stories

Art on the Avenue

A row of tents lined along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray. Pedestrians are shown walking down the street during Art on the Avenue. The festivals banner is hung above them.

Once a year, Mount Vernon Avenue in the historic Del Ray neighborhood transforms from a busy road into a vibrant pedestrian walkway for the annual art and music festival, Art on the Avenue. Under a canopy of warm-hued fall foliage, wander along the avenue to explore over ten blocks of art booths, enjoy live music from local bands, and savor food from nearby restaurants and family-run cafes.

Roam through over 350 local and regional artists’ booths decked out in artwork ranging from whimsical sculptures, handcrafted pottery, colorful fabric quilts and purses to meticulously crafted jewelry being made in real time and more. Glance around and you’ll quickly find that this art gathering feels more like a neighborhood gathering, where everyone seems to know each other, and long-time folks reunite. “Everybody who puts on the festival is a volunteer, and it is very much a labor of love,” says Erin McConnell, a long-time volunteer and co-chair of Art on the Avenue. “There are a lot of visitors from outside of Alexandria, but it’s also still very much a local festival. You can’t really go a block without running into somebody you know.”

An image of an artist selling handcrafted ceramic mugs and more inside their tent at Art on the Avenue.

In fact, it started with a neighborhood block party. Back in 1995, Gayle Reuter, a longtime Del Ray resident and community leader, had the idea of having a block party along Mount Vernon Avenue. She invited artists, musicians, and neighbors to set out their lawn chairs and gather for lively conversation and a good time. Over time, under the leadership of Pat Miller, the gathering transitioned into the Art on the Avenue festival.

Back then, Del Ray was underdeveloped, there weren’t many businesses, and many storefronts were empty and closed for years. “It was really part of the goal of a group of residents to revitalize the area and create opportunities for the community to come together,” says Erin. “The ladies who started the festival, Pat Miller, Gayle Reuter, and Carol Bailey, and others, are still very much involved. A newer generation of volunteers has cropped up. Lindsey Swanson, who grew up in the neighborhood, is in charge of volunteers. Billie Hubbs runs our kids’ activities. Autumn Rose runs our pie contest. We’re slowly pulling in people who are newer to the neighborhood.” What began as a simple block party among friends quickly transformed into an opportunity to help revitalize the community through a moment of vibrancy on the avenue.

Today, that same energy can be felt as you stroll along Mount Vernon Avenue and explore a diverse range of media, including everything from jewelry to paintings, ceramics to wood and metalwork, allowing passersby to find endless inspiration through various mediums. “I think the biggest thing that we looked for is quality of art and a pretty good diversity of medium. We tend to get the largest distribution in jewelry, painting, and mixed media. But of course, mixed media can be anything. So, we try to have good numbers in smaller categories,” says Erin. “We tend to be incredibly diverse across the board, but it’s solely by just focusing on the art. Somehow, we naturally end up with people from all over. We’ve had artists from as far away as the West Coast.”

An image of a visitor peeking into an artist's booth selling colorful printed totes and cards.

Over the years, the event has grown in popularity among both visitors and applicants. Since the art selection process has shifted from paper to digital forms, an increase in applicant numbers makes the application process more competitive, with an emphasis on variety of style and varied media within categories. Despite this growth, the celebration still possesses the same charm as it did back in 1995. “I think its evolution has not been intentional. In many ways, it’s still the same festival that I went to when I was a kid. The footprint is pretty much the same, and it’s always been very focused on the art itself,” shares Erin.
The festival is a true labor of love, with strong community involvement that extends its impact beyond the event itself, inviting neighboring restaurants, cafes, and businesses to share in the festivities and benefit from the increased activity in the area. “We always make space for the restaurants on Mount Vernon Avenue who want to participate. Many actually come out in the street and serve food to people alongside the art vendors,” says Erin.

It’s safe to say that the community leaders behind that first block party in 1995 created more than just a gathering. Pat Miller kickstarted a celebration rooted in connection, a welcoming festival that continues to bring both neighbors and visitors together year after year. “I want people to know that this is an event with a really amazing history. Pat Miller is probably the most incredible human being I have ever met in my entire life. She gives so much of herself to her community, and that warm and wonderful vibe that is Art on the Avenue exists because of her. It exists because she’s created something that can continue to be carried forward,” shares Erin.

Art on the Avenue remains a core part of the Del Ray neighborhood’s identity, fostering connections among residents, artists, and visitors. Pat Miller’s leadership and passion were central to the event’s warmth and success, and the gathering continues to reflect Alexandria’s welcoming spirit. “It’s a really special event and I think it says a lot about Del Ray. Alexandria is a warm and inviting city,” says Erin.

Visit Art on the Avenue on Saturday October 3, 2026
Located along Mt. Vernon Ave, between Hume Ave & Bellefonte Ave Alexandria VA 22301