art | ALXnow - Part 13

Activists allege developer-city collusion in Torpedo Factory plans, but city says it’s more complicated

Published January 19, 2022 at 1:30PM

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

A group of activists pushing back against city plans to overhaul the Torpedo Factory Art Center have accused city leaders of working with developers to astroturf a pro-overhaul faction, but city leaders said the goal wasn’t to mislead.

A Change.org petition with 7,694 signers at time of writing has become an online hub for those opposing the city’s plans to reduce artist studio space in the Torpedo Factory and replace it with alternative arts spaces (like glassblowing) or restaurant space. A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request made public by the petition organizers highlighted city emails with and about the “Torpedo Factory for All” initiative spearheaded by developer Route 66 Ventures — one of the developers pushing to lead the overhaul.

News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 3, 2021 at 5:00AM

Arts commission criticizes proposed changes to Torpedo Factory — “The city’s proposals for the future of the Torpedo Factory Art Center have received criticism from artists, and during its Nov. 16 meeting, the city’s Commission for the Arts fired some warning shots as well.” [Alexandria Times]

Alexandria ranks third in national office conversions — “Number of office-to-apartment conversions: 955” [CNBC]

News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published November 17, 2021 at 5:00AM

Man Fatally Struck on Alexandria Sidewalk — “A man died after he was hit by a truck when its driver jumped a sidewalk on Saturday night in Alexandria, Virginia. His family wants to know why the driver is not behind bars and said they think the driver’s actions after the crash may have killed their loved one.” [NBC4]

Alexandria named second-biggest art-buying city in US by Artfinder — “Yesterday the company released a list of the top art-buying cities in the U.S. It appears that Alexandria residents love their art, because our city came in second place, behind Savannah, Georgia.” [Zebra]

News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published November 16, 2021 at 5:00AM | Updated November 16, 2021 at 9:08AM

Sudshare app-based laundry service launches in Alexandria — “Sudshare has launched in Alexandria to connect people who hate washing clothes (or don’t have time to do it) with people who are willing to do it for you.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Alexandria gets another new mural — “The newest Alexandria mural was unveiled on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School.” [Zebra]

News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published November 4, 2021 at 5:00AM

City warns of vaccine scheduling issues — “The City is aware that the state’s vaccine scheduling system may be overloaded with demand and service may be intermittent.” [Twitter]

Kismet Modern Indian opens in Old Town Alexandria — “Kismet Modern Indian [opened] for takeout on Tuesday, Nov. 2 starting at 4 p.m. at Alexandria’s Tavern Square, 111 N. Pitt Street.” [Patch]

News

Kitschy new art installation coming to Waterfront Park

By Vernon Miles

Published October 28, 2021 at 2:45PM

I Love You park design, via City of Alexandria

The city has unveiled plans for the next art installation in Waterfront Park, which will be in place at the park for most of next year.

At a meeting of the Park & Recreation Commission Meeting, Diane Ruggiero, deputy director of recreation, parks and cultural activities and two-time ALXnow quotee this week, outlined the initial plans to work with R&R Studio in Miami on a new display meant to evoke joy and happiness after a dour couple of years.

News

Torpedo Factory plans could include cafe, maker-space, and ‘gloryholes’

By Vernon Miles

Published October 26, 2021 at 2:45PM

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

The city is looking at options to move things around in the Torpedo Factory and insert some surprises into activity holes on the ground floor.

In a Torpedo Factory Art Center Implementation Strategy Update meeting, Diane Ruggiero, deputy director of recreation, parks and cultural activities, outlined options being reviewed that could lead to some radical changes for the Torpedo Factory.

News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published October 12, 2021 at 5:00AM

Henry Cali, a 10-year-old Dachshund with misshapen front paws, is strapped to the back of a bicycle in Old Town. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Wegmans hiring event Tuesday for new Alexandria store — “Wegmans Food Markets is hosting a virtual hiring event Tuesday, Oct. 12, seeking to fill more than 350 part- and full-time positions across 14 stores throughout the Virginia area, including the Wegmans opening in spring 2022 at 150 Stovall St., in Alexandria’s Carlyle neighborhood, the company announced.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Vehicle overturned in Lincolnia, found empty — “4900 Bl. of Manitoba Dr. Alexandria, V.A. Fairfax Cty Fire on scene of a single vehicle overturned collision with no occupants found inside the vehicle. Occupants are believed to have fled the scene.” [DC Realtime News]

News

When do you know you’re in Del Ray? New public art at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square will help

By James Cullum

Published October 4, 2021 at 2:15PM | Updated October 4, 2021 at 3:15PM

How do you know you’re in Del Ray? Visitors can wonder no longer, as a new 15-foot-tall marker will be unveiled later this month at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square.

The marker was designed by Maryland artist Kirk Seese, has been in the works since 2018. It was open to the public for last Saturday’s Art On The Avenue festival, and the tentative date for its official unveiling is October 15, according to Visit Del Ray.

News

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published September 24, 2021 at 3:35PM

Police outside the McDonalds where a shooting occurred, staff photo by James Cullum

What a busy week in Alexandria.

Our top story this week was on a juvenile who was shot outside the McDonald’s at the Bradlee Shopping Center on Tuesday, Sept. 21. There have also been a number of concerning incidents at Alexandria City Public Schools, including a juvenile who was arrested for trespassing and assault and battery at Alexandria City High School.

Opinion

‘Fences’ is a triumph at The Little Theatre of Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published September 24, 2021 at 1:30PM

August Wilson’s ‘Fences‘ might just be one of the best productions that The Little Theatre of Alexandria has put on in years.

The 1985 Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a close look at the lives of a Black family in Pittsburgh during the 1950s and 1960s. Chances for success have passed by Troy Maxson (Albert Bolden), a former star baseball player beyond his prime and beaten down by society and circumstance. Maxson’s son, Cory (Jared Diallo), is a football star, but his father’s bitterness over his own missed chances cloud Cory’s bright future.