Cast your Vote Now for the Banner Design Project & September Events Round Up
Arts & Cultural District Updates
Community Voting for the Old Town North Arts & Cultural District Banner Design Project Continues Through Saturday, September 19th at Noon
The three finalists selected by the Old Town North Alliance (OTNA) Board of Directors are:
TAMMY BARNES
Tammy is a muralist, teaching artist, and custom sign maker who makes “research the foundation of [her] public practice,” and “believe[s] the strongest banner series strikes a balance between the familiar and the unexpected, celebrating the landmarks people already know, while sparking curiosity about the histories and identities they may not yet know.”
Aesthetic: place-based artwork that celebrates the history, culture, ecology, and identity of communities.
Relevant experience: commissioned by the Southwest BID to design six streetlight banners celebrating the unique identity of Southwest DC. Tammy’s work includes streetlight banners, murals, and other public art commissions for municipalities, nonprofits, and private clients throughout the Washington Metropolitan area.
Location: Washington, DC
ROXANNE BRADLEY-TATE
Roxanne is an award-winning illustrator, graphic designer, and art director who draws on a background in brand identity design to create “work that is both distinctive and functional, while helping people connect with the places they live, visit, and explore.”
Aesthetic: warm, modern illustration style that creates memorable public-facing experiences that are engaging and accessible.
Relevant experience: Roxanne’s experience spans illustration, brand identity, and environmental graphics. She has held design and art direction roles with Hallmark Cards, Target, Marriott International, and MGM Resorts, with clients including Microsoft and the Hawaii Department of Education. She is also a 2026 Maryland State Arts Council community art grant recipient. Roxanne knows Alexandria well as a former resident of 10 years.
Location: Waldorf, MD
LISA HALL
Lisa is an artist, illustrator, muralist, graphic designer, and marketing specialist who loves to create connections between people and places through “a colorful illustrative style of art that brightens up spaces and offers a sense of happiness.”
Aesthetic/artist statement: bright, bold designs and uplifting images and messages that make people happy
Relevant experience: 20+ years of experience in marketing and graphic design with an understanding of successful design concepts and how to create for large scale projects. Projects include utility box vinyl wraps, children’s book illustrations, painting murals, and more. Lisa has come to know Alexandria via her part-time role as a marketing specialist for EYA, working with properties such as Robinson Landing, The Oronoco, and Old Town Commons.
Location: DMV resident for over 20 years
Community Voting
Vote online for your preferred finalist through noon on Saturday, September 19th. The winning artist will be announced later that day during Chalk-A-Block, on Saturday, September 19th, between 1pm and 2pm at Current Tidelock (1055 N. Fairfax St.).
We encourage you to review the materials above prior to casting your votes. Please note that the images featured above are sample submissions from the finalists and are intended to showcase their work styles and approaches. These are not proposed final banner designs.
The winning artist will work with OTNA to create new designs specifically for the Old Town North Arts & Cultural District. In this first phase of the project, a series of 18-20 banners will be installed on light poles along the district’s main corridors to establish a recognizable visual identity for the Arts & Cultural District while showcasing the creativity and character that define Old Town North.
The banner project is being funded through a combination of community sponsorships, a grant from the City of Alexandria through the Business and the Arts Collaborative Invitational Grant program, and financial support from OTNA.
Chalk-A-Block’s Almost Here!
Saturday, September 19th, 11am-2pm
Artist Nicole von Kuhl at Chalk-A-Block 2024 (image courtesy of OTNA)
Come to Current TideLock (1055 N. Fairfax St.) on Saturday, September 19th from 11am- 2pm for an afternoon of chalk art, live music, and community fun – and stay for the announcement of the community vote results to learn which artist will be commissioned to create banner designs for the Old Town North Arts & Cultural District!
Watch talented artists including Nicole von Kuhl (pictured above), Patrick Kirwin (pictured below), and Anila Angjeli transform the payment into incredible chalk masterpieces. Nicole was the featured artist at Chalk the Walk in Virginia Beach earlier this year; you may know Patrick from his “Dogs of Del Ray” mural and “Good Morning Star Shine” mural on the back wall of Venue; and you may remember Anila’s captivating butterfly from Chalk-A-Block 2025. Anila is also one of the featured artists in Mayor Gaskins’s Art in Every Space Initiative. Enjoy live music from The Okays, create your own chalk art in the community chalk area, shop from local artists and makers including The Spicy Grasshopper, Stephen Lally Pottery, Apothecary Spices, and more!
Artist Patrick Kirwin at Chalk-A-Block 2025 (image courtesy of OTNA)
Old Town North favorites Hank’s Oyster Bar, Hank’s Pasta Bar, Jula’s on the Potomac, and Royal Restaurant will all be on site offering delicious food & drinks for purchase, plus a special appearance by Dream Catcher’s Coffee serving up a special latte menu created just for Chalk-A-Block!
Stay up to date on the latest Chalk-A-Block details at:
https://www.oldtownnorthalliance.com/chalkablock
Art in Every Space Reception at Crilley Warehouse Executive Offices
From left to right, Robin Jordan, Saya Behnam, and Mayor Alyia Gaskins (and her children) pose in front of Saya Behnam’s artwork on display at Crilley Warehouse Executive Offices (image courtesy of OTNA)
On September 1st, OTNA Board Member Agnès Artemel hosted a reception at Crilley Warehouse Executive Offices (218 N. Lee St., 3rd Floor) celebrating the Art in Every Space initiative. The artists featured on the 3rd floor at Crilley Warehouse include Anila Angjeli, Eva Hartman, Saya Behnam, and Tamika Martin. Stop by Chalk-A-Block on September 19th at TideLock to see Anila in action as one of the featured chalk artists! Diya Indian Cuisine, located on the 2nd floor of the building, and Elaine’s Restaurant (208 Queen St.) also have art on display.
River Grove Therapy (107 & 109 Oronoco St.) in Old Town North is also participating in the initiative, and has art on display from Tiara Safic-Martin, J. Pamela Stills, and Ariane D’Souza.
The Art in Every Space initiative continues through September 30th. To access the “passport” listing all participating locations, click here. Visit 5 locations by September 30th and you can enter to win an original painting by a local artist.
Registration for Fall Classes at The Art League is Open Now
Classes start Monday, September 21st
“Red Studio Table” by Maureen Rabinovitz (image courtesy of The Art League)
Sign up for a class at The Art League this fall and get your creative juices flowing. Browse the course listings for The Art League’s fall session here.
Congratulations to The Art League for being recognized as a finalist in the “Visual Arts Classes” category for Washington Parent Magazine’s “Washington Parent Picks 2026!”
Congolese Art Exhibit at 532Yoga, Arts, & Culture Closes on September 10th
Works by Benjamin Mbenga (on the left) and Christian Sitili (on the right) at 532Yoga, Arts & Culture (image courtesy of OTNA)
The current art exhibit at 532Yoga, Arts, & Culture (500 Montgomery St.), ”‘From Pain to Power’ Resilience. Memory. Hope.,” featuring the works of Congolese artists Christian Sitili and Benjamin Mbenga, closes on September 10th.
The exhibit is open to the public from 1pm - 1:30pm on Thursdays or you may email Suzanne@532Yoga.com to set up a private tour.
The Art League’s “Bite Sized” Exhibit at Buzz Bakeshop Continues Through September 30th
(Artwork courtesy of The Art League)
The Art League’s “Bite Sized” exhibit at Buzz Bakeshop (901 Slaters Lane) continues through September 30. “Bite Sized” features small-scaled, food-themed artworks that explore the joys, memories, and cultural connections found in what we eat.
September Events Round Up
Thursday, September 10th, 6:30pm-8:30pm
St. Elmo’s Old Town North presents: CatRad Bingo Night
529 Montgomery St.
Enjoy dancing, prizes, and Bingo at St. Elmo’s Old Town North.
Free to attend, but reserve your spot here.
Saturday, September 12th, noon-5pm
Made in ALX presents: Fall Makers Market
Port City Brewing Co. (3950 Wheeler Ave.)
Shop from a variety of local makers offering unique, handmade, and fall-inspired goodies; make your own art; and enjoy a drink from Port City Brewing Co.
For more information, click here.
A Fun-Filled Weekend in Old Town North:
One Weekend, Four Great Events!
Thursday, September 17th, 4pm-8pm
Old Town North Community Partnership presents:
The Taste of Old Town North
Montgomery Park (901 N. Royal St.)
Sample the best of Old Town North’s restaurants, enjoy live music from The Mod, participate in art activities, and engage with community organizations. This free, family and pet-friendly event celebrates what makes Old Town North such a special place to live, work, and visit. OTNA is a longtime sponsor of the Taste.
For more information, click here.
Saturday, September 19th, 11am-2pm
Old Town North Alliance presents:
3rd Annual Chalk-A-Block
CURRENT TideLock (1055 N. Fairfax St.)
We can’t wait to see you at Chalk-A-Block! This free, family-friendly event features chalk art, live music, local artists & makers, community chalk areas, and more! Enjoy delicious food and drinks from Royal, Jula’s, Hank’s, and Dream Chaser’s Coffee.
Can’t wait to see you at TideLock on September 19th!
Saturday, September 19th, 12pm-4pm
NOTICe presents: Canal History Pub Crawl
The Gables (525 Montgomery St.)
Stroll historic sites near the old Alexandria Canal and enjoy discounted beverages at local bars and restaurants including Royal Restaurant, Hank’s Oyster Bar, and St. Elmo’s.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Sunday, September 20th, 9am-2pm
Old Town North Community Partnership presents:
Vintage Flea & Artisans Market
Montgomery Park (901 N. Royal St.)
Find treasures new and old and enjoy live music from Cole Holland.
Tuesday, September 22nd, 7pm
MetroStage at the Lyceum presents: A Reading of Cousin Bella
The Lyceum (201 S. Washington St.)
A reading of Sherman Yellen’s memoir, Cousin Bella, Whore of Minsk, featuring Adrienne Nelson and Michael Russotto. Yellen is an Emmy Award winning screenwriter, playwright, and lyricist.
To purchase tickets, click here.
Two Chances to celebrate Oktoberfest in Old Town North!
Friday, September 25th, 5pm-8pm
St. Elmo’s Old Town North presents: Oktoberfest - Kick the Keg!
529 Montgomery St.
Cold brews, Oktoberfest style bites, and music by DJ Thunderbunny. Help kick the keg and decide which brewery gets a permanent draft line at St. Elmo’s: Right Proper, Great Lakes, or Silver Branch.
Free to attend, but reserve your spot here.
Saturday, September 26th, 3pm
Royal Restaurant presents: Oktoberfest!
730 N. Saint Asaph St.
Celebrate Oktoberfest on the beautiful all-season patio at Royal Restaurant with festive fun including a costume contest (come in your best Dirndl or Lederhosen!), a classic Stein Holding Contest, and live music. Enjoy delicious German fare (bratwurst, roasted chicken, sauerkraut, German potato salad, warm pretzels with beer cheese, and sweet apple strudel) and of course German beer!
Make your reservation here.
Saturday, September 26th & Sunday, September 27th
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra presents:
Carmen & The Firebird
Saturday at 7:30 pm at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center
Sunday at 3pm at the George Washington Masonic Memorial
Featuring conductor Louis Lohraseb and violinist Chee-Yun Kim, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 2026-27 season with selections from George Bizet’s Carmen and Igor Stravinsky’s The Firebird as well as pieces from Felix Mendelssohn and Richard Wagner.
For more information, and to purchase tickets, click here.
Wednesday, September 30th
Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail presents:
A Special Trash Clean-Up in Old Town North with the Old Town North Run Club
Montgomery Park (901 N. Royal St.)
Join Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail and the Old Town North Run Club for a special Mount Vernon Trail trash clean-up in Old Town North from 6pm - 6:45pm, followed by a 3 mile run (or walk!) at 7pm. Meet in Montgomery Park.
This is a kid-friendly event and kids are welcome to ride bikes or scooters.
Register here.
SAVE-THE-DATES
Saturday, October 10th, 6pm
Alexandria Seaport Foundation presents: Wine on the Water
United Way (701 N. Fairfax St.)
Support Alexandria Seaport Foundation’s important mission by purchasing tickets for their annual fundraising event, Wine on the Water. This year’s event will take place at the United Way headquarters in Old Town North (701 N. Fairfax St.) in the atrium and on the patio overlooking the Potomac River.
Purchase your tickets here.
Saturday, October 17th, 11am-1pm
Hank’s Oysterfest
818 N. Saint Asaph St.
All-you-can-eat oysters on the half shell, bbq oysters, fried oysters, grilled chicken skewers, shrimp & veggie skewers, tastes from Hank’s Pasta Bar, old Bay french fries, coleslaw, and Hank’s Mac ‘n Cheesy. Plus all-you-can-drink local craft beers and Oysterfest punches, a DJ, and the chance to win awesome raffle prizes. Must be 21+ to attend.
Tickets are on sale now, click here to purchase.
Monday, October 26th, 7pm
MetroStage at the Lyceum presents: David Cole and the Main Street Blues
Guitarist David Cole and his Main Street Blues band will perform classic blues, R&B, and jazz.
To purchase tickets, click here.
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Don’t miss these regularly scheduled events in and around Old Town North!
Music Mondays (5pm-8pm) at Royal Restaurant (730 N. Saint Asaph St.). Enjoy live music from classical guitarist Alex Barnett.
Farmers Market on Sundays (9am-1pm) and Thursdays (3pm-7pm). Presented by Old Town North Community Partnership in Montgomery Park.
Free Yoga in the Fresh Air on Sundays (10am-11am) in Montgomery Park. Sponsored by River’s Edge Yoga.
Made in ALX classes. To register, visit: https://www.madeinalx.com/shop/classes-events/68
Lee-Fendall House (614 Oronoco St.). Various history-themed events. For more information, visit: https://leefendallhouse.org/pages/events
“Life’s better up North!”
Show off your OTN Community Pride and Support OTNA!
A limited quantity of t-shirts are available for purchase in sizes XS, S, M, and L for $25 plus tax. You can purchase shirts at Made in ALX (415 King St.) or contact director@otnalliance.org for more information. OTN car magnets and stickers are also available. Proceeds will go to support OTNA.