The Target Gallery presents Wade Kramm’s exhibit, “Dotted Space,” through Aug. 28. The exhibit will feature site-specific installations and a series of artist pop-up books that use dotted lines to demarcate rectilinear spaces. When viewed from a particular angle, the dotted lines seem like three-dimensional shapes, some of which appear to penetrate and continue through the gallery walls. Admission to the gallery is free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
Ongoing
“Not a Box.” Through Aug. 7, gallery hours at The Art League, 105 N. Union St. “Not a Box” was an opportunity for Art League artists to use a dedicated space in the gallery to create an installation. Juror Alex Paik, an installation artist, selected 12 works for the gallery. Free. Visit www.theartleague.org for more.
“Violent Grace: A Retrospective.” Through July 30, gallery hours at Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. This exhibit is a survey of five decades of paintings by Edwards Knippers. Free. Visit www.ourconvergence.org for more.
Exhibit: “Decathect: a verb.” Through Aug. 14, gallery hours at The Associates' Gallery at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. The theme of the show is derived from a series of very personal studies illustrating Richard Greenway’s progression from when he first began painting with oils in 2010. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
Art Exhibit: “Streets Meets Glass.” Through Aug. 15, Business hours at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, 4101 Eisenhower Ave. The exhibit features the work of two Del Ray Artisans artists, Joshua Oliveira and Betsy Mead. Free. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org/GWW.
Exhibit: “The Silent World.”Through Aug. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays at Gallery @Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. “The Silent World” explores the intricacies of creativity and the effect of society, education, and age on the creative process. Students are asked to respond to the prompt: “95% of the ocean is still unexplored. Make something that’s never been seen before that you think lives in the deep ocean.” Their responses will make up the Silent World Exhibit and lead to conversations about the way our creative nature changes over time. Free. Visit www.ourconvergence,org for more.
Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery: “Explorations Part I.” Through Aug. 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 105 N. Union St. Artists’ take inspirations from the early explorers: Vikings, Phoenicians, Marco Polo, tall ships, discovery of the New World and more. Free. Visit www.potomacfiberartsgallery.com for more.
Collage and Ceramics – Kathryn Horn Coneway. Through Aug. 28, gallery hours at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Free. Visit www.kathrynconeway.com for more.
Exhibit: “FUN-derful.” Through Aug. 28, gallery hours at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Del Ray Artisans invites you to a curated exhibit humorous art. Free. Visit www.delrayartisans.org for more.
“Dotted Space.” Through Aug. 28, gallery hours at The Target Gallery, 105 N. Union St. The exhibit will feature site-specific installations and a series of artist pop-up books that use dotted lines to demarcate rectilinear spaces. When viewed from a particular angle, the dotted lines seem like three-dimensional shapes, some of which appear to penetrate and continue through the gallery walls. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
Family Golf Days. Through Aug. 31, all day at Pinecrest Golf Course, 6600 Little River Turnpike. Parents pay for their 9-hole round of golf and their son or daughter (ages 8-17) will receive their round and a pull cart rental for free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/pinecrestgc for more.
Latin Expressions Exhibit. Through Aug. 31, gallery hours at Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Two dozen artists have contributed to an exhibit titled “Magic and Color.” Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
Cool Yoga. Wednesdays through Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m. at Just ASK Publications and Professional Development parking lot, 1900 Mount Vernon Ave. Cool Yoga is a community event taught by Maureen Clyne, presented by @home | real estate lounge and design center and sponsored by Senzu Juicery. Each Cool Yoga class ends with a Senzu Juicery “After Party” with complimentary fresh, cold pressed juices. Free. Visit www.prasadayoag.com for more.
Women of Civil War Alexandria Tour. Through Sept. 3, 7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Learn more about women’s roles during the Civil War in Alexandria. Presented by the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM). Tickets are $15, $12 for NWHM members. Visit www.nwhm.com/get-involved/event/walking-tours.
Summer Chamber Series. Sundays, through Sept. 11, 3 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association presents the 26th annual chamber music series. Free. Visit wmpamusic.org for more.
Exhibit: Kit Keung Kan. Through Sept. 18. gallery hours at The Athenaeum, 201 S. Prince St. Kit Keung Kan is a Hong Kong‐American artist and physicist who interprets traditional Chinese landscape paintings with his passion for the art form as well as his experience in scientific study and research such as relational concepts and objective abstraction. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org for more.
Friday/Aug. 5
Reception: “FUN-derful.” 7-9 p.m. at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Celebrate a new exhibit featuring humourous art created by local artists. Free. Visit www.delrayartisans.org for more.
Saturday/Aug. 6
Friendship Firehouse Festival. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Friendship Firehouse Museum, 107 S. Alfred St. This year marks the 150th Anniversary of the City of Alexandria Fire Department. Held at the historic Friendship Firehouse, the festival celebrates the role firefighters have played throughout history, especially those of Friendship. The event will feature a collection of antique fire equipment and, courtesy of the Alexandria Fire Department, a display of modern fire trucks and apparatus. The Alexandria Red Cross and the Community Emergency Response Team will also be on hand. Other attractions include craft booths, food vendors and free birthday cake. Free. Visit www.friendshipfire.net.
Cold Press Soap Making. 9:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Learn how to make cold process soap using all natural, botanical ingredients. This demonstration shows how to safely handle and store lye, how to add fragrance, exfoliants and colorants, and covers molding, curing, and packaging ideas. Take home two bars of soap and soap recipes. Tickets are $65 for Fairfax County residents, $80 for non-residents plus a supply fee. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/manor.htm.
Floral Design Workshop. 10 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Large leaves and bold flowers accent the arrangement that you make with the help of florist, Chuck Mason. Reuse the container and design ideas to make a tropical arrangement at home. Tickets are $38 for Fairfax County residents, $40 for residents plus a supply fee. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/manor.htm.
Lecture: “A Fine Beginning.” 12-4 p.m. at Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St. In August 1753, John Carlyle and his wife, Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, moved into their new home in Alexandria. That night, Sarah gave birth to a son, William. Visit the museum and learn about 18th century colonial family life. Children can also play 18th century games on the front lawn. Free, $1 suggested donation. Call 703-549-2997 for more.
Youth Arts Festival. 1-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. This festival will showcase the talents of youth around the city and serve as a forum of expression for both visual and performing arts. Free. Call 703-549-7115 ext. 370.
Tavern Day Open House. 1-5 p.m. at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. and Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St. Experience Alexandria's five-star hotel of the 18th century, made famous by John Gadsby, whose guests included George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Explore the museum with costumed guides, learn more about 18th century foodways and enjoy period music and dancing in the historic ballroom. Free. Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/summer.
Country-Western Dance. 6:30 p.m. at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. A DJ provides music. Couples and singles welcome. Admission for NVCWDA members $10; non-members $12; children under 18 accompanied by a paying adult $5. Visit www.nvcwda.org or call 703-860-4941.
Pop-Cultured: Marvel. 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Potomac Yard, 3651 Jefferson Davis Highway. Customers can explore the Marvel Universe and enjoy trivia, coloring, cosplay, special offers and more. Free. Call 703-299-9124 for more.
Sunday/Aug. 7
Mount Vernon Celebrates Purple Heart Day. 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon. The U.S. Army Brass Quintet, "Pershing's Own" will kick off the event with a patriotic musical concert. The Color Guard will be supported by the Military District of Washington. The ceremony will feature remarks from “General Washington” and other military officials. A special wreathlaying ceremony will take place at the Purple Heart Memorial, located outside the Ford Orientation Center. The event will conclude with a laying of the wreath. Free. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.
The Victorian Seaside. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Victorians flocked to the seaside for day trips and holidays but how did the proper Victorian lady preserve respectability at the beach? Hear about Victorian seaside attractions and entertainments, and the bizarre inventions, regulations and fashions that preserved 19th century notions of modesty. Tickets are $32. Call Historic Green Spring at 703-941-7987 to register.
Kit Keung Kan Opening Reception. 4-6 p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 S. Prince St. Celebrate this new exhibit. Keung Kan is a Hong Kong‐American artist and physicist who interprets traditional Chinese landscape paintings with his passion for the art form as well as his experience in scientific study and research such as relational concepts and objective abstraction. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org for more.
Thursday/Aug. 11
Eat, Create, and Retreat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Ease Yoga and Cafe, 3051 Mount Vernon Ave. A day filled with learning, creating and moving that will provide children 7-12 years old with better body awareness, nutritional understanding, well-being. Registration is $75. Visit www.easeyogacafe.com.
Latin Expressions Exhibit Reception. 6 p.m. at Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Celebrate this new exhibit featuring two dozen artists in an exhibit titled “Magic and Color.” Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
An Evening wit KaNikki Jakarta. 7 p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 S. Prince St. Author and poet KaNikki Jakarta will read her own work. Free. Call 205-530-3823 for more.
Jane Austen Dance Class. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. In preparation for the Jane Austen Ball on Aug. 13, learn 18th-century English country dancing. Tickets are $12 each or $30 for the series. Call 703-746-4242 for more.
Friday/Aug. 12
Movies Under the Stars: “The Lion King.” 8:30 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Drive. The public is invited to attend an outdoor movie on a three-story high movie screen. Free. Call 703-746-5592 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/Recreation.
Saturday/Aug. 13
Beyond the Battlefield Tour. 10 a.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Participants will see locations and stories associated with soldiers, citizens, and the enslaved, including the occupation of Alexandria and emancipation. Stops on the tour will include locations featured in the PBS drama, “Mercy Street.” Advance tickets are $15, $20 on the day of the program. Visit www.leefendallhouse.org for more.
Fall & Winter Vegetable Gardening: Extending Your Harvest. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Learn inexpensive techniques to extend a harvest and how to enjoy some crops in the dead of winter. Free. Call 703-228-6414 or emailmgarlalex@gmail.com.
Canine Cruise. 11 a.m. at Alexandria City Marina, 1 Cameron St. With four-legged friends in tow, board a Potomac Riverboat Co. cruise and tour the Alexandria Seaport on this popular 60-minute waterfront excursion. Dogs must be on 6-foot flat leash at all times. Tickets are $16 for adults, $10 for children, free for dogs. Visit www.PotomacRiverboatCo.com/canine-cruise.php.
Delicious Dairy. 1 p.m. at Historic Huntley, 6918 Harrison Lane. Churn your own butter and taste fresh cheese you can make at home. House tour included. Tickets are $7 for Fairfax County residents, $9 for non-residents. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park.
Garden Tour and Ice Cream Social. 3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Stroll the gardens with a master gardener docent. Then come into the Historic House for an ice cream social, a traditional gathering dating back to the 18th century. Enjoy a variety of ices, served with toppings and garnishes. Tickets are $12 for Fairfax County residents, $14 for residents. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.
Garden Party. 4:30-7 p.m. at Historic Pohick Church, 9301 Richmond Highway, Lorton. The Pohick Church Docent Guild will host a Garden Party. A string quartet and flute and Living History characters will provide entertainment for an afternoon of wine, assorted beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and a live auction. Tickets are $30. Call 703-339-6572 for more.
Woven Green Soundscapes with Sacred Mantra Chants. 7-8:30 p.m. at Ease Yoga and Cafe, 3051 Mount Vernon Ave. This workshop will begin with chanting of sacred sanskrit mantras and then lead into a sound healing meditation. Registration is $30. Visit Visit www.easeyogacafe.com.
Jane Austen Ball. 8-11 p.m. at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. The evening will feature a variety of English country dances in the historic ballroom, live music, and "iced refreshments." Period costume optional; "after-five" attire encouraged. Tickets are $45. Visit shop.AlexandriaVA.gov/Events.aspx.
Saturday-Sunday/Aug. 13-14
Summer Sidewalk Sale. All day throughout Old Town and Del Ray. Participating stores, including The Shoe Hive, Kiskadee, La Cuisine, the Purple Goose, Red Barn Mercantile, and Olio Tasting Room, and will have bright yellow balloon markers outside of their storefronts. Free. Visit www.visitalexva.com/sidewalksale for more.