The Torpedo Factory is still wonderful as it has been, right on Alexandria's waterfront. We love…read morethe local artist's ceramic workshop. There are 3 levels, and on the ground floor there are models of old torpedos. The rebirth and repurposing of an old factory is very meaningful, as it is now a haven for local artists. However, there was forever a long line to the ladies' room. They should consider renovating the restrooms or expanding them. I understand with old architecture there may be constraints, but given how popular this place is, it is fair to ask.

A nice artist's market situated near the water front. I strolled through a most of the shops,…read moreultimately deciding on something for my girlfriend in one of the shops. The artists in this little shop have a schedule rotation for interacting with customers. The artist I worked with was very nice, and had no problem helping me pick out art that wasn't even hers. My only complaint is that the organization of the shops is a little haphazard, forcing a stroll through all of the shops.

Great family business. I've seen it driving past my husband's work but didn't realize they offer…read moreclasses until I googled. So glad my friend and I came to take a short project class. We really enjoyed ourselves and will be back. Great instruction, designs offered, and value. They also have small gifts up front if you don't have time for a class, but want something hand made locally.

Fiscus Glassworks is a gem in Alexandria. I have now taken all of their classes from beginner to…read morestructure/dimension and design and build. I even entered my pieces I created in these classes at the Arlington County Fair and won the Reserve Grand Champion for my division! I now frequent their studio during open hours with their studio time passes. Brad and Maré are kind, welcoming and extremely knowledgeable! They can help you create patterns and make your stained glass visions come true. Definitely check Fiscus out!

I wanted a floral painting for our family room and commissioned this piece to Hilary. I only knew…read morethat I wanted either roses or peonies. I relied on her artistic sense for everything else. I can confidently say that the whole process was as wonderful as the final result. She started by visiting our home to see the exact spot where the piece would hang. We agreed on a 60" x 20" frame, which made a huge difference in how well the finished piece fits the space. After that, she sent me several sketches of roses and peonies in different format and with a variety of backgrounds (in the backyard near fences, laid on a table, in a vase, in the meadow, and some other abstracts). Her sketches made it easy to choose roses with a bold, layered look. I wanted a vibrant color but wasn't sure how it would translate onto canvas. She then gave me multiple color options, which helped with choosing the deep reds and pinks that add so much energy to the room! Hilary also proposed different lighting and background treatments, and I fell in love with the version featuring the soft sky peeking through the blooms. It adds a wonderful color contrast and a beautiful sense of atmosphere to the painting. My family and I love this painting. I also truly enjoyed working with Hilary to bring it to life. It's been a special experience and we couldn't be happier with the result!

I was at a nearby event at one small, woman-owned business, when I was also encouraged to check out…read moreCherry Blossom. I'm glad I did. It's not a big store, but it is packed with journaling supplies, self-restoration tools (e.g., career exploration cards), cars, and items that would make really excellent gifts for family members and work colleagues. I found the perfect card for a friend about to have a baby with the kind of funny note on the front that let's both of us know, I know her. For the BuJo fans out there, the store has a wall of colorful pens and a large basket of different washi tapes plus several kinds of notebooks and journals.

Bought a neighborhood map of Seattle from their shop in the downtown DC Christmas market and it's…read morenow happily hanging in our kitchen. Given how picky we are about art and how long it takes us to get art up, that's saying a lot. The style and colors are perfect and it's a great way to remember other parts of our lives. My only complaint is that they don't have more maps to buy. As somebody who lives in the burbs of DC (I know, judge all you want), I had to pick between DC proper or past cities I'd lived in. It would be really cool to have maps of some of the closer in burbs.

I went their opening party. There were several artists' works. I saw many frame samples at the 1st…read morefloor and pictures and paints at the 2nd floor. The owner is a really sweet and sophisticated lady. She and one of her customers told me about some artists over a glass of wine and cheese. Variety: Contemporary. Price: $$$$ Parking lot: Street or garage. Location: Fabulous. Many great shops around there.

Susan has framed about 20 pieces for me. Though I no longer reside in the DC area, I continue to…read moreuse Susan as my fine art framer. I'm sure Atlanta has many fine framers, but why rely on someone else when Susan's team is the best? She never disappoints.

Nicole created all of the printed materials for my daughter's wedding. Save the Dates,…read moreInvitations, signage, programs, labels for the welcome boxes...everything. She is so professional and has a lovely, re-assuring personality. She made recommendations that we followed completely because I was aware that her work is impeccable. She ensured that every touchpoint supported the formal wedding we were throwing. She did all of the work. She had the envelopes addressed with the highest quality calligraphy and she hand-stamped and mailed everything for us. I had no worries at all with this aspect of the wedding. It was such a pleasure to do business with her. She is exceptional at what she does. We were more than thrilled with the outcomes.

I can't believe it's been 10 years since our wedding but I was cleaning out some boxes and found…read moreour invitations and response cards. I would still be proud to send them out today. So helpful, sweet patient, knowledgeable and amazing. I love this place. Would recommend to anyone. A great small business and Nicole is a joy to work with.

There's something waiting for you to discover at Zenith Gallery. An incredibly rich, often eclectic…read morearray of work touching on just about every medium. Lots of local artists as well as well-known and international names. Zenith Gallery consists of a house that was been completely filled to the brim with a lifework's collection. Be sure to get a guided tour, and ask about your interests... a lot of work is in storage so it has to be pulled out for viewing. For ourselves, we were captured by a natural woodwork by Bernie Houston, "The Journey." Definitely worth spending a few hours exploring! Enjoy the visit...

called to find out what steps I needed to take to submit art and I was talked to very rudely. I…read morefeel like they think because they have been in business so long they can bully people or treat people poorly. I do not take kindly to bullies or people that use their long lasting in order to force people into submission. I posted a google review and received an angry text soon after. I would never do business here. Here is the text "Are you serious, you cold call a gallery that has been in business for 45 years and you never looked at our website which tells you about applying. No gallery will even talk to you until you do your homework. We receive 2000 artists applications a year. I never take rude artists the business is tough enough without rude artists to deal with. You are not doing yourself any favors by acting like you just did." Basically saying because I didn't like that she was rude I somehow have harmed my art career, shame on you

Anastasia is a wonderful teacher and an incredibly talented and unique artist! Our kids absolutely…read morelove her classes, and it's always such a joy to see all the creative new art projects they make together. Highly recommend her art studio!

If you are searching an art teacher that is very attentive and flexible to each student…read morevishes/point of views/skills individually while still making you learn and aquire good skills in a right way, she is the best one! I was trying a few teachers before finding her, and i am so lucky to have her as my teacher! She is very knowladgable and have so many to teach! She is super nice and funny, and pleasant to be around. I am having a sharable semi privet painting weekly lessons of two adult students with her, and also a privet drawing lessons. But, next I want my 4 year old to start taking classes with her too :)