The Science of our Surroundings Art Exhibit August 2–31

The Science of our Surroundings Art Exhibit at Del Ray Artisans Gallery

Exhibit Dates: August 2–31, 2024 Opening Reception: Friday, August 2, 7-9pm

Del Ray Artisans invites you to join us during The Science of Our Surroundings, a science-themed art exhibit. A cutaway of a cell. The food chain. The visible light spectrum. A dinosaur skeleton. The layers of the Earth, from the crust to the core. Each of these scientific concepts immediately conjure vivid, colorful images in our collective minds, thanks to the diligent and tireless work of science textbook artists. Come see how our artistic community has explored these concepts of science! Expect to see photography, experiments, paintings, sculptures and media that illustrate the science of our surroundings.

Join us for the opening reception on Friday, August 2 between 7-9pm to meet curators Aaron Fletchersmith and Amanda Fletchersmith and the artists. Mark your calendar now or set a reminder through Eventbrite at science-of-our-surrounding.eventbrite.com.

During this exhibit, Del Ray Artisans is launching a new program of free, interactive classes about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), taught by professionals from each field! Geared toward kids and teens, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on craft project. Each topic will have two sessions: one for youth ages 6-10 and another for ages 10-15 (10 year olds choose which session to attend). Family members are welcome to attend, listen, and learn. Register in advance to ensure your child’s spot, but drop-ins are welcome space permitting. STEAM-tastic activities include:

• Paleolithic Archaeology - Cave Painting for Ages 6-10 on Saturday, August 3, 10am-11:30am and Ages 10-15 on Sunday, August 4, 10am-11:30am
• Satellites in Outer Space - Antenna Pointing for Ages 10-15 on Saturday, August 17, 5-7pm and Satellite Construction for Ages 6-10 on Sunday, August 18, 10am-12pm
• From Cells to Biomes - Fluid Pours for Ages 6-10 on Saturday, August 31, 9am-11am and Ages 10-15 on Saturday, August 31, 11am-1pm

In addition, our Creative Summer Programs schedule continues until August 31. Mark your calendar for:

• First Thursday family-friendly activity: Science Scavenger Hunt - August 1, 6:30-8pm (free, drop-in)
• First Crochet Hat: “Just-Like-That Hat” Workshop - Mondays, August 5 & 12, 7-9pm (register by 8/1)
• Life Drawing Sessions - Tuesdays, August 6 & 20, 7-9pm (drop-in)
• First Knitted Hat: “Simple Hat - the World’s Simplest” Workshop - Wednesdays, August 7 & 14, 7-9pm (register by 8/4)
• Unleash Your Creativity: Acrylic Painting Class - Thursday, August 8, 6-8pm (register by 7/22)
• Del Ray Sketchcrawl - Sunday, August 11, 1-3pm (register by 8/8)
• Creative Book Club (“Caravaggio and the Creation of Modernity” by Troy Thomas) - Saturday, August 17, 10am-12pm (drop-in)
• Partners in Art Evening - Wednesday, August 21, 7-9pm (free, RSVP)
• Playing with Resin Workshop - Sunday, August 25, 6-9pm (register by 8/23)
• Nature Journaling Club - Saturday, August 31, 10am-12pm (free, drop-in)

The Science of our Surroundings exhibit runs August 2–31, 2024 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are First Thursday (Apr-Sept) 12-9pm, Thursday 12-6pm, Friday 12-9pm, Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-6pm (closed on September 1).

The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. For more information, visit DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits.

Del Ray Artisans, founded in 1992, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community.
Del Ray Artisans (DRA) appreciates the continued support from the City of Alexandria, Alexandria Commission for the Arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts. DRA is a 501(c)(3) organization.