By Cameron Wall
On Sept. 8, the Torpedo Factory Art Center will host its monthly Second Thursday Art Night with an “Art of the Book” theme. It will feature a writing workshop with Danielle Smith, a summer resident in the Torpedo Factory’s post-graduate residency studio; a reading by poet Sass Brown from her book USA-1000, which will be hosted by local sculptor Lisa Schumaier; and a book-making workshop led by visiting artist Hannah Nees.
In addition to these artist-led events, there will be several exhibits and galleries to view. Glass artist Alison Sigethy transformed her studio to mimic Edgar Allan Poe’s study for her A Dream Within a Dream: Madness exhibit. Likewise, visitors can see Target Gallery’s new exhibit, A (Mis)Perceived Physique: Bodyscapes by Three Women Artists, which will include a discussion with D.C.-based curator Kayleigh Bryant-Greenwell. The Art League will also host gallery openingsor Michael Fischerkeller: The Art of Politics and September’s open exhibit featuring a collection of work juried by artist Amy Klainer.
At the same time, the fifth annual ReelAbilities Short Film Festival will screen several films. Author Glen Finland will read from her memoir, Next Stop, which chronicles her experience raising a son with autism. There will also be musical performances by D.C. folk-rock band Hearts and Spades.
The Alexandria Archaeology Museum will also be open late so visitors can see artifacts from Alexandria’s history, including the 18th-century ship that was discovered in December 2015 during excavation for construction on Union Street.
The Torpedo Factory hosts Art Nights every month, each with its own theme.
“With school back in session, the Torpedo Factory is hitting the book for Second Thursday,” marketing manager Alyssa Ross says of September’s theme. “We hope people circulate all three floors and explore the many dozens of open studios, too.”
The Second Thursday Art Night is Sept. 8 at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, starting at 6 p.m.
