Torpedo Factory Art Center

City Council to consider nonprofit lease renewals, receive Torpedo Factory operator proposals

Published May 11, 2026 at 3:45PM

Casa Chirilagua at 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue (via Facebook)

Alexandria City Council will consider extending leases to allow nonprofits and other programs to keep operating at its meeting on Tuesday (May 12).

City Council will consider setting a public hearing for Saturday (May 16) on a new five-year lease agreement with nonprofit Casa Chirilagua at 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue in Arlandria, as well as three-year lease extensions for the Alexandria Boxing Club at Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street) and the Child and Family Network Centers at Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 West Reed Avenue).

Around Town

Activities in Alexandria this Mother’s Day weekend include bouquet making, painting

By James Cullum

Published May 6, 2026 at 3:45PM

The completed kayak launch at Four Mile Run Park (staff photo by James Cullum)

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.

Around Town

Croatian stamp exhibit unveiled in Alexandria as city prepares to host Team Croatia during World Cup

By James Cullum

Published May 5, 2026 at 2:45PM

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

Rare Croatian stamps will be on display at the Torpedo Factory Art Center this week as part of a cultural exchange with Croatia, as Alexandria is expected to host the country’s national soccer team base camp during the 2026 World Cup.

The exhibit marks the first time that the stamp collection, “Discover Croatia: A Journey Through Tiny Windows of History,” has been moved outside of its home country. The exhibit by the Croatian Post and the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs was unveiled yesterday (Monday) at a ceremony with Croatian Ambassador to the U.S. Pjer Šimunović and Mayor Alyia Gaskins.

News

City leaders mourn former Del. Marian Van Landingham, Torpedo Factory Art Center’s founder

By James Cullum

Published April 6, 2026 at 10:00AM

Marian Van Landingham (via ADC/Facebook)

Marian Van Landingham, a former Virginia state delegate, artist and founder of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, died Saturday (April 4). She was 88 years old.

Van Landingham’s cause of death was not disclosed, and funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Around Town

Cherry blossom events arrive with spring starting this week in Old Town

By Emily Leayman

Published March 18, 2026 at 1:45PM

Cherry blossoms in Del Ray (Staff photo by James Cullum)

As cherry blossom season gets into full swing in the D.C. region, Alexandria will try to draw visitors with its own cherry blossom-themed events.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off Friday (March 20) and runs through April 12. According to the National Park Service’s prediction, the Tidal Basin’s famous cherry blossom trees could reach peak bloom from Sunday, March 29 to Wednesday, April 1. The start of the festival coincides with the first day of spring on March 20.

Around Town

Alexandria to accept entries for new America 250 poster contest

By Katie Taranto

Published March 3, 2026 at 3:17PM

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

Artwork “that reflects civic pride, historical connection, and optimism for the future” is the theme of a new poster contest in Alexandria.

As the City of Alexandria continues to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is joining the America 250 City Art Poster Project, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Endowment for the Arts.

News

City moves forward with Torpedo Factory operator search, including option to display historic ship hull

By Emily Leayman

Published February 25, 2026 at 3:15PM

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

A process to select a new operator for the Torpedo Factory Art Center is moving forward, and the option to display remains of an 18th century ship could potentially be part of operators’ plans.

On Saturday, Alexandria City Council gave final approval to a procurement process to select a new operator for the Torpedo Factory Art Center at 105 N. Union Street. Council previously delayed approval of the procurement process to add a provision about exploring displays of historical archaeology artifacts.

News

Visit Alexandria launches locally inspired ‘Unlock Your Story’ marketing campaign

By James Cullum

Published February 20, 2026 at 3:50PM

Alexandria town crier Ben Fiore-Walker rings in the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Visit Alexandria‘s newest marketing campaign is tapping into the stories behind businesses, tourist attractions and unique personalities.

From now until June, the Unlock Your Story campaign will tell stories all over Alexandria, focusing on the city’s history, small attractions, and unique small businesses, artists and entrepreneurs. The promotion follows Visit Alexandria’s Best Kept Shh! campaign, which launched three years ago and positioned Alexandria as the region’s best kept secret.

News

Torpedo Factory Art Center could receive new operator, with selection process into the spring

By Emily Leayman

Published January 14, 2026 at 3:45PM

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

The city of Alexandria could take a step closer to choosing a new operator for the Torpedo Factory Art Center, following last night’s City Council meeting (Tuesday).

City Council voted to advance to public hearing and final vote an agreement for an operator to lease, manage and operate the historic arts facility at 105 N. Union Street. The public hearing and final vote are scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24.

Around Town

New portraitist bringing debut exhibit to Torpedo Factory next month

By James Cullum

Published October 29, 2025 at 3:00PM

Work by Mahua Mazumdar that will be featured at her upcoming show at the Torpedo Factory Art Center Nov. 12 to Dec. 7, 2025 (courtesy image)

An Alexandria artist is preparing to host her first-ever portrait exhibition at the Torpedo Factory Art Center this fall.

Lifelong artist Mahua Mazumdar’s new exhibition, “Expressions of Light,” features 15 portraits “exploring the nuances of human presences, vulnerability, complexity and joyous moments,” she told ALXnow. The collection will be available to view at The Art League Gallery from Nov. 12-Dec. 7 at 105 N. Union Street.

News

Controversial political art at Torpedo Factory tests free speech limits

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 17, 2025 at 1:00PM | Updated October 18, 2025 at 1:39PM

Political signs displayed in Studio 17 at the Torpedo Factory Art Center include references to Julius Caesar's assassins and a message about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. (Staff photo/Ryan Belmore)

Political signs displayed in an artist’s studio window at the Torpedo Factory Art Center have drawn national attention on social media this week, sparking debate over free speech in city-owned facilities. Alexandria officials have not publicly stated whether they can take action on the controversial display.

UPDATE 2:35 p.m.: Artist M. Alexander Gray provided a statement to ALXnow defending his work and questioning the focus on his signs. Story updated below.