"Where's your will to be weird?" ― Jim Morrison…read more This quote by one of Alexandria's favorite sons pretty much sums up this eclectic art gallery. Yes, just ask anyone from Austin, TX, and you'll understand why weird is indeed a good thing. I think weird art is cool. Weird art makes us think. Weird art keeps us honest. And nothing can be more cool, more provocative, more honest than the Artbot Gallery. I popped into this shop on a whim, and I was immediately treated to a visual feast of paintings, nick-nacks, and assorted surreal treasures. I quickly settled on a gift for a friend who simply adores Owls; it was a small portrait of a rather mean looking owl in a Victorian business suit. At first, I thought he might look too mean, but when I thought it over, I realized that if I were an owl, I would probably be miffed to be stuck in a suit as well. One perfect gift down! I soon found myself also purchasing a Krampos Christmas stocking and some unicorn band aids. Hey, where else are you going to find something so utterly cool and weird. I almost opted for a Krampos scarf as well, but I wasn't sure how that devilish image would be received with the hoi polloi...Best to not not to risk it, like Krampos I might end up scaring small children. The rest of the shop curiosity shop of art and magic. From the paintings of rainbow colored supermen to the Bigfoot lunch box, this shop has something for everyone. At first, you might be a little intimidated and think that this shop isn't for you, but I say give in to whimsy and let your imagination guide you to something really cool, something really wierd.

We stopped by again... Apparently, the business is now half art gallery and half tattoo shop…read more UPDATE August, 2017: Now they are closed. I hear they moved.

Art on the Avenue has to be one of my all-time, absolute, favorite things to do in Alexandria…read more Unfortunately it only happens once a year, so I spend the other 364 days ripping loops off my paper chain. For one day every October, Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray shuts completely down to vehicle traffic and hundreds upon hundreds of artisans and artists descend with their white, pop-up tents. They come from as nearby as Alexandria to as far away as the Northeast and the Carolinas. They come bearing oil paintings, hand-crafted jewelry, hand-sewn clothing, pottery and vases and plates, lathe-turned bowls and objets d'art, garden ornaments, Christmas ornaments, baby clothes, decorative arts, handmade stationery....I could go on, and on, and on. And you could spend hours, and hours, and hours wandering up and down Mount Vernon eying the amazing wares on display. You can buy anything from a $5 birthday card to a $5,000 watercolor of Chincoteague. Every year I come, I drop way too much money -- but my home is now hung and decorated with so many beautiful, unique items that my guests ooh and ahh over...Where'd you find that beautiful pottery soap dispenser in the guest bath? Art on the Avenue. I'd love a photo triptych of the Lincoln Memorial like the one in your den, where'd you get it? Art on the Avenue. Where'd you score that hand-stitched quilt on your bed? Art on the Avenue. I'd say half my jewelry has been collected at Art on the Avenue over the years, and people are always commenting on the unique pieces I wear. Really, there's nothing AOTA CAN'T do! Adding to the sheer delight and enjoyment are the food vendors. Yes, when you have worked up a major appetite shopping -- or window shopping -- you can stop and grab a bite from the Los Tios, or Evening Star, or Bombay Curry booths. Or you can try BBQ. Or Chinese. Or Australian meat pies. Or frozen banana on a stick. You name it, AOTA most likely serves it. Did I mention the live entertainment, from singers, to the TC Williams Orchestra, to magicians? Yeah, there's that, too. AOTA is one of THE best ways I can think of to pass a weekend day. When the weather is nice, this place is a MOB SCENE of people, but well worth braving the crowd. When the weather isn't so nice this place is still a mob scene, but a bit less so. Hard to know what to wish for: the beautiful weather that makes AOTA that much more enjoyable to stroll, or the thinner crowd that makes AOTA that much more enjoyable to stroll...

First time visiting this festival with my mom yesterday. If you love arts, food and live music this…read morefestival is for YOU! 300 vendors of all different art media I enjoyed the art prints and paper stationary booths since I love sending mail. Ate delicious Indian food from a booth Bombay curry company! Spicy and yummy. Also liked how there were activities for kids and big kids a like ( button making station & screen printing demo).

This was my first time visiting Workhouse and it was for their Red, White, and Boom event. I paid…read morefor parking in advance for $35 ($40 at the gate). I also bought wristbands for the kids that were $15/each and allowed for unlimited rides and the gaming truck. We also enjoyed the new mini golf course, which is art themed of course, and that was $12/child. We took advantage of the food trucks and especially liked the kettle korn and paradise ice cream. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to look around at the studios, but I definitely plan to keep an eye out for more events that will bring us back here.

Lots of different studios and many buildings to explore. If you like history the museum is…read moreworthwhile ... affordable art directly from the artist

Plenty of art but beware steep prices! Only 2 port o potties for the whole festival. No music or…read morefood vendors- must eat elsewhere.

We're having fun in the sun at the Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival. This is our second…read moreyear, and we had a great time. Highly recommend!

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) is a quick worthwhile visit…read more A big appeal of MoCA is that there's abundant off-street parking and the museum is free. While there is an upstairs and downstairs, the exhibits are rather small and it will take you less than a half hour to go through the entire museum. While there were a couple people at the information window, I was the only visitor during my brief time here. I did find all the art at MoCA interesting.

This is a wonderful museum in the heart of Arlington. I've been here a few times now and even took…read morea class here recently. I love their galleries and they always have so many exciting activities and events planned. There are two locations; the museum and they have a smaller location over by AWS in Arlington.

Stopped by Project 4 for the opening reception of Navigable Zones by Puerto Rican artist Nayda…read moreCollazo-Llorens on Saturday night. An easy walk from Dupont Circle and also just a short distance from the U Street/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro stop, the Project 4 Gallery is an intimate two-level space where you're sure to get cozy with your fellow art-gawking patrons. Should the temperatures be high, dispense with superfluous layers of clothing immediately or prepare to sizzle! If Saturday night's opening reception is any indication of the crowd, expect to see hipsters (young and old), artists, an overt intellectual or two and a healthy representation of the petite bourgeoisie. Regardless of outward appearances, folks here are friendly and unstuffy. A welcome thing in the world of art, to be sure.

Project 4 is a trendy new gallery that recently popped up on U Street. The artists that are on…read moredisplay here skew towards international and avant-guard, and of course, contemporary in style. The overall goal of Project 4 is to explore cultural subjects. You'll most likely find one person shows or a "theme" show by no more than 2-3 artists here. For example, the current exhibition features 2 artists. One of them paints watercolors while the other is a photographer that specializes in overexposed black and white.

J Studio is an art studio in which you can sign up for a time with add-ons or even rent the space…read morefor events. Materials and supplies are provided, such as mixed media paper, acrylic, watercolor, oil pastels, collage materials, colored pencils/markers/paint pens, glue, scissors, exacto-knifes, paint brushes, smocks, etc.). You can also do add-ons to your session, which allows you to use unlimited canvases and print 3D-printed objects of their existing templates. This space is open to all artistic-leveled patrons. You'll just have to give them a ring to access the space. Note that this place is not wheelchair accessible, so they can mail you a kit as an alternative. Staff are friendly, and there's street parking available. +art studio open to all +3D printer available +street parking available

I came here for my Galentine's Day date and the studio was perfect!…read more I walked in on a Friday night and the business owner confirmed my reservation then I grabbed a smock and some supplies. Your re permitted to bring your own food and drinks which was great. From this experience, I learned that I don't know much about art supplies so I will definitely be back soon to explore my artsy side. I was able to find 2 hr street parking in front of the building. If you are looking for a chill, low key night to have drinks and do some art, please consider this place.

This gallery, which is housed inside of Marymount University's main campus, is a non-profit…read moreeducational space as well as a place to showcase the talents of the artists that learn and teach here. Right now, the artist that is being shown here is from Santa Fe but has traveled all over the world. Her paintings have a southwestern twist but feature international themes and scenes. She works in mixed media. There's also a "don't miss" arts festival held here every March, The opening receptions here are fun and not uptight. And best part -- they are free.