Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2023 March)
Although the month of March signals the start of spring, it is often a cold and wet month, best suited for indoor activities. Coincidentally, March is National Craft Month, a great opportunity to reconnect with favorite creative activities or discover new ones. There are organizations throughout Fairfax County where you can connect with like-minded creative people, take classes to learn a new medium and flex your creative muscle, or utilize makerspaces with tools and supplies you can use to bring your vision to life.
Arts and Craft Organizations and Guilds
If you are an artist or craftsperson seeking community or the chance to exhibit your work, consider joining one of these local arts organizations.
Artisans United (AU) is a non-profit organization whose members are local independent and guild artists. AU’s primary goal is to preserve, promote and develop the arts and crafts by providing a creative forum for the exchange of ideas, experiences and materials among its members. AU operates the Craft Gallery and Gift Shop as a community resource, where members’ work is on display and available for purchase. All prospective members must obtain an artist's membership packet and be juried. Membership packets, which contain information about the application and jurying process, as well as membership obligations, are available at the at the AU gallery, 4022C Hummer Road Annandale. For more information, visit augallery.org or call 703-941-0202.
Del Ray Artisans (DRA) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of promoting art for the benefit of artists and the community. DRA is dedicated to supporting new and emerging artists and artisans; fostering community-based arts activities, events and organizations; promoting the arts as a resource for community outreach; and making creative expression and artistic endeavors more available and accessible to the public. Membership benefits include member-only programs and events, reduced fees on workshops, classes and programs, a monthly newsletter, inclusion in two member shows annually, and more. Members are also required to volunteer at least 12 hours per year. Fees are $60/year for individuals and $45/year for adults 62 and older. Learn more at delrayartisans.org.
Fairfax Art League (FAL) is a non-profit organization providing arts education and promoting local artists, with members actively participating in the planning and managing of events, exhibits and outreach. Members can display their art at regional juried and non-juried exhibits, events, and competitions. FAL also provides art education to local daycares, senior centers, and the public. Membership is $50/year. Learn more at fairfaxartleague.net.
Great Falls Studios is an organization of more than 100 independent artists working in Great Falls representing a variety of disciplines including painters, potters, photographers, jewelry makers, fiber artists, sculptors, and more. Membership is open to any working artist in the community as well as non-artist "Friends" who wish to join with these artists and the growing arts movement in Great Falls. Learn more at greatfallsstudios.com.
League of Reston Artists (LRA) is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization. Members include visual fine artists, photographers, and supporters of the arts. LRA’s mission is twofold: 1) provide members with opportunities to grow, learn, and exhibit their creative accomplishments; 2) provide the local community with opportunities to experience and appreciate a wide range of visual art and gain insight into the creative process. LRA hosts guest speakers, artist demonstrations, exhibits, shows, events and quarterly meetings. New members are welcome. Membership is $40/year. Learn more at leagueofrestonartists.org.
Nelly’s Needlers is an active group of stitchers that welcomes needlework enthusiasts, whether you are a beginner, expert, or somewhere in between. Nelly’s Needlers is dedicated to the preservation of Woodlawn through the pursuit of fine needlework. Instead of dues, Nelly’s Needlers serve by volunteering a minimum of 50 hours and attending at least three monthly meetings per year. New members are welcome to attend a general meeting to meet other needleworkers, stitch new or existing projects and plan upcoming events. They meet on the second Monday of each month in the Underwood Room at Woodlawn. Email nellysneedlers@gmail.com to let them know you are coming. For more information, visit woodlawnpopeleighey.org/nellys-needlers.
Quilters United (QU) was founded with the purpose of preserving the tradition, culture and history of quilting, and promoting the knowledge and understanding of the art of quilting through continuing educational services for members and public education activities. QU of Northern Virginia is composed of 11 chapters with a combined membership of over 1,000 members unified by a central executive board and governed by the QU Bylaws. Membership is open to anyone interested in quilting. Visitors are welcome to attend in-person meetings of any chapter. Each chapter has its own personality with day or evening meetings, scheduled events, functions, and service projects. Membership is $30/year. Learn more at quiltersunlimited.org.
Springfield Art Guild (SAG) is a non-profit group serving the community’s interest in fine arts, fine crafts and photography. SAG sponsors educational programs, art exhibits, juried shows, classes for adults and children, art scholarships for high school or college students, and local art events. They also meet monthly and host guest speakers. Membership is $35/year for one person or $55/year for a family. Learn more at springfieldartguild.org.
Vienna Arts Society is open to artists with all levels of experience, to friends of the arts and to students. Members can show their work, learn new techniques and make new friends in the artist community. Membership is $50/year. To join, stop by the Arts Center at 243 Church St NW, Suite 100LL, Vienna, to pick up an application, Wed-Sat, Noon-4 p.m. Learn more at viennaartssociety.org or call 703-319-3971 for more information.
Arts and Crafts Classes
Want to try your hand at something new or reconnect with a favorite craft or medium? There are ample opportunities to learn – from one-day workshops to multi-week series.
The Art League
105 North Union Street, Alexandria
The Art League School welcomes all ages and levels of ability. A full selection of day, evening, and weekend courses is offered in all fine arts disciplines and many skilled crafts. League instructors are professional artists. Learn more and register at theartleague.org/classes.
Fairfax County Park Authority
Offers a variety of fine arts and craft classes, including drawing, cartooning, studio arts, pottery, photography, needle arts and more. Classes are held at various locations. Spring 2025 registration began Feb. 11, 2025, and classes begin Mar. 15, 2025. Learn more and register at fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes.
Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education (ACE)
Ace offers adult enrichment classes including various arts and crafts. Class locations vary. Learn more and register at aceclasses.fcps.edu.
Mason Community Arts Academy
4260 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax
Explore drawing, oil painting, character design, and more in a supportive environment at George Mason University in Fairfax. Learn theories and techniques in a mix of hands-on activities, self-paced learning assignments, individual or group creative projects, and one-on-one coaching. Learn more and register at masonacademy.gmu.edu/art-classes.
Reston Community Center (RCC)
RCC offers craft classes as well as a range of visual arts programs in mediums such as ceramics, watercolors, acrylics, fiber and more. Class locations vary. Learn more and register at restoncommunitycenter.com.
Workhouse Art Center
9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton
Students with all levels of experience welcome, from beginner to seasoned artist. Discover one-day workshops and multi-week courses in a variety of disciplines, including ceramics, glass, painting, drawing, fiber arts, mixed media, and more. learn more and register at workhousearts.org.
MakerSpaces
If your creativity trends towards hands-on crafts, you may consider utilizing a makerspace. A makerspace is a collaborative workspace for making, learning, exploring and sharing. They can be in a school, library, or a public or private location and have a variety of maker equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, Cricut machines, CNC routers, soldering irons, sewing machines, craft supplies, and more.
Craftspace VA
3675 Concorde Parkway, Suite 1500, Chantilly
Craftspace is a fully stocked, creative space with access to a variety of tools and supplies. The fee to use the space is $12/hour plus supplies or you can sign up for a monthly plan. Learn more at craftspaceva.com.
Fairfax County Public Library Maker Labs
The Maker Labs @ FCPL ensure that all can have free and equal access to space, expertise, and resources for making and creating. Equipment varies between locations but includes items such as sewing machines, 3D Printers, Cricut machines, 3D Pens, jewelry making supplies, and more. Maker Labs are located at three library branches:
- Maker Lab @ Herndon Fortnightly Library, 768 Center St., Herndon
- Maker Lab @ Pohick Regional Library: The POD, 6450 Sydenstricker Rd., Burke
- Maker Lab @ Sherwood Regional Library: The TechLab, 2501 Sherwood Hall Ln., Alexandria
Learn more about making at the library at research.fairfaxcounty.gov/make-it-yourself.
Nova Labs
3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax
NOVA Labs is a membership-driven, all-volunteer makerspace based in Fairfax. It is home to a vibrant maker community, where members learn, create, and collaborate. Nova Labs offers access to resources, tools, advanced machining, and technology equipment to craft, make, prototype, and fabricate. It is the ultimate workspace for hobbyists, tinkerers, engineers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. There is a one-time application fee of $25, then a monthly membership fee based on the membership level you choose. Learn more at nova-labs.org.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).