[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria: December 27, 2008 – January 2, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 26, 2008

Wednesday, December 31 – First Night Alexandria
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the City at First Night Alexandria. City businesses will host musical performances, art shows and interactive activities in celebration of the New Year, capped off with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight. For a small fee, patrons will have access to the entertainment all evening long. Free shuttle busses and parking will be available. To purchase an admission badge, or to learn more about First Night Alexandria, visit www.firstnightalexandria.org.

Open through Wednesday, December 31 – Drawings by William Lydston, Jr. Exhibition
This exhibition of Civil War artwork at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site (4301 W. Braddock Rd.) has been extended through the end of the year. Civil War drawings by soldier, artist and musician William Lydston, Jr., are featured in this exhibit with musical instruments and related objects as part of the statewide celebration of Virginia’s musical heritage. Admission to the museum is free. The exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.fortward.org or call 703.838.4848.

Open through Saturday, January 24 – “Childhood Memories in Miniature: African American Dollhouses Exhibition”
Take in the memories of childhood and the spirit of the holidays with this joyful exhibit of miniature dollhouses by Sharon J. Frazier and Linwood M. Smith. This new show at the Alexandria Black History Museum (902 Wythe St.) features more than a dozen buildings and rooms in 1:12 scale, including buildings and rooms inspired by actual businesses in the Parker-Gray community, a historically African-American neighborhood in Alexandria. The exhibit is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Saturday, January 24, 2009. Suggested admission is $2. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.

Open through Saturday, February 28, 2009 – Jones Point Lighthouse Exhibition
A new exhibit at The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, highlights the Jones Point Lighthouse and the Fresnel lenses that guided vessels into Alexandria along the Potomac. A scale model of the building and interpretative panels discuss the history of the lighthouse from its construction in 1856 to recent restoration efforts. Also on view are two original Fresnel lenses, one of which was actually used in the lighthouse itself. The Lyceum, located at 201 S. Washington St., is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Suggested admission is $2 and limited free parking is available. For more information, visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.838.4994.

Coming Soon!

Monday, January 5 – Wayfinding Community Open House
There will be a Wayfinding Community Open House on January 5, 2009 from 7 to 9 p.m. in City Hall, 301 King St., Room 2000. The purpose of the open house is to share progress on the sign designs with the community and solicit input from residents regarding refinement of the program. For more information, contact Carrie Beach at 703.838.4666, ext. 325.
 
Tuesday, January 6 – Wayfinding Initiative Joint Work Session
There will be a Wayfinding Initiative Joint work session with the Planning Commission and the Boards of Architectural Review at 6 p.m. at the Council Workroom in City Hall, 301 King St. For more information, contact Carrier Beach at 703.838.4666, ext. 325.

Thursday, January 8 – Second Thursday Art Night, “Snowy Winter Nights”
Is there holiday money burning a hole in your pocket? Turn the winter chill into a shopping thrill as you browse open studios, interact with the artists, and enjoy refreshments at this free event, as the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 North Union St., celebrates Second Thursday Art Night, “Snowy Winter Nights.” Join in on the fun from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.torpedofactory.org.