Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: Feb. 19-28

Entertainment

Ongoing

“Mountains: Recent Paintings by Sue Grace.” Gallery hours, through Feb. 22 at Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads, 3440 S. Jefferson St. Sue Grace’s paintings draw inspiration from the West Virginia Mountains and time she has spent there. These paintings present representational, abstract, and figurative elements of her painting. Free. Email Anthony Brock at abrock@goodwinhouse.org.

“No Holds Barred.” Through Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays at The Gallery @ Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. This exhibit is named for the “don’t hold back, just let go” approach artists Pamela Underhill and Rusty Lynn employ in their artmaking. Free. Visit www.convergence.org for more.

Art League Student and Faculty Show. Gallery hours at The Art League, 105 N. Union St. Faculty works will be showcased alongside hundreds of paintings, drawings, printmaking, stained glass, jewelry, ceramics, pottery, fiber, mosaics, sculpture created by our student body. Free. Visit www.theartleague.org for more.

“Color and Shape.” Through Feb. 28, gallery hours at The Associates Gallery at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. The Associates Gallery (TAG) February exhibit features two painters – Jill Finsen and Barbara Muth. Both Finsen and Muth paint moments made vivid through color and shape. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.

“All aBoard.” Through Feb. 28, gallery hours at The Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Eight board members, Ron Blank, Michele Reday Cook, Kim S. Joy, Stephen Lally, Marlin Lord, Elizabeth Guerry Mead, Kathy Turner and Joan Woodill, display their work. Free. Visit www.delrayartisans.org/show.

Art Exhibit: “Women Do It!” Through Feb. 28 at Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. The National Women’s Caucus for Art presents the “Women Do It” exhibit. Free. VIsit www.torpedofactory.org for more.

“Shake Loose.” Through March 6, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St. “Shake Loose” features music and lyrics by Thomas W. Jones II, William Hubbard and William Knowles. It features stories and songs from MetroStage productions including “Three Sistahs,” “Cool Papa’s Party,” “Ladies Swing the Blues” and more. Tickets $55-60. Call 703-548-9044 or visit www.metrostage.org.

Art Exhibit: “Storytelling/Global Narratives.” Through March 13, gallery hours at Schlesinger Center’s Fisher Gallery at Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria Campus, 4915 E. Campus Drive. Part of the regional project “Al-Mutanabbi Street Starts Here DC 2016”, a book, arts and cultural festival through March throughout the Washington, D.C. area. “Storytelling/Global Narratives” will commemorate the 2007 bombing of Baghdad’s historic bookselling street and celebrate the free exchange of ideas and knowledge. Free. Visit www.nvcc.edu for more.

“A Salute to Primary Colors.” Through March 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 9 p.m. on second Thursday of each month. Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery presents primary colors in all forms including as gifts, jewelry, sculpture, clothing, and wall pieces. Free. Visit www.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com.

“Wings from Chains.” Through March 13, gallery hours at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Artists consider the roles and responsibilities in society. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035.

Art Exhibit: “Partnerships.” Through May 15, business hours at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, 2660 Duke St. All artwork is available for purchase through Del Ray Artisans. Artists are donating 20 percent of the purchase price of sold pieces in an equal split between Del Ray Artisans and the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital’s charity of choice, Veterans Moving Forward. Free. Call 703-751-2022 for more.

“Who The Wounded Are.” Through July 11 at Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St. “Who These Wounded Are: The Extraordinary Stories of the Mansion House Hospital” is about people who lived and worked at this site in Alexandria and their real life stories that inspired the PBS show, “Mercy Street.” Tickets are $2-12. Visit www.carlylehouse.org for more.


Friday/Feb. 19

Harlem Renaissance Fair. 6-11 p.m. at Northern Virginia Community College–Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little Turnpike, Annandale. The event will include performances by Thad Wilson's Jazz Orchestra, featuring vocalist Sharón Clark. During the musical performances, dancers will demonstrate dance steps of the era. Actor and poet David Mills will also present a one-man play based on the life and poetry of Langston Hughes. Tickets are $20-50. Visit www.nvcc.edu for more.


Feb. 19-March 15

Solo Exhibit: Lynn Boggess. Gallery hours at Principle Gallery, 208 King St. Lynn Boggess paints landscapes from the West Virginian woods to Floridian seascapes with palette knives and cement trowels for texture. Free. VIsit www.principlegallery.com for more.


Saturday/Feb. 20

Workshop: Vegetable Gardening. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road. The Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, (Arlington and Alexandria) present a workshop for the beginning vegetable gardener. Program will address best practices for site selection, soil requirements and soil improvement, as well as guidance on crop selection and planting schedules. Free. Call 703-228-6414.

Live Painting Demonstration. 1-2:30 p.m. at Principle Gallery, 208 King St. Artist Lynn Boggess demonstrates her painting techniques using palette knives and cement trowels. Free. Visit www.principlegallery.com for more.

GenreCon5: Who Dunnit Best? 2-4 p.m. at Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 10 and up are invited to wear their best detective outfit and participate in sleuth trivia, games, and more. Free. Call 703-746-1751 for more.

Auction and Potluck Dinner. 3:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane. This event starts at 3:30 pm with a silent auction and refreshments. At 5:30, partake in a potluck dinner. Then, at 6:30, a live auction showcases donations such as quilts, dog sitting services, professional tarot card reading, and a professional photography session. Free. Call 703-298-2176 for more.

Country-Western Dance. 6:30-7:30 p.m. lessons and 7:30-10 p.m. at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. The Northern Virginia Country-Western Dance Association will hold a dance with music provided by a DJ. Tickets are $10 for members, $12 for non-members. Visit www.nvcwda.org for more.


Saturday-Sunday/Feb. 20-21

Tea with Martha Washington. 3-4:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. 18th century tea includes the museum's special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies. Also learn how Martha Washington might entertain guests. Tickets are $25 each, $20 for groups of six or more. Visit www.shop.alexandriava.gov for more.


Sunday/Feb. 21

Walking With Washington Tour. 2-3:30 p.m. starting at Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King St. Visit George Washington’s hometown and view some of the sites connected to the General, such as where he filled his prescriptions or slept overnight before returning to Mount Vernon. Free. Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/GWbday.

"African-American History in Alexandria." 2-4 p.m. at Cameron Station Clubhouse, 200 Cameron Station Blvd. Audrey P. Davis, Director of the Alexandria Black History Museum, presents "African-American History in Alexandria." Free. Call 703-256-4541 for more.

Children’s Tea with Martha Washington. 3-4:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. “Martha Washington explains 18th-century tea customs as well as clothing and dancing of the period. The tea includes the museum’s special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies. Party attire is requested. Tickets are $25. Visit www.alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-4242 for more.

Barbershop Harmony Concert. 3 p.m. at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane. The 30-member Harmony Heritage Singers presents a concert of familiar patriotic and popular music. The men’s a capella chorus preserves the American tradition known as “barbershop.” Free. Contact 703-765-4779 or brandtron@verizon.net.

West Potomac High School Showcase. 5 pm. at West Potomac's Springbank Auditorium, 6500 Quander Road. West Potomac High School dance and theater students will join with local studios to present showcase performances for the public. $3 in advance, $5 at the door. Email glisenby@verizon.net for tickets.

2CELLOS. 8 p.m. at DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW, Washington, D.C. The Birchmere of Alexandria presents 2CELLOS, a band comprised of Croatian cellists. Tickets are $47.50-67.50. Visit www.2cellos.com.


Monday/Feb. 22

George Washington’s Birthday. 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Visit Mount Vernon for special wreath-laying ceremonies throughout the day and watch as newly naturalized Americans take the oath of citizenship. Also find birthday cake, storytelling and more. Free. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.

Live Animal Lunchtime. 12 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Bring your lunch and dine with a special animal guest; a snake, turtle, or toad. Learn about their diet, adaptations, and habitat through crafts and hands-on learning for adults and children. $8 for residents of Fairfax County, $10 for non-residents. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov for more.

Lecture: Women of Alexandria. 7 p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. “Women of Alexandria, from Antebellum to the 20th Century” will depict the effect of the Civil War)on the lives of Alexandria's women before, during, and after the war. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035.


Wednesday/Feb. 24

Sanctuary Studio. 10:15-11:45 a.m. at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Road. Using drawing, watercolor, and collage materials, explore line, shape, and color as a meditative process. Free, donations accepted. Visit www.staidansepiscopal.com.

Women & Wine. 6 p.m. at Sara Campbell, 320 Prince St. This event is for women 21 years and older who enjoy wine and are interested in getting to know other women in Alexandria. Tickets are $27. Visit www.eventbrite.com/o/volunteer-alexandria-230855757.


Thursday/Feb. 25

Center for Alexandria’s Children Gala. 7-10 p.m. at Blackwall Hitch, 5 Cameron St. This year’s theme is “boots & bling.” Enjoy custom signature cocktails, taco bar, raffle and live music. Tickets are $150. Visit www.alexandriaskids.org for more.


Friday/Feb. 26

Family Fun Night. 6-9 p.m. at Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility, 3210 King St. Pool games include beach ball relays, water basketball, diving for prizes and fun on the “Aqua Challenge” floating obstacle course. Participate in swimming skill assessments for youth, learn pool safety tips and more. Tickets are $4. Visit www.shop.alexandriava.gov for more.


Saturday/Feb. 27

Kids Consignment Sale. 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2911 Cameron Mills Road. Doors close at 11:15, then everything is 50 percent off. No strollers allowed. Free. Email momsclubconsignment@gmail.com.

National Historic Landmark Unveiling. 10-11 a.m. at George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Followed by a special tour of the Memorial. Free. Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/GWbday.

Bright Horizons Grand Opening Celebration. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Bright Horizons, 411 John Carlyle St. Explore the new early education and preschool center. Free. Visit www.brighthorizons.com/alexandria.

Civil War Recruiting Day. 1-4 p.m. at Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Road. Soldiers and civilians of the 3rd U.S. Regular Infantry, Company K, will be on hand to talk about period clothing and equipment, present drill demonstrations, and explain the variety of roles that military and civilian interpreters can portray. Visitors can also inquire about how to join local reenactment units and learn what kind of clothing and equipment a novice reenactor requires. Admission is free. Visit www.fortward.org for more.

George Washington Symposium. 1-3 p.m. at George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. The George Washington Symposium is held annually on Washington’s birthday to provide the public with research on the life of George Washington. This year’s theme is “From Relics to Repositories: Preserving George Washington’s Legacy Yesterday and Today.” Free. Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/GWbday.

Tea with Lady Washington. 2-3 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Highway, Mount Vernon. Join “Lady Washington" for an intimate fireside tea and conversation. Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for children. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.

Tune Into Nature News. 4 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Get in-depth reporting out in the field about the latest eco-updates throughout Huntley's habitats. $7 for residents of Fairfax County, $9 for non-residents. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov for more.

Evening Woodcock Walk. 5:30 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Listen for the call of the male woodcock and hopefully see his courtship dance and flight. $6 for residents of Fairfax County, $8 for non-residents. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov for more.

Washington Birthday Gala. 5:30-9:30 p.m. at George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. This black-tie event will feature entertainment and a formal banquet and presentation of the George Washington Memorial Award. Tickets are $125. Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/GWbday.

“Music is Magic.” 6 p.m. at The Westin Hotel, 400 Courthouse Square. “Music is Magic” is the theme for the 29th Annual Symphony Ball and Auction. The Ball, presented by the Symphony Orchestra League of Alexandria (SOLA) supports fundraising efforts for the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. Tickets start at $200. Visit www.solaalexandria.org for more.

Documentary Screening. 7 p.m. at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane. Watch a 90-minute documentary on the life and principles of Aldo Leopold, author of “Sand County Almanac” and conservationist/environmentalist. Free. Call 703-298-2176 for more.


Sunday/Feb. 28

Live Animal Lunchtime. 12 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Bring your lunch and dine with a special animal guest; a snake, turtle, or toad. Learn about their diet, adaptations, and habitat through crafts and hands-on learning for adults and children. Tickets are $8 for residents of Fairfax County, $10 for non-residents. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov for more.

Wonders of Science. 1-4 p.m. at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St. Visit the Apothecary and discover curious objects, from poison bottles to dragon’s blood, find out how they were used and if they worked. During the tours, Project Enlightenment, McLean High School’s historical-reenactment society, will conduct 18th century scientific demonstrations. Tickets are $6. Visit www.shop.alexandriava.gov for more.

“How Does Noise Affect Bird Communication?” 2 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Dr. David Luther, biology professor at George Mason University will discuss how biological and human-made noises, like traffic, affect acoustic communication of birds in urban areas. His talk will cover some bird species commonly seen at Dyke Marsh. Free. Call 703-765-3645 for more.

Walking With Washington Tour. 2-3:30 p.m. starting at Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King St. Visit George Washington’s hometown and view some of the sites connected to the General, such as where he filled his prescriptions or slept overnight before returning to Mount Vernon. Free. Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/GWbday.

Reception: Art League Student and Faculty Show. 2-4 p.m. at The Art League, 105 N. Union St. Celebrate this exhibit which features faculty works alongside hundreds of paintings, drawings, printmaking, stained glass, jewelry, ceramics, pottery, fiber, mosaics, sculpture created by our student body. Free. Visit www.theartleague.org for more.

Live Fashion Shoot. 6-8 p.m. at St. George Gallery, 105 N. Alfred St. Attend a live fashion photoshoot by Troi Hansley of Lenses by Troi, featuring designs of Joan A. Sealey of Jo-Ann’s Atelier. Together the designers and fashion photographer wish to recognize and celebrate the creative, cultural and inspirational contributions that Africans and African-Americans bring to their clients and local communities. Free. Visit Call 703-299-9495 for more.

Anne Hills and Susan Greenbaum. 7 p.m. at George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Contemporary folk singers Anne Hills and Susan Greenbaum perform. Tickets are $18, $15 in advance and for Focus Music members. Visit www.focusmusic.org for more.