The Friends’ mission is to promote the Torpedo Factory Art Center as a vital part of the City of Alexandria and of the greater Washington metropolitan area.  We fulfill our mission by building connections between the Center, its artists (in partnership with the Torpedo Factory Artists Association, a separate entity) and the community.  We are a member-based public charity, meaning that, while we also seek grants and corporate sponsorships, the primary source of our revenues is membership dues that are fully tax-deductible to the members.

Activities and events the Friends sponsor both bring art closer to the community and bring the community closer to art.  They include:

• Our mentorship program, which matches high school art students with Torpedo Factory artists, an extraordinary opportunity which culminates in a student art exhibition in the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Target Gallery;

• Cosponsoring the annual “Young at Art” show held at the Durant Center along with the Senior Services of Alexandria and Goodwin House;

• Coordinating a program of art enrichment demonstration sessions by Torpedo Factory artists with students at the Alexandria Academy;

• The Friends’ Guest Lecture & Performance Series, which brings accomplished speakers, musicians and other performers to the Torpedo Factory Art Center;

• The Friends’ Artist of the Year program, in which the community recognizes artistic achievements of Torpedo Factory artists.

Our collaboration with the Torpedo Factory Artists’ Association means that your membership gives you additional benefits.  Member benefits include:

• Invitations to special preview openings at the Torpedo Factory’s Target Gallery, the national exhibition space of the Torpedo Factory Art Center;

• Invitations to all artists’ events at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Friends’ Board members will be on hand at each event to introduce you to the artists and show thanks for your support and generosity;

• Certain member packages also receive a 10% discount on purchases from the Target Gallery and the Torpedo Factory Information Center (see membership form for details).

Remember, your membership with Friends is fully tax deductible, and the entire community gains from your generosity.  Please review the attached form that outlines the benefits of our membership levels.  We welcome your involvement.

To become a Member of the Friends , download and print the Membership Form on this page. Click here for the Form. For further information, contact .