Housed in Old Town's historic waterfront Torpedo Factory, the 65 artists who comprise the Potomac Fiber Arts association display works ranging from sculpture, decorative accessories and wall art, to functional objects, jewelry and other wearable art. Fiber arts encompass weaving, knitting, papermaking, quilting, basketry, jewelry, hand-painting and dyeing, wire and glass.
Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery opened in 1974 as one of the Torpedo Factory charter occupants and Washington's first fiber arts gallery. In addition to exploring innovative techniques, many of the artists in this vibrant and active group teach, publish, exhibit nationally and have won awards. Stop in to interact with the working artists and learn about their recent creations.
Gallery West in Old Town is an artists' cooperative gallery. The gallery is owned and operated by area artists and craftspeople that work in a variety of media. At the gallery, you can view and purchase jewelry, paintings, prints and postcards, among other pieces of art. Gallery West often holds events to showcase new work. See the Gallery's website for its calender of events.
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.
Arguably "Mr. Alexandria," artist Todd Healy is an Old Town institution. His gallery is in the back of Gadsby Arcade, on King Street, and well worth a visit for memorabilia depicting Old Town. His annual calendars are a local favorite. He also produces gift items, such as Old Town towels, bags and other memorabilia. He also does framing.
Paint This! is a paint-your-own-ceramics studio with one of the widest variety of ceramics in the area. There's kitchen and dinnerware, figures, boxes, vases, planters, and frames. Paint This! also offers mosiacs as well. Choose from mirrors, picture frames, assorted plaques and trinkets. Daily maximum studio fee is $12.00 which includes over 150 colors to choose from. The beautiful studio is available for birthday parties, bridal or baby showers, office parties and senior groups.
Thousands of federal employees work at the headquarters for the United States Patent and Trademark Office, located near the King Street Metro. School and group tours are welcome at the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum, located in the atrium of the Madison Building here. The museum includes a theater, portrait gallery and gift shop. The museum is open 9am - 5pm weekdays and noon - 5pm Saturdays. Tours are Mondays from 2pm - 4pm and Fridays 10am - noon. Admission is free. The space is available for events but only to specific groups.
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.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial is located near King Street and Callahan Drive. George Washington Masonic National Memorial was established in 1920. This is more than just a memorial and a museum. George Washington Masonic National Memorial is also a research center, library, community center, performing arts center and also a concert hall. Admission is free for the first two floors.
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum was established in 1792 and has been in operation as a museum since 1939. Price for tickets are $5 for adults and children 5-12 are $3. Children under 5 years of age get in for free. Inside you will be able to see original bottles and supplies used during the Gothic period and also account books and ledgers that tell the history of the apothecary.
Erickson & Ripper Gallery specializes in professional design and restoration of art and frames. Delivery and installation services are also available. All work is either done in-studio or on location. Call the number listed for pricing and more information.
Hollin Hills was an innovative Alexandrian housing development conceived in the 1940s that became popular with artists due to studio space and the natural setting. In 1974, inspired ceramic artists joined together in a local collective called the Hollin Hills Potters and eventually moved into the then-newly-created Torpedo Factory Arts Center in Old Town.
Now a group of seven potters, the work displayed in space #23 ranges in color and theme from whimsical to inspiring, but all of the works are united by innovative techniques and high quality execution. Friendly potters are on hand to enlighten and intrigue visitors with insightful details about the pieces.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria is right off Duke Street in Old Town Alexandria. The theater offers a range of shows, from such favorites as Oliver and A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, to Stephen Sondheim's Company, Noel Coward's Nude with Violin and many more. The Little Theatre of Alexandria also offers acting and singing classes. Tickets can be purchased at the door and online, although tickets are limited for online sales.
The neoclassical Lyceum holds the story of Alexandria: permanent and rotating exhibits reveal the development, events and character of this changing port town founded in 1749. Artifacts, displays and models provide visual interest for all ages.
The Lecture Hall, where public figures and scholars have spoken since Civil War times, is still used for public activities, exhibitions, school programs, lectures, concerts and family history workshops, and can be rented for events. (It's a popular wedding location.)
Gift shop products include maps, books, postcards and note cards; products and information related to historic Alexandria; children's educational toys, books, games, and puzzles; holiday items and Christmas ornaments.
Members, volunteers and fundraising allow the Lyceum to continue telling Alexandria's story to future generations.
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.
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.
The Alexandria Black History Museum has been in Old Town since 1989. The museum provides visitors with a 10-minute introductory video and a complimentary guide to understanding the culture and history of Alexandria's African-Americans.
Expect to see paintings, photographs, books and other memorabilia that document the African-American experience in Alexandria and Virginia from 1794 to the present. Requested admission at the museum is $2. Also, check out the museum's website for a 20 percent coupon for the gift shop.