Featured Events

Tuesday, July 2 Cultural Discussion Series: Alexandria's First Family of Beer - Then and Now Morrison House Presents: Catherine and Margaret Portner, Co-Founders of Portner Brewhouse Morrison House, 116 South Alfred Street 6-8pm, FREE admission, food and drinks available from The Grille Join us for an engaging evening with the Portner sisters as they share details about their great-great grandfather’s company and how it is influencing their own venture to open Portner Brewhouse. Learn how you can get involved in the development of a new Alexandria landmark and opportunities to sample recreations of Robert Portner Brewing Company beers available now. More info>

Free Tours

Meet by the main entrance every Friday at 1pm for a FREE tour of the Torpedo Factory Art Center!

May 1 - June 30
Patrick Sargent
Printmakers Inc
Studio 325
Printmakers welcomes a new member, Patrick Sargent. For this special exhibition, Sargent brings together his military background with his artistic talents to create large woodcuts based on his experiences. Currently, Sargent is working on a program that combines printmaking/papermaking elements in pricessed collaberation using the arts that focus on assisting returning vets and active duty, and their families as they face societal integration issues.

May 7 - June 16
Drive By, Utah Preserved in Time
Multiple Exposures Gallery
Studio 312
Photographer Sandy LeBrun-Evans presents new photographs featuring the beauty and history of Utah's five national parks. For this exhibition, LeBrun-Evans chose images from her travels to Park City, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Thomspons Springs National Parks that capture what she describes as "the history left behind."
Reception: Sunday, May 19, 2-4pm

May 7 - June 16
Once Tibetan, the Wheel Turns
Multiple Exposures Gallery
Studio 312
Photographer Danny Conant displays photographs from his most recent trip to Eastern Tibet, which he transferred to wood and further transformed with encaustic, oil paint, and pastel pigment to express the Tibetan culture that inspired him.
Reception: Sunday, May 19, 2-4pm

May 21 - June 16
Under the Microscope
Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery
Studio 18
Through their work, the gallery's artists explore small life forms, crystalline structures, and the world we cannot see.

June 3 - 30
Sweet Celebrations
Scope Gallery
Studio 19
Ceramic Guild members present pottery for weddings, anniversaries, graduations, birthdays. Toast an occasion with one-of-a-kind cups, or make memories by presenting a clay centerpiece.

June 4 - 30
Summer Joy
Enamelists Gallery
Studio 28
Enamelists work with a bright summertime palette to celebrate the intensity and everlasting beauty of enamel colors.

June 5 - July 1
(CON)text: Art with a Message
The Art League Gallery
Room 21
This juried exhibition features text-based work or work that makes a strong statement.
Reception: 2nd Thursday Art Night, June 13, 6:30-8pm

June 6 - July 1
Bob Tetro: Yellowstone Abstracted
The Art League Gallery
Room 21
After retiring in 2002 from the Foreign Service, Bob Tetro turned his focus to his photography, particularly from many travels abroad and around the United States. A trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in 2011 caught him by surprise when he became fascinated with the abstract fine art quality of the geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone. His exhibit, Yellowstone Abstracted gets the viewer up close enough, as Bob puts it, “to feel the heartbeat” of the incredible landscapes in the park.
Reception: 2nd Thursday Art Night, June 13, 6:30-8pm

June 6 - July 1
Tabletop
The Art League Gallery
Room 21
The Art League Gallery presents an exhibition of functional tabletop wares crafted by artists from around the country and juried by Linda Christianson. More info>
Reception & Juror Talk: Saturday, June 22, 2-4pm

June 8 - 30
Food: Friend or Foe
Target Gallery
This all-media exhibition explores the complex relationship that we have with food – whether a personal examination of food and our bodies or a broader commentary on food production and distribution.
Reception: 2nd Thursday Art Night, June 13, 6-8pm
Gallery Talk: 7pm, during reception

Thursday, June 13
2nd Thursday Art Night: Parlez Vous Jazz?
6-9pm, FREE Event
Think sultry Parisian summer nights and cool hip sounds - an international twist on a classic American art form. Grab your beret, make a moustache onsite and get your photo taken in our Eiffel Tower photobooth! Visit Target Gallery for the reception for Food: Friend or Foe. Stop into The Art League Gallery for the reception for Bob Tetro: Yellowstone Abstracted and (Con)text: Art with a Message. More info>

Saturday, June 15
Visiting Artist Demo Day - June 2013
12-4pm, FREE
Meet the Torpedo Factory’s June Visiting Artists and learn about their methods, materials, techniques, and backgrounds as they demonstrate their art forms. Demonstrations will be ongoing from 12-4pm, and questions are encouraged! More info>

June 18 - July 29
Michael Borek: What Would Sudek Do?
Multiple Exposures Gallery
Studio 312
Multiple Exposures Gallery presents a solo show featuring new works by photographer Michael Borek from his series inspired by a Czech photographer who sought beauty in places that others dismissed or overlooked. "With this project," Borek says, "I'm playing with the idea that, even in seemingly uninspired places, in which we all unfortunately happen to be from time to time, one can discover something interesting and poetic."
Reception: Saturday, June 22, 2-5pm

June 18 - August 4
Where in the World
Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery
Studio 18
Gallery artists derive inspiration from travel and adventure. Whether for self or gifts, jewelry, sculpture, clothing, and wall pieces are some of the items that will be exhibited.

Sunday, June 30
Coffee + Critique + Conversation
Multiple Exposures Gallery
Studio 312
10:30am-12pm, FREE
Looking for people who have a sincere interest in discussing and sharing photographs? Photographers and art enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to engage in a friendly dialogue and share their work, ideas, and questions at this free workshop held on the last Sunday of each month except December. No reservations needed. Questions? Please call the gallery at 703-683-2205. More info>

July 1 - 28
Balance: Playing with Symmetry
Scope Gallery
Studio 19
Kiln Club members take a light look at the inequality of art with altered thrown forms, graceful statuary, and balanced or swooping silhouettes. Tweaking a pot after it is thrown traditionally on a wheel provides a fireworks display of wild forms!

Tuesday, July 2
Cultural Discussion Series: Alexandria's First Family of Beer - Then and Now
Morrison House Presents: Catherine and Margaret Portner, Co-Founders of Portner Brewhouse
Morrison House, 116 South Alfred Street
6-8pm, FREE admission, food and drinks available from The Grille
Join us for an engaging evening with the Portner sisters as they share details about their great-great grandfather’s company and how it is influencing their own venture to open Portner Brewhouse. Learn how you can get involved in the development of a new Alexandria landmark and opportunities to sample recreations of Robert Portner Brewing Company beers available now. More info>

July 2 - August 4
Fireworks
Enamelists Gallery
Studio 28
Enamelists work with fire -- look for some HEAT in this month's show.

July 3 - August 5
All-Media Membership Show
The Art League Gallery
Room 21
This exhibition showcases a variety of different styles, techniques, and viewpoints in work by The Art League Gallery's member artists.
Reception: 2nd Thursday Art Night, July 11, 6:30-8pm

Thursday, July 4
Independence Day
The Torpedo Factory is closed.

July 5 - August 5
Jennifer Brewer Stone
The Art League Gallery
Room 21
Jennifer Brewer Stone reaches outside the realm of botanical painting by honing in on the rich textures and vibrant colors of plant and animal life. By juxtaposing flora and fauna that would not naturally coexist, Stone highlights the surprising physical similarities between different species and celebrates the interrelation of natural forms. Jennifer and her artwork can currently be found in her Torpedo Factory studio, #227. More info >
Reception: 2nd Thursday Art Night, July 11, 6:30-8pm

July 6 - 28
Ruth Gowell: Optical Studies
Friends of the Torpedo Factory's Artist of the Year
Target Gallery
Target Gallery hosts an exhibition of artwork created by Ruth Gowell, winner of the 2013 Friends of the Torpedo Factory's Artist of the Year Competition. Gowell's honorary solo show, Optical Studies, will feature several new pieces and include work in fiber and glass, weavings and optical glass. Her work is additionally on view in Studio 8.
Reception: 2nd Thursday Art Night, July 11, 6-8pm
Gallery Talk: 7pm, during reception

Thursday, July 11
2nd Thursday Art Night: Emerald City
6-9pm, FREE Event
A celebration of Pantone's 2013 Color of the Year. Activities to include jewelry making, ice gems and green drinks. Browse three floors of open studios and galleries, engage with artists, and enjoy live music and refreshments. The evening includes receptions for the Friends of the Torpedo Factory's "Artist of the Year" in Target Gallery and Jennifer Brewer Stone's solo show in The Art League Gallery. More info >

Tuesday, July 16
The Art League Book Club
The Art League Gallery
Room 21
12:30pm, FREE
The Art League Book Club will meet to discuss The 12 Million Dollar Stuffed Shark by Don Thompson. If you'd like to attend, RSVP to Rose at roseo@theartleague.org.

Saturday, July 20
Visiting Artist Demo Day - July 2013
12-4pm, FREE
Meet the Torpedo Factory’s July Visiting Artists and learn about their methods, materials, techniques, and backgrounds as they demonstrate their art forms. Demonstrations will be ongoing from 12-4pm, and questions are encouraged! More info>

Sunday, July 28
Coffee + Critique + Conversation
Multiple Exposures Gallery
Studio 312
10:30am-12pm, FREE
Looking for people who have a sincere interest in discussing and sharing photographs? Photographers and art enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to engage in a friendly dialogue and share their work, ideas, and questions at this free workshop held on the last Sunday of each month except December. No reservations needed. Questions? Please call the gallery at 703-683-2205. More info>

July 29 - September 2
Creatures in Clay
Scope Gallery
Studio 19
Critter creations by Ceramic Guild members take center stage with a tribute to those furry and feathery. With claywork for pets, as well as work inspired by wildlife, Scope Gallery will be a zoo! See creature-themed tableware, bird houses, animal sculptures, and more!

August 3 - September 1
Radio Sebastian: You, Me, and the Void
Target Gallery
Radio Sebastian, a collaborative between Corwin Levi and Yumiko Blackwell, was named the 2013 winner of our annual Open Exhibition call for proposals. The jury panel for this competition - Foon Sham, Samantha May, and Morgan Hungerford West - reviewed over 45 proposals and selected Radio Sebastian’s You, Me, and the Void, which will include a site-specific installation, a series of two-dimensional drawings and collages, as well as two-interactive video pieces.
Reception: 2nd Thursday Art Night, August 8, 6-8pm
Gallery Talk: 7pm, during reception

Tuesday, August 6
Morrison House Cultural Discussion Series
Morrison House, 116 South Alfred Street
6-8pm, FREE admission, food and drinks available from The Grille
Join us for an engaging evening with a salon-style discussion exploring Alexandria’s heritage and culture through talks with artists, authors, and archaeologists from Alexandria and the nationally acclaimed Torpedo Factory Art Center. The stylish yet comfortable setting of the Morrison House salon provides an ideal backdrop for members of the public to participate in an open and lively conversation with artists and other experts. Please check back later for details. More info>

August 6 - September 8
Fairy Tales and Favorite Childhood Stories
Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery
Studio 18
The gallery's artists explore the morals and fables that shape our childhood.

Thursday, August 8
2nd Thursday Art Night: Animal Instincts
6-9pm, FREE Event
During the dog days of summer, enjoy a tribute to all varieties of the animal kingdom - wild or domestic - furry, scaled or feathered. Browse three floors of open studios and galleries, engage with artists, and enjoy live music and refreshments. The evening includes a reception in Target Gallery for the Open Show. More info>

Saturday, August 17
Visiting Artist Demo Day - August 2013
12-4pm, FREE
Meet the Torpedo Factory’s August Visiting Artists and learn about their methods, materials, techniques, and backgrounds as they demonstrate their art forms. Demonstrations will be ongoing from 12-4pm, and questions are encouraged! More info>

Sunday, August 25
Coffee + Critique + Conversation
Multiple Exposures Gallery
Studio 312
10:30am-12pm, FREE
Looking for people who have a sincere interest in discussing and sharing photographs? Photographers and art enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to engage in a friendly dialogue and share their work, ideas, and questions at this free workshop held on the last Sunday of each month except December. No reservations needed. Questions? Please call the gallery at 703-683-2205. More info>

Tuesday, September 3
Morrison House Cultural Discussion Series
Morrison House, 116 South Alfred Street
6-8pm, FREE admission, food and drinks available from The Grille
Join us for an engaging evening with a salon-style discussion exploring Alexandria’s heritage and culture through talks with artists, authors, and archaeologists from Alexandria and the nationally acclaimed Torpedo Factory Art Center. The stylish yet comfortable setting of the Morrison House salon provides an ideal backdrop for members of the public to participate in an open and lively conversation with artists and other experts. Please check back later for details. More info>

September 3 - 29
Mark of the Maker
Scope Gallery
Studio 19
Ceramic Guild artists show age-old traditional techniques and styles from Native American pitfiring to Japanese raku to a variety of cultural connections. This educational exhibition takes a look at the background behind style and technique.

September 5 - October 6
Kreshnik "Nick" Xhiku
The Art League Gallery
Room 21
Nick Xhiku is an internationally known sculptor and was the Dean of Faculty of the Visual Arts Academy of Fine Arts in Tirana, Albania, before coming to the U.S. His solo exhibition features his architectonic structures influenced by images from nature. Says Xhiku, “I like the idea that in a piece one can see how it was built; one can see the steps of the process, how the piece was touched and what physically went into creating it.”
Reception: 2nd Thursday Art Night, September 12, 6:30-8pm

September 7 - 29
In the Flesh 4
Target Gallery
In the Flesh 4 returns after popular demand; this is an all-media exhibition that examines contemporary figurative art.
Reception: 2nd Thursday Art Night, September 12, 6-8pm
Gallery Talk: 7pm, during reception

Saturday, September 7
Art Activated
FREE! 12-4pm
The visual arts come alive at the Torpedo Factory Art Center's 7th annual Art Activated, taking place during the Alexandria King Street Art Festival. During this free event, stop by to cool off from the street fair and feed your inner creativity with artist demonstrations and hands-on projects. Check back soon for more information.

September 10 - October 20
Collaborations of Two or More Artists
Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery
Studio 18
The gallery's artists demonstrate the results of working together and sharing inspirations.

Thursday, September 12
2nd Thursday Art Night: Night of a Thousand Strings
6-9pm, FREE Event
From fiber art, finger knitting and yarn bombs to classical string instruments, this evening will have you tied up in the best possible way. Dust off your old string instruments and come play alongside professional musicians from the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra! Browse three floors of open studios and galleries, converse with artists, and enjoy live music and refreshments. The evening includes a reception for In the Flesh 4 in Target Gallery and Nick Xhiku's solo show in The Art League Gallery. More info>

Sunday, September 29
Coffee + Critique + Conversation
Multiple Exposures Gallery
Studio 312
10:30am-12pm, FREE
Looking for people who have a sincere interest in discussing and sharing photographs? Photographers and art enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to engage in a friendly dialogue and share their work, ideas, and questions at this free workshop held on the last Sunday of each month except December. No reservations needed. Questions? Please call the gallery at 703-683-2205. More info>

September 30 - October 27
Black & White: Dark & Light
Scope Gallery
Studio 19
In this show by Kiln Club artists, the extremes of levity and bulk, shine and shade bring out compelling contrasts in form and color.

Tuesday, October 1
Morrison House Cultural Discussion Series
Morrison House, 116 South Alfred Street
6-8pm, FREE admission, food and drinks available from The Grille
Join us for an engaging evening with a salon-style discussion exploring Alexandria’s heritage and culture through talks with artists, authors, and archaeologists from Alexandria and the nationally acclaimed Torpedo Factory Art Center. The stylish yet comfortable setting of the Morrison House salon provides an ideal backdrop for members of the public to participate in an open and lively conversation with artists and other experts. Please check back later for details. More info>

October 5 - November 3
Disconnect
Target Gallery
Disconnect is an all-media, juried exhibition with a focus on artwork that examines how the development of new technologies and social media has caused a shift in how people relate to and interact with one another. It is open to all artists nationally and internationally. Reception: 2nd Thursday Art Night, October 10, 6-8pm
Gallery Talk: 7pm, during reception

October 10 - November 4
Cindi Lewis: Onstage
The Art League Gallery
Room 21
A lawyer by trade, Cindi Lewis has had a love of art throughout her life, and what she enjoys most is painting. Until its recent closing, Cindi was a member of the Gallery West cooperative in Alexandria, and her work can be seen every month in The Art League’s prestigious Bin Gallery. Her solo exhibition provides an opportunity for viewers to consider musical performances from a visual perspective.
Reception: 2nd Thursday Art Night, October 10, 6:30-8pm

Thursday, October 10
2nd Thursday Art Night: Abstract Expressions
6-9pm, FREE Event
It's all about free expression at this homage to Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and company. Wear your 50's style Mad Men finest, make your own "action painting" and catch our vintage inspired fashion show. Browse three floors of open studios and galleries, converse with artists, and enjoy live music and refreshments. The evening includes a reception for Disconnect in Target Gallery and Cindi Lewis' solo show in The Art League Gallery. More info>

Saturday, October 12
Arts Safari
FREE! 12-4pm
Free, fun, and family-friendly, the Torpedo Factory Art Center's 18th annual Arts Safari is not to be missed! This afternoon of hands-on arts and crafts activities for kids and families is the perfect introduction to the art center. Get creative with a combination of new activities plus old favorites, including fabric collage, block printing, making a giant papier-mâché animal, and much more. More info >

October 22 - November 17
Colors of Autumn
Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery
Studio 18
Red, yellow, orange and brown feature prominently in the works in this show.

Sunday, October 27
Coffee + Critique + Conversation
Multiple Exposures Gallery
Studio 312
10:30am-12pm, FREE
Looking for people who have a sincere interest in discussing and sharing photographs? Photographers and art enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to engage in a friendly dialogue and share their work, ideas, and questions at this free workshop held on the last Sunday of each month except December. No reservations needed. Questions? Please call the gallery at 703-683-2205. More info>

October 28 - December 1
Fresh Out of the Oven
Scope Gallery
Studio 19
Handmade high-fire pottery is oven safe after being fired to over 2000° F. Ceramic Guild artists present their best bakeware creations to serve all things from cranberries to casseroles to the main course.

Tuesday, November 5
Morrison House Cultural Discussion Series
Morrison House, 116 South Alfred Street
6-8pm, FREE admission, food and drinks available from The Grille
Join us for an engaging evening with a salon-style discussion exploring Alexandria’s heritage and culture through talks with artists, authors, and archaeologists from Alexandria and the nationally acclaimed Torpedo Factory Art Center. The stylish yet comfortable setting of the Morrison House salon provides an ideal backdrop for members of the public to participate in an open and lively conversation with artists and other experts. Please check back later for details. More info>

November 7 - December 2
Everitt Clark: Close to Home
The Art League Gallery
Room 21
To create his photography, Everitt Clark uses a large format camera that produces 4” X 5” negatives, which he then develops in his own darkroom. Clark works the images by hand, using a silver-reducing 'bleach,' selenium toner and lampblack to make fine adjustments to each print. His solo exhibition captures the overlap of natural and man-made details in the suburbs of northern Virginia.
Reception: 2nd Thursday Art Night, November 14, 6:30-8pm

November 9 - December 1
Reflections - Part of Fotoweek DC
Target Gallery
Part of Fotoweek DC, Reflections is a media-specific exhibition with a focus on photo-based artwork that examines the theme of “reflections”, both literally or figuratively. It is open to all artists nationally and internationally. Our juror, Lindsay Harris, is an art historian who specializes in photography and Italian modern art and architecture.
Reception: 2nd Thursday Art Night, November 14, 6-8pm
Gallery Talk: 7pm, during reception

Thursday, November 14
2nd Thursday Art Night: Flash! FotoWeekDC
6-9pm, FREE Event
Browse three floors of open studios and galleries, engage with artists, and enjoy live music and refreshments. The evening includes receptions for Reflections in Target Gallery and Everitt Clark's solo show in The Art League Gallery. More info>

November 19, 2013 - January 5, 2014
Holiday Sizzle
Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery
Studio 18

Sunday, November 24
Coffee + Critique + Conversation
Multiple Exposures Gallery
Studio 312
10:30am-12pm, FREE
Looking for people who have a sincere interest in discussing and sharing photographs? Photographers and art enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to engage in a friendly dialogue and share their work, ideas, and questions at this free workshop held on the last Sunday of each month except December. No reservations needed. Questions? Please call the gallery at 703-683-2205. More info>

Thursday, November 28
Thanksgiving
The Torpedo Factory is closed.

December 2, 2013 - January 5, 2014
Gifted: 12 Days of Clay
Scope Gallery
Studio 19
Kiln Club potters fashion everything out of clay, even a partridge, pears, and trees. The holidays are here, and so are handmade ornaments and gifts. O come ye!

Tuesday, December 3
Morrison House Cultural Discussion Series
Morrison House, 116 South Alfred Street
6-8pm, FREE admission, food and drinks available from The Grille
Join us for an engaging evening with a salon-style discussion exploring Alexandria’s heritage and culture through talks with artists, authors, and archaeologists from Alexandria and the nationally acclaimed Torpedo Factory Art Center. The stylish yet comfortable setting of the Morrison House salon provides an ideal backdrop for members of the public to participate in an open and lively conversation with artists and other experts. Please check back later for details. More info>

Thursday, December 5
Holiday Open House 2013
6-9pm, FREE Event

December 5, 2013 - January 6, 2014
Thien-Kim Pham: The Street Sense Project
The Art League Gallery
Room 21
“The Street Sense Project” by Thien-Kim Pham is about the lives and feelings of people who live or work on the street. Says Pham, “It’s about Christine, who has suffered schizophrenia for 30 years and worked as a bell ringer to make ends meet; it’s about one long waiting night at the soup kitchen.” This exhibition of 10 portraits portrays the hardships of his subjects, the homeless. Pham hopes that his life-size charcoals on canvas will bring attention to the lives of the less fortunate in our community.
Reception: 2nd Thursday Art Night, December 12, 6:30-8pm

December 7, 2013 - January 12, 2014
Small Worlds: A Diorama Show
Target Gallery
Small Worlds is an all-media, juried exhibition with a focus on artists who work in miniature/small scales to create worlds - dioramas or sets - to be photographed or exhibited as objects themselves. Submissions are open to sculptural work as well as photography documenting these “worlds.” Sculptural work must be no larger than 24” in any direction. It is open to all artists nationally and internationally and will be juried by Thomas Doyle. Reception: 2nd Thursday Art Night, December 12, 6-8pm
Gallery Talk: 7pm, during reception

Thursday, December 12
2nd Thursday Art Night: Decadent December
6-9pm, FREE Event
Browse three floors of open studios and galleries, converse with artists, and enjoy live music and refreshments. The evening includes receptions for Small Worlds in Target Gallery and Thien-Kim Pham's solo show in The Art League Gallery. More info>

Wednesday, December 25
Christmas Day
The Torpedo Factory is closed.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014
New Year's Day
The Torpedo Factory is closed.