Explore the Athenaeum

The Athenaeum in Old Town hosts many arts events throughout the year.

On Dec. 31 as part of First Night Alexandria, the 2^nd Story Band Duo offers up world beat blues beginning at 7 p.m. followed by jazz from the Vaughn Ambrose Trio at 7:45 p.m.

The show will offer alternating 30-minute sets through the evening until 11:15 p.m., just in time to head down to the waterfront for the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

For other musical and performing acts that are part of First Night Alexandria, see the website schedule.

Beginning Jan. 10, the Athenaeum is hosting an exhibit of works by Alexandria artist Frances Seeger. The show will run through Feb. 24 in the Athenaeum Gallery. The public is invited to a free opening reception Jan. 13 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Seeger's "People" exhibit features a number of the artist's larger figural paintings. Often appearing to be waiting for time to pass or expressing just a touch of boredom, Seeger's subjects are captured with a bold, intuitive hand and vibrant palette, according to literature about the artist.

Seeger has been painting and exhibiting in the Washington DC area since the 1960s. She studied at the Art Students' League in New York City and was awarded a travelling fellowship from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.

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