The Connection

Ongoing

“Printed Matter.” Through Jan. 17, at The Target Gallery, 105 N. Union St. Printed Matter features a mix of works (printed media, such as xerography, book arts, and graphic design) created using traditional techniques as well as newer or reimagined ones. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.

“Medieval Story Land.” Through Jan. 30, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Saturdays at Port City Playhouse, 1819 N. Quaker Lane. Red Knight Productions presents “Medieval Story Land,” a parody of the medieval fantasy genre. Tickets are $18 and $20. Visit www.portcityplayhouse.com for more.

“True Colors: Like a Rainbow.” Through Jan. 31, Gallery hours at The Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Del Ray Artisans’ artists use colors of the rainbow for inspiration. Free. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org/True.

VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital Art Show. Through Jan. 31 at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, 2660 Duke St. The artwork is on display in waiting areas and examination rooms as a part of Del Ray Artisans’ Gallery Without Walls program. Free. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org for more.

“Celebrating What We’re Made Of.” Through Jan. 31 at The Associates Gallery, 105 N. Union St. This show features mixed media artist and TAG member Karen Fitzgerald, who creates art from recycled materials. Using everything from junk mail to food packaging, Fitzgerald’s art celebrates the small things that make up our everyday lives. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.

“Muted.” Through Jan. 31, gallery hours at the Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union St. “Muted” will showcase the artist’s ability to focus on using a limited palette, exploring subtle composition, pursuing soft representation or discussing thoughts that are not expressed strongly or openly. Free. Visit www.theartleague.org for more.

“Birds of a Feather.” Through Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery–Torpedo Factory Arts Center, 105 N. Union St. The artist focus on things that go together: ham and eggs, bride and groom, etc. Free. Visit www.potomacfiberartsgallery.com for more.

“Fred Zafran and Danny Conant.” Through Feb. 14, gallery hours at the Multiple Exposures Gallery, 105 N. Union St. Danny Conant presents compositions inspired by a recent trip to Paris. Fred Zafran’s new work is an allegory of being, time and memory. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.

“Mountains: Recent Paintings by Sue Grace.” Gallery hours, through Feb. 22 at Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads, 3440 S. Jefferson St. Sue Grace’s paintings draw inspiration from the West Virginia Mountains and time she has spent there. These paintings represent her fascination with the representational, abstract, and figurative elements of painting. Free. Email Anthony Brock at abrock@goodwinhouse.org.

“No Holds Barred.” Through Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays at The Gallery @ Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. This exhibit is named for the “don’t hold back, just let go” approach artists Pamela Underhill and Rusty Lynn employ in their artmaking. Free. Visit www.convergence.org for more.

“Who The Wounded Are.” Through July 11 at Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St. “Who These Wounded Are: The Extraordinary Stories of the Mansion House Hospital” is about people who lived and worked at this site in Alexandria and their real life stories that inspired the PBS show, “Mercy Street.” Tickets are $2-12. Visit www.carlylehouse.org for more.

Medical Care for the Civil War Soldier Exhibit. Ongoing at the Fort Ward museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road. ongoing exhibit which features original medical instruments and equipment from the Civil War period and information on Union Army hospital sites in Alexandria. Free. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/fortward for more.

Alexandria’s Nurses & Hospitals During the Civil War. Ongoing at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. An exhibit on the life of Clarissa Jones, a nurse at The Lyceum hospital during the Civil War. The true story of a nurse in Alexandria during the war, drawing parallels with characters portrayed in the PBS drama “Mercy Street,” with references to the experiences of other nurses, such as Anne Reading, who worked in the Mansion House hospital, and Jane Woolsey, who served at the Fairfax Seminary hospital. Admission is $2. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/lyceum for more.

Occupied City: Civil War Alexandria Self-Guided Tour. At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. learn about the real history behind the show “Mercy Street” on this self-guided walking tour, which features significant Civil War Alexandria sites all within walking distance of The Lyceum, which was seized and used as a hospital during the war. Tickets are $2. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/lyceum for more.

Saturday-Sunday/Jan. 23-24, 30

Jane Franklin Dance: “Niche.” 7:30 p.m. at Theatre on the Run, 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington. Alexandria dance company Jane Franklin Dance performs “Niche,” which follows an unremarkable couple with a new house, big careers, and odd neighbors. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Visit www.janefranklin.com.

Friday/Jan. 22

Bottle Rockets. 7:30 p.m. at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. St. Louis-based Bottle Rockets celebrate the release of “South Broadway Athletic Club.” Tickets are $29.50. Visit www.birchmere.com.

Friday-Sunday/Jan. 22-24

“Into the Woods Jr.” 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday at Aldersgate Church Community Theatre, 1301 Collingwood Road. “Into the Woods, Jr.” features Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and the Witch in this re-telling of classic Grimm Brothers fables. Tickets are $12 plus a service fee. Visit www.acctonline.org for more.

Saturday/Jan. 23

Preparing for a Ball. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Explore the tavern where famous balls like George Washington’s Birthnight Ball were held and practice the tasks involved in preparing for a ball. Includes an 18th century dance lesson and a craft to take home. The program begins each 45 minutes. Tickets are $6. Visit www.shop.alexandriava.gov for more.

Lee-Fendall House BIrthday Tours. 1 p.m. at the Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St. In observation of the birthdays of Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee and Robert E. Lee, the Lee-Fendall House will offer a guided walking tour of Lee family homes in Alexandria’s Historic Old Town. Advance tickets purchased online are $10, $15 at the door. Visit www.leefendallhouse.org for more.

“Our American Girl.” 1-3 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Join Mount Vernon’s American girl, “Nelly Custis” on a tour of George Washington's estate. Enjoy refreshments with “Lady Washington” and create colonial crafts. Tickets are $35 for youth, $25 for adults. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.

Author Event. 2-3:30 p.m. at Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Gregg Riley, an Inspirational speaker, author and retired U.S. Army Colonel will read from and sign copies of his new book "Steps to the Promised Land." Free. Call 703-746-1702.

Documentary Screening. 7 p.m. at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1900 Windmill Lane. Watch a 90-minute documentary on the life and principles of Aldo Leopold, author of “Sand County Almanac” and one of the principal conservationists/environmentalists of the 20th century. Free. Visit www.greenfiremovie.com for more.

Ladies Night Out Art Workshop: Vision Board. 7-9:30 p.m. at Convergence, 1819 N. Quaker Lane. Women are invited to make vision boards for 2016. Tickets are $45. Visit www.metamorphosisaec.com.

Envisioned Strings. 7:30 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Attend a concert featuring violin, cello, and bass playing the music of Schubert, Piazzolla, Friedlander, Friesen, and Pink Floyd. Tickets are $20, $15 for military, educators, seniors, and $10 for students. Visit www.envisionedstrings.com for more.

Emily West. 7:30 p.m. at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Country music artist performs. Tickets are $25. Visit www.birchmere.com for more.

Civil War Ball. 8-11 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. The evening will include live music, dance instruction, and period desserts. Period attire, either civilian or military, is encouraged. Tickets are $45. Visit www.shop.alexandriava.gov for more.

Jan. 23-Feb. 28

“Trending: Contemporary Art Now!” Gallery hours at the Target Gallery, 105 N. Union St. This all-media exhibition shows works by self-identifying women artists. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org/target for more.

Sunday/Jan. 24

American Association of University Women Program. 2-4 p.m. at Cameron Station Clubhouse, 200 Cameron Station Blvd. The Guest House Speaker’s Bureau is a program in which women who have exited from prison/jail share their journeys about the origin of their difficulties, the nature of incarceration, and the steps they are taking to reenter society as responsible citizens. Their talks reveal insights into larger policy issues being addressed by the currently-heightened focus on improving the criminal justice system. Free. Call 703-548-1349 for more.

Presidential Salon: James Madison. 3-4:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Since 1985, John Douglas Hall has been following the life of James Madison on a day-by-day basis. In appearance, in content, syntax, and with a command of the period and the man, Hall will portray James Madison and accept questions and conversation. Tickets are $15, $10 for students. Call 703-746-4242 for reservations.

Monday/Jan. 25

SOHO Photography Exhibit. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at The Art League, 105 N. Union St. Each of the 12 girls in the 2015-2016 Space of Her Own (SOHO) Old Town class was given a film camera and the opportunity to create a series of portraits and “hairtraits.” Free. Visit www.theartleague.org for more.

“WIRED Alexandria.” 6:30 p.m. at The Hermitage, 5000 Fairbanks Ave. Agenda:Alexandria presents “WIRED Alexandria: Is Our Historic City Living in the Past?” Neighboring jurisdictions offer dark fibre, cable/broadband choices and widespread public Wi-Fi hotspots important to today’s businesses and young people. Cash bar followed by dinner. Tickets are $32 for members, $37 for nonmembers before Jan. 22; $37 for members, $42 for nonmembers after Jan. 22. Tickets for the program only are $5 for nonmembers, free for members. Reservations required. Call Sherry Brown at 703-548-7089 or email agendaalexandria@aol.com.

Lecture: “Medical Heroism in Alexandria.” 7 p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Tom Schultz of DC Military Tours will discuss the heroism and challenges that doctors and nurses experienced in ministering to the wounded in Alexandria and the advances in women’s rights and medical science as a result of their efforts. Tickets are $10. Visit www.nvfaa.org for more.

Tuesday/Jan. 26

Homeschool Day: Wrights’ Flight. 1-2:30 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Hear about Orville Wright’s historic flight from Fort Myer to Alexandria and test basic principles of flight. Tickets are $8 per child, free for adults. Visit www.shop.alexandriava.gov for more.

Annual Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber Meeting/Book Talk. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites, 8100 Loisdale Road, Springfield. White House press corps member Paul Brandus will discuss and sign his book “Under This Roof.” Tickets are $45. Visit www.mtvernon-leechamber.com for more.

“Talking Mercy.” 7-8 p.m. at Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St. A discussion of the show so far and a look at the "real" Alexandria. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703-746-1703.

Music at Mount Vernon. 7-9 p.m at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. “Music at Mount Vernon” is a three-part series designed to educate through music. Tickets are $175 for all three events, $125 for members and supporters. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.

Thursday/Jan. 28

Reading: “Virginian Luxuries.” 7 p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Attend a staged reading of a new play written by Pamela Leahigh detailing the lives of two Alexandria families — one modern, the other living in the Civil War era. Tickets are $15. Visit www.nvfaa.org for more.

Birthnight Ball Dance Class. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. In preparation for the Birthnight Ball on Feb. 13, learn 18th-century English country dancing from expert dance instructors. Tickets are $12 per class or $30 for the entire series. Visit www.shop.alexandriava.gov for more.

Jan. 28-March 6

“Shake Loose.” Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St. “Shake Loose” features music and lyrics by Thomas W. Jones II, William Hubbard and William Knowles. It features stories and songs from MetroStage productions including “Three Sistahs,” “Cool Papa’s Party,” “Ladies Swing the Blues” and more. Tickets $55-60. Call 703-548-9044 or visit www.metrostage.org.

Friday/Jan. 29

“Paris Vivra: France After the Attacks.” 7-9 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Ave. Guy Sorman, publisher of “France-Amerique” will present a lecture. $5 suggested donation. Visit www.guysorman.eventbrite.com.

Civil War Wine Dinner. 7-10 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Start your evening in the museum for the first course and conversation with Gray Ghost Vineyards. Then head down to the restaurant’s main dining room to experience more wine and great food inspired by the 19th century. Tickets are $100. Visit www.shop.alexandriava.gov for more.

The Fabulous Hubcaps. 8 p.m. at the Carlyle Club, 2050 Ballenger Ave. Oldies and classic rock show band. Tickets are $25. Visit www.thecarlyleclub.com for more.

Jan. 29-Feb. 7

Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week. Neighborhoods throughout Alexandria — including Old Town, Del Ray and the West End. More than 60 Alexandria restaurants offer a $35 three-course dinner or a $35 dinner for two. More than two dozen restaurants are also offering lunch deals at $10, $15 or $20 per person in addition to the dinner specials. Visit www.alexandrirestaurantweek.com for more.

Saturday/Jan. 30

“Explore the Real Mansion House.” 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St. Go behind the scenes and learn about the true story of the nurses, doctors, soldiers and Alexandrians who star in PBS's series “Mercy Street.” The program will begin in one of the original lobbies of the hospital, normally closed to the public. Tickets are $10 for Alexandria Historical Society members and friends of the Carlyle House, $20 for non-members. Visit www.alexandriahistoricalsociety.org for more.

Artist Workshop: “No Holds Barred.” 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Gallery @ Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. Learn to make box sculptures. Supplies will be provided. Free. Visit www.ourconvergence.org for more.

“Northern Virginia Women in the Civil War.” 2-3 p.m. at Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Prof. Alice Reagan discusses the changes in lifestyle for women during and after the civil war. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703-746-1704.

Sunday/Jan. 31

Alexandria’s Destination Bridal Showcase. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Carlyle Club, 2050 Ballenger Ave. Experience live music, talk with professionals in the areas of floral design, cake design travel, event planning, and more. Tickets are $10. Visit www.carlyleclub.com for more.

Wonders of Science. 1-4 p.m. at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St. Visit the Apothecary and discover curious objects, from poison bottles to dragon’s blood, find out how they were used and if they worked. During the hour-long tours, Project Enlightenment, McLean High School’s historical-reenactment society, will conduct 18th century scientific demonstrations. Tickets are $6. Visit www.shop.alexandriava.gov for more.