News

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

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

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

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‘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

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

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

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.


Around Town

The Torpedo Factory Art Center will host its 30th annual Art Safari on Saturday, Oct. 25, from noon to 4 p.m., offering free hands-on activities for children and families.

The event features art projects led by Art Center artists on all three floors of the waterfront facility. Activities are designed for children aged 5 to 12, although younger children can participate with adult assistance.


News

This coming Monday, September 1, is Labor Day and a number of city government offices and facilities will be closed.

Trash collection will move to Tuesday for the holiday, parking enforcement at metered spaces will be lifted, and it will be your last chance to enjoy public pools. See a full listing of what’s open and closed below.


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