Interesting selection of art. Staff are friendly and helpful. No "hard" sell. In fact, I believe…read morethey allow you to "test drive" a painting to confirm you'll emjoy it in your home (I assume they ask for some sort of security?)

I liked for Principle Gallery for a few reasons. First, the staff were friendly without being…read morepretentious. Secondly, the quality of the paintings was notable. Principle represents a number of artists and also has opening receptions. They let you peruse around and do not follow or bug you. It is a nice place to go if you are hanging out on King Street. The art is reasonable price and without cheap reproductions.

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is housed in a former WWI munitions plant along the waterfront in…read moreOld Town. This is a unique building with three floors of artist studios. Many of the artists are working and you can go in and watch them in their studio and ask them about the process. What I enjoyed was that that there were so many styles and mediums. We particularly enjoyed the 3-D sculptures and bought some pottery for a friend. We enjoyed our visit so much that we went back the next day. Admission is free. On the way out, I stepped on the scale -- oops! -- it was unfortunately, all too accurate.

3 floors of art studios, and many welcoming artists! This is a great place to get out of the…read moresummer heat, and there's free admission! While it's open daily from 10am to 6pm, the amount of studios closed/opened varies. I feel that there's more open on Fridays and through the weekend. There's a great variety in art here, and I'm sure everyone can find a new favorite artist!

My boyfriend and I stopped into this store while we were out strolling, and it ended up being such…read morea memorable experience. The shop is filled with some of the most beautiful and unique pieces we've ever seen. The owner took the time to walk us through different items and even shared some history, which made everything so much more meaningful and enjoyable. Even if vintage pieces aren't usually your style, I truly can't recommend this place enough. It's an experience in itself, and you'll likely leave not only with something special, but with a new appreciation and understanding of vintage pieces!

Great selection and service. Open on Saturday so glad we could check it out. Bought a very unique…read moregift for my nephew's birthday. Will return again!

The slogan on the sign for this gallery just about says it all. The sign is white, and is cut into…read morethe shape of an artist's pallette. The sign reads "Gallery G, Art for the Connoisseur." This gallery showcases contemporary art and artists. The works covering the walls are bright, lively and fun. One artist on display was sanctioned to create works for the president. There is a good variety of different media used in the art here -- painting, photography, sculpture and graphic arts are all represented at this gallery.

Wanted something fun to do on a Sunday night and stumbled on the open mic night (tickets can be…read morebought at the door or ahead of time through eventbrite). It exceeded my expectations. To start, the space is very cool. The art was unique and filled the walls. The performers were excellent. There was a range of performances from comedy, poetry, singing, rap. The audience was so supportive of everyone - even newcomers. I would definitely go again!

Invited to an open mic via eventbrite here on a wednesday night. event was for open mic (comedian,…read morespoken word, etc.) Our ticket purchased included a drink. The gallery had a mini fridge of wine, beer, etc. that you could choose from One shared bathroom. Street parking, pay until 9pm. Located right on the corner of the King street intersection Many of the comedians knew each other. They were funny. Show actually started at 930, altho 9p states on the eventbrite Plenty of wall art to purchase. a canibus vendor was also on site. located in a family style neighborhood About a 5 minute walk from the King street metro

"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.

Fabulous! I have lived in the DC metro area for a little more than a decade, this is what i have…read morebeen waiting for all this time!! Artery717 is refreshingly just off the main strip in Old Town Alexandria, as it is off rather narrow scope of established DC arts. It is progressive and contemporary in its format of art and live music. i have attended two receptions and a special event and the crowds (like the art) have been enthusiastic and extremely diverse. The artwork inspires chatter (especially in the "naughty room") in each of the four, very spacious, rooms which makes the atmosphere very comfortable. i strongly suggest the support of Artery717 and urge you to experience an opening reception there. thank you Artery717!

Gallery is a bit small (I guess it's considered normal size for Alexandria Old Town?) but had some…read moreinteresting works and shows. The people working there were very patient answering all my questions and knowledgeable about the artists' works. They also weren't following me around trying to sell me things (like some galleries in DC) which made my visit there a relaxing experience. They also directed me to their website that has more paintings

Visited this gallery on a Saturday, nice location, close to King Street. Gallery had a show at the…read moretime, so didn't have many works on display. They recommended to check their website. Found a very beautiful painting on the website but was a little bit too small (we wanted it in the living room). The gallery owner told us that we could customize with the artist to make a similar bigger painting, which was what we did. Received the painting after a few weeks and we are very satisfied with it!