Torpedo Factory Art Center

105 N Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA

Address:	105 N Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
Phone:	+1 703-746-4570
Site:	torpedofactory.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

이영준

"Lee Young Jun PEN ART" Pen Art(General Remarks) Infinity of lines and dots have symbolism. Such symbolism is ever changing according to the spirit’s depth. All works are kaleidoscopic; they are usually composed of indescribable expressions. Therefore, art’s depth also can be said to be unlimited. Is pen art’s depth also infinite? In other words, do the lines and dots flowing from the nib of a pen have an artistic qualification? In this respect, it is worth thinking deeply. Pen art begins from an essence of nature’s fundamental values. From the standpoint of value, or color, a harmony of black and white is essential in nature. As it is impossible to see any color in darkness, distinguishing color is an essential role of light. That is why the soul is drawn to light. Whiteness, or light is a spiritual reflection of the soul while blackness, or darkness is a reality of life on earth. As the color green is an essential color of vegetation, burnt charcoal is an earthy color that will stay near black. Blackness is heterogeneous and may be hostile to life. If blackness belongs to the essence of nature, it also may be said to represent the image of death. A combination of black and white constitutes degrees of lightness and darkness. When painting black on a white background, the soul is transported to the white background. Whiteness comes to life when contrasted with black line and black space. In this case, soul also may be expressed through the blackness. Soul may be transported to the black or a combination of white and black, which shed a mysterious merit to the soul or spirit. Pen arts starts and ends from an essence of nature’s fundamental contrasts. The primary essence is infinite and eternal while the artistic harmony of black and white can take one’s breath away. But, this is not possible until a metamorphosis has been realized over many years and spiritual transcendence has occurred. The transfer of spirit occurs when one’s life experiences are projected onto the white canvas in harmony with blackness. That is the true ‘pen art.’ Artidt Lee Young Jun I am a Korean. I pioneered the " Lee Young Jun Pen Art " and Perfected the genre. I am Artist Lee Young Jun. Pen Art is the only genre is an important work In the world. The works are extremely valuable. And no one is able to work not dare to imitate. The hope my work can be sympathy to many people. Thank you.

Jennifer S.

I am really glad we have a place like this outside of DC to enjoy local art/artists. Its especially interesting to meet the contributors as you visit and view the exhibits from their actual studio spaces. Bring your pocket book- purchasing the art is very pricey - probably too pricey for the average person (me)- but fun to look at nonetheless. Its equally nice that its right on the Alexandria/Potomac waterfront. Enjoy an ice cream, street performers and water views after your Torpedo Factory tour. You can even buy tickets for a water taxi tour. Immediately surrounding restaurants, i.e. The Chart House are on the upscale side, but you can also grab casual bites all up and down the surrounding blocks and enjoy specialty shops and a walking/biking trail depending what you are up for. Prepare to walk a little if you drive over- parking is usually tough on the weekends.

Emily Davis

Be sure not to miss the torpedo factory if youre spending the day sightseeing in old town. There are so many great local artists hidden away in this building to explore. Theres everything from tapestries to painting to Pottery to jewelry and everything in between. Its fun to meander around the building and get lost exploring all of the different vendors. Some of the vendors are more expensive than others, but I have always found something at my price point to buy. You can buy a $10 or $20 piece of jewelry or a $5000 piece of artwork for your home. I would guess that this is also a great place to have custom work done as the artists are sitting nearby when you are viewing their work. If you had an idea for a custom piece of jewelry or artwork to hang on your wall, I bet you could ask one of these artist to commission a piece for you.

Joe Flippin

Very nice experience here. Tons of art to choose from by a truly diverse range of artists - sculptors to painters to photographers with everything in between. This is a great institution to support local artists. To have space to sell their art, the artists have to have their work approved by a very selective panel of their peers. Very tough to get in here, and you know the ones who are there deserved it. Seasonal aside: A great place to buy gifts for the Holidays! They have a holiday shopping guide on their website listing artists and their items that fall within certain price ranges (something for everyone). Make your purchases count - buy a neat gift for a friend or loved one and support local artists :)

Sharon Robinson

Located down by the water at the end of King Street in Alexandria’s Old Town, this is a great place to spend an hour or so exploring. Set over three floors, the center displays art work from numerous local artists, from ceramics, to glass, paintings, sculptures, metalwork and photography etc. Not all galleries were open when we visited shortly before the New Year, but many artists were around and some were working. There’s a wide range of items for sale, priced from cheap to expensive. It’s the perfect place to pick up some unique, hand-made Christmas or birthday presents. The center is open from 10.00 to 18.00 every day, three hours more on Thursdays.

Jordan Wade

The Torpedo Factory is such a huge part of Alexandrias history that you just have to stop in to see it. Yes you will see a torpedo inside too! It is totally free to come in and the best part is they have a plenty of public bathrooms! The building opens up on the waterside and also street side so it can handle the heavy tourist traffic. There are 3 floors of galleries and working art studios here so youll def find something that interests you even if you dont decide to purchase anything. They also got historical rooms with artifacts and readings about the area if youre into that sort of thing.

Sandy Mester

This was a wonderful experience to see different types of original artwork and meet the artists in many cases. I did have one negative interaction with an artist who was on her phone, gave me no eye contact after she ignored me, I said hello twice and complimented what a beautiful dog she had. As I asked what kind of dog, she sharply snapped at me and said, "I dont know, hes a mutt!" I turned away and she was not at all interested in me as a customer. Her first name was Mary and she was down right rude. Shes on the second floor. I hope she sees this as Id give her a rating of ZERO!

Tim C

Great location in the middle of Old Town Alexandria with a three floors of exhibits of original artwork ranging from textiles to ceramics to sculptures to paintings of all sorts. You also get the opportunity to interact with the artists themselves, and sometimes see them as they work. Theres so much art here that to see (and appreciate) everything, I need multiple visits. As it is original, hand-crafted art, prices tend to be high--but not necessarily high in the context of original art. Torpedo Factory also offers adult and children classes.