May 3 was a busy day in Del Ray.

In addition to the Centennial parade and the post parade party, Duncan Library hosted Maryland Sled Dog Adventures in connection with Marley and Me, the book selection for the 2008 Alexandria Reads program, and Del Ray Artisans hosted their fifth annual Spring Art Sale on newly beautified grounds at the Nick Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue.

The 23 participating artists pitched their tents on three sides of the 1923 building. The al fresco displays included a wide variety of original art, from German paper-cutting, jewelry and cards to pottery, painting and a particularly impressive display of Marlin Lords photography.

In the previous week, members of the non-profit artists group had worked to further beautify their lush grounds, installing a butterfly garden at the north side of the building, next to the swimming pool.

Inside DRA, TC Williams juniors and seniors students presented their work in a juried exhibition. TC and CRA have collaborated on showcasing student art for the past eleven years. Patty Lewis, chairman of TCs art department, said that the shows originally included students from grades 6-12, often showing more than 300 pieces.

For the past three years, only members of the Art Honor Society have participated, engaging in all aspects of exhibition, matting, mounting, framing and installing their own work.

The students are also required to participate in gallery sit for three weekends.

Some of the work is for sale, said Dr. Lewis, but only seniors who already are accepted at art schools/universities are allowed to sell their work.

It is a major undertaking for all involved, Dr. Lewis said. In addition to TCs art faculty, DRA volunteers Michele Reday Cook and Jeanne Tifft helped organize the show. Dr. Lewis also credited DRAs David Kosar for helping students learn how to arrange and hang their work.

DFRA member Karen Schmidt judged the show, awarding recognizing 15 students for outstanding work.