Old Town’s landmark, The Christmas Attic, is seeking qualified artists to help produce a temporary exhibition featuring illuminated canvases of art to be revealed in each of the stores windows for The Christmas Attic’s Holiday Advent Calendar Event – part of the store’s 40th Anniversary Celebration.

Starting December 1 through December 25, 2011 each day at sundown, the store will reveal “advent art” featuring a variety of local artists holiday creations.  All art will be placed either in the windows or on the brick of the building on the front side facing Union Street.  There will be a VIP/media kick-off event on December 1st.  At the closing of the Advent Calendar event, the canvases of advent art will be available for auction at a post-event celebration (to be scheduled).  Proceeds from the auction will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic.  The Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

The Christmas Attic (currently celebrating its 40th Anniversary) was opened by a local family that loved the spirit and joy of the holidays. Since 1971, the charming store has long been considered a “must see” by locals and tourists alike.  Specializing in hard-to-find, unique items, the store’s offerings include European hand-blown glass, locally-designed souvenirs, Italian nativity scenes, snow-covered village houses, German collectibles as well as angels, Santa’s and snowmen galore.  The store also stocks a wide selection of everyday gifts, books, home décor and accessories plus a fun, funky wine selection.  The store is located in an 18th century tobacco warehouse situated one block from the Potomac River in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia.

Project Scope: 
The Christmas Attic is looking for 25 artists (1 artist per advent canvas) to submit an electronic sketch for review/consideration to be selected.  Each day at sundown, one advent art piece will be revealed and illuminated. The store will select the order of when the canvases will be displayed for the 25 days.  The final advent day (Christmas Day) must be an image of a nativity scene. All art designs must be seen from a distance and weather proofed.  Artist participation submissions/concept sketches are due, October 3, 2011, with artist selections announced on October 17, 2011.  Individuals can download the Call for Artist information and application at www.christmasattic.com (click on “Advent Artist” on the left hand side of the page).