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Mayor Alyia Gaskins announced her new initiative Art In Every Space, piloted yesterday (Monday), to bring art to more businesses in Alexandria.

The initiative places original artwork by Alexandria-area artists in local businesses at no cost to either the artists or businesses. According to the mayor, the initiative supports the work of Alexandria’s art organizations by providing additional locations for artists to display their work.


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As the city reviews an operator proposal for the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria City Council will consider extending leases to current artists and galleries.

City Council will have a July 1 public hearing on extending leases in good standing for artists through March 31, 2027 and for founding members and galleries through Sept. 30, 2027. The proposal is for leases that would expire Sept. 30, 2026.


Around Town

Cameras will be rolling on Sunday, June 21 at Alexandria’s “Now or Never” installation at Waterfront Park in Old Town.

That’s the day of the summer solstice — the longest day of the year — and artist Alicia Eggert designed the installation at 1 Prince Street to align with the sun’s path from sunrise to sunset.


Around Town

Kids are clamoring to be part of the Ukulele Club at William Ramsay Elementary School.

The nine-week after-school program for second graders only started in the spring. With the end of the school year around the corner, the 15 kids in the club are rehearsing for an upcoming school assembly and a performance in front of their parents.


Around Town

A new art installation near the Potomac River in Old Town North was quietly installed over the weekend.

Sculptor Christian Benefiel, on Saturday, installed and put the finishing touches on Beacon 3, a commissioned piece at the TideLock office-to-residential development (1033 N. Fairfax Street) in Old Town North. The piece was constructed over the last year from welded steel and resembles a nautical beacon and satellite with jet engine parts.


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There are a variety of activities and events to take part in with loved ones this Mother’s Day weekend.

From themed bouquet making and painting to historical tours and live music, there’s something in store for all kinds of interests. Here’s the latest going on in the Port City from Friday, May 8, through Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 10.


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A new temporary art installation commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence was recently unveiled outside the Alexandria Courthouse in Old Town, featuring a reading of the document by prominent Alexandria women.


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Alexandria City Council has a full docket at its upcoming meeting Saturday as final budgetary decisions approach.

City Council will conduct a number of public hearings, including setting the real estate and personal property tax rates for the next fiscal year, additions and deletions to City Manager Jim Parajon’s proposed $977 million Fiscal Year 2027 budget, an increase to the stormwater utility fee, new parking fees and the addition of paid metered parking on Sundays.


Around Town

The Birchmere music hall, Alexandria’s most prominent musical venue, celebrated its 60th anniversary earlier this month.

The 500-seat music hall at 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue opened in 1966, and has featured notable musical artists and performers across various genres, including Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Linda Ronstadt and Dave Matthews. Originally founded in Arlington’s Shirlington neighborhood, the venue moved to Alexandria’s Mount Vernon Avenue in 1981. It has been at the current 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue location since 1997.


Around Town

A new program helping people with disabilities hone their art skills will be put on display at Old Town’s B.E.S.T. Gift Shop tomorrow (Friday).

The boutique, run by nonprofit ServiceSource at the B.E.S.T. Gift Shop (919 King Street), will hold an end-of-residency art show from 1-3 p.m. The exhibition showcases work by George Mason University graduate student Francesca “Franki” Campos and Arts & Abilities program participants.


Around Town

A lot happens between shows at the Little Theatre of Alexandria.

On a recent Saturday evening, a packed house at the LTA gave a standing ovation to the cast of “School of Rock.” Within hours of closing, the cast and crew were back at the theater at 600 Wolfe Street to help break down the set to make way for LTA’s next production, “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner,” which opened on Saturday, March 28.


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