between Union & Washington sts.
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.artfestival.com 703/838-5005
More than 150 juried artists display and sell fine art ranging from paintings, sculpture, prints and photography to pottery, glass, jewelry and ceramics. Old Town. 10a.m.-7 p.m. Sat.; 10 .m.-5 p.m. Sun.
Free!
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Children in the Churchyard
September 13-14
Christ Church
118 N. Washington Street
Alexandria , VA 22314
www.historicchristchurch.org 703/549-1450
During the Alexandria Festival of the Arts, visit the historic church yard for a family-friendly respite area with activities including face painting, bead stringing and moon bounce plus lunch available for purchase. Noon-4 p.m. Sat. and Sun.
Free!
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18th-Century Craft Fair at Mount Vernon
September 13-14
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
South end of the GW Parkway
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
www.MountVernon.org 703/799-5203
The 18th-Century Craft Fair features over 50 of America’s finest craftspeople and plenty of family fun! Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares such as baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leatherworkings, weavings, paper-cuttings, furniture, and much more. Also features lively 18th-century entertainment including music, fire-eating, sword-swallowing, puppet and magic shows, rat-catchers and gypsies, plus hearty specialty food for sale onsite. This weekend only, Potomac River sightseeing cruises, courtesy of Spirit Cruises and Potomac Riverboat Company, are free-of-charge at Mount Vernon’s Wharf.
$ Entrance Fee
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Making Marzipan - Advanced Class
September 14
La Cuisine
323 Cameron Street
Alexandria , VA 22314
www.lacuisineus.com/events.php 301/788-2282
Teacher extraordinaire Phyllis Farzam is returning to lead you into the elegant but simple world of marzipan decor. You will learn how to cover a cake with marzipan, make roses and leaves, simple marzipan confections, and some variations on cake coverings. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $100, with an additional $50 materials fee.$ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required
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Tavern Toddlers
September 15-29
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.gadsbystavern.org 703/838-4242
A special program for toddlers (walkers through 36 months) and their caregivers, Tavern Toddlers features a weekly open playtime in our historic ballroom Mondays, excluding Federal holidays, anytime between 10:30 am and noon. Themes change monthly. $10 for a group of three, which must include one adult, or purchase a 5 week pass for $35.
$ Entrance Fee
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A’Lelia Bundles Lecture: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance
September 17
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexblackhistory.org 703/838-4356
Noted author and journalist A'Lelia Bundles will give an illustrated lecture about her great-grandmother and namesake. A’Lelia Walker was the only daughter of Madam C.J. Walker and nicknamed the “Joy Goddess of Harlem” in the 1920s by Langston Hughes. Ms. Bundles will sign copies of her book about Madam C. J. Walker after the presentation. Free! Reservations suggested. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m
Free!
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A Call to Greatness: Challenging Our Next President
September 18
The Lyceum
201 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriahistorical.org 703/683-2636
Alexandrian Dr. David M. Abshire, president of the Center for the Study of the Presidency. will discuss his seventh book, "A Call to Greatness: Challending Our Next President." Dr. Abshire will examine how our next President can learn from the successes and failures of past Presidents to be an effective leader during a time of tremendous challenges at home and abroad. Free. No reservations needed. 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Historical Society.
Free!
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Outdoor Yoga at the Lee-Fendall House
September 19
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.leefendallhouse.org 703/548-1789
Join instructors from Alexandria's Yoga in Daily Life for an hour of yoga in the beautiful Lee-Fendall House garden. Classes will be on Friday mornings (9/19 - 10/10) at 10 AM and will be appropriate to all ages and skill levels. Walk-ins are welcome, but class size is limited. Attend just one, or come to all four! Each class is $15 and you are asked to please bring your own mat.
$ Entrance Fee
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"The Madam C.J. Walker Story"
September 19-21
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexblackhistory.org 703/838-4356
The talented troop from Sal St. George Productions returns for another historical play suitable for all ages, “The Madam C. J. Walker Story.” Set in the year 1919, this inspirational success program tells the story of Madam Walker, a child of slaves who defied poverty and prejudice by creating her own hair care business and became the first African American self-made millionaire in the United States. Tickets $10. Performances at 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat. and at 2 p.m. on Sun.
$ Entrance Fee
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Family Dig Day
September 20
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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“Their Voices Can Be Heard” Genealogy Workshop
September 20
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexblackhistory.org 703/838-4356
Noted genealogist Char McCargo Bah presents “Their Voices Can Be Heard: Tracing Descendants to Alexandria’s Freedmen’s Cemetery,” a unique African-American genealogy workshop. Bah will discuss and demonstrate genealogical techniques she used to trace pre- and post-Civil War individuals to historic Freedmen’s Cemetery. She will also demonstrate how these techniques can be used for any cemetery research. Free! Reservations suggested but not required. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m
Free!
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A Fete at the Fort
September 20
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
4301 W. Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
www.fortward.org 703/838-4848
Event honors the City of Alexandria with the General John G. Barnard Award for preservation efforts at historic Fort Ward. 6-8:30 p.m. Award ceremony, cocktail reception and musical program featuring Douglas Jimerson and the Civil War Comrades. Free. RSVP required by Sept. 16.
Free! | Reservations Required
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Genealogy: How to research your family tree
September 25
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.leefendallhouse.org 703/548-1789
Join us at 7 p.m. as local genealogist Harold McClendon discusses basic genealogy techniques and specific resources that will help you research your own family history. Free; reservations required.
Free! | Reservations Required
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Outdoor Yoga at the Lee-Fendall House
September 26
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.leefendallhouse.org 703/548-1789
Join instructors from Alexandria's Yoga in Daily Life for an hour of yoga in the beautiful Lee-Fendall House garden. Classes will be on Friday mornings (9/19 - 10/10) at 10 a.m. and will be appropriate to all ages and skill levels. Walk-ins are welcome, but class size is limited. Attend just one, or come to all four! Each class is $15 and you are asked to please bring your own mat.
$ Entrance Fee
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Alexandria Harmonizers Fall Extravaganza
September 26-27
Bishop Ireton High School
201 Cambridge Road
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.harmonizers.org 703/425-8755
The Alexandria Harmonizers present their annual fall show, "The Steamer Trunk, Memories and Harmonies," featuring the award-winning barbershop chorus and quartets. Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.
$ Entrance Fee
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67th Annual Tour of Historic Alexandria Homes
September 27
Homes located in the heart of Old Town
Alexandria , VA 22314
www.thetwig.org 703/683-5544
Tour some of the city's most beautifully restored and decorated homes. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with proceeds benefiting Inova Alexandria Hospital
$ Entrance Fee
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Slave Memorial Commemoration at Mount Vernon
September 27
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
Black Women United for Action and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association join in commemorating the slaves who lived at Mount Vernon with a wreathlaying ceremony and musical presentation at the Slave Memorial at Mount Vernon. This event features dramatic readings and uplifting music presented to reflect, remember and recognize the slaves for their sacrifices, accomplishments and contributions to the early formation of this nation.
$ Entrance Fee
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Happy Halloween Dinner
September 28
La Cuisine
323 Cameron Street
Alexandria , VA 22314
www.lacuisineus.com/events.php 301/788-2282
This morning class will be for kids ages 6-8, who will learn basic cooking skills, kitchen safety, and healthy eating from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a Halloween-themed menu. Cost is $30 plus a $25 materials fee, which will include a carry-home bag of useful kitchen tools and all ingredients for the meal.$ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required
