Two-day Alexandria Festival of the Arts features 200 Artists, September 9 10
The Alexandria Festival of the Arts returns to the streets of Old Town Alexandria, September 9 -10. The free outdoor festival will line six blocks of King Street from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, September 9, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, September 10, 2006. Now in its fourth season, the festival kicks off Alexandrias Fall for the Arts season.
The Alexandria Festival of the Arts is produced by Howard Alan Events, Ltd. in cooperation with the City of Alexandria, the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, and the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association. King Street, from Washington Street east to Union Street, will be transformed into an outdoor gallery featuring 200 of the nations top award-winning artists offering sculptures, paintings, photography, glass, jewelry and more. Live entertainment will perform on Market Square from noon until 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, and from noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 10.
The arts come alive
The 11th Annual Alexandria Arts Safari will be held in conjunction with the festival on Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory Art Center on Union Street in Old Town. Art demonstrations and hands-on activities will be held throughout the Art Center, which is home to more than 165 artists in 85 working studios.
Alexandria was once again named one of the Top 25 Arts Destinations (mid-sized cities) by the readers of American Style Magazine. Located minutes from Washington, DC, along the Potomac River, Alexandria is nationally recognized for its abundance of chic boutiques, national retail shops, historic attractions and award-winning restaurants.
For further information about the festival, contact the Alexandria Visitors Center at 800-388-9119 or visit www.FunSideofthePotomac.com.
Torpedo Factory Art Center Host 11th Annual Arts Safari for Children
On Saturday, September 9, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the Torpedo Factory Art Center will host the 11th annual Arts Safari, a day of hands-on activities for children and artists demonstrations. Arts Safari is free of charge and open to the public. No advance registration is required. More information is available by calling (703) 838-4565.
Some of the favorite hands-on activities from past years will return, including the popular Clay Experience, the colorful Tie Dye Project, and Plaster Body Casting.
Other events include a group project consisting of Paper Mache Animal sculptures, artists demonstrations and other group and family participation activities.
In addition, the Alexandria Archeology Museum on the third floor will present The Potters Art from 1-4 p.m., which will teach children about archeological digs. Children should arrive with big imaginations and wearing clothing that can get a little dirty. Most activities are appropriate for children kindergarten age and above with parent supervision. The Torpedo Factory is located at 105 North Union Street in Old Town, Alexandria.
Children in the churchyard
Historic Christ Church will host Children in the Churchyard, a childrens festival on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. 5 p.m., 118 North Washington Street in Old Town. Activities will include a moon bounce and various hands-on arts and crafts experiences. For more information, contact Linda Dienno at Christ Church, (703) 549-1450, ext 103.
