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The Seaport Center by the marina on the Potomac River |
Old Town and Historic Architecture
A couple of weeks ago I was in the DC area for business and spent time in one of my favorite places, exploring and having fun. When traveling, for whatever purpose, certain parts of a city call to me and I soon find myself in the historic district. Old Town Alexandria, a charming historic port town, is one such place.
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Le Pain Quotidien |
Frank Lloyd Wright said, "The mother of all art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own, we have no soul of our own civilization."
Art and architecture share a special relationship or bond. Historical builders and architects were often artists, and integrated craftsmanship, skilled artisanship, and sculpture with the idea of building something that would stand the test of time. Their techniques and processes were often passed down through the centuries.
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Prince Street looking towards the Potomac |
In our time, Architectural buildings are all too often swept away by "progress". Each time we lose one we lose a part of our heritage. Fortunately, Alexandria was saved from complete modernization around the 1960's. Approximately 200 historical structures remain and are protected by the city's architectural board.
Today, Old Town is a much desired area to shop, dine, and live. You can enjoy the outdoors on foot, by bike, or relaxing in a waterfront park.
The Torpedo Factory Art Center and The Art League
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Galleries at the Art Center |
The Torpedo Factory Art Center, one of our stops - a unique place with an interesting history - sits on the Potomac riverfront. The Art Center, centrally located in Old Town, was originally constructed in 1918 by the Navy. The building served as a torpedo manufacturer, munitions storage, and general storage until the City of Alexandria bought the building from the federal government.
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Robert Liberace Class at the Art League School |
"By nurturing the artist, we enrich the community. The Art League develops the artist through education, exhibition, and a stimulating, supportive environment, while sharing the experience of the visual arts with the community." - The Art League's mission statement.
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Robert Liberace painting a demo |
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Current Exhibition at the Gallery |
The Art League Gallery is a non profit membership organization and offers monthly shows featuring member artists. Membership again is open to everyone. Shows are on going and exhibitions vary from solo artist shows to faculty shows and more.
Whether in Old Town or in your home town, see if you can find a way to immerse yourself in the architecture, art and soul of the area.
Thanks for joining me and please send me your comments. I'd love hear your ideas, questions or input. Please leave responses in the comments section below or on Facebook. If you like this article please feel free to share this post with your friends or on Facebook.
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Artfully Yours,
Annette
Please click to visit
Annette Goings Fine Art Website
Annette Goings Fine Art Facebook
Additional websites with information about Alexandria.
http://www.theartleague.org/content/home
http://www.visitalexandriava.com/things-to-do/
http://torpedofactory.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria,_Virginia
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