Studios and Sunshine

Thwarted. That's the best way to describe my efforts to visit any museum over the past few weeks. Thwarted by nasty weather, a nasty cold, and a nasty stomach bug and "general malaise," as the symptoms were described on WebMD. But, at long last, we're all feeling better, and I decided it was high time to take advantage of the sunshine and mild temperatures and head to Old Town Alexandria to visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum.

Our afternoon began with lunch with Daddy in Rossyln/Courthouse at the Bayou Bakery. With Mardi Gras coming up, we thought it was an appropriate venue. And we couldn't quite resist the lure of beignets covered in copious quantities of powdered sugar. After lunch, Diggory and I took the Parkway to Old Town, found an awesome parking spot on King Street, and strolled toward the waterfront. The Torpedo Factory is located on Union Street, between Cameron Street and King Street. The main entrance is located on Union, but the handicapped and stroller-friendly entrance is on the Potomac River side of the building. Follow King Street just past Union Street and hang a left. Walk along the "back" of the building with the water, sailboats, and ducks to your right. The automatic door is at the center of the building. Before or after your visit, take some time to enjoy the sights and people watching on the waterfront. In better weather, you could even hop on the water taxi (service resumes March 1st) and travel to Georgetown or even National Harbor, if you so desire.

Once inside the buidling, take note of the location of the elevator...directly in front of you. You'll need it to travel between the three floors of artists' studios and to get to the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, in room 327 on the third floor. Also, the ONLY changing tables in the building are in the third floor restrooms, located near the elevator.

The building is immense and filled to the brim with active studios and art galleries. The building itself is open daily from 10am to 6pm, and until 9pm on Thursdays, though individual studio hours may vary. There is an information desk and gift shop on the first floor. Pick up a visitor's guide and directory when you come in. The floor plan in the directory is color-coded by medium. Glass is pink, collage and mixed media is light blue, sculpture is green, etc. Also, take a moment to glance at the detailed timeline on the first floor near where you came in. There's a lot of information there and photographs of the building in it's torpedo-making heyday. And, if little hands need something to do, grab a piece of chalk and make your own art on the giant chalkboard opposite the timeline. (Also, I've never done this, but there are guided tours at 1pm on Fridays. Inquire at the information desk.)

The Target Gallery, located on the first floor behind the spiral staircase, is the dedicated exhibition space for the art center. Currently on view through tomorrow (February 19th), Fears and Phobias presents works that are both "introspective and personal" and express the themes within a larger social context. The subject matter isn't terribly appropriate for wee babes, but I'm not sure Diggory was actually paying attention. He was pretty much enthralled with his Cheerios at that point. Next up on the gallery's calendar is March Madness, an exhibition fundraiser benefiting the March of Dimes.

As you explore the studios, really take your time and don't be affraid to ask questions. The artists are usually really eager to engage in converstation about their work. My guess is that they wouldn't set up in a public art space if they weren't. Don't forget to check out the Art League Gallery too. This exhibition space (with works available for purchase) features works by local artists and students. The Art League offers classes in a wide range of media for all ages and skill levels. Pick up a course catalogue from the school's office on the second floor. (Mommy's currently enrolled in an oil painting class! See my latest creation below.) The painting studios aren't open to the public, but if you happen to stroll by during a class, you might get a sneak peak of some works in progress.

When you've had your fill of art (if that could ever happen), venture over to the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, tucked into the corner of the third floor. The oldest item on view is the 13,000-year old Clovis point. There is also a variety of other artifacts excavated from the city's many digs and sites over the years. The friendly volunteer staff will be eager to share their insight, and to give your kid a sticker..."I dig Alexandria Archaeology." Too cute. Pick up a scavenger hunt and word find too. Even the older "kids at heart" can learn something from these kid-focused didactic materials.

The museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 10am to 3pm, Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. The 3pm closing time is a bit tricky, but at least it gets you out of the building and on the road well before the evening rush hour. The main exhibit, Archaeologist's at Work: The Lee Street Site, is displayed along the perimeter of the room and describes the city's efforts to explore its past through the objects uncovered during archaeological excavations in one city block. Smaller, table top displays and hands-on activities, such as putting a broken ceramic plate back together, fill the center of the room.

As I mentioned earlier, the waterfront area is great for loitering and people watching. And if you're lucky, you might come across a musician or two. Our favorite is the lovely, older gentleman who plays the water glasses. He's great fun, very talented, and he'll probably play a recognizable diddy for your little one. We got a symphonic version of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Diggory loved it, and clapped his little hands in appreciation without Mommy even asking him too.

So, as always, we had a great outing. We had a few minutes left on our meter (I just can't not use it all up since you have to prepay now), so we walked up to Paper Source and the new Anthropologie store on King Street. Yes, it's a dangerous place...but I just can't help myself.

Where shall we go next?! The possibilities are nearly endless!