Break out your platform shoes and bell-bottoms, because the Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union Street) is throwing a 1970’s-themed party for its 50th birthday.
Every year, an estimated half-million people visit the former munitions plant-turned art center along the Alexandria waterfront for art shows, parties and to bookend a genuine Old Town experience.
It was founded by Alexandria Living Legend Marian Van Landingham, the then-president of The Art League and future delegate for Virginia’s 45th District. It was 1974, and as the city evaluated cleaning up the waterfront for the city’s bicentennial celebrations, Van Landingham created the blueprint for the art center with artist studios, galleries and classrooms, secured funding from the city for its renovations and worked as the art center’s first director.
A public celebration will be held on Friday, Sept. 13, from 7 to 10 p.m. It includes live music and art activities, like a tie dye project for visitors sponsored by the city’s Office of the Arts Mobile Art Lab. Scuttlebutt Bakery will be on-hand selling food and drinks.
On Saturday (Sept. 14), the Torpedo Factory will close at 5 p.m. to host an “exclusive and private” ticketed event for artists and “notable members of the public,” according to the art center.
The public will be allowed to celebrate in a family-friendly atmosphere on Sunday, from 12 to 2 p.m., with live music, face painting and tie-dying with the Mobile Art Lab.
WHEREAS, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, located on the historic waterfront of Alexandria, Virginia, was founded in 1974 by local visionaries and transformed a former munitions plant into a thriving hub of artistic creativity and community engagement; and
WHEREAS, for five decades, the Torpedo Factory Art Center has served as a beacon of inspiration and innovation, providing a home to a diverse community of artists, showcasing an impressive range of art forms, from painting and sculpture to photography, ceramics, and beyond; and
WHEREAS, the Art Center has become a cherished cultural institution, not only for the City of Alexandria but also for visitors from around the world, offering year-round access to working studios, galleries, workshops, and educational programs that foster an appreciation for the arts; and
WHEREAS, the Torpedo Factory Art Center has made significant contributions to the cultural and economic vitality of Alexandria, creating a vibrant space where art and community intersect, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike; and
WHEREAS, the 50th anniversary of the Torpedo Factory Art Center is an opportunity to celebrate its rich history, honor the artists who have contributed to its success, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the arts and the creative spirit that drives our community forward.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JUSTIN M. WILSON, Mayor of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and on behalf of the Alexandria City Council, do hereby acknowledge and recognize:
“THE 50th ANNIVERSARY of THE TORPEDO FACTORY ART CENTER” in the City of Alexandria, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens, and extend heartfelt congratulations to the artists, staff, and supporters who have made this milestone possible. We honor the past 50 years of artistic excellence and look forward to many more years of creativity and inspiration.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Alexandria to be affixed this 10th day of September 2024.
