The Artists' Undertaking Gallery is a co-op art gallery with 18 member artists. Some of the media include art glass, basketry, copper work, drawing, eggshell carving, jewelry, painting, pen and ink, photography, pottery, printmaking, turned wood and watercolor.
This private non-profit arts center is dedicated to showcasing and supporting new work by artists in the mid-Atlantic region. It hosts exibitions, provides educational workshops for novice and skilled artists and operates a studio residency program.
Scope Gallery is located inside the Torpedo Factory in Studio 19. Here you will find a collection of art by the Ceramic Guild and Kiln Club members of the D.C. area. Visitors can observe, learn and purchase a piece of original pottery, decorative ceramics and sculpture.
Creative Cauldron is a not-for-profit arts organization based in Falls Church. The organization provides opportunities for children and adults to learn about the performing and visual arts. The 3,000 square foot center offers a wide range of workshops, classes and music programs, as well as live theater and dance. The site hosts all types of shows and performances including shows such as "Aesop's Fables" and "The Selfish Giant." Check the main site for a schedule of events or details on programs.
The Reston Town Center is the hub of many retail, social and special events in Reston. With quality restaurants, a variety of national retail stores and residences and offices, the Reston Town Center is Reston's "lifestyle center" The Hyatt Regency Reston is also located here. The Reston Town Center Pavilion hosts concerts and special events in summer and is home to an ice skating rink in winter.
Originally a working munitions factory, the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Washington, D.C., now supports 160 resident artists in 82 working studios and six galleries as well as the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. Visitors to the Torpedo Factory can interact and ask questions of artists at work as well as purchase artwork in the individual studios and galleries. Art classes are also available through the Art League School.
Parking and public transportation at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
Metered street parking can usually be found during the week. On weekends visitors can make use of the parking garages scattered throughout Old Town Alexandria or take Metrorail. The closest Metro station is King Street (blue/yellow lines.) From the station take the free Dash trolley, which runs up and down King Street between the Metro and the waterfront.
Best and worst times to go to Torpedo Factory Art Center
Artists keep their own schedules so not every studio will be open every day. Typically the largest number of studios are open Saturday and Sunday afternoons. On weekends, particularly in spring and summer, artists, musicians and performers can be found busking on the Potomac River boardwalk behind the Torpedo Factory and just outside the main entrance off King and Union streets.
Admission to Torpedo Factory Art Center
There is no cost to visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Alexandria Archaeology Museum is open for limited hours Tuesday through Sunday. It is closed on Monday.
Must see/do at Torpedo Factory Art Center.
Talk to the artists about their work. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to the largest number of publicly accessible working artist studios in the U.S. and part of its mission is to connect artists with the public to inspire and foster creativity. For those feeling inspired, take a class at the Art League School.
Other places to visit near Torpedo Factory Art Center
Stroll along King Street and visit the numerous shops, restaurants and historic sites scattered throughout Old Town Alexandria. Visit Gadsby's Tavern where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and John Adams once dined. Or visit the George Washington Masonic Memorial and take in the view of Alexandria from the top of the monument.
Insider tip for visitors to the Torpedo Factory Art Center
Skip the car or Metro and take the water taxi from Georgetown to Old Town Alexandria for a great view of the monuments on the National Mall and direct access to the Torpedo Factory, which faces the Potomac River.
Jennifer E. Cooper is a writer and sometimes artist who has lived in Washington, D.C. for more than a decade. She is currently writing a book about her 3,000-mile walk across the United States.
Founded in 1980, the Mount Vernon Community Children's Theatre is an Alexandria-based non-profit organization located on Elkin Street. The organization offers theater arts, acting, voice and improvisation camps and after school programs for students from age three through eighteen. Visit the Mount Vernon Community Children's Theatre website for audition, performance, program and scheduling information.
Fire One is located inside the Torpedo Factory in Studio 22. Here, artists such as Susan Greenleaf and Maija Hay display and work on their magnificent ceramic, stoneware and porcelain pots and vases.
Pump It Up's slogan is The Inflatable Party Zone. It is the coolest place for your kids to have a party or just expend some of their extra energy.
Pump It Up offers party packages, structured play where the kids will join in sing-a-longs and games, art programs, hosts special events and suggests corporate team-building programs. Best of all, you can just come in and play any time during business hours, allowing your kids to socialize with other kids, jump around and generally just have a great time.
Ultrazone is a multilevel laser-tag and video-game arcade facility that can accommodate more than 65 players at once. On Mondays and Tuesdays Ultrazone can be booked for a private event. Ultrazone serves Vocelli's pizza and provides all inclusive packages for birthday parties, fund-raisers, camp events, overnight parties and corporate events. Additionally, Ultrazone offers many types of discounts (students, kids) and game ticket options (one game, three game, all day, weekly passes).
The Reston Chorale has been providing music to the Reston community for more than 40 years. The choir includes both professional and amateur performers from around the region. The group hopes to encourage and promote choral music throughout the Reston community. Performances have included works from Bach, Beethoven, Gershwin and Copland, among others. Local performances are held at the Reston Community Center.
This local fairground hosts the Prince William County Fair. The fair offers rides for kids and has small businesses and stores set up and ready to sell gifts and foods. Fair patrons can also donate to local charities and help support local agriculture by buying products and visiting the set-up information booths. In addition to the local fair, this fairground also holds a variety of other events, including consignment sales, gun shows, motorcycle demonstrations and animal shows. Visit the website for a schedule of upcoming events and information on the fair.