Occoquan has an active and vibrant art scene! When strolling down Mill Street, there are ample opportunities to browse, admire, and purchase a variety of stunning art pieces from local artists.
Artists’ Undertaking Gallery
Since 1977, Artists’ Undertaking gallery has called Occoquan home. Interestingly enough, the building the gallery started - and still resides - in was originally a funeral home. During 1972’s Hurricane Agnes, the basement flooded and the funeral home closed its doors. A few years later the founding artists cleaned it up and began to display their work and teach classes. The play on words “the Artists’ Undertaking” soon became the name of the gallery and has stuck ever since.
Today the gallery represents 17 local artists who offer original art and crafts and help staff the gallery daily. Media include watercolor and oil paintings, etchings, photography, drawings, mixed media collage, pottery, fused artglass, turned wood, and eggshell carving.
309 Mill Street | artistsundertaking.com
Local Colour
The newest gallery to Occoquan is Local Colour, which has hosted 20 artists in their space over the past two years. COVID has altered some of their workshop and teaching plans, but they hope to soon hold youth and adult painting and drawing classes as well as paint night events in the studio. Visit their website to stay up to date!
Fun fact: Local Colour is not just home to artists-in-residence. They also play host to a resident ghost. Tad is full of good energy and loves people and especially dogs. You may not see him but you might hear him. If you do, say, “Hi Tad!”
408 Mill Street | localcolouroldtown.com
Art a La Carte
Opening in 2010, Art a La Carte has quickly grown from a studio of just four artists, to a gallery of hosting 25. With craftsmen, painters, metalsmiths, and more, the gallery is home to a wide range of artists from the northern Virginia area.
When it was founded, the concept for Art A La Carte was to offer items that were unique and different. That’s what they still do today, as you’ll find an assortment of pieces for yourself or to gift (if you can let them go!). The gallery also hosts monthly featured artist receptions with wine tastings. Check the website for dates and details.
310 Mill Street | artalacartegallery.com
The Loft Gallery of Occoquan
Perched on the second story overlooking Town Hall, The Loft Gallery has been a main stay of Occoquan for 35 years. Their artists not only show work in the space, but many also create there as well. Hit it on the right day and you can see a painter or craftsman at work while you wander the different rooms.
Loft’s artists show a diverse array of media, including acrylics, watercolors, oils, turned wood, pastels, photography, a range of print media, pen and ink, kiln-formed fused glass, fiber arts, and figurative sculptures. Styles follow traditional lines from detailed representational work, to soft impressionism, to abstract.
313 Mill Street | loftgallery.org
