Friday, November 23
Black Friday

Old Town Alexandria will be hopping for Black Friday! From 6am onward, there'll be free parking at city garages and meters. Plus, the free King Street Trolley will be operating to help get you to all the amazing shops and sales! Be sure to stop into the Art Center anytime from 10am to 6pm to continue your holiday shopping experience. Special thanks to the Cafe by Bread & Chocolate, which will be serving free muffins to Art Center shoppers from 10am to noon! Pick up a copy of our Holiday Gift Guide and start exploring our three floors of studios and galleries to find one-of-a-kind gifts by Torpedo Factory artists for everyone on your gift list!

Saturday, November 24
Small Business Saturday

Last year, more than 100 million people nationwide shopped small on Small Business Saturday. On this day, be part of something bigger by shopping small in any of the Torpedo Factory Art Center's 82 artists' studios and 6 galleries! Hours are 10am to 6pm.

Thursday, November 29 • 6-9pm • Free Event
Holiday Open House

To usher in the holiday season, the Art Center is transformed into a festive wonderland! Explore three floors of studios and galleries, mingle with artists, and use our handy Holiday Gift Guide to shop for one-of-a-kind originals for everyone on your gift list. This favorite annual bash features:

• Holiday shopping in studios and galleries
• Live music by Wytold Lebing, accompanied by Bryan Bowman and Jerry Tolkas
• Delectable holiday treats by Bread & Chocolate and complimentary sparkling wine
• Gift wrap station benefiting the George Washington Middle School Orchestra
• Holiday mitten and toy drives

More Info >

Friday, November 30 • 6-9pm • Free Event
The Art League (Madison Annex, 305 Madison St.)
ArtFête 2012

The Art League's annual open house and holiday party kicks off the season at its newly renovated and expanded Madison Annex in Old Town Alexandria. The party will feature 2D and 3D exhibits showcasing instructor work, an impromptu fashion show, the popular annual holiday ceramic and jewelry sale, live music by Tropikiimba, food and drinks, artist demonstrations and more! More info>

Saturday, December 1 • 1-4pm • Free Event
Alexandria Archaeology Museum (Room 327)
Ornament Decorating Workshop

The Art League's annual open Be inspired by the color and patterns of pottery excavated in Alexandria, and make a memorable holiday keepsake! Participants can decorate and take home dough ornaments which are shaped like artifacts from the museum's own collection.

This free event is great for families and is held on the same day as Alexandria's annual Scottish Walk Parade and Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.

Thursday, December 6 • 7- 8:30pm • Free
Performance by Capital Blend

With the Art Center open until 9pm on this evening, it's the perfect time to come explore three floors of art studios and galleries and do some shopping. Even better is that the sounds of Capital Blend--a metro DC-based, all-female a cappella group--will fill the air! The group's mission has always been about spreading female empowerment through song, and you're in for a treat as they perform a blend of upbeat contemporary works and traditional holiday favorites sure to put a smile on your face and set your toes a-tapping!

Monday, December 31 • 2-5pm
New Year's Eve: First Night Alexandria

The Torpedo Factory Art Center opens at 10am and is the site of several special, drop-in activities from 2 to 5pm. Check out the family-friendly art activities on the first floor and in The Art League Gallery. Up on the 3rd floor in the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, discover Alexandria's salt-glazed stoneware potters and create your own take-home designs on paper using markers and paint. The Art Center's studios and galleries close at 5pm on New Year's Eve as the Torpedo Factory's Main Hall transforms into a concert venue as part of the official First Night Alexandria festivities. And don't miss the fireworks over the river beginning just before midnight...the waterfront area behind the Art Center just happens to be great place from which to view them! More info>

Shows & Sales

November 1 - December 31 • Printmakers Inc. (Studio 325)
'Tis the Season
This all-member show rounds out the year with original artwork, framed and gift-ready for the holiday season!

November 30 - December 2 • The Art League (Madison Annex, 305 Madison St.)
Friday, 12-9pm • Saturday, 10am-6pm • Sunday 12-5pm
Holiday Ceramic Sale
Purchase one-of-a-kind jewelry and ceramic vessels and sculptures created by The Art League School's talented students and faculty. These handmade creations by more than 35 artists are perfect for holiday gift giving.

November 30 - December 2 • The Art League (Madison Annex, 305 Madison St.)
Friday, 12-9pm • Saturday, 10am-4pm • Sunday 12-4pm
Holiday Jewelry Sale
Find original handmade jewelry for sale, created by Art League students and teachers. Pieces fit all tastes and budgets.

December 3 - January 6 • Scope Gallery (Studio 19)
Handmade Holidays: The Clay Sleigh
With merry cheer and seasonal surprises at play, look to Scope Gallery's Handmade Holidays: The Clay Sleigh.

When the presents in Whoville all seem so trite, go to artists who make clay gifts just right. While elves are cute, and Santa is quaint, artists--you see--have no restraint. Creativity and skill, ideas and smarts, they make traditional or edgy, eclectic art!

Seasonal celebrations are extra special with the personal touch of a potter supplying decorative and functional wares. Original ceramic ornaments abound in this festive show from Scope Gallery!

November 29 - January 20 • Mitten & Glove Drive
In conjunction with the Joys of the Season exhibition, spread warmth to the community by donating to a mitten and glove drive benefiting Alexandria’s Child and Family Network Centers.